Omega-3 fatty acids in heart disease-why accurately measured levels matter.

Current guidelines barely support marine omega­3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in cardiology, mainly because results of large trials were equivocal. Most large trials have tested EPA alone or EPA + DHA combined as a drug, thereby disregarding the relevance of their blood levels. These levels are frequently assessed with the Omega­3 Index (percentage of EPA + DHA in erythrocytes), which is determined using a specific standardised analytical procedure. EPA and DHA are present in every human being at unpredictable levels (even in the absence of intake), and their bioavailability is complex. Both facts need to be incorporated into trial design and should direct clinical use of EPA and DHA. An Omega­3 Index in the target range of 8-11% is associated with lower total mortality, fewer major adverse cardiac and other cardiovascular events. Moreover, functions of organs such as the brain benefit from an Omega­3 Index in the target range, while untoward effects, such as bleeding or atrial fibrillation, are minimised. In pertinent intervention trials, several organ functions were improved, with improvements correlating with the Omega­3 Index. Thus, the Omega­3 Index is relevant in trial design and clinical medicine, which calls for a widely available standardised analytical procedure and a discussion on possible reimbursement of this test.

Alcohol-attributable burden of cancer in Argentina.

INTRODUCTION: Alcohol consumption is a risk factor for several types of cancer. Alcohol consumption levels in Argentina are among the highest in the world, and malignant neoplasms are the second cause of death in the country. Public health strategies aimed at reducing alcohol consumption could possibly lead to a decrease in cancer burden. Alcohol-attributable burden has been estimated before in neighboring countries Chile and Brazil. We now aimed to quantify the burden for Argentina. METHODS: We obtained data on alcohol consumption levels from a national representative health survey and etiologic effect sizes for the association between alcohol and cancer from the most recent comprehensive meta-analysis. We estimated the number of alcohol-attributable cancer-related deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), stratified by consumption level (light (0.1-12.5 g/day), moderate (12.6-50 g/day), or heavy (> 50 g/day) drinking). We additionally explored which hypothetical scenario would achieve the highest reduction in alcohol-attributable cancer burden: 1) heavy drinkers shifting to moderate drinking or 2) moderate drinkers shifting to light drinking. RESULTS: In 2018, 53% of the Argentinean population consumed alcohol. In men 3.7% of all cancer deaths and DALYs were attributable to alcohol consumption, in women this was 0.8% of all cancer deaths and DALYs. When moderate drinkers would shift to light drinking, 46% of alcohol-attributable cancer deaths and DALYs would be prevented, opposed to only 24% when heavy drinkers would shift to moderate drinking. CONCLUSION: Most cancer deaths and DALYs were attributable to moderate alcohol consumption (50%). This calls for implementation of population-wide strategies-instead of targeting heavy drinking only-to effectively reduce harmful use of alcohol and its impact on disease burden.

Cardiovascular disease risk and its determinants in people living with HIV across different settings in South Africa.

OBJECTIVES: Socio-economic factors and lifestyle are known to differ across geographies and populations, which may result in distinct risk profiles for cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study assessed carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), a proxy for CVD, and its determinants in two groups of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in two different settings in South Africa. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted comparing data from the Ndlovu Cohort Study in the Limpopo Province (group 1) and from three clinical trials in Johannesburg (group 2). The association between demographics, conventional CVD risk factors, HIV-related factors and CIMT in groups 1 and 2 was analysed with two separate multivariable linear regression models. RESULTS: Group 1 consisted of 826 participants (mean age 42.2 years) and mean (± standard deviation) CIMT was 0.626 ± 0.128 mm. In this group, sex, age, body mass index (BMI), cholesterol, glucose and antiretroviral therapy (ART) duration (ß = 0.011 mm per 5 years; P = 0.02) were associated with higher CIMT. There were positive interactions between age and ART duration and age and cholesterol. Group 2 consisted of 382 participants (mean age 39.5 years) and mean (± standard deviation) CIMT was 0.560 ± 0.092 mm. In this group, only sex, education level, BMI and cholesterol were associated with higher CIMT, albeit with weaker associations than in group 1. CONCLUSIONS: Conventional CVD risk factors were the main drivers of CIMT. The impact of some of these risk factors appeared to increase with age. Differences in sample size, age and viral suppression might explain why an effect of ART was observed in group 1 but not in group 2.

Views and preferences of medical professionals and pregnant women about a novel primary prevention intervention for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Calcium and low-dose aspirin are two potential approaches for primary prevention of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). This study aimed to explore the acceptability, views and preferences of pregnant women and primary healthcare providers for a fixed-dose combined preparation of aspirin and calcium (a polypill) as primary prevention of HDP in an unselected pregnant population. METHODS: In this qualitative study eight in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with Dutch primary care midwives and general practitioners. Seven focus group discussions were organised with women with low-risk pregnancies. Topics discussed were: perceptions of preeclampsia; information provision about preeclampsia and a polypill; views on the polypill concept; preferences and needs regarding implementation of a polypill. Thematic analysis of the data transcripts was carried out to identify emerging themes. RESULTS: Two major themes shaped medical professionals' and women's views on the polypill concept: 'Informed Choice' and 'Medicalisation'. Both could be divided into subthemes related to information provision, personal choice and discussions with regard to the balance between 'unnecessary medicalisation' and 'scientific progress'. CONCLUSIONS: In general, women and healthcare practitioners expressed a positive attitude towards a polypill intervention as primary prevention strategy with aspirin and calcium, providing some conditions are met. The most important conditions for implementation of such a strategy were safety, effectiveness and the possibility to make a well-informed autonomous decision.

A computerised decision support system for cardiovascular risk management 'live' in the electronic health record environment: development, validation and implementation-the Utrecht Cardiovascular Cohort Initiative.

PURPOSE: We set out to develop a real-time computerised decision support system (CDSS) embedded in the electronic health record (EHR) with information on risk factors, estimated risk, and guideline-based advice on treatment strategy in order to improve adherence to cardiovascular risk management (CVRM) guidelines with the ultimate aim of improving patient healthcare. METHODS: We defined a project plan including the scope and requirements, infrastructure and interface, data quality and study population, validation and evaluation of the CDSS. RESULTS: In collaboration with clinicians, data scientists, epidemiologists, ICT architects, and user experience and interface designers we developed a CDSS that provides 'live' information on CVRM within the environment of the EHR. The CDSS provides information on cardiovascular risk factors (age, sex, medical and family history, smoking, blood pressure, lipids, kidney function, and glucose intolerance measurements), estimated 10-year cardiovascular risk, guideline-compliant suggestions for both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment to optimise risk factors, and an estimate on the change in 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease if treatment goals are adhered to. Our pilot study identified a number of issues that needed to be addressed, such as missing data, rules and regulations, privacy, and patient participation. CONCLUSION: Development of a CDSS is complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach. We identified opportunities and challenges in our project developing a CDSS aimed at improving adherence to CVRM guidelines. The regulatory environment, including guidance on scientific evaluation, legislation, and privacy issues needs to evolve within this emerging field of eHealth.

Risk of death from cardiovascular disease following breast cancer: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Breast cancer incidence and survival is high, which results in high prevalence of breast cancer survivors. The risk of (death from) cardiovascular disease (CVD) is higher in patients exposed to cardiotoxic treatments, in particular if they have pre-existing CVD risk factors. This study systematically summarized the risk of death from CVD following breast cancer. METHODS: Databases of Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched using the following terms and synonyms: breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, and cause of death. Articles reporting on both risk and risk factors of CVD mortality following breast cancer were eligible for inclusion. The methodological quality of each article was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa quality assessment scale for cohort studies. RESULTS: Fourteen articles were included assessing the risk of CVD mortality among 1,217,910 women with breast cancer. The methodological quality was high for the majority of the studies. Studies were heterogeneous in design, study population, length of follow-up, CVD outcomes, and risk factors. 1.6-10.4% of all women with breast cancer died of CVD. Women with breast cancer had a higher risk of CVD mortality than women from the general population. The risk of CVD mortality was higher among women with breast cancer with older age at diagnosis, left-sided tumor, diagnosis in an earlier calendar period, and black ethnic origin. CONCLUSIONS: CVD is an important cause of death following breast cancer. Identification of patients at high risk of CVD is important to optimize CVD prevention and tailor breast cancer treatment.

No psychological distress in sportsmen aged 45 years and older after cardiovascular screening, including cardiac CT: The Measuring Athlete's Risk of Cardiovascular events (MARC) study.

BACKGROUND: Psychological distress caused by cardiovascular pre-participation screening (PPS) may be a reason not to implement a PPS program. We assessed the psychological impact of PPS, including cardiac computed tomography (CT), in 318 asymptomatic sportsmen aged ≥45 years. METHODS: Coronary artery disease (CAD) was defined as a coronary artery calcium score ≥100 Agatson units and/or ≥50% luminal stenosis on contrast-enhanced cardiac CT. Psychological impact was measured with the Impact of Event Scale (IES) (seven items) on a six-point scale (grade 0-5). A sum score ≥19 indicates clinically relevant psychological distress. A Likert scale was used to assess overall experiences and impact on sports and lifestyle. RESULTS: A total of 275 participants (86.5% response rate, 95% CI 83-90%) with a mean age of 54.5 ± 6.4 years completed the questionnaires, 48 (17.5%, 95% CI 13-22%) of whom had CAD. The median IES score was 1 (IQR 0-2, [0-23]). IES was slightly higher in those with CAD (mean rank 175 vs. 130, p < 0.001). One participant (with CAD) experienced clinically relevant psychological distress (IES = 23). Participants reported numerous benefits, including feeling safer exercising (58.6%, 95% CI 53-65%) and positive lifestyle changes, especially in those with CAD (17.2 vs. 52.1%, p < 0.001). The majority were satisfied with their participation (93.8%, 95% CI 91-97%). CONCLUSION: Cardiovascular PPS, including cardiac CT, causes no relevant psychological distress in older sportsmen. Psychological distress should not be a reason to forego screening in sportsmen.

Quality of life from a randomized trial of open and endovascular repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: Long-term survival is similar after open or endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm. Few data exist on the effect of either procedure on long-term health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and health status. METHODS: Patients enrolled in a multicentre randomized clinical trial (DREAM trial; 2000-2003) in Europe of open repair versus endovascular repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysm were asked to complete questionnaires on health status and HRQoL. HRQoL scores were assessed at baseline and at 13 time points thereafter, using generic tools, the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36®) and EuroQol 5D (EQ-5D™). Physical (PCS) and mental component summary scores were also calculated. Follow-up was 5 years. RESULTS: Some 332 of 351 patients enrolled in the trial returned questionnaires. More than 70 per cent of questionnaires were returned at each time point. Both surgical interventions had a short-term negative effect on HRQoL and health status. This was less severe in the EVAR group than in the open repair group. In the longer term the physical domains of SF-36® favoured open repair: mean difference in PCS score between open repair and EVAR -1·98 (95 per cent c.i. -3·56 to -0·41). EQ-5D™ descriptive and EQ-5D™ visual analogue scale scores for open repair were also superior to those for EVAR after the initial 6-week interval: mean difference -0·06 (-0·10 to -0·02) and -4·09 (-6·91 to -1·27) respectively. CONCLUSION: In this study EVAR appeared to be associated with less severe disruption to HRQoL and health status in the short term. However, during longer-term follow-up to 5 years, patients receiving open repair appeared to have improved quality of life and health status.

Multifactorial Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with Hypertension: the Cardiovascular Polypill.

Hypertension is a major, if not the most important, contributor to the disease burden and premature death globally which is largely related to cardiovascular disease. In both the primary and the secondary preventions of cardiovascular disease, blood pressure (BP) targets are often not achieved which is similar to achievement of cholesterol goals. Combining aspirin, cholesterol and blood pressure-lowering agents into a fixed-dose combination pill called the cardiovascular polypill has been proposed as complementary care in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases in both the primary and secondary preventions of cardiovascular disease. This review article focuses on the potential role of fixed-dose combination therapy in the treatment of hypertension, outlines the pros and cons of combination therapy and emphasizes the rationale for trialling their use. Current and planned future cardiovascular polypill trials are summarized, and the prerequisites for implementation of the polypill strategy are described.

Prevention of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: a Novel Application of the Polypill Concept.

Nearly all of the annual 287,000 global maternal deaths are preventable. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are among the major causes. A novel fixed-dose combination pill or polypill to prevent cardiovascular disease is a promising strategy for prevention of HDP. The aim of this study was to identify eligible candidates for a polypill for the prevention of HDP. A comprehensive review of systematic reviews on drug and dietary interventions to prevent HDP was conducted. Interventions were evaluated based on efficacy, dose, route of administration, and side effects. Fourteen interventions were assessed. Low-dose aspirin and calcium were identified as candidates for a polypill, with risk reduction estimations for pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia ranging between 10 and 62 %, depending on patient population characteristics including a priori risk, and gestation age at start of intervention. Their effect may be augmented through the addition of vitamin D, vitamin B12, and folic acid. The effect and optimal composition needs to be evaluated in future trials. Given the persistent burden of maternal and perinatal mortality associated with HDP, prevention of these disorders is key-especially in low-resource settings. The polypill approach with a combination of aspirin, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and folic acid is a promising strategy to improve maternal and perinatal health outcomes.

Perinatal outcomes after hypertensive disorders in pregnancy in a low resource setting.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate perinatal outcomes of pregnancies complicated by hypertensive disorders in pregnancy in an urban sub-Saharan African setting. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of 1010 women of less than 17 weeks of gestation was conducted at two antenatal clinics in Accra, Ghana, between July 2012 and March 2014. Information about hypertensive disorders was available for analysis on 789 pregnancies. The main outcomes were pre-term birth, birthweight, Apgar scores, small for gestational age and mortality. Relative risk (RR, 95% confidence interval (CI)) for the association between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and perinatal outcomes was assessed using logistic regression adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: A total of 88.7% of women remained normotensive, 7.5% developed pregnancy-induced hypertension, 2.0% had chronic hypertension, and 1.7% developed (pre-)eclampsia. No adverse effects were observed in women with pregnancy-induced hypertension. Women with chronic hypertension were more likely to have a lower gestational age at delivery (38.0 ± 2.3 weeks vs. 39.0 ± 1.9 weeks, P = 0.04) and higher risk of pre-term delivery (aRR 4.63, 95% CI 1.35-15.91). Women with pre-eclampsia had emergency Caesarean section significantly more often (88.9% vs. 50%, P = 0.04), with a higher risk for low birthweight infants (aRR 7.95, 95% CI 1.41-44.80) and a higher risk of neonatal death (aRR 18.41, 95% CI 1.20-283.22). CONCLUSION: Comparable to high-income countries, in Accra hypertensive disorders during pregnancy were associated with increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes necessitating maternal and newborn care.

Rationale and design of the Measuring Athlete's Risk of Cardiovascular events (MARC) study : The role of coronary CT in the cardiovascular evaluation of middle-aged sportsmen.

BACKGROUND: More than 90 % of exercise-related cardiac arrests occur in men, predominantly those aged 45 years and older with coronary artery disease (CAD) as the main cause. The current sports medical evaluation (SME) of middle-aged recreational athletes consists of a medical history, physical examination, and resting and exercise electrocardiography. Coronary CT (CCT) provides a minimally invasive low radiation dose opportunity to image the coronary arteries. We present the study protocol of the Measuring Athlete's Risk of Cardiovascular events (MARC) study. MARC aims to assess the additional value of CCT to a routine SME in asymptomatic sportsmen ≥45 years without known CAD. DESIGN: MARC is a prospective study of 300 asymptomatic sportsmen ≥45 years who will undergo CCT if the SME does not reveal any cardiac abnormalities. The prevalence and determinants of CAD (coronary artery calcium score ≥100 Agatston Units (AU) or ≥50 % luminal stenosis) will be reported. The number needed to screen to prevent the occurrence of one cardiovascular event in the next 5 years, conditional to adequate treatment, will be estimated. DISCUSSION: We aim to determine the prevalence and severity of CAD and the additional value of CCT in asymptomatic middle-aged (≥45 years) sportsmen whose routine SME revealed no cardiac abnormalities.

Common carotid intima-media thickness does not add to Framingham risk score in individuals with diabetes mellitus: the USE-IMT initiative.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this work was to investigate whether measurement of the mean common carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) improves cardiovascular risk prediction in individuals with diabetes. METHODS: We performed a subanalysis among 4,220 individuals with diabetes in a large ongoing individual participant data meta-analysis involving 56,194 subjects from 17 population-based cohorts worldwide. We first refitted the risk factors of the Framingham heart risk score on the individuals without previous cardiovascular disease (baseline model) and then expanded this model with the mean common CIMT (CIMT model). The absolute 10 year risk for developing a myocardial infarction or stroke was estimated from both models. In individuals with diabetes we compared discrimination and calibration of the two models. Reclassification of individuals with diabetes was based on allocation to another cardiovascular risk category when mean common CIMT was added. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 8.7 years, 684 first-time cardiovascular events occurred among the population with diabetes. The C statistic was 0.67 for the Framingham model and 0.68 for the CIMT model. The absolute 10 year risk for developing a myocardial infarction or stroke was 16% in both models. There was no net reclassification improvement with the addition of mean common CIMT (1.7%; 95% CI -1.8, 3.8). There were no differences in the results between men and women. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: There is no improvement in risk prediction in individuals with diabetes when measurement of the mean common CIMT is added to the Framingham risk score. Therefore, this measurement is not recommended for improving individual cardiovascular risk stratification in individuals with diabetes.

Added value of pharmacogenetic testing in predicting statin response: results from the REGRESS trial.

It was investigated whether pharmacogenetic factors, both as single polymorphism and as gene-gene interactions, have an added value over non-genetic factors in predicting statin response. Five common polymorphisms were selected in apolipoprotein E, angiotensin-converting enzyme, hepatic lipase and toll-like receptor 4. Linear regression models were built and compared on R(2) to estimate the added value of single polymorphisms and gene-gene interactions. The selected polymorphisms and the gene-gene interactions had a small added value in predicting change in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (LDL-c) as response to statins over the non-genetic predictors (P=0.104), and also in predicting LDL-c in non-treated patients (P=0.016). Moreover, four gene-gene interactions with statin therapy were identified. The added value of genetic factors over non-genetic variables is for the greater part produced by gene-gene interactions. This underlines the importance to examine gene-gene interactions in future (pharmaco)genetic research.

Protected by nature? Effects of strenuous physical exercise on FVIII activity in moderate and mild haemophilia A patients: a pilot study.

Increase of factor VIII activity (FVIII) after physical exercise has been reported in healthy subjects and small-scale studies in patients with coagulopathies. The aim was to study whether moderate and mild haemophilia A patients are able to increase their endogenous FVIII activity levels by physical activity. We studied changes in FVIII activity levels after high-intensity exercise in 15 haemophilia A patients, 20-39 years, eight with moderate, seven with mild haemophilia. Patients cycled until volitional exhaustion, blood samples were drawn before and 10 min after the exercise test. FVIII activity increased 2.5 times (range 1.8-7.0 times), for both severities. Absolute increases were markedly different: median 7 IU dL(-1) (range 3-9 IU dL(-1) ) in patients with moderate, compared to 15 IU dL(-1) (range 6-62 IU dL(-1) ) in mild haemophilia patients. VWF and VWFpp increased independently of severity; median 50% (range 8-123%) and median 165% (range 48-350%), respectively, reflecting acute release of VWF. These observations may be used to promote high-intensity activities before participating in sports for moderate and mild haemophilia A patients, to reduce bleeding risk. Further studies are warranted to fully appreciate the clinical significance of exercise on different levels of intensity in patients with mild and moderate haemophilia A.

The aetiology of myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery.

Recognition of myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery is difficult, since strong analgesics (e.g. opioids) can mask anginal symptoms, and ECG abnormalities are subtle or transient. Thorough knowledge of the pathophysiological mechanisms is therefore essential. These mechanisms can be subdivided into four groups: type I myocardial infraction (MI), type II MI, non-ischaemic cardiac pathology, and non-cardiac pathology. The incidence of type I MI in patients with a clinical suspicion of perioperative acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is 45-57 %. This percentage is higher in patients with a high likelihood of MI such as patients with ST-elevation ACS. Of note, the generalisability of this statement is limited due to significant study limitations. Non-ischaemic cardiac pathology and non-cardiac pathology should not be overlooked as a cause of perioperative myocardial injury (PMI). Especially pulmonary embolism and dysrhythmias are a common phenomenon, and may convey important prognostic value. Implementation of routine postoperative troponin assessment and accessible use of minimally invasive imaging should be considered to provide adequate individualised therapy. Also, addition of preoperative imaging may improve the stratification of high-risk patients who may benefit from preoperative or perioperative interventions.

Realizing the value of complex medical technology: Demonstrating cost-effectiveness is not enough.

The main factors driving the value of medical treatments are proven effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. This is different for complex medical technologies that combine scientific disciplines, functions or tools in a single solution-oriented method. This short communication provides three recommendations to realize the value of complex medical technologies. It is important to engage stakeholders before technology implementation to promote its relevance from multiple perspectives, to explore opportunities for professional development and collaboration, and to demonstrate the societal effects over the entire life-cycle.

Surgery in adults with congenital heart disease.

BACKGROUND: A significant proportion of patients with congenital heart disease require surgery in adulthood. We aimed to give an overview of the prevalence, distribution, and outcome of cardiovascular surgery for congenital heart disease. We specifically questioned whether the effects of surgical treatment on subsequent long-term survival depend on sex. METHODS AND RESULTS: From the Dutch Congenital Corvitia (CONCOR) registry for adults with congenital heart disease, we identified 10 300 patients; their median age was 33.1 years. Logistic and Cox regression models were used to assess the association of surgery in adulthood with sex and with long-term survival. In total, 2015 patients (20%) underwent surgery for congenital heart disease in adulthood during a median follow-up period of 15.1 years; in 812 patients (40%), it was a reoperation. Overall, both first operations and reoperations in adulthood were performed significantly more often in men compared with women (adjusted odds ratio=1.4 [95% confidence interval, 1.2-1.6] and 1.2 [95% confidence interval, 1.0-1.4], respectively). Patients with their third and fourth or more surgery in adulthood had a 2- and 3-times-higher risk of death compared with patients never operated on (adjusted hazard ratio=1.9 [95% confidence interval, 1.0-3.6] and 2.7 [95% confidence interval, 1.1-6.3], respectively). Men with a reoperation in adulthood had a 2-times-higher risk of death than women (adjusted hazard ratio=1.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-3.5). CONCLUSIONS: Of predominantly young adults with congenital heart disease, one fifth required cardiovascular surgery during a 15-year period; in 40%, the surgery was a reoperation. Men with congenital heart disease have a higher chance of undergoing surgery in adulthood and have a consistently worse long-term survival after reoperations in adulthood compared with women.

Manual or semi-automated edge detection of the maximal far wall common carotid intima-media thickness: a direct comparison.

BACKGROUND: Automated edge detection is thought to be superior to manual edge detection in quantification of the far wall common carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), yet published evidence making a direct comparison is not available. METHODS: Data were used from the METEOR study, a randomized placebo-controlled trial among 984 individuals showing that rosuvastatin attenuated the rate of change of 2 year change in CIMT among low-risk individuals with subclinical atherosclerosis. For this post hoc analysis, CIMT images of the far wall of the common carotid artery were evaluated using manual and semi-automated edge detection and reproducibility, relation to cardiovascular risk factors, rates of change over time and effects of lipid-lowering therapy were assessed. RESULTS: Reproducibility was high for both reading methods. Direction, magnitude and statistical significance of risk factor relations were similar across methods. Rate of change in CIMT in participants assigned to placebo was 0.0066 mm per year (SE: 0.0027) for manually and 0.0072 mm per year (SE: 0.0029) for semi-automatically read images. The effect of lipid-lowering therapy on CIMT changes was -0.0103 mm per year (SE: 0.0032) for manual reading and -0.0111 mm per year (SE: 0.0034) for semi-automated reading. CONCLUSION: Manual and semi-automated readings of the maximal far wall of the common CIMT images both result in high reproducibility, show similar risk factor relations, rates of change and treatment effects. Hence, choices between semi-automated and manual reading software for CIMT studies likely should be based on logistical and cost considerations rather than differences in expected data quality when the choice is made to use far wall common CIMT measurements.

Increased age, high body mass index and low HDL-C levels are related to an echolucent carotid intima-media: the METEOR study.

INTRODUCTION: Echolucent plaques are related to a higher cardiovascular risk. Studies to investigate the relationship between echolucency and cardiovascular risk in the early stages of atherosclerosis are limited. We studied the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and echolucency of the carotid intima-media in low-risk individuals. METHODS: Data were analysed from the Measuring Effects on Intima-Media Thickness: an Evaluation of Rosuvastatin (METEOR) study, a randomized placebo-controlled trial including 984 individuals which showed that rosuvastatin attenuated the rate of change of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). In this post hoc analysis, duplicate baseline ultrasound images from the far wall of the left and right common carotid arteries were used for the evaluation of the echolucency of the carotid intima-media, measured by grey-scale median (GSM) on a scale of 0-256. Low GSM values reflect echolucent, whereas high values reflect echogenic structures. The relationship between baseline GSM and cardiovascular risk factors was evaluated using linear regression models. RESULTS: Mean baseline GSM (± SD) was 84 ± 29. Lower GSM of the carotid intima-media was associated with older age, high body mass index (BMI) and low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) [beta -4.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) -6.50 to -2.49; beta -4.51, 95% CI -6.43 to -2.60; beta 2.45, 95% CI 0.47 to 4.42, respectively]. Common CIMT was inversely related to GSM of the carotid intima-media (beta -3.94, 95% CI -1.98 to -5.89). CONCLUSION: Older age, high BMI and low levels of HDL-C are related to echolucency of the carotid intima-media. Hence, echolucency of the carotid intima-media may be used as a marker of cardiovascular risk profile to provide more information than thickness alone.