Troponin and Cardiac Events in Stable Ischemic Heart Disease and Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac troponin concentrations are used to identify patients who would benefit from urgent revascularization for acute coronary syndromes. We hypothesized that they might be used in patients with stable ischemic heart disease to identify those at high risk for cardiovascular events who might also benefit from prompt coronary revascularization. METHODS: We measured the cardiac troponin T concentration at baseline with a high-sensitivity assay in 2285 patients who had both type 2 diabetes and stable ischemic heart disease and were enrolled in the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation in Type 2 Diabetes trial. We tested for an association between the troponin T concentration and a composite end point of death from cardiovascular causes, myocardial infarction, or stroke; we then evaluated whether random assignment to prompt revascularization reduced the rate of the composite end point in patients with an abnormal troponin T concentration (≥14 ng per liter) as compared with those with a normal troponin T concentration (<14 ng per liter). RESULTS: Of the 2285 patients, 2277 (99.6%) had detectable (≥3 ng per liter) troponin T concentrations and 897 (39.3%) had abnormal troponin T concentrations at baseline. The 5-year rate of the composite end point was 27.1% among the patients who had had abnormal troponin T concentrations at baseline, as compared with 12.9% among those who had had normal baseline troponin T concentrations. In models that were adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors, severity of diabetes, electrocardiographic abnormalities, and coronary anatomy, the hazard ratio for the composite end point among patients with abnormal troponin T concentrations was 1.85 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.48 to 2.32; P<0.001). Among patients with abnormal troponin T concentrations, random assignment to prompt revascularization, as compared with medical therapy alone, did not result in a significant reduction in the rate of the composite end point (hazard ratio, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.74 to 1.25). CONCLUSIONS: The cardiac troponin T concentration was an independent predictor of death from cardiovascular causes, myocardial infarction, or stroke in patients who had both type 2 diabetes and stable ischemic heart disease. An abnormal troponin T value of 14 ng per liter or higher did not identify a subgroup of patients who benefited from random assignment to prompt coronary revascularization. (Funded by the National Institutes of Health and Roche Diagnostics; BARI 2D ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00006305.).

Rosiglitazone and outcomes for patients with diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease in the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes (BARI 2D) trial.

BACKGROUND: Rosiglitazone improves glycemic control for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, but there remains controversy regarding an observed association with cardiovascular hazard. The cardiovascular effects of rosiglitazone for patients with coronary artery disease remain unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: To examine any association between rosiglitazone use and cardiovascular events among patients with diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease, we analyzed events among 2368 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease in the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes (BARI 2D) trial. Total mortality, composite death, myocardial infarction, and stroke, and the individual incidence of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, congestive heart failure, and fractures, were compared during 4.5 years of follow-up among patients treated with rosiglitazone versus patients not receiving a thiazolidinedione by use of Cox proportional hazards and Kaplan-Meier analyses that included propensity matching. After multivariable adjustment, among patients treated with rosiglitazone, mortality was similar (hazard ratio [HR], 0.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.58-1.18), whereas there was a lower incidence of composite death, myocardial infarction, and stroke (HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.55-0.93) and stroke (HR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.16-0.86) and a higher incidence of fractures (HR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.05-2.51); the incidence of myocardial infarction (HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.54-1.10) and congestive heart failure (HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.84-1.82) did not differ significantly. Among propensity-matched patients, rates of major ischemic cardiovascular events and congestive heart failure were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease in the BARI 2D trial, neither on-treatment nor propensity-matched analysis supported an association of rosiglitazone treatment with an increase in major ischemic cardiovascular events. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00006305.

Exercise right heart catheterization for inferior vena cava obstruction: confirming the hemodynamic significance of an anatomic lesion.

Retroperitoneal fibrosis is a rare condition characterized by the presence of inflammatory and fibrous retroperitoneal tissue that surrounds and often encases abdominal structures. In this report we describe an unusual presentation of retroperitoneal fibrosis and inferior vena cava (IVC) obstruction that was unidentified by noninvasive testing and ultimately diagnosed using exercise right heart catheterization and venography. Exercise hemodynamic catheterization revealed a high pressure gradient across the IVC obstruction during exercise that resulted in reduced preload and inappropriately low cardiac output reserve. The patient ultimately underwent angioplasty and stenting of the obstruction resulting in resolution of his symptoms.

Post-mortem examination of fatal acute type A aortic dissection: what does it teach us?

OBJECTIVES: Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) remains a highly life-threatening condition. This study investigates factors associated with fatal ATAAD prior to surgical treatment. METHODS: We reviewed autopsy reports of ATAAD decedents who died before surgical intervention and underwent postmortem examination at our clinic from 1994 to 2022. RESULTS: Among 94 eligible cases, 50 (53.2%) decedents had DeBakey type I dissection, and 44 (46.8%) had DeBakey type II dissection. Most were males, 63 (67%), and 72 (77%) had a history of hypertension. The median age was 70.5 years, and the type II group was a decade older than the type I group (P < 0.001). Decedents in the type II group predominantly died during the first hour after symptoms onset 16 (52%), while in the type I group, fatalities occurred between 1 h and 1 day, 27 (66%). The most common site of the intimal tear was the midportion of the ascending aorta, 45 (48%). The median ascending aorta size was 5 cm for the entire cohort, 5.2 cm for type I and 4.6 cm for type II (P < 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: In this autopsy study of fatal acute aortic dissection, the median aortic size was below the current guideline threshold for elective repair. Type II acute aortic dissections were found more frequently than expected and were characterized by older age, advanced aortic atherosclerosis, smaller aortic size, a shorter interval from symptom onset to death and a higher frequency of syncope compared to type I dissection.

Clinical and angiographic risk stratification and differential impact on treatment outcomes in the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes (BARI 2D) trial.

BACKGROUND: The Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes (BARI 2D) trial assigned patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus to prompt coronary revascularization plus intensive medical therapy versus intensive medical therapy alone and reported no significant difference in mortality. Among patients selected for coronary artery bypass graft surgery, prompt coronary revascularization was associated with a significant reduction in death/myocardial infarction/stroke compared with intensive medical therapy. We hypothesized that clinical and angiographic risk stratification would affect the effectiveness of the treatments overall and within revascularization strata. METHODS AND RESULTS: An angiographic risk score was developed from variables assessed at randomization; independent prognostic factors were myocardial jeopardy index, total number of coronary lesions, prior coronary revascularization, and left ventricular ejection fraction. The Framingham Risk Score for patients with coronary disease was used to summarize clinical risk. Cardiovascular event rates were compared by assigned treatment within high-risk and low-risk subgroups. Overall, no outcome differences between the intensive medical therapy and prompt coronary revascularization groups were seen in any risk stratum. The 5-year risk of death/myocardial infarction/stroke was 36.8% for intensive medical therapy compared with 24.8% for prompt coronary revascularization among the 381 coronary artery bypass graft surgery-selected patients in the highest angiographic risk tertile (P=0.005); this treatment effect was amplified in patients with both high angiographic and high Framingham risk (47.3% intensive medical therapy versus 27.1% prompt coronary revascularization; P=0.010; hazard ratio=2.10; P=0.009). Treatment group differences were not significant in other clinical-angiographic risk groups within the coronary artery bypass graft surgery stratum, or in any subgroups within the percutaneous coronary intervention stratum. CONCLUSION: Among patients with diabetes mellitus and stable ischemic heart disease, a strategy of prompt coronary artery bypass graft surgery significantly reduces the rate of death/myocardial infarction MI/stroke in those with extensive coronary artery disease or impaired left ventricular function. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00006305.

Profibrinolytic, antithrombotic, and antiinflammatory effects of an insulin-sensitizing strategy in patients in the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes (BARI 2D) trial.

BACKGROUND: Effects were compared in patients in the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes (BARI 2D) trial of 2 mechanistically different strategies for treatment of hyperglycemia, insulin-sensitizing and insulin-providing strategies, on biomarker profiles reflecting the balance between fibrinolysis and thrombosis and the intensity of inflammation implicated in diabetic vasculopathy. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 2368 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and clinically stable, angiographically documented coronary artery disease were randomized to treatment with 1 of the 2 strategies and followed for an average of 5 years. Plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 antigen and activity, tissue plasminogen activator antigen, fibrinogen, D-dimer, C-reactive protein, insulin, and hemoglobin A(1c) were assayed in blood samples acquired at baseline and at 12 regular intervals throughout the follow-up interval. Higher baseline D-dimer, fibrinogen, and C-reactive protein portended a poor prognosis in patients in both groups. In contrast to the insulin-providing strategy, the insulin-sensitizing strategy led to (1) lower plasma insulin; (2) lower plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 antigen and activity and lower tissue plasminogen activator antigen (known to track with plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1); and (3) lower C-reactive protein and fibrinogen at all intervals after baseline (P<0.001 for each). CONCLUSIONS: The insulin-sensitizing treatment strategy led to changes in biomarker profiles indicative of decreased insulin resistance, an altered balance between thrombosis and fibrinolysis favoring fibrinolysis, and diminished intensity of the systemic inflammatory state, factors that have been associated with cardiovascular risk. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00006305.

Effects of optimal medical treatment with or without coronary revascularization on angina and subsequent revascularizations in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and stable ischemic heart disease.

BACKGROUND: In the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes (BARI 2D) trial, an initial strategy of coronary revascularization and optimal medical treatment (REV) compared with an initial optimal medical treatment with the option of subsequent revascularization (MED) did not reduce all-cause mortality or the composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and stable ischemic heart disease. In the same population, we tested whether the REV strategy was superior to the MED strategy in preventing worsening and new angina and subsequent coronary revascularizations. METHODS AND RESULTS: Among the 2364 men and women (mean age, 62.4 years) with type 2 diabetes mellitus, documented coronary artery disease, and myocardial ischemia, 1191 were randomized to the MED and 1173 to the REV strategy preselected in the percutaneous coronary intervention (796) and coronary artery bypass graft (377) strata. Compared with the MED strategy, the REV strategy at the 3-year follow-up had a lower rate of worsening angina (8% versus 13%; P<0.001), new angina (37% versus 51%; P=0.001), and subsequent coronary revascularizations (18% versus 33%; P<0.001) and a higher rate of angina-free status (66% versus 58%; P=0.003). The coronary artery bypass graft stratum patients were at higher risk than those in the percutaneous coronary intervention stratum, and had the greatest benefits from REV. CONCLUSIONS: In these patients, the REV strategy reduced the occurrence of worsening angina, new angina, and subsequent coronary revascularizations more than the MED strategy. The symptomatic benefits were observed particularly for high-risk patients. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00006305.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor pathway gene polymorphism associated with extent of coronary artery disease in patients with type 2 diabetes in the bypass angioplasty revascularization investigation 2 diabetes trial.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the major cause of death in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Although demographic and clinical factors associated with extent of CAD in patients with diabetes mellitus have been described, genetic factors have not. We hypothesized that genetic variation in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) pathway genes, important in diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis, would be associated with extent of CAD in patients with diabetes mellitus. METHODS AND RESULTS: We genotyped 1043 patients (702 white, 175 blacks) from the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes (BARI 2D) genetic cohort for 3351 variants in 223 PPAR pathway genes using a custom targeted-genotyping array. Angiographic end points were determined by a core laboratory. In whites, a single variant (rs1503298) in TLL1 was significantly (P=5.5 × 10(-6)) associated with extent of CAD, defined as number of lesions with percent diameter stenosis ≥20%, after stringent Bonferroni correction for all 3351 single nucleotide polymorphisms. This association was validated in the diabetic subgroups of 2 independent cohorts, the Translational Research Investigating Underlying Disparities in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients' Health Status (TRIUMPH) post-myocardial infarction registry and the prospective Family Heart Study (FHS) of individuals at risk for CAD. TLL1rs1503298 was also significantly associated with extent of severe CAD (≥70% diameter stenosis; P=3.7 × 10(-2)) and myocardial jeopardy index (P=8.7 × 10(-4)). In general linear regression modeling, TLL1rs1503298 explained more variance of extent of CAD than the previously determined clinical factors. CONCLUSIONS: We identified a variant in a single PPAR pathway gene, TLL1, that is associated with the extent of CAD independently of clinical predictors, specifically in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and CAD. Clinical Trial Registration- URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00006305.

TRAIL-expressing T cells induce apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells in the atherosclerotic plaque.

Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are precipitated by a rupture of the atherosclerotic plaque, often at the site of T cell and macrophage infiltration. Here, we show that plaque-infiltrating CD4 T cells effectively kill vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). VSMCs sensitive to T cell-mediated killing express the death receptor DR5 (TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand [TRAIL] receptor 2), and anti-TRAIL and anti-DR5 antibodies block T cell-mediated apoptosis. CD4 T cells that express TRAIL upon stimulation are expanded in patients with ACS and more effectively induce VSMC apoptosis. Adoptive transfer of plaque-derived CD4 T cells into immunodeficient mice that are engrafted with human atherosclerotic plaque results in apoptosis of VSMCs, which was prevented by coadministration of anti-TRAIL antibody. These data identify that the death pathway is triggered by TRAIL-producing CD4 T cells as a direct mechanism of VSMC apoptosis, a process which may lead to plaque destabilization.

A randomized trial of therapies for type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Optimal treatment for patients with both type 2 diabetes mellitus and stable ischemic heart disease has not been established. METHODS: We randomly assigned 2368 patients with both type 2 diabetes and heart disease to undergo either prompt revascularization with intensive medical therapy or intensive medical therapy alone and to undergo either insulin-sensitization or insulin-provision therapy. Primary end points were the rate of death and a composite of death, myocardial infarction, or stroke (major cardiovascular events). Randomization was stratified according to the choice of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary-artery bypass grafting (CABG) as the more appropriate intervention. RESULTS: At 5 years, rates of survival did not differ significantly between the revascularization group (88.3%) and the medical-therapy group (87.8%, P=0.97) or between the insulin-sensitization group (88.2%) and the insulin-provision group (87.9%, P=0.89). The rates of freedom from major cardiovascular events also did not differ significantly among the groups: 77.2% in the revascularization group and 75.9% in the medical-treatment group (P=0.70) and 77.7% in the insulin-sensitization group and 75.4% in the insulin-provision group (P=0.13). In the PCI stratum, there was no significant difference in primary end points between the revascularization group and the medical-therapy group. In the CABG stratum, the rate of major cardiovascular events was significantly lower in the revascularization group (22.4%) than in the medical-therapy group (30.5%, P=0.01; P=0.002 for interaction between stratum and study group). Adverse events and serious adverse events were generally similar among the groups, although severe hypoglycemia was more frequent in the insulin-provision group (9.2%) than in the insulin-sensitization group (5.9%, P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, there was no significant difference in the rates of death and major cardiovascular events between patients undergoing prompt revascularization and those undergoing medical therapy or between strategies of insulin sensitization and insulin provision. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00006305.)

Hyperactivity of the CD155 immune checkpoint suppresses anti-viral immunity in patients with coronary artery disease.

Pre-existent cardiovascular disease is a risk factor for weak anti-viral immunity, but underlying mechanisms remain undefined. Here, we report that patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) have macrophages (Mϕ) that actively suppress the induction of helper T cells reactive to two viral antigens: the SARS-CoV2 Spike protein and the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) glycoprotein 350. CAD Mϕ overexpressed the methyltransferase METTL3, promoting the accumulation of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) in Poliovirus receptor (CD155) mRNA. m6A modifications of positions 1635 and 3103 in the 3'UTR of CD155 mRNA stabilized the transcript and enhanced CD155 surface expression. As a result, the patients' Mϕ abundantly expressed the immunoinhibitory ligand CD155 and delivered negative signals to CD4+ T cells expressing CD96 and/or TIGIT receptors. Compromised antigen-presenting function of METTL3hi CD155hi Mϕ diminished anti-viral T cell responses in vitro and in vivo. LDL and its oxidized form induced the immunosuppressive Mϕ phenotype. Undifferentiated CAD monocytes had hypermethylated CD155 mRNA, implicating post-transcriptional RNA modifications in the bone-marrow in shaping anti-viral immunity in CAD.

Early Right Ventricular Reverse Remodeling Predicts Survival After Isolated Tricuspid Valve Surgery.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data on the impact of isolated tricuspid valve (TV) surgery on recovery of right ventricular (RV) function and RV reverse remodeling. METHODS: Among 223 patients who had isolated TV procedures between 2001 and 2017, 60 (27%) underwent TV repair and 163 (73%) received TV replacement. Indication for surgery was functional tricuspid valve regurgitation in 64%, lead induced in 18%, and primary leaflet dysfunction in 18%. RV reverse remodeling was assessed by echocardiography at a median of 11.3 months (interquartile range [IQR] 5.9-13.5) post-dismissal. RESULTS: Mean age was 67.3 ± 13.7 years, and 57% were female. Overall 30-day mortality was 2.7%. After a median follow-up period of 9.5 years (IQR 3.6-12.9), adjusted Cox regression analysis revealed comparable survival for TV repair and replacement and identified older age, and presence of RV dysfunction (hazard ratio [HR] 1.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14-2.98; P = .01), as independent predictors of poor survival. Patients who exhibited RV reverse remodeling within 18 months postoperatively had significantly improved survival compared with those who did not (log-rank P = .005), and reverse remodeling was independently associated with improved survival (HR 0.42, 95% CI 0.24-0.74; P = .003). Lower preoperative right atrial pressure (odds ratio 0.83, 95% CI 0.73-0.94; P = .004) was predictive of early RV reverse remodeling. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated TV surgery can be performed with acceptable outcomes (early mortality 2.7%), and overall survival is best in patients who receive the operation before developing RV systolic dysfunction. Adjusted survival was similar for patients undergoing TV repair or replacement. Early reverse remodeling of RV after surgery is associated with survival benefit.

The Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes randomized trial of different treatment strategies in type 2 diabetes mellitus with stable ischemic heart disease: impact of treatment strategy on cardiac mortality and myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: The Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes (BARI 2D) trial in 2368 patients with stable ischemic heart disease assigned before randomization to percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting strata reported similar 5-year all-cause mortality rates with insulin sensitization versus insulin provision therapy and with a strategy of prompt initial coronary revascularization and intensive medical therapy or intensive medical therapy alone with revascularization reserved for clinical indication(s). In this report, we examine the predefined secondary end points of cardiac death and myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS AND RESULTS: Outcome data were analyzed by intention to treat; the Kaplan-Meier method was used to assess 5-year event rates. Nominal P values are presented. During an average 5.3-year follow-up, there were 316 deaths (43% were attributed to cardiac causes) and 279 first MI events. Five-year cardiac mortality did not differ between revascularization plus intensive medical therapy (5.9%) and intensive medical therapy alone groups (5.7%; P=0.38) or between insulin sensitization (5.7%) and insulin provision therapy (6%; P=0.76). In the coronary artery bypass grafting stratum (n=763), MI events were significantly less frequent in revascularization plus intensive medical therapy versus intensive medical therapy alone groups (10.0% versus 17.6%; P=0.003), and the composite end points of all-cause death or MI (21.1% versus 29.2%; P=0.010) and cardiac death or MI (P=0.03) were also less frequent. Reduction in MI (P=0.001) and cardiac death/MI (P=0.002) was significant only in the insulin sensitization group. CONCLUSIONS: In many patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and stable ischemic coronary disease in whom angina symptoms are controlled, similar to those enrolled in the percutaneous coronary intervention stratum, intensive medical therapy alone should be the first-line strategy. In patients with more extensive coronary disease, similar to those enrolled in the coronary artery bypass grafting stratum, prompt coronary artery bypass grafting, in the absence of contraindications, intensive medical therapy, and an insulin sensitization strategy appears to be a preferred therapeutic strategy to reduce the incidence of MI.

Left ventricular ejection hemodynamics before and after relief of outflow tract obstruction in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy and valvular aortic stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: There has been debate on the importance and pathophysiologic effects of the dynamic subaortic pressure gradient in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. The study was conducted to elucidate the hemodynamic abnormalities associated with the dynamic pressure gradient in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. METHODS: Eight patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy and 7 patients with valvular aortic stenosis underwent a detailed hemodynamic study of pressure flow relationships before and after myectomy or aortic valve replacement during operation. RESULTS: In aortic stenosis, the increased gradient after premature ventricular contraction was associated with an increase in peak flow (325 ± 122 mL/s to 428 ± 147 mL/s, P = .002) and stroke volume (75.0 ± 27.3 mL to 88.0 ± 24.0 mL, P = .004), but in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy peak flow remained unchanged (289 ± 79 mL/s to 299 ± 85 mL/s, P = .334) and stroke volume decreased (45.9 ± 18.7 mL to 38.4 ± 14.4 mL, P = .04) on the postpremature ventricular contraction beat. After myectomy, the capacity to augment stroke volume on the postpremature ventricular contraction beats was restored in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (45.6 ± 14.4 mL to 54.4 ± 11.8 mL, P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: The pressure flow relationship in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy supports the concept of true obstruction to outflow, with a low but continued flow during late systole, when the ventricular-aortic pressure gradient is the highest. Septal myectomy can abolish obstruction and restore the ability to augment stroke volume, which may explain the mechanism of symptomatic improvement after operation.

Coronary Disease Surveillance in the Community: Angiography and Revascularization.

Background Temporal declines in cardiac stress tests results, coronary revascularization, and cardiovascular mortality have suggested a decline in the population burden of coronary disease until the 2000s. However, recent data indicate these favorable trends could be ending. We aimed to assess the evolution of the population burden of coronary disease in the community by examining trends in angiography and revascularization. Methods and Results We analyzed age- and sex-adjusted trends from all coronary angiographic diagnostic procedures and revascularizations performed in Olmsted County, MN from 2000 to 2018. A total of 12 981 invasive angiograms were performed among 9049 individuals (64% men; 55% aged ≥65 years). Adjusted angiography rates decreased by 30% (95% CI, 25%-34%) between 2000 and 2009 and leveled off thereafter. Including computed tomography, angiography uncovered an increase in angiography use in recent years (risk ratio=1.15 [95% CI, 1.07-1.23] for 2018 versus 2014) and a decline in the prevalence of anatomic CAD from 2000 to 2018. CAD severity declined substantially from 2000 to 2009, followed by a plateau. Among 6570 revascularizations (72% men; 57% aged ≥65 years), 77% were percutaneous coronary interventions and 23% coronary artery bypass graft surgeries. The adjusted revascularization rates declined by 34% (95% CI, 27%-39%) from 2000 to 2009, followed by a plateau (risk ratio=1.10 [95% CI, 1.00-1.22]). Conclusions Between 2000 and 2018 in the community, coronary angiography use declined initially, leveled off, and then increased. Trends in CAD severity and revascularization use decreased then plateaued. The most recent trends are concerning as they suggest the burden of coronary disease is no longer declining. This warrants reinvigorated primary prevention and population surveillance.

Influence of LDL-Cholesterol Lowering on Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus Undergoing Coronary Revascularization.

BACKGROUND: Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is associated with increased cardiovascular events, especially in high-risk populations. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to evaluate the influence of LDL-C on the incidence of cardiovascular events either following a coronary revascularization procedure (percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI] or coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG]) or optimal medical therapy alone in patients with established coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). METHODS: Patient-level pooled analysis of 3 randomized clinical trials was undertaken. Patients with T2DM were categorized according to the levels of LDL-C at 1 year following randomization. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events ([MACCE] the composite of all-cause mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and nonfatal stroke). RESULTS: A total of 4,050 patients were followed for a median of 3.9 years after the index 1-year assessment. Patients whose 1-year LDL-C remained ≥100 mg/dl experienced higher 4-year cumulative risk of MACCE (17.2% vs. 13.3% vs. 13.1% for LDL-C between 70 and <100 mg/dl and LDL-C <70 mg/dl, respectively; p = 0.016). When compared with optimal medical therapy alone, patients with PCI experienced a MACCE reduction only if 1-year LDL-C was <70 mg/dl (hazard ratio: 0.61; 95% confidence interval: 0.40 to 0.91; p = 0.016), whereas CABG was associated with improved outcomes across all 1-year LDL-C strata. In patients with 1-year LDL-C ≥70 mg/dl, patients undergoing CABG had significantly lower MACCE rates as compared with PCI. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with coronary heart disease with T2DM, lower LDL-C at 1 year is associated with improved long-term MACCE outcome in those eligible for either PCI or CABG. When compared with optimal medical therapy alone, PCI was associated with MACCE reductions only in those who achieved an LDL-C <70 mg/dl.