Safety of helicopter transport in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) systems of care have reduced inter-hospital transfer times and facilitated timely reperfusion goals. Helicopters may be an option when land transportation is not feasible; however, the safety of air transport in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a factor to consider. OBJETIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of helicopter transport for patients with ACS. METHODS: Prospective, observational, and descriptive study including patients diagnosed with ACS within the STEMI network of a metropolitan city transferred by helicopter to a large cardiovascular center to undergo percutaneous coronary intervention. The primary outcome of the study was the incidence of air-travel-related complications defined as IV dislodgement, hypoxia, arrhythmia, angina, anxiety, bleeding, and hypothermia. Secondary outcomes included the individual components of the primary outcome. RESULTS: A total of 106 patients were included in the study; the mean age was 54 years and 84.9% were male. The most frequent diagnosis was STEMI after successful fibrinolysis (51.8%), followed by STEMI with failed fibrinolysis (23.7%) and non-reperfused STEMI (9.4%). Five patients (4.7%) developed at least one complication: IV dislodgement (1.8%) and hypoxemia (1.8%) in two patients and an episode of angina during flight (0.9%). A flight altitude of > 10,000 ft was not associated with complications. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that helicopter transportation is safe in patients undergoing acute coronary syndrome, despite the altitude of a metropolitan area.

ANTECEDENTES: Los sistemas de atención de IAMCEST han reducido los tiempos de transferencia interhospitalaria y han facilitado las metas de reperfusión oportuna. Los helicópteros pueden ser una opción cuando el transporte terrestre no es factible; sin embargo, la seguridad del transporte aéreo en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo (SICA) es un factor a considerar. OBJETIVOS: Evaluar la seguridad del transporte en helicóptero para pacientes con SICA. MÉTODOS: Estudio prospectivo, observacional, descriptivo. Se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico de SICA dentro de la red IAMCEST en metrópolis extensa, trasladados en helicóptero a un centro cardiovascular. El resultado primario del estudio fue la incidencia de complicaciones relacionadas con los viajes aéreos definidas cómo desalojo de catéter intravenoso, hipoxia, arritmia, angina, ansiedad, sangrado e hipotermia. RESULTADOS: Total de 106 pacientes; la edad media fue de 54 años y 84,9% eran hombres. La altitud media de vuelo fue de 10,100 pies y la distancia media de vuelo fue de 50,0 km. El diagnóstico más frecuente fue IAMCEST tras fibrinolisis exitosa (51,8%), seguido de IAMCEST con fibrinolisis fallida (23,7%). Cinco pacientes (4,7%) desarrollaron una complicación: desalojo IV (1,8%) e hipoxemia (1,8%) en dos pacientes y un episodio de angina durante el vuelo (0,9%). Una altitud de vuelo mayor de 10,000 pies no se asoció a complicaciones. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados de este estudio sugieren que el transporte en helicóptero es seguro en pacientes con SICA, incluso en altitudes > 10,000 pies.

Toward a Better Understanding of Cardiovascular Risk in the Transgender and Gender-Diverse Community: A Global Call to Action.

On World Heart Day 2022, the Mexican Society of Cardiology, the Inter-American Society of Cardiology, and the World Heart Federation collaborated on a public call to action regarding the increased risk of adverse cardiovascular health outcomes in transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals. The aim of this article is to unpack the numerous factors that contribute to this, such as the social stigma faced by members of the TGD community, their reduced access to clinical care, and the scarcity of research regarding the unique needs of their community, which makes it difficult for clinicians to provide individualized medical care. Decreasing the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events among TGD individuals requires interventions such as educational reform in the medical community, an increase in inclusive research studies, and broader social initiatives intended to reduce the stigma faced by TGD individuals.

Long-Term Outcomes of Pharmacoinvasive Strategy Versus Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Study from Mexico City.

Although primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) is the treatment of choice in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), challenges may arise in accessing this intervention for certain geodemographic groups. Pharmacoinvasive strategy (PIs) has demonstrated comparable outcomes when delays in pPCI are anticipated, but real-world data on long-term outcomes are limited. The aim of the present study was to compare long-term outcomes among real-world patients with STEMI who underwent either PIs or pPCI. This was a prospective registry including patients with STEMI who received reperfusion during the first 12 hours from symptom onset. The primary objective was cardiovascular mortality at 12 months according to the reperfusion strategy (pPCI vs PIs) and major cardiovascular events (cardiogenic shock, recurrent myocardial infarction, and congestive heart failure), and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium type 3 to 5 bleeding events were also evaluated. A total of 799 patients with STEMI were included; 49.1% underwent pPCI and 50.9% received PIs. Patients in the PIs group presented with more heart failure on admission (Killip-Kimbal >I 48.1 vs 39.7, p = 0.02) and had a lower proportion of pre-existing heart failure (0.2% vs 1.8%, p = 0.02) and atrial fibrillation (0.25% vs 1.2%, p = 0.02). No statistically significant difference was observed in cardiovascular mortality at the 12-month follow-up (hazard ratio for PIs 0.74, 95% confidence interval 0.42 to 1.30, log-rank p = 0.30) according to the reperfusion strategy used. The composite of major cardiovascular events (hazard ratio for PIs 0.98, 95% confidence interval 0.75 to 1.29, p = 0.92) and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium type 3 to 5 bleeding rates were also comparable. A low socioeconomic status, Killip-Kimball >2, age >60 years, and admission creatinine >2.0 mg/100 ml were predictors of the composite end point after multivariate analysis. In conclusion, this prospective real-world registry provides additional support that long-term major cardiovascular outcomes and bleeding are not different between patients who underwent PIs versus primary PCI.

[Correlation of left ventricular contractile function with the presence of collateral coronary circulation in non-reperfused acute myocardial infarction]. / Correlación de la función contráctil del ventrículo izquierdo con la presencia de circulación coronaria colateral en infarto agudo de miocardio no reperfundido.

Objective: To assess the association between coronary collateral circulation and ventricular contractile function in patients with non-reperfused acute myocardial infarction. Method: A retrospective and descriptive clinical study was conducted on patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) at a reference cardiovascular center, from January 2006 to December 2022. Coronary angiographies and echocardiograms were reviewed to evaluate coronary collateral circulation and ventricular function, respectively. Patients were divided into groups based on the presence of collateral circulation. Both groups were compared and mortality during the index hospitalization was analyzed. Results: Out of a total of 14,985 patients with acute coronary syndrome, 8134 (54.3%) had the diagnosis of STEMI. We excluded 12,880, leaving a total of 2105 non-reperfused STEMI patients who underwent coronary angiography, revealing lesions. There were more patients without collateral circulation: 1547 (73.5%) vs. 558 (26.5%) (p = 0.025). Patients without collateral circulation had a higher left ventricular ejection fraction (median of 47% vs. 42%; p < 0.001). Mortality in patients with collateral circulation was higher compared to those without it (11.6% vs. 9.8%; p = 0.225), but statistical significance was not reached. Conclusions: Non-reperfused STEMI patients did not show protection from collateral circulation when assessing left ventricular systolic function. We did not find a difference in mortality compared to the population without development of collateral circulation.

Objetivo: Evaluar la asociación entre la circulación coronaria colateral y la función contráctil ventricular en pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio no reperfundido. Método: Estudio observacional descriptivo y retrospectivo en pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST (IAMCEST) en un centro cardiovascular de referencia, de enero de 2006 a diciembre de 2022. Se analizaron las coronariografías y los ecocardiogramas para evaluar la circulación coronaria colateral y la función ventricular, respectivamente. Se dividieron en grupos de acuerdo con la presencia de circulación colateral. Se compararon ambos grupos y se analizó la mortalidad durante la hospitalización del evento índice. Resultados: De 14,985 pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo, 8134 (54.3%) presentaron IAMCEST. Se excluyeron 12,880, quedando así 2105 pacientes con IAMCEST no reperfundidos y sometidos a coronariografía, revelando lesiones. Hubo más pacientes sin circulación colateral: 1547 (73.5%) vs. 558 (26.5%) (p = 0.025). Los pacientes sin circulación colateral presentaron una mayor fracción de eyección ventricular izquierda (mediana del 47% vs. 42%; p < 0.001). La mortalidad en los pacientes con circulación colateral fue mayor que en los pacientes sin ella (11.6% vs. 9.8%; p = 0.225), pero no se alcanzó significancia estadística. Conclusiones: Los pacientes con IAMCEST no reperfundidos no presentaron protección por la circulación colateral al evaluar la función sistólica ventricular izquierda. No se encontró diferencia en la mortalidad en comparación con la población sin desarrollo de circulación colateral.

[Position statement for improvement in reperfusion of ST-elevation myocardial infarction in Latin America]. / Documento de posición para la mejora en la reperfusión del infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del ST en Latinoamérica.

The treatment of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction has barriers depending on the geographic region. Primary coronary angioplasty is the treatment of choice, if it is performed on time and by experienced operators. However, when it is not available, the administration of fibrinolysis and referral for rescue angioplasty, in case of negative reperfusion, is the best strategy. In the same way, coronary angioplasty, as part of a pharmacoinvasive strategy, is the best alternative when there is positive reperfusion. The development of infarct treatment networks increases the number of patients reperfused within the recommended times and improves outcomes. In Latin America, national myocardial infarction treatment programs should focus on improving outcomes, and long-term success depends on working toward defined goals and enhancing functionality, therefore programs should develop capacity to measure their performance. The following document discusses all of these alternatives and suggests opportunities for improvement.

El tratamiento del infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST tiene barreras dependiendo de la región geográfica. La angioplastia coronaria primaria es el tratamiento de elección, siempre y cuando sea realizada dentro de tiempo y por operadores experimentados. Sin embargo, cuando no está disponible, la administración de fibrinólisis y el envío para angioplastia de rescate, en caso de reperfusión negativa, es la mejor estrategia. De la misma manera, la angioplastia coronaria, como parte de una estrategia farmacoinvasiva, es la mejor alternativa cuando hay reperfusión positiva. El desarrollo de redes de tratamiento del infarto aumenta el número de pacientes reperfundidos dentro de los tiempos recomendados y mejora los desenlaces. En América Latina, los programas nacionales para el tratamiento del infarto deben centrarse en mejorar los resultados y el éxito a largo plazo depende de trabajar hacia objetivos definidos y obtener métricas de rendimiento, por lo tanto, estos deben desarrollar métricas para cuantificar su desempeño. El siguiente documento discute todas estas alternativas y sugiere oportunidades de mejora.

Cardiac Troponin and Treatment Effects of Omecamtiv Mecarbil: Results From the GALACTIC-HF Study.

BACKGROUND: Omecamtiv mecarbil improves outcomes in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). We examined the relationship between baseline troponin levels, change in troponin levels over time and the treatment effect of omecamtiv mecarbil in patients enrolled in the Global Approach to Lowering Adverse Cardiac Outcomes through Improving Contractility in Heart Failure (GALACTIC-HF) trial (NCT02929329). METHODS: GALACTIC-HF was a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that randomized 8256 patients with symptomatic HFrEF to omecamtiv mecarbil or placebo. High-sensitivity troponin I (cTnI) was measured serially at a core laboratory. We analyzed the relationship between both baseline cTnI and change in cTnI concentrations with clinical outcomes and the treatment effect of omecamtiv mecarbil. RESULTS: Higher baseline cTnI concentrations were associated with a risk of adverse outcomes (hazard ratio for the primary endpoint of time to first HF event or CV death = 1.30; 95% CI 1.28, 1.33; P < 0.001 per doubling of baseline cTnI). Although the incidence of safety outcomes was higher in patients with higher baseline cTnI, there was no difference between treatment groups. Treatment with omecamtiv mecarbil led to a modest increase in cTnI that was related to plasma concentrations of omecamtiv mecarbil, and it peaked at 6 weeks. An increase in troponin from baseline to week 6 was associated with an increased risk of the primary endpoint (P < 0.001), which was similar, regardless of treatment assignment (P value for interaction = 0.2). CONCLUSIONS: In a cohort of patients with HFrEF, baseline cTnI concentrations were strongly associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Although cTnI concentrations were higher in patients treated with omecamtiv mecarbil, we did not find a differential effect of omecamtiv mecarbil on either safety or efficacy based on baseline cTnI status or change in cTnI.

Toward a better understanding of cardiovascular risk in the transgender and gender-diverse community: a supplement to the Tijuana Declaration.

On World Heart Day 2022, the Mexican Society of Cardiology, the Inter-American Society of Cardiology, and the World Heart Federation collaborated on a communication regarding the increased risk of adverse cardiovascular health outcomes in transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals. This document, called the Tijuana Declaration, urged the global cardiovascular community to work toward understanding and mitigating this problem. This article aims to unpack the numerous factors that lead to it. An example is the social stigma faced by members of the TGD community, which leads to increased stress and risk for cardiovascular complications. TGD patients are also more likely to have insufficient access to health care, and those that do receive care are often faced with providers that are not adequately educated about the unique needs of their community. Finally, there is some evidence to suggest that gender-affirming hormone therapies have an impact on cardiovascular health, but studies on this subject often have methodological concerns and contradictory findings. Decreasing the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events in this community requires interventions such as educational reform in the medical community, an increase in research studies on this topic, and broader social initiatives intended to reduce the stigma faced by TGD individuals.

En el Día Mundial del Corazón 2022, la Sociedad Mexicana de Cardiología, la Sociedad Interamericana de Cardiología y la Federación Mundial del Corazón colaboraron en una comunicación sobre el aumento del riesgo de resultados adversos para la salud cardiovascular en individuos transgénero y de género diverso (TGD). Este documento, conocido como la Declaración de Tijuana, instó a la comunidad cardiovascular global a trabajar en la comprensión y mitigación de este problema. Este artículo tiene como objetivo desentrañar los numerosos factores que lo provocan. Un ejemplo es el estigma social enfrentado por los miembros de la comunidad TGD, lo que conduce a un aumento del estrés y el riesgo de complicaciones cardiovasculares. Los pacientes TGD también tienen más probabilidades de tener un acceso insuficiente a la atención médica, y aquellos que la reciben a menudo se enfrentan a proveedores que no están adecuadamente educados sobre las necesidades únicas de su comunidad. Finalmente, hay evidencia que sugiere que las terapias hormonales de afirmación de género tienen un impacto en la salud cardiovascular, pero los estudios sobre este tema a menudo tienen preocupaciones metodológicas y hallazgos contradictorios. Disminuir la incidencia de eventos cardiovasculares adversos en esta comunidad requiere intervenciones como la reforma educativa en la comunidad médica, un aumento en los estudios de investigación sobre este tema e iniciativas sociales más amplias destinadas a reducir el estigma enfrentado por los individuos TGD.

Analysis of immortal-time effect in post-infarction ventricular septal defect.

Introduction: Time-fixed analyses have traditionally been utilized to examine outcomes in post-infarction ventricular septal defect (VSD). The aims of this study were to: (1) analyze the relationship between VSD closure/non-closure and mortality; (2) assess the presence of immortal-time bias. Material and methods: In this retrospective cohort study, patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) complicated by VSD. Time-fixed and time-dependent Cox regression methodologies were employed. Results: The study included 80 patients: surgical closure (n = 26), transcatheter closure (n = 20), or conservative management alone (n = 34). At presentation, patients without VSD closure exhibited high-risk clinical characteristics, had the shortest median time intervals from STEMI onset to VSD development (4.0, 4.0, and 2.0 days, respectively; P = 0.03) and from STEMI symptom onset to hospital arrival (6.0, 5.0, and 0.8 days, respectively; P < 0.0001). The median time from STEMI onset to closure was 22.0 days (P = 0.14). In-hospital mortality rate was higher among patients who did not undergo defect closure (50%, 35%, and 88.2%, respectively; P < 0.0001). Closure of the defect using a fixed-time method was associated with lower in-hospital mortality (HR = 0.13, 95% CI 0.05-0.31, P < 0.0001, and HR 0.13, 95% CI 0.04-0.36, P < 0.0001, for surgery and transcatheter closure, respectively). However, when employing a time-varying method, this association was not observed (HR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.45-1.98, P = 0.90, and HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.41-1.87, P = 0.74, for surgery and transcatheter closure, respectively). These findings suggest the presence of an immortal-time bias. Conclusions: This study highlights that using a fixed-time analytic approach in post-infarction VSD can result in immortal-time bias. Researchers should consider employing time-dependent methodologies.

Real-World Evaluation of a Pharmacoinvasive Strategy for STEMI in Latin America: A Cost-Effective Approach with Short-Term Benefits.

Purpose: While pharmacoinvasive strategy (PI) is a safe and effective approach whenever access to primary percutaneous intervention (pPCI) is limited, data on each strategy's economic cost and impact on in-hospital stay are scarce. The objective is to compare the cost-effectiveness of a PI with that of pPCI for the treatment of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in a Latin-American country. Patients and Methods: A total of 1747 patients were included, of whom 470 (26.9%) received PI, 433 (24.7%) pPCI, and 844 (48.3%) NR. The study's primary outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for PI compared with those for pPCI and non-reperfused (NR), calculated for 30-day major cardiovascular events (MACE), 30-day mortality, and length of stay. Results: For PI, the ICER estimates for MACE showed a decrease of $-35.81/per 1% (95 confidence interval, -114.73 to 64.81) compared with pPCI and a decrease of $-271.60/per 1% (95% CI, -1086.10 to -144.93) compared with NR. Also, in mortality, PI had an ICER decrease of $-129.50 (95% CI, -810.57, 455.06) compared to pPCI and $-165.27 (-224.06, -123.52) with NR. Finally, length of stay had an ICER reduction of -765.99 (-4020.68, 3141.65) and -283.40 (-304.95, -252.76) compared to pPCI and NR, respectively. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that PI may be a more efficient treatment approach for STEMI in regions where access to pPCI is limited or where patient and system delays are expected.

Sex Differences in Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction in the GALACTIC-HF Trial.

BACKGROUND: Women with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) receive less guideline-recommended therapy and experience worse quality of life than men. OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to assess differences in baseline characteristics, outcomes, efficacy, and safety of omecamtiv mecarbil between men and women enrolled in the GALACTIC-HF (Registrational Study With Omecamtiv Mecarbil [AMG 423] to Treat Chronic Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction) study. METHODS: In GALACTIC-HF, patients with symptomatic heart failure with EF of 35% or less, recent heart failure event, and elevated natriuretic peptides were randomized to omecamtiv mecarbil or placebo. The current analysis investigated differences in baseline characteristics, clinical outcomes, and efficacy and safety of omecamtiv mecarbil between men and women. RESULTS: Of 8,232 patients analyzed, 21.2% were women. Women more likely self-identified as being Black, had worse symptoms (lower Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Total Symptom Score [KCCQ-TSS]), and were less likely to be treated with angiotensin receptor/neprilysin inhibitor and devices at baseline. Compared with men, women had lower rates of the primary endpoint (adjusted HR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.73-0.88). Sex did not significantly modify omecamtiv mecarbil's treatment effect (P interaction = 0.68). Women also had 20% less risk of cardiovascular death, heart failure event, and all-cause death. Women participants had lower rates of serious adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Women participants of the GALACTIC-HF trial had worse quality of life and were less likely to be treated with guideline-based therapies at baseline. Despite KCCQ-TSS being predictive of poor outcomes in this population, women had a 20% lower risk of an HF event or cardiovascular death compared with men. The beneficial effect of omecamtiv mecarbil did not significantly differ by sex. (Registrational Study With Omecamtiv Mecarbil [AMG 423] to Treat Chronic Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction [GALACTIC-HF]; NCT02929329).

[Acute myocardial infarction patients without COVID-19 manifestations in the pandemic may have high thrombus burden]. / Pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio sin manifestaciones de COVID-19 pueden tener alta carga de trombo.

Objective: The objective of the study is to identify clinical and angiographic characteristics of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) but without clinical manifestations of COVID-19 infection during the pandemic, compared with patients 1 year before the pandemic. Methods: Observational study that included 138 consecutive patients hospitalized with STEMI who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) without COVID-19 infection during the 2020 pandemic. A group of 175 STEMI patients treated with PCI in the year before the pandemic served as the control group. Results: During the periods analyzed, compared with the control group, patients admitted during the pandemic without clinical manifestations of COVID-19 did not have significant differences in demographic characteristics, comorbidities, or delayed time and location of the acute myocardial infarction. Furthermore, there were no differences between the two groups concerning levels of CK-MB and NT-proBNP, or in inflammation markers and left ventricular ejection fraction. In patients without COVID-19 during the pandemic compared with control, we found a higher intracoronary thrombus burden (thrombus grade 5; 78.3% vs. 62.9%, respectively. p = 0.002). Accordingly, the use of glycoprotein IIB/IIIa inhibitors (37.7% vs. 26.3%, p = 0.03) was higher in these patients. Conclusions: This study demonstrates an increased thrombus burden in STEMI patients without clinical manifestation of COVID-19 during the pandemic compared with the same time period in the previous year.

Objetivo: Identificar las características clínicas y angiográficas de los pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST (IAMCEST) sin manifestaciones clínicas de COVID-19 durante la pandemia y compararlos con los pacientes en el año previo. Métodos: Estudio observacional que incluyó 138 pacientes consecutivos que fueron hospitalizados por IAMCEST y que fueron tratados con angioplastía primaria (ACTP) sin manifestaciones clínicas de COVID-19 durante la pandemia de 2020. Se seleccionó a un grupo control de 175 pacientes con IAMCEST tratados con ACTP en el año previo a la pandemia. Resultados: Los pacientes atendidos durante la pandemia no tuvieron diferencias significativas en cuanto a las características clínicas, demográficas, comorbilidades, tiempo de retraso y localización del infarto. Además, no hubo diferencias entre ambos grupos en los niveles de CK-MB, NT-proBNP, marcadores de inflamación ni en la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo. En los pacientes sin COVID-19 tratados durante la pandemia encontramos mayor carga trombótica intracoronaria (trombo grado 5; 78.3% vs. 62.9%, respectivamente. p = 0.002). De igual manera, el uso de inhibidores de la glucoproteina IIB/IIIa (37.7% vs. 26.3%, p = 0.03) fue mayor. Conclusiones: Este studio demostró un aumento en la carga trombótica en los pacientes con IAMCEST sin manifestaciones clínicas de COVID-19 durante la pandemia al compararlos con los pacientes tratados por la misma patología en el año previo.

Diagnostic Performance of Serum MicroRNAs for ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in the Emergency Department.

Prompt diagnosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is essential for initiating timely treatment. MicroRNAs have recently emerged as biomarkers in cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the discriminatory capacity of serum microRNAs in identifying an ischemic origin in patients presenting with chest discomfort to the Emergency Department. The study included 98 participants (78 with STEMI and 20 with nonischemic chest discomfort). Significant differences in the expression levels of miR-133b, miR-126, and miR-155 (but not miR-1, miR-208, and miR-208b) were observed between groups. miR-133b and miR-155 exhibited 97% and 93% sensitivity in identifying STEMI patients, respectively. miR-126 demonstrated a specificity of 90% in identifying STEMI patients. No significant associations were found between microRNAs and occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). However, patients with MACE had higher levels of interleukin (IL)-15, IL-21, IFN-γ-induced protein-10, and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide compared to non-MACE patients. Overall, there were significant associations among the expression levels of microRNAs. However, microRNAs did not demonstrate associations with either inflammatory markers or cardiovascular risk scores. This study highlights the potential of microRNAs, particularly miR-133b and miR-126, as diagnostic biomarkers for distinguishing patients with STEMI from those presenting with nonischemic chest discomfort to the Emergency Department.

C-Reactive Protein: The Quintessential Marker of Systemic Inflammation in Coronary Artery Disease-Advancing toward Precision Medicine.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide. While conventional risk factors have been studied and managed, CVD continues to pose a global threat. Risk scoring systems based on these factors have been developed to predict acute coronary syndromes and guide therapeutic interventions. However, traditional risk algorithms may not fully capture the complexities of individual patients. Recent research highlights the role of inflammation, particularly chronic low-grade inflammation, in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). C-reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammatory molecule that has demonstrated value as a predictive marker for cardiovascular risk assessment, both independently and in conjunction with other parameters. It has been incorporated into risk assessment algorithms, enhancing risk prediction and guiding therapeutic decisions. Pharmacological interventions with anti-inflammatory properties, such as statins, glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists, and interleukin-1 inhibitors, have shown promising effects in reducing both cardiovascular risks and CRP levels. This manuscript provides a comprehensive review of CRP as a marker of systemic inflammation in CAD. By exploring the current knowledge surrounding CRP and its implications for risk prediction and therapeutic interventions, this review contributes to the advancement of personalized cardiology and the optimization of patient care.

Invasive Phenoprofiling of Acute-Myocardial-Infarction-Related Cardiogenic Shock.

BACKGROUND: Studies had previously identified three cardiogenic shock (CS) phenotypes (cardiac-only, cardiorenal, and cardiometabolic). Therefore, we aimed to understand better the hemodynamic profiles of these phenotypes in acute myocardial infarction-CS (AMI-CS) using pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) data to better understand the AMI-CS heterogeneity. METHODS: We analyzed the PAC data of 309 patients with AMI-CS. The patients were classified by SCAI shock stage, congestion profile, and phenotype. In addition, 24 h hemodynamic PAC data were obtained. RESULTS: We identified three AMI-CS phenotypes: cardiac-only (43.7%), cardiorenal (32.0%), and cardiometabolic (24.3%). The cardiometabolic phenotype had the highest mortality rate (70.7%), followed by the cardiorenal (52.5%) and cardiac-only (33.3%) phenotypes, with significant differences (p < 0.001). Right atrial pressure (p = 0.001) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (p = 0.01) were higher in the cardiometabolic and cardiorenal phenotypes. Cardiac output, index, power, power index, and cardiac power index normalized by right atrial pressure and left-ventricular stroke work index were lower in the cardiorenal and cardiometabolic than in the cardiac-only phenotypes. We found a hazard ratio (HR) of 2.1 for the cardiorenal and 3.3 for cardiometabolic versus the cardiac-only phenotypes (p < 0.001). Also, multi-organ failure, acute kidney injury, and ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation had a significant HR. Multivariate analysis revealed that CS phenotypes retained significance (p < 0.001) when adjusted for the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions score (p = 0.011) and ∆congestion (p = 0.028). These scores independently predicted mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Accurate patient prognosis and treatment strategies are crucial, and phenotyping in AMI-CS can aid in this effort. PAC profiling can provide valuable prognostic information and help design new trials involving AMI-CS.

STREAM-2: Half-Dose Tenecteplase or Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Older Patients With ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Randomized, Open-Label Trial.

BACKGROUND: ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) guidelines recommend pharmaco-invasive treatment if timely primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is unavailable. Full-dose tenecteplase is associated with an increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage in older patients. Whether pharmaco-invasive treatment with half-dose tenecteplase is effective and safe in older patients with STEMI is unknown. METHODS: STREAM-2 (Strategic Reperfusion in Elderly Patients Early After Myocardial Infarction) was an investigator-initiated, open-label, randomized, multicenter study. Patients ≥60 years of age with ≥2 mm ST-segment elevation in 2 contiguous leads, unable to undergo primary PCI within 1 hour, were randomly assigned (2:1) to half-dose tenecteplase followed by coronary angiography and PCI (if indicated) 6 to 24 hours after randomization, or to primary PCI. Efficacy end points of primary interest were ST resolution and the 30-day composite of death, shock, heart failure, or reinfarction. Safety assessments included stroke and nonintracranial bleeding. RESULTS: Patients were assigned to pharmaco-invasive treatment (n=401) or primary PCI (n=203). Median times from randomization to tenecteplase or sheath insertion were 10 and 81 minutes, respectively. After last angiography, 85.2% of patients undergoing pharmaco-invasive treatment and 78.4% of patients undergoing primary PCI had ≥50% resolution of ST-segment elevation; their residual median sums of ST deviations were 4.5 versus 5.5 mm, respectively. Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow grade 3 at last angiography was ≈87% in both groups. The composite clinical end point occurred in 12.8% (51/400) of patients undergoing pharmaco-invasive treatment and 13.3% (27/203) of patients undergoing primary PCI (relative risk, 0.96 [95% CI, 0.62-1.48]). Six intracranial hemorrhages occurred in the pharmaco-invasive arm (1.5%): 3 were protocol violations (excess anticoagulation in 2 and uncontrolled hypertension in 1). No intracranial bleeding occurred in the primary PCI arm. The incidence of major nonintracranial bleeding was low in both groups (<1.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Halving the dose of tenecteplase in a pharmaco-invasive strategy in this early-presenting, older STEMI population was associated with electrocardiographic changes that were at least comparable to those after primary PCI. Similar clinical efficacy and angiographic end points occurred in both treatment groups. The risk of intracranial hemorrhage was higher with half-dose tenecteplase than with primary PCI. If timely PCI is unavailable, this pharmaco-invasive strategy is a reasonable alternative, provided that contraindications to fibrinolysis are observed and excess anticoagulation is avoided. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov; Unique identifier: NCT02777580.

ABO gene polymorphisms are associated with acute coronary syndrome and with plasma concentration of HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides.

The role of ABO gene polymorphisms in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and lipid metabolism is increasingly recognized. We investigated whether ABO gene polymorphisms are significantly associated with ACS and the plasma lipid profile. Six ABO gene polymorphisms (rs651007 T/C, rs579459 T/C, rs495928 T/C, rs8176746 T/G, rs8176740 A/T, and rs512770 T/C) were determined by 5'exonuclease TaqMan assays in 611 patients with ACS and 676 healthy controls. The results demonstrated that the rs8176746 T allele was associated with a lower risk of ACS under the co-dominant, dominant, recessive, over-dominant, and additive models (P = 0.0004, P = 0.0002, P = 0.039,  P = 0.0009, and P = 0.0001, respectively). Furthermore, under co-dominant, dominant, and additive models, the rs8176740 A allele was associated with a lower risk of ACS (P = 0.041, P = 0.022, and P = 0.039, respectively). On the other hand, the rs579459 C allele was associated with a lower risk of ACS under the dominant, over-dominant, and additive models (P = 0.025, P = 0.035, and P = 0.037, respectively). In a subanalysis performed with the control group, rs8176746 T and rs8176740 A alleles were associated with low systolic blood pressure and with both high high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and low triglyceride plasma concentrations, respectively. In conclusion, ABO gene polymorphisms were associated with a lower risk of ACS, and lower systolic blood pressure and plasma lipid levels, suggesting a causal relationship between ABO blood groups and the incidence of ACS.