The association between C-reactive protein and coronary artery calcification: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: While coronary artery calcification (CAC) is recognized as a reliable marker for coronary atherosclerosis, the relationship between the concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP) and the incidence and progression of CAC remains controversial. METHOD: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus were systematically searched to identify relevant observational studies until October 2023. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). A random-effects meta-analysis was employed to calculate pooled odd ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals, considering heterogeneity among the studies. RESULTS: Out of the 2545 records, 42 cross-sectional and 9 cohort studies were included in the systematic review. The meta-analysis on 12 eligible cross-sectional studies revealed no significant association between CAC and CRP [pooled OR: 1.03 (1.00, 1.06)]. Additionally, an insignificant association was found between CAC and CRP through meta-analysis on three eligible cohort studies [pooled OR: 1.05 (0.95, 1.15)] with no considerable heterogeneity across studies. Sensitivity analyses indicated that the meta-analysis models were robust. There was no evidence of publication bias. CONCLUSION: Based on the meta-analysis findings, elevated levels of CRP did not emerge as a valuable prognostic maker for CAC incidence and progression prediction.

Association Between Body Mass Index, Obesity, and Clinical Outcomes Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Brazil: An Analysis of One Year of Follow-up of BYPASS Registry Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between body mass index (BMI), obesity, clinical outcomes, and mortality following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in Brazil using a large sample with one year of follow-up from the Brazilian Registry of Cardiovascular Surgeries in Adults (or BYPASS) Registry database. METHODS: A multicenter cohort-study enrolled 2,589 patients submitted to isolated CABG and divided them into normal weight (BMI 20.0-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m2), and obesity (BMI > 30.0 kg/m2) groups. Inpatient postoperative outcomes included the most frequently described complications and events. Collected post-discharge outcomes included rehospitalization and mortality rates within 30 days, six months, and one year of follow-up. RESULTS: Sternal wound infections (SWI) rate was higher in obese compared to normal-weight patients (relative risk [RR]=5.89, 95% confidence interval [CI]=2.37-17.82; P=0.001). Rehospitalization rates in six months after discharge were higher in obesity and overweight groups than in normal weight group (χ=6.03, P=0.049); obese patients presented a 2.2-fold increase in the risk for rehospitalization within six months compared to normal-weight patients (RR=2.16, 95% CI=1.17-4.09; P=0.045). Postoperative complications and mortality rates did not differ among groups during time periods. CONCLUSION: Obesity increased the risk for SWI, leading to higher rehospitalization rates and need for surgical interventions within six months following CABG. Age, female sex, and diabetes were associated with a higher risk of mortality. The obesity paradox remains controversial since BMI may not be sufficient to assess postoperative risk in light of more complex and dynamic evaluations of body composition and physical fitness.

Aetiology and predictors of major bleeding events in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the relationship between the degree of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) impairment and the frequency and type of bleeding events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). DESIGN: This was an observational retrospective cohort analysis. Patients who underwent PCI from 2009 to 2017 were identified from our institutional National Cardiovascular Disease Registry (NCDR) CathPCI database. Patients were stratified by pre-PCI LVEF: preserved (≥50%), mildly reduced (41%-49%) and reduced (≤40%) LVEF. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The outcome was major bleeding, defined by NCDR criteria. Events were classified based on bleeding aetiology and analysed by multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Among 13 537 PCIs, there were 817 bleeding events (6%). The rate of bleeding due to any cause, blood transfusion, gastrointestinal bleeding and coronary artery perforation or tamponade each increased in a stepwise fashion comparing preserved, mildly reduced and reduced LVEF reduction (p<0.05 for all comparisons). However, there were no differences in bleeding due to asymptomatic drops in haemoglobin, access site haematoma or retroperitoneal bleeding. After multivariable adjustment, mildly reduced and reduced LVEF remained independent predictors of bleeding events (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.74, p<0.05 and OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.45 to 2.06, p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The degree of LV dysfunction is an independent predictor of post-PCI major bleeding events. Patients with mildly reduced or reduced LVEF are at greatest risk of post-PCI bleeding, driven by an increased need for blood transfusion, major GI bleeding events and coronary artery perforation or tamponade. Pre-PCI LV dysfunction does not predict asymptomatic declines in haemoglobin, access site haematoma or retroperitoneal bleeding.

Effects of the stress hyperglycemia ratio on long-term mortality in patients with triple-vessel disease and acute coronary syndrome.

AIMS: Risk assessment for triple-vessel disease (TVD) remain challenging. Stress hyperglycemia represents the regulation of glucose metabolism in response to stress, and stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) is recently found to reflect true acute hyperglycemic status. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of SHR and its role in risk stratification in TVD patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS: A total of 3812 TVD patients with ACS with available baseline SHR measurement were enrolled from two independent centers. The endpoint was cardiovascular mortality. Cox regression was used to evaluate the association between SHR and cardiovascular mortality. The SYNTAX (Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Taxus and Cardiac Surgery) II (SSII) was used as the reference model in the model improvement analysis. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 5.1 years, 219 (5.8%) TVD patients with ACS suffered cardiovascular mortality. TVD patients with ACS with high SHR had an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality after robust adjustment for confounding (high vs. median SHR: adjusted hazard ratio 1.809, 95% confidence interval 1.160-2.822, P = 0.009), which was fitted as a J-shaped pattern. The prognostic value of the SHR was found exclusively among patients with diabetes instead of those without diabetes. Moreover, addition of SHR improved the reclassification abilities of the SSII model for predicting cardiovascular mortality in TVD patients with ACS. CONCLUSIONS: The high level of SHR is associated with the long-term risk of cardiovascular mortality in TVD patients with ACS, and is confirmed to have incremental prediction value beyond standard SSII. Assessment of SHR may help to improve the risk stratification strategy in TVD patients who are under acute stress.

Impacts of pro-inflammatory cytokines variant on cardiometabolic profile and premature coronary artery disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a pivotal pro-inflammatory cytokine, is closely linked to vascular wall thickening and atherosclerotic lesion. Since serum IL-6 levels are largely determined by the genetic variant in IL-6, this study was conducted to investigate whether the IL-6 variant impacts cardiometabolic profile and the risk of premature coronary artery disease (PCAD). PubMed, Cochrane Library, Central, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from May 13, 2022 to June 28, 2023. In total, 40 studies (26,543 individuals) were included for the analysis. The rs1800795 (a function variant in the IL-6 gene) C allele was linked to higher levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC), and a lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). However, no significant association was observed of rs1800795 with triglycerides (TG), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Interestingly, a significant association was detected between rs1800795 and PCAD. Subgroup analyses indicted that the impacts of rs1800795 on cardiometabolic risk factors were significant in Caucasians but stronger in obese patients. In contrast, the impact of rs1800795 on PCAD was significant in brown race population. In summary, rs1800795 had a slight but significant impact on cardiometabolic risk factors and PCAD. IL-6 inhibition with ziltivekimab or canakinumab may benefit high-risk populations (e.g. brown race population, Caucasians, obese patients, etc.) with rs1800795 to prevent PCAD.

A novel approach to saline/contrast delivery in excimer laser coronary atherectomy (ELCA) to enhance efficacy: MAXCon ELCA technique.

The advent of excimer laser coronary atherectomy (ELCA) nearly four decades ago heralded a novel way to treat complex lesions, both coronary and peripheral, which were previously untraversable and thus untreatable. These complex lesions include heavily calcified lesions, ostial lesions, bifurcation lesions, chronic total occlusions, in-stent restenosis (including stent underexpansion), and degenerative saphenous vein grafts. We discuss the technology of ELCA, its indications, applications, and complications, and suggest the "MAXCon ELCA" technique for better outcomes without increased risk. Lastly, we present a case of MAXCon ELCA effectively treating a complex lesion.

The Role of Stem Cells in the Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death and include several vascular and cardiac disorders, such as atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, and heart failure. Multiple treatment strategies exist for CVDs, but there is a need for regenerative treatment of damaged heart. Stem cells are a broad variety of cells with a great differentiation potential that have regenerative and immunomodulatory properties. Multiple studies have evaluated the efficacy of stem cells in CVDs, such as mesenchymal stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. These studies have demonstrated that stem cells can improve the left ventricle ejection fraction, reduce fibrosis, and decrease infarct size. Other studies have investigated potential methods to improve the survival, engraftment, and functionality of stem cells in the treatment of CVDs. The aim of the present review is to summarize the current evidence on the role of stem cells in the treatment of CVDs, and how to improve their efficacy.

Deep phenotyping of dementia in a multi-ethnic cardiovascular cohort: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).

BACKGROUND: Our understanding of the specific aspects of vascular contributions to dementia remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: We aim to identify the correlates of incident dementia in a multi-ethnic cardiovascular cohort. METHODS: A total of 6806 participants with follow-up data for incident dementia were included. Probable dementia diagnoses were identified using hospitalization discharge diagnoses according to the International Classification of Diseases Codes (ICD). We used Random Forest analyses to identify the correlates of incident dementia and cognitive function from among 198 variables collected at the baseline MESA exam entailing demographic risk factors, medical history, anthropometry, lab biomarkers, electrocardiograms, cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, carotid ultrasonography, coronary artery calcium and liver fat content. Death and stroke were considered competing events. RESULTS: Over 14 years of follow-up, 326 dementia events were identified. Beyond age, the top correlates of dementia included coronary artery calcification, high sensitivity troponin, common carotid artery intima to media thickness, NT-proBNP, physical activity, pulse pressure, tumor necrosis factor-α, history of cancer, and liver to spleen attenuation ratio from computed tomography. Correlates of cognitive function included income and physical activity, body size, serum glucose, glomerular filtration rate, measures of carotid artery stiffness, alcohol use, and inflammation indexed as IL-2 and TNF soluble receptors and plasmin-antiplasmin complex. CONCLUSION: In a deeply phenotyped cardiovascular cohort we identified the key correlates of dementia beyond age as subclinical atherosclerosis and myocyte damage, vascular function, inflammation, physical activity, hepatic steatosis, and history of cancer.

Prevalence and anatomical factors associated with stent under-expansion in non-severely calcified lesions.

BACKGROUND: Stent underexpansion, typically related to lesion calcification, is the strongest predictor of adverse events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Although uncommon, underexpansion may also occur in non-severely calcified lesions. AIM: We sought to identify the prevalence and anatomical characteristics of underexpansion in non-severely calcified lesions. METHODS: We included 993 patients who underwent optical coherence tomography-guided PCI of 1051 de novo lesions with maximum calcium arc <180°. Negative remodeling (NR) was the smallest lesion site external elastic lamina diameter that was also smaller than the distal reference. Stent expansion was evaluated using a linear regression model accounting for vessel tapering; underexpansion required both stent expansion <70% and stent area <4.5mm2. RESULTS: Underexpansion was observed in 3.6% of non-heavily calcified lesions (38/1051). Pre-stent maximum calcium arc and thickness were greater in lesions with versus without underexpansion (median 119° vs. 85°, p = 0.002; median 0.95 mm vs. 0.78 mm, p = 0.008). NR was also more common in lesions with underexpansion (44.7% vs. 24.5%, p = 0.007). In the multivariable logistic regression model, larger and thicker eccentric calcium, mid left anterior descending artery (LAD) location, and NR were associated with underexpansion in non-severely calcified lesions. The rate of underexpansion was especially high (30.7%) in lesions exhibiting all three morphologies. Two-year TLF tended to be higher in underexpanded versus non-underexpanded stents (9.7% vs. 3.7%, unadjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] = 3.02 [0.92, 9.58], p = 0.06). CONCLUSION: Although underexpansion in the absence of severe calcium (<180°) is uncommon, mid-LAD lesions with NR and large and thick eccentric calcium were associated with underexpansion.

Safety and efficacy of drug-eluting stents for patients at high risk of bleedings: A network meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Among different coronary stents implanted in High Bleeding Risk (HBR) patients with an indication for short antiplatelet therapy, no comparisons in terms of efficacy have been provided. METHODS: A Network Meta Analysis was performed including all randomized controlled trials comparing different coronary stents evaluated in HBR patients. Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACEs) as defined by each included trial were the primary end point, whereas TLR (target lesion revascularization), TVR (target vessel revascularization), stent thrombosis and total and major (BARC3-5) bleedings were the secondary ones. RESULTS: A total of four studies (ONYX ONE, LEADERS FREE, SENIOR and HBR in BIO-RESORT) including 6637 patients were analyzed with different kind of stents and dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) length (1 or 6 months) on 12 months follow-up. About one-third of these patients were defined HBR due to indication for oral anticoagulation. All drug eluting stents (DESs) reduced risk of MACE compared to Bare Metal Stents (BMSs) when followed by a 1-month DAPT. At SUCRA analysis, Orsiro was the device with the highest probability of performing best. Rates of TLR and TVR were significantly lower when using Resolute Onyx, Synergy and BioFreedom stents in comparison to BMS when followed by 1-month DAPT, with Synergy ranking best. Synergy also showed a significantly lower number of stent thrombosis compared to BMS (RR 0.28, 95% CI 0.06-0.93), while Orsiro and Resolute Integrity showed the highest probability of performing best. CONCLUSION: In HBRs patients, all DESs were superior to BMSs in terms of efficacy and safety. Among DESs, Orsiro was the one with the highest ranking in terms of MACE, mainly driven by a reduced incidence of repeated revascularization and stent thrombosis.

The additive effect of metabolic syndrome on left ventricular impairment in patients with obstructive coronary artery disease assessed by 3.0 T cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) can increase the risk of morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular disease and obstructive coronary artery disease (OCAD), which usually have a poor prognosis. This study aimed to explore the impact of MetS on left ventricular (LV) deformation and function in OCAD patients and investigate the independent factors of impaired LV function and deformation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 121 patients with OCAD and 52 sex- and age-matched controls who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance scanning were enrolled in the study. All OCAD patients were divided into two groups: OCAD with MetS [OCAD(MetS+), n = 83] and OCAD without MetS [OCAD(MetS-), n = 38]. LV functional and global strain parameters were measured and compared among the three groups. Multivariable linear regression analyses were constructed to investigate the independent factors of LV impairment in OCAD patients. Logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed to test the prediction efficiency of MetS for LV impairment. RESULTS: From controls to the OCAD(MetS-) group to the OCAD(MetS+) group, LV mass (LVM) increased, and LV global function index (LVGFI) and LV global longitudinal peak strain (GLPS) decreased (all p < 0.05). Compared with the OCAD(MetS-) group, the LV GLPS declined significantly (p = 0.027), the LVM increased (p = 0.006), and the LVGFI decreased (p = 0.043) in the OCAD(MetS+) group. After adjustment for covariates in OCAD patients, MetS was an independent factor of decreased LV GLPS (ß = - 0.211, p = 0.002) and increased LVM (ß = 0.221, p = 0.003). The logistic multivariable regression analysis and ROC analysis showed that combined MetS improved the efficiency of predicting LV GLPS reduction (AUC = 0.88) and LVM (AUC = 0.89) increase. CONCLUSIONS: MetS aggravated the damage of LV deformation and function in OCAD patients and was independently associated with LV deformation and impaired LV strain. Additionally, MetS increased the prediction efficiency of increased LVM and decreased LV GLPS. Early detection and intervention of MetS in patients with OCAD is of great significance.

The relationship between complement C1q and coronary plaque vulnerability based on optical coherence tomography analysis.

To determine the association between complement C1q and vulnerable plaque morphology among coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. We conducted a retrospective observational study of 221 CAD patients admitted to The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University. Intravascular optical coherence tomography was utilized to describe the culprit plaques' morphology. Using logistic regression analysis to explore the correlation between C1q and vulnerable plaques, and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis assess the predictive accuracy. As reported, the complement C1q level was lower in ACS patients than CCS patients (18.25 ± 3.88 vs. 19.18 ± 4.25, P = 0.045). The low complement-C1q-level group was more prone to develop vulnerable plaques. In lipid-rich plaques, the complement C1q level was positively correlated with the thickness of fibrous cap (r = 0.480, P = 0.041). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses suggested that complement C1q could be an independent contributor to plaques' vulnerability. For plaque rupture, erosion, thrombus, and cholesterol crystals, the areas under the ROC curve of complement C1q level were 0.873, 0.816, 0.785, and 0.837, respectively (P < 0.05 for all). In CAD patients, the complement C1q could be a valuable indicator of plaque vulnerability.

Matrix metallopeptidase 9 contributes to the beginning of plaque and is a potential biomarker for the early identification of atherosclerosis in asymptomatic patients with diabetes.

Aims: To determine the roles of matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP9) on human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (HCASMCs) in vitro, early beginning of atherosclerosis in vivo in diabetic mice, and drug naïve patients with diabetes. Methods: Active human MMP9 (act-hMMP9) was added to HCASMCs and the expressions of MCP-1, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 were measured. Act-hMMP9 (n=16) or placebo (n=15) was administered to diabetic KK.Cg-Ay/J (KK) mice. Carotid artery inflammation and atherosclerosis measurements were made at 2 and 10 weeks after treatment. An observational study of newly diagnosed drug naïve patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM n=234) and healthy matched controls (n=41) was performed and patients had ultrasound of carotid arteries and some had coronary computed tomography angiogram for the assessment of atherosclerosis. Serum MMP9 was measured and its correlation with carotid artery or coronary artery plaques was determined. Results: In vitro, act-hMMP9 increased gene and protein expressions of MCP-1, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and enhanced macrophage adhesion. Exogenous act-hMMP9 increased inflammation and initiated atherosclerosis in KK mice at 2 and 10 weeks: increased vessel wall thickness, lipid accumulation, and Galectin-3+ macrophage infiltration into the carotid arteries. In newly diagnosed T2DM patients, serum MMP9 correlated with carotid artery plaque size with a possible threshold cutoff point. In addition, serum MMP9 correlated with number of mixed plaques and grade of lumen stenosis in coronary arteries of patients with drug naïve T2DM. Conclusion: MMP9 may contribute to the initiation of atherosclerosis and may be a potential biomarker for the early identification of atherosclerosis in patients with diabetes. Clinical trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT04424706.

Concordance between vessel-specific and vascular territory coronary functional assessment: A comparison of quantitative flow ratio and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy.

BACKGROUND: Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) are utilized for assessing coronary artery disease (CAD) significance. We aimed to analyze their concordance and prognostic impact. AIMS: We aimed to analyze the concordance between QFR and MPS and their risk stratification. METHODS: Patients with invasive coronary angiography and MPS were categorized as concordant if QFR ≤ 0.80 and summed difference score (SDS) ≥ 4 or if QFR > 0.80 and SDS < 4; otherwise, they were discordant. Concordance was classified by coronary territory involvement: total (three territories), partial (two territories), poor (one territory), and total discordance (zero territories). Leaman score assessed coronary atherosclerotic burden. RESULTS: 2010 coronary territories (670 patients) underwent joint QFR and MPS analysis. MPS area under the curve for QFR ≤ 0.80 was 0.637. Concordance rates were total (52.5%), partial (29.1%), poor (15.8%), and total discordance (2.6%). Most concordance occurred in patients without significant CAD or with single-vessel disease (89.5%), particularly without MPS perfusion defects (91.5%). Leaman score (odds ratio [OR]: 0.839, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.805-0.875, p < 0.001) and MPS perfusion defect (summed stress score [SSS] ≥ 4) (OR: 0.355, 95% CI: 0.211-0.596, p < 0.001) were independent predictors for discordance. After 1400 days, no significant difference in death/myocardial infarction was observed based on MPS assessment, but Leaman score, functional Leaman score, and average QFR identified higher risk patients. CONCLUSIONS: MPS showed good overall accuracy in assessing QFR significance but substantial discordance existed. Predictors for discordance included higher atherosclerotic burden and MPS perfusion defects (SSS ≥ 4). Leaman score, QFR-based functional Leaman score, and average QFR provided better risk stratification for all-cause death and myocardial infarction than MPS.

Impact of vessel volume on thermodilution measurements in patients with coronary microvascular dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Two invasive methods are available to estimate microvascular resistance: bolus and continuous thermodilution. Comparative studies have revealed a lack of concordance between measurements of microvascular resistance obtained through these techniques. AIMS: This study aimed to examine the influence of vessel volume on bolus thermodilution measurements. METHODS: We prospectively included patients with angina with non-obstructive coronary arteries (ANOCA) undergoing bolus and continuous thermodilution assessments. All patients underwent coronary CT angiography to extract vessel volume. Coronary microvascular dysfunction was defined as coronary flow reserve (CFR) < 2.0. Measurements of absolute microvascular resistance (in Woods units) and index of microvascular resistance (IMR) were compared before and after volumetric adjustment. RESULTS: Overall, 94 patients with ANOCA were included in this study. The mean age was 64.7 ± 10.8 years, 48% were female, and 19% had diabetes. The prevalence of CMD was 16% based on bolus thermodilution, while continuous thermodilution yielded a prevalence of 27% (Cohen's Kappa 0.44, 95% CI 0.23-0.65). There was no correlation in microvascular resistance between techniques (r = 0.17, 95% CI -0.04 to 0.36, p = 0.104). The adjustment of IMR by vessel volume significantly increased the agreement with absolute microvascular resistance derived from continuous thermodilution (r = 0.48, 95% CI 0.31-0.63, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ANOCA, invasive methods based on coronary thermodilution yielded conflicting results for the assessment of CMD. Adjusting IMR with vessel volume improved the agreement with continuous thermodilution for the assessment of microvascular resistance. These findings strongly suggest the importance of considering vessel volume when interpreting bolus thermodilution assessment.

Metabolic score for insulin resistance predicts major adverse cardiovascular event in premature coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: The Metabolic Score for Insulin Resistance (METS-IR) index serves as a simple surrogate marker for insulin resistance (IR) and is associated with the presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the prognostic significance of METS-IR in patients with premature CAD remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the prognostic value of METS-IR in premature CAD. METHODS: This retrospective study included 582 patients diagnosed with premature CAD between December 2012 and July 2019. The median follow-up duration was 63 months (interquartile range, 44-81 months). The primary endpoint was Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE), defined as a composite of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), repeat coronary artery revascularization, and non-fatal stroke. RESULTS: Patients with MACE had significantly higher METS-IR levels than those without MACE (44.88±8.11 vs. 41.68±6.87, p<0.001). Kaplan-Meier survival curves based on METS-IR tertiles demonstrated a statistically significant difference (log-rank test, p<0.001). In the fully adjusted model, the Hazard Ratio (95% CI) for MACE was 1.41 (1.16-1.72) per SD increase in METS-IR, and the P for trend based on METS-IR tertiles was 0.001 for MACE. Time-dependent Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) analysis of METS-IR yielded an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.74 at 2 years, 0.69 at 4 years, and 0.63 at 6 years. CONCLUSIONS: METS-IR serves as a reliable prognostic predictor of MACE in patients with premature CAD. Therefore, METS-IR may be considered a novel, cost-effective, and dependable indicator for risk stratification and early intervention in premature CAD.

The clinical value of ß-blockers in patients with stable angina.

Stable angina, one manifestation of chronic coronary syndrome (CCS), is characterised by intermittent episodes of insufficient blood supply to the myocardium, provoking symptoms of myocardial ischaemia, particularly chest pain. These attacks usually occur during exercise or stress. Anti-ischaemic drugs are the mainstay of pharmacologic management of CCS with symptoms of angina. ß-blockers reduce heart rate and myocardial contractility, thus reducing myocardial oxygen consumption. These drugs have been shown to ameliorate the frequency of anginal attacks and to improve exercise capacity in these patients. Current management guidelines include ß-blockers as a first-line management option for most patients with CCS and symptoms of myocardial ischaemia, alongside dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (CCB). The presence of comorbid angina and heart failure is a strong indication for starting with a ß-blocker. ß-blockers are also useful in the management of angina symptoms accompanied by a high heart rate, hypertension (with or without a renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system [RAS] blocker or CCB), or microvascular angina (with a RAS blocker and a statin). A ß-blocker is not suitable for a patient with low heart rate (<50 bpm), although use of a ß-blocker may be supported by a pacemaker if the ß-blocker is strongly indicated) and should be used at a low dose only in patients with low blood pressure.

The efficacy of minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (mics cabg) for patients with coronary artery diseases and diabetes: a single center retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: conventional coronary artery bypass grafting (CCABG) tends to cause severe complications in patients with comorbid Coronary Artery Diseases (CAD) and diabetes. On the other hand, the Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (MICS CABG) via transthoracic incision is associated with rapid recovery and reduced complications. Adding to the limited literature, this study compares CCABG and MICS CABG in terms of efficacy and safety. METHODS: Herein, 104 CCABG and MICS CABG cases (52 cases each) were included. The patients were recruited from the Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery Center, Anzhen Hospital, between January 2017 and December 2021 and were selected based on the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) model. The key outcomes included All-cause Death, Myocardial Infarction (MI), Cerebrovascular Events, revascularization, Adverse Wound Healing Events and one-year patency of the graft by coronary CTA. RESULTS: Compared to CCABG, MICS CABG had longer surgical durations [4.25 (1.50) h vs.4.00 (1.13) h, P = 0.028], but showed a reduced intraoperative blood loss [600.00 (400.00) mL vs.700.00 (300.00) mL, P  = 0.032] and a lower secondary incision debridement and suturing rate (5.8% vs.19.2%, P = 0.038). In follow up, no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in the cumulative Major Adverse Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Events (MACCEs) incidence (7.7% vs. 5.9%), all-cause mortality (0 vs. 0), MI incidence (1.9% vs. 2.0%), cerebral apoplexy incidence (5.8% vs. 3.9%), and repeated revascularization incidence (0 vs. 0) (P > 0.05). Additionally, coronary CTA results revealed that the two groups' one-year graft patency (94.2% vs. 90.2%, P = 0.761) showed no statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: In patients with comorbid CAD and diabetes, MICS CABG and CCABG had comparable revascularization performances. Moreover, MICS CABG can effectively reduce, if not prevent, poor clinical outcomes/complications, including incision healing, sternal infection and prolonged length of stay in diabetes patients.