Cardiac Rehabilitation Increases Plasma Klotho Levels.

Background: Mineral metabolism (MM), mainly fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) and klotho, has been linked to cardiovascular (CV) diseases. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has been demonstrated to reduce CV events, although its potential relationship with changes in MM is unknown. Methods: We performed a prospective, observational, case-control study, with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients who underwent CR and control patients (matched by age, gender, left ventricular ejection fraction, diabetes, and coronary artery bypass grafting), who did not. The inclusion dates were from August 2013 to November 2017 in CR group and from July 2006 to June 2014 in control group. Clinical, biochemical, and MM biomarkers were collected at discharge and six months later. Our objective was to evaluate differences in the modification pattern of MM in both groups. Results: We included 58 CR patients and 116 controls. The control group showed a higher prevalence of hypertension (50.9% vs. 34.5%), ST-elevated myocardial infarction (59.5% vs. 29.3%), and treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (100% vs. 69%). P2Y12 inhibitors and beta-blockers were more frequently prescribed in the CR group (83.6% vs. 96.6% and 82.8% vs. 94.8%, respectively). After six months, klotho levels increased in CR patients whereas they were reduced in controls (+63 vs. -49 pg/mL; p < 0.001). FGF-23 was unchanged in the CR group and reduced in controls (+0.2 vs. -17.3 RU/dL; p < 0.003). After multivariate analysis, only the change in klotho levels was significantly different between groups (+124 pg/mL favoring CR group; IC 95% [+44 to +205]; p = 0.003). Conclusions: In our study, CR after ACS increases plasma klotho levels without significant changes in other components of MM. Further studies are needed to clarify whether this effect has a causal role in the clinical benefit of CR.

Non-coronary atherosclerosis: a marker of poor prognosis in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery.

Introduction: The presence of non-coronary atherosclerosis (NCA) in patients with coronary artery disease is associated with a poor prognosis. We have studied whether NCA is also a predictor of poorer outcomes in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Materials and methods: This is an observational study involving 567 consecutive patients who underwent CABG. Variables and prognosis were analysed based on the presence or absence of NCA, defined as previous stroke, transient ischaemic attack (TIA), or peripheral artery disease (PAD) [lower extremity artery disease (LEAD), carotid disease, previous lower limb vascular surgery, or abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)]. The primary outcome was a combination of TIA/stroke, acute myocardial infarction, new revascularization procedure, or death. The secondary outcome added the need for LEAD revascularization or AAA surgery. Results: One-hundred thirty-eight patients (24%) had NCA. Among them, traditional cardiovascular risk factors and older age were more frequently present. At multivariate analysis, NCA [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.27-2.69], age (HR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.09-1.67, p = 0.004), and diabetes mellitus (HR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.05-2.15, p = 0.025), were positively associated with the development of the primary outcome, while estimated glomerular filtration rate (HR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.80-0.93, p = 0.001) and use of left internal mammary artery (HR = 0.36, 95% CI 0.15-0.82, p = 0.035), were inversely associated with this outcome. NCA was also an independent predictor of the secondary outcome. Mortality was also higher in NCA patients (27.5% vs. 9%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Among patients undergoing CABG, the presence of NCA doubled the risk of developing cardiovascular events, and it was associated with higher mortality.

Fibroblast growth factor 23 independently predicts adverse outcomes after an acute coronary syndrome.

AIMS: Abnormalities of mineral metabolism (MM) have been related to cardiovascular disorders. There are no reports on the prognostic role of MM after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We aim to assess the prognostic role of MM after an ACS. METHODS AND RESULTS: Plasma levels of components of MM [fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), calcidiol, parathormone, klotho, and phosphate], high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and N-terminal-pro-brain natriuretic peptide were measured in 1190 patients at discharge from an ACS. The primary outcome was a combination of acute ischaemic events, heart failure (HF) and death. Secondary outcomes were the separate components of the primary outcome. Age was 61.7 ± 12.2 years, and 77.1% were men. Median follow-up was 5.44 (3.03-7.46) years. Two hundred and ninety-four patients developed the primary outcome. At multivariable analysis FGF23 (hazard ratio, HR 1.18 [1.08-1.29], P < 0.001), calcidiol (HR 0.86 [0.74-1.00], P = 0.046), previous coronary or cerebrovascular disease, and hypertension were independent predictors of the primary outcome. The predictive power of FGF23 was homogeneous across different subgroups of population. FGF23 (HR 1.45 [1.28-1.65], P < 0.001) and parathormone (HR 1.06 1.01-1.12]; P = 0.032) resulted as independent predictors of HF. FGF23 (HR 1.21 [1.07-1.37], P = 0.002) and calcidiol (HR 0.72 [0.54-0.97), P = 0.028) were independent predictors of death. No biomarker predicted acute ischaemic events. FGF23 predicted independently the primary outcome in patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate > 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 . CONCLUSIONS: FGF23 and other components of MM are independent predictors of HF and death after an ACS. This effect is homogeneous across different subgroups of population, and it is not limited to patients with chronic kidney disease.

The role of bioimpedance analysis in overweight and obese patients with acute heart failure: a pilot study.

AIMS: Residual congestion at the time of hospital discharge is an important readmission risk factor, and its detection with physical examination and usual diagnostic techniques have strong limitations in overweight and obese patients. New tools like bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) could help to determine when euvolaemia is reached. The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of BIA in management of heart failure (HF) in overweight and obese patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: Our study is a single-centre, single-blind, randomized controlled trial that included 48 overweight and obese patients admitted for acute HF. The study population was randomized into two arms: BIA-guided group and standard care. Serum electrolytes, kidney function, and natriuretic peptides were followed up during their hospital stay and at 90 days after discharge. The primary endpoint was development of severe acute kidney injury (AKI) defined as an increase in serum creatinine by >0.5 mg/dL during hospitalization, and the main secondary endpoint was the reduction of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels during hospitalization and within 90 days after discharge. The BIA-guided group showed a remarkable lower incidence of severe AKI, although no significant differences were found (41.4% vs. 16.7%; P = 0.057). The proportion of patients who achieved levels of NT-proBNP < 1000 pg/mL at 90 days was significantly higher in the BIA-guided group than in the standard group (58.8% vs. 25%; P = 0.049). No differences were observed in the incidence of adverse outcomes at 90 days. CONCLUSIONS: Among overweight and obese patients with HF, BIA reduces NT-proBNP levels at 90 days compared with standard care. In addition, there is a trend towards lower incidence of AKI in the BIA-guided group. Although more studies are required, BIA could be a useful tool in decompensated HF management in overweight and obese patients.

Absence of High Lipoprotein(a) Levels Is an Independent Predictor of Acute Myocardial Infarction without Coronary Lesions.

The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease (MINOCA) are still under debate. Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] has proinflammatory and prothrombotic actions and has been involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. However, no previous studies have linked Lp(a) levels with the probability of developing MINOCA. Moreover, the relationship between MINOCA and the plasma levels of other proatherogenic and proinflammatory molecules such as Interleukin-18 (IL18) and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has not been studied. We conducted a prospective, multicenter study involving 1042 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Seventy-six patients had no significant coronary lesions. All patients underwent plasma analysis on admission. MINOCA patients were younger (57 (47-68) vs. 61 (52-72) years; p = 0.010), more frequently female (44.7% vs. 21.0%; p < 0.001), and had lower rates of diabetes and of Lp(a) > 60 mg/dL (9.2% vs. 19.8%; p = 0.037) than those with coronary lesions; moreover, High Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels were higher in MINOCA patients. The absence of Lp(a) > 60 mg/dL and of diabetes were independent predictors of MINOCA, as well as female sex, high HDL-c levels, and younger age. IL-18 and PCSK9 levels were not predictors of MINOCA. During a follow-up of 5.23 (2.89, 7.37) years, the independent predictors of the primary outcome (acute ischemic events or death) in the whole sample were Lp(a) > 60 mg/dL, older age, low estimated Glomerular Filtration rate (eGFR), hypertension, previous heart failure (HF), coronary artery bypass graft, use of insulin, and no therapy with acetylsalicylic acid. In conclusion, in AMI patients, the absence of high Lp(a) levels, as well high HDL-c levels, were independent predictors of the inexistence of coronary artery disease. High Lp (a) levels were also an independent predictor of ischemic events or death.

NT-proBNP Levels Influence the Prognostic Value of Mineral Metabolism Biomarkers in Coronary Artery Disease.

Background. Mineral metabolism (MM) system and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-ProBNP) have been shown to add prognostic value in patients with stable coronary artery disease (SCAD). However, the influence of NT-ProBNP on the prognostic role of MM in patients with SCAD has not been shown yet. The objective of this study is to assess the influence of NT-ProBNP on the prognostic role of MM markers in patients with SCAD. Methods: We analyzed the prognostic value of MM markers (parathormone (PTH), klotho, phosphate, calcidiol (25-hydroxyvitamin D3), and fibroblast growth factor-23) in 964 patients with SCAD and NT-ProBNP > 125 pg/mL vs. patient with NT-ProBNP ≤ 125 pg/mL included in five hospitals in Spain. The main outcome was the combination of death, heart failure, and ischemic events (any acute coronary syndrome, ischemic stroke, or transient ischemic attack). Results: A total of 622 patients had NT-proBNP > 125 pg/mL and 342 patients had NT-ProBNP ≤ 125 pg/mL. The median follow-up was 5.1 years. In the group of NT-proBNP > 125 pg/mL, the patients were older, and there were more females and smokers than in the group of patients with normal NT-proBNP. Additionally, the proportion of patients with hypertension, atrial fibrillation, ejection fraction < 40%, cerebrovascular attack, or prior coronary artery bypass graft was higher in the high NT-proBNP group. In the high NT-proBNP patients, the predictors of poor prognosis were PTH (HR = 1.06 (1.01−1.10), p < 0.001) and NT-proBNP (HR = 1.02 (1.01−1.03), p = 0.011), along with age (HR = 1.039 (1.02−1.06), p < 0.001), prior coronary artery bypass graft (HR = 1.624 (1.02−2.59), p = 0.041), treatment with statins (HR = 0.32 (0.19−0.53), p < 0.001), insulin (HR = 2.49 (1.59−4.09), p < 0.001), angiotensin receptor blockers (HR = 1.73 (1.16−2.56), p = 0.007), nitrates (HR = 1.65 (1.10−2.45), p = 0.014), and proton pump inhibitors (HR = 2.75 (1.74−4.36), p < 0.001). In the NT-proBNP ≤ 125 pg/mL subgroup, poor prognosis predictors were plasma levels of non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL) cholesterol (HR = 1.01 (1.00−1.02), p = 0.014) and calcidiol (HR = 0.96 (0.92−0.99), p = 0.045), as well as treatment with verapamil (HR = 11.28 (2.54−50.00), p = 0.001), and dihydropyridines (HR = 3.16 (1.63−6.13), p = 0.001). Conclusion: In patients with SCAD and NT-ProBNP > 125 pg/mL, PTH and NT-ProBNP, which are markers related to ventricular damage, are predictors of poor outcome. In the subgroup of patients with NT-ProBNP ≤ 125 pgm/L, calcidiol and non-HDL cholesterol, which are more related to vascular damage, are the independent predictors of poor outcome. Then, in patients with SCAD, baseline NT-ProBNP may influence the type of biomarker that is effective in risk prediction.

MCP-1 Predicts Recurrent Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Persistent Inflammation.

Clinical data indicate that patients with C-reactive protein (CRP) levels higher than 2 mg per liter suffer from persistent inflammation, which is associated with high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We determined whether a panel of biomarkers associated with CVD could predict recurrent events in patients with low or persistent inflammation and coronary artery disease (CAD). We followed 917 patients with CAD (median 4.59 ± 2.39 years), assessing CRP, galectin-3, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), N-terminal fragment of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and troponin-I plasma levels. The primary outcome was the combination of cardiovascular events (acute coronary syndrome, stroke or transient ischemic event, heart failure or death). Patients with persistent inflammation (n = 343) showed higher NT-proBNP and MCP-1 plasma levels compared to patients with CRP < 2 mg/L. Neither MCP-1 nor NT-proBNP was associated with primary outcome in patients with CRP < 2 mg/L. However, NT-proBNP and MCP-1 plasma levels were associated with increased risk of the primary outcome in patients with persistent inflammation. When patients were divided by type of event, MCP-1 was associated with an increased risk of acute ischemic events. A significant interaction between MCP-1 and persistent inflammation was found (synergy index: 6.17 (4.39-7.95)). In conclusion, MCP-1 plasma concentration is associated with recurrent cardiovascular events in patients with persistent inflammation.

PCSK9 and HS-CRP Predict Progression of Aortic Stenosis in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease.

It is essential to study the factors associated with the evolution of aortic stenosis progression (ASP) to develop therapies that could reduce it. We studied 283 patients 6 months after acute coronary syndrome (ACS). ASP was defined as an increase in the maximum aortic velocity of at least 0.5 m/s between the echocardiogram performed during ACS hospitalization and the last one recorded in the electronic medical registry. The median follow-up was 72.4 months. Twenty patients (7%) had ASP. A multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was performed showing that PCSK9 plasma levels (OR, 0.668 CI (0.457-0.977); p = 0.038), HS-CRP (OR, 1.034 CI (1.005-1.063); p = 0.022), the presence of dyslipidemia (OR, 4.622 CI (1.285-16.618); p = 0.019), the history of PAD (OR, 9.453 CI (1.703-52.452); p = 0.010), and GFR (OR, 0.962 CI (0.939-0.986); p = 0.002) were independent predicting factors of ASP. In patients with ischemic heart disease, low plasma levels of PCSK9 and elevated levels of HS-CRP are independent predictors of ASP.

Scleroderma renal crisis: a reversible cause of left ventricular dysfunction / Crisis renal esclerodérmica: una causa reversible de disfunción ventricular izquierda

We report a case of acute left ventricular dysfunction due to myocarditis, in the setting of a scleroderma renal crisis. The case is particularly intriguing for the favorable outcome of both symptoms and heart function following immunosuppressive therapy. We also highlight the changes observed over time with image techniques as well as in electrocardiograms

Presentamos un caso de disfunción ventricular izquierda secundaria a miocarditis en el contexto de una crisis renal esclerodérmica. Su principal atracción reside en la gran mejoría experimentada por el paciente, no solo en lo que a los síntomas se refiere sino también en su función cardiaca, tras el inicio del tratamiento inmunosupresor. Es muy llamativa la evolución radiológica y electrocardiográfica documentada

Scleroderma Renal Crisis: A Reversible Cause of Left Ventricular Dysfunction.

We report a case of acute left ventricular dysfunction due to myocarditis, in the setting of a scleroderma renal crisis. The case is particularly intriguing for the favorable outcome of both symptoms and heart function following immunosuppressive therapy. We also highlight the changes observed over time with image techniques as well as in electrocardiograms.

Profound myocardial ischemia associated to occlusion of the right coronary artery.

A 75-year-old man with hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and history of coronary artery disease was admitted to the hospital because of sudden loss of consciousness. The patient suffered an acute myocardial infarction seven years before this admission, which was treated with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and stent implantation in the right coronary artery. The initial electrocardiogram showed a complete atrioventricular block, with narrow ventricular complexes at a rate of 40 bpm. The next electrocardiogram, obtained after the administration of atropine, showed a sinus rhythm at 84 bpm with first-degree atrioventricular block, obvious ST-segment elevation on leads II, III, aVF, V3 to V6, and electrical alternation of the ST-segment. Subsequently, he suffered three episodes of ventricular fibrillation which were successfully defibrillated. The ST-segment elevation improved after sublingual nitroglycerine and the patient underwent urgent coronary angiography, which showed a critical stenosis in the middle part of the right coronary artery with a lot of thrombus material in the site of the previous stent. The rest of the coronary arteries did not reveal significant lesions. Thrombus aspiration and balloon angioplasty were successfully performed without residual stenosis. The ST-elevation alternans is a rare phenomenon which was initially described in the setting of coronary artery spasm. It is believed to be associated to profound myocardial ischemia, particularly in relation with occlusions of the left anterior descending coronary artery, and to the occurrence of malignant ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death.