Presentation, management, and outcomes of 25 748 acute coronary syndrome admissions in Kerala, India: results from the Kerala ACS Registry.

AIMS: There are limited contemporary data on the presentation, management, and outcomes of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) admissions in India. We aimed to develop a prospective registry to address treatment and health systems gaps in the management of ACSs in Kerala, India. METHODS AND RESULTS: We prospectively collected data on 25 748 consecutive ACS admissions from 2007 to 2009 in 125 hospitals in Kerala. We evaluated data on presentation, management, and in-hospital mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). We created random-effects multivariate regression models to evaluate predictors of outcomes while accounting for confounders. Mean (SD) age at presentation was 60 (12) years and did not differ among ACS types [ST-segment myocardial infarction (STEMI) = 37%; non-STEMI = 31%; unstable angina = 32%]. In-hospital anti-platelet use was high (>90%). Thrombolytics were used in 41% of STEMI, 19% of non-STEMI, and 11% of unstable angina admissions. Percutaneous coronary intervention rates were marginally higher in STEMI admissions. Discharge medication rates were variable and generally suboptimal (<80%). In-hospital mortality and MACE rates were highest for STEMI (8.2 and 10.3%, respectively). After adjustment, STEMI diagnosis (vs. unstable angina) [odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval = 4.06 (2.36, 7.00)], symptom-to-door time >6 h [OR = 2.29 (1.73, 3.02)], and inappropriate use of thrombolysis [OR = 1.33 (0.92, 1.91)] were associated with higher risk of in-hospital mortality and door-to-needle time <30 min [OR = 0.44 (0.27, 0.72)] was associated with lower mortality. Similar trends were seen for risk of MACE. CONCLUSION: These data represent the largest ACS registry in India and demonstrate opportunities for improving ACS care.

Prevalence of Brugada electrocardiographic pattern in adult population - A community-based study from Kerala, South India.

There is no data for Brugada electrocardiographic pattern (BrEP) from India. In a cross-sectional study of men and women between the ages 20-79 years, electrocardiograms were analyzed following the 2002 consensus. The overall prevalence of BrEP was 1.06 % (95 % CI 0.76, 1.35). There were two cases type I (0.04 %; 95 % CI 0.01, 0.06) and forty-seven type II/III (1.01 %; 95 % CI 1.02, 1.35); the pattern was markedly higher in men. In this study, BrEP was slightly less prevalent compared to South Asia but more than in the west.

A community-based study on electrocardiographic abnormalities of adult population from South India - Findings from a cross sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: There are no data on electrocardiographic (ECG) findings from general population of Indian subcontinent. We analyzed ECG abnormalities of in adults as part of a community survey of prevalence of coronary artery disease and risk factors from South India. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this cross-sectional study of men and women between the ages 20 to 79 years, ECGs recorded digitally were analyzed using the Minnesota code. Electrocardiograms were analyzed for abnormalities in 4630 participants (women 59.6%). The overall prevalence of ECG abnormalities (39.9%) was higher in men (47.24% vs. 34.9% p <0.0001). QRS axis deviation, first degree AV block, fascicular blocks, incomplete right bundle branch block, sinus bradycardia and ST elevation in the anterior chest leads were markedly higher in men. Sinus tachycardia and low voltage QRS occurred more often in women. The overall prevalence of atrial fibrillation was 0.32% which was markedly lower than the western data. Brugada and early repolarisation patterns occurred in 1.06% and 1.56% respectively, equal in both age groups, but markedly higher in men. Brugada pattern occurred more often than in the west, but much less than the Far East population. Early repolarisation pattern was similar to rest of Asian population, but significantly less than the Caucasian population CONCLUSION: In this community-based study, prevalence of major electrocardiographic abnormalities was high. Overall, men had significantly higher ECG abnormalities.

Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, and Control of Hypertension in Young Adults (20-39 Years) in Kerala, South India.

Objective: We sought to study the prevalence of hypertension and the levels of awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in the young adults in Kerala, India compared to older adults. Methods: We identified 1,221 young adults (men 36.7%) in the age group 20-39 years from the 5,150 participants of the Cardiological Society of India Kerala Coronary artery disease (CAD) and its Risk factors Prevalence (CSI Kerala CRP) Study. We determined prevalence and levels of awareness, treatment and control of hypertension among them compared to older adults. Results: We found that among the young adults, 11.2% had hypertension and 33.3% had prehypertension. Hypertension was nearly three times more prevalent among men than women (20.5 vs. 7.5% p < 0.001) while in older adults there was no difference between men and women in its prevalence. Male sex (OR 3.36, 95% CI 2.15-5.25 p-value <0.001), urban residence (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.52-3.22 p-value <0.001), abdominal obesity (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.06-2.87 p-value 0.028) and hypercholesterolemia (OR 1.64 95% CI 1.12-2.40 p-value 0.011) were significant factors favoring hypertension in the young adults. Awareness and treatment of hypertension were significantly poor among younger adults compared to older adults. In young adults, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension were significantly lower among men compared to women (23.9 vs. 51.7% p-value 0.001, 12.0 vs. 25.9% p-value 0.045, and 18.5 vs. 37.9% p-value 0.012, respectively). Participants who had checked blood pressure at least once during the previous year had significantly better awareness and treatment (58.7 vs. 24.0% and 41.3 vs. 19.2%, respectively). Conclusions: We found that one eighth of young subjects had hypertension with three times higher prevalence of hypertension among men compared to women. Awareness, treatment and control of hypertension were less among young adults and worse in young men compared to young women. Identifying hypertension and measures to control it are important and should be specifically targeted to young men.

Prevalence and One-year Outcome of Carotid Sinus Hypersensitivity in Unexplained Syncope: A Prospective Cohort Study from South India.

BACKGROUND: Carotid sinus syndrome accounts for one third of patients who presents with unexplained syncope. Prevalence of carotid sinus hypersensitivity (CSH) in Indians has not been studied till now. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence and associations of CSH in symptomatic patients above 50 years and to study its prognostic significance pertaining to sudden cardiac death, syncope, recurrent pre syncope and falls on 1 year follow up. METHODS: Patients above 50 years who presented with unexplained syncope, recurrent syncope or falls were considered cases and those without these symptoms were considered as controls. All the patients underwent carotid sinus massage and their responses noted. All symptomatic patients were followed up and observed for events like sudden cardiac death, syncope, recurrent pre syncope and falls during 1 year follow up. Patients with recurrent syncope and predominant cardioinhibitory syncope were advised permanent pacemaker implantation. RESULTS: A total of 252 patients were screened, 130 patients constituted cases and 49 patients constituted controls. CSH was demonstrable in 32% (n = 42) of cases as compared to 8% (n = 4) in controls (p < 0.001). Cardioinhibitory response was the predominant response (88%, n = 38) followed by mixed response (12%, n = 4). CSH was associated with advancing age, male gender (93%, n = 39, p < 0.001) and history of smoking (63%, n = 27, p = 0.009). Composite outcomes of sudden cardiac death, syncope, recurrent pre syncope and falls were significantly higher in patients with symptomatic CSH than in those without it (45%, n = 16 vs. 6.8%, n = 6; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the prevalence of CSH in patients above 50 yrs with unexplained syncope was high in our population. Patients with CSH and baseline symptoms developed recurrent syncope during follow up. Carotid sinus massage should be a part of routine examination protocol for unexplained syncope.

Prevalence of peripheral artery disease and risk factors in the elderly: A community based cross-sectional study from northern Kerala, India.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: There are no data on the prevalence of peripheral artery disease (PAD) and risk factors in Indians. This study was aimed at studying the prevalence of PAD and risk factors in elderly population of northern parts of Kerala, South India. METHODS: In a prospective observational survey we evaluated men and women of age between 60 and 79 years from Kerala. Anthropometric measurements, biochemical investigations and electrocardiogram were done. The diagnosis of PAD was made by ABI<0.9. Assessment of coronary artery disease CAD was performed using historical, angina questionnaire and electrocardiographic criteria. RESULTS: Of the total sample of 1330, we could evaluate 1148 respondents (86.3%). Overall mean (SD) ABI was 0.97 (0.19). Age-adjusted prevalence of PAD was 26.7% (95% CI (24.3, 29.4)) with no difference between urban and rural population. Prevalence of symptomatic PAD was low. Diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, sedentary life style and smoking was observed in 25.5%, 62.9%, 61.6%, 35.9% 38.1% and 30.7%, respectively. On multivariate analysis age, smoking and physical inactivity were strong predictors of PAD. There was independent association of PAD with definite CAD. CONCLUSIONS: There was high prevalence of PAD in Kerala, driven by high prevalence of risk factors. The prevalence was equal in rural and urban population. Intermittent claudication was uncommon. Age, female gender, smoking, physical inactivity, diabetes were independent predictors for presence of PAD.

Demographical and clinicopathological characteristics in heart failure and outcome predictors: a prospective, observational study.

AIMS: The aims of the study were to study the demographical and clinicopathological characteristics of patients presenting with heart failure and evaluate the 1 year outcomes and to identify risk predictors if any. METHODS AND RESULTS: A prospective observational study was conducted in consecutive patients of systolic heart failure. The study was divided into two parts-an initial 6 month enrolment phase followed up for 1 year for major adverse cardiovascular events. All patients were treated according to the Institutional Heart Failure Protocol. Demographical and clinicopathophysiological characteristics were studied, and results were analysed. A total of 143 patients were enrolled. The mean age of subjects was 56.4 years with male subjects constituting almost two-thirds of the study population. The commonest aetiology of heart failure was ischemic with valvular heart disease being the commonest cause of non-ischemic heart failure. Bendopnea, a recently described symptom of heart failure, was found in a significant number of subjects. By univariate analysis, male sex (P = 0.042) and cardiomegaly (P = 0.035) were predictors of rehospitalization, whereas the univariate predictors of mortality were ischemic aetiology (P = 0.000), age > 50 years (P = 0.007), hypertension (P = 0.012), worsening NYHA class (P = 0.003), diabetes mellitus (P = 0.009), and hypokalaemia (P = 0.006). Multivariate analysis performed showed age > 50 years [P = 0.007; OR (CI) = 13.547 (2.034-90.238)], NYHA class [P = 0.002; OR (CI) = 32.300 (3.733-276.532)], and hypokalaemia [P = 0.031; OR (CI) = 7.524 (1.208-46.862)] as significant predictors of mortality during long-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The study will definitely help us to throw more light in identifying risk predictors of heart failure and help in improving clinical outcomes.

Prevalence and prognostic significance of left ventricular myocardial late gadolinium enhancement in severe aortic stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial fibrosis occurs in aortic stenosis (AS) as part of the hypertrophic response. It can be detected by LGE, which is associated with an adverse prognosis in the form of increased mortality and morbidity. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of LGE patterns using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in severe AS patients and to study its prognostic significance. METHODS: Patients enrolled into the study from June 2012 to November 2014. All the patients underwent CMR and various patterns of LGE studied. These patients if symptomatic were advised AVR and others were managed conservatively. All patients were followed up and watched for outcomes like mortality, heart failure/hospitalization for cardiovascular cause, fall in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥20% and arrhythmia. RESULTS: A total of 109 patients (mean age-57.7±12.5yrs) underwent CMR with 63 males. These patients were followed up for a mean of 13 months. Among 38 patients who underwent AVR, 6 died (5-cardiovascular cause, 1-non cardiovascular). 71 patients were managed conservatively out of which 18 died (17-cardiovascular cause, 1-non cardiovascular cause). LGE patterns were seen in 46 patients (43%); mid myocardial enhancement was seen in 31.1% of cases (33 patients). No LGE pattern was seen in 57%(63 patients). Basal and mid regions were maximally involved with mid myocardial enhancement in 66% & 68.3% respectively. LV ejection fraction (p=0.002), peak aortic systolic velocity (p=0.01) and peak aortic systolic gradient (p=0.02) were the main predictors of LGE. Main predictors of primary outcome were NYHA class [OR- 13.4(2.8-26.1), p≤0.001], age- 62± 9.6yrs(p=0.001), EF simpson-50.9±13%(p≤ 0.001), LGE[OR 2.8 (1.27-6.47),p=0.01], number of segments involved [2.37±2.1,P≤0.001] & CMR LV mass (151.73±32gms, p=0.007). LGE predicted heart failure/hospitalization for cardiovascular cause [OR- 3.8(1.2-11.9), p=0.01] and fall in LVEF [OR- 5.8(1.5-22.5), p=0.005]. Patients with LGE had 2.87 times risk of adverse outcomes and patients with more than 3 segment LGE involvement had again increased chances for adverse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: LGE was detected by CMR in 43% of patients with severe AS. It predicted recurrent heart failure, hospitalization for cardiovascular cause and fall in LV ejection fraction. Our study has laid a path to larger prospective studies with long term follow up to assess the prognostic impact of CMR in patients with severe AS.

Safety and efficacy of percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy in severe mitral stenosis with moderate mitral regurgitation - A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy (PBMV) is generally considered as a contraindication in patients with mitral stenosis (MS) associated with moderate to severe mitral regurgitation (MR). We sought to compare the safety and efficacy of PBMV in patients with severe MS and with moderate MR with those with less than moderate or no MR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Symptomatic patients of MS with mitral valve area ≤1.5cm2 were screened into two groups: Group I with moderate MR and Group II with less than moderate or no MR. Clinical and echocardiographic assessments were done at 24h, 1 month, and 6 months post-procedure. A treadmill testing was done prior to PBMV and at 6 months. Primary safety outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death and development of severe MR with or without requirement for mitral valve replacement at 30 days of procedure. Efficacy of the procedure was measured as improvement in functional class, treadmill time, and mitral valve area (MVA) at 6 months. RESULTS: Seventeen patients with moderate MR and 208 patients with less than moderate MR underwent PBMV. Primary outcome showed no significant difference [2 (11.7%) in Group I vs. 8 (3.85%) in Group II, p=0.36]; occurrence of severe MR was higher in Group I [RR=4.87, 95% C.I.=1.42-16.69]. In Group I patients, improvement in treadmill time was seen in 12 (70.59%), functional class in 13 (76.47%), and MVA in all patients. CONCLUSION: In patients having severe MS associated with moderate MR, PBMV may be a safe option and provides sustained symptomatic benefit.

Mean platelet volume and cardiovascular outcomes in acute myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE: High levels of mean platelet volume (MPV) may be associated with adverse outcomes in patients with myocardial infarction (MI). We examined the association between MPV and the risk of death and adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with MI. METHODS: We studied consecutive patients with MI admitted to a tertiary-care hospital during a period of 1 year. MPV was measured at admission and at third month. Patients were followed up for 1-year primary composite outcome of cardiovascular death, stroke, fatal or non-fatal MI and cardiac failure. Patients were classified according to tertile of baseline MPV. RESULTS: A total of 1206 patients with MI, including 934 men (77.4%) and 272 women (22.6%) were studied. The mean age of the study population was 56 years. At 1-year follow-up, 292 (28.57%) primary outcome occurred: cardiovascular mortality 78 (7.6%), fatal or non-fatal MI 153 (15.0%), stroke 30 (2.9%) and cardiac failure 128 (12.52%). Patients with the highest tertile MPV had higher primary outcome as compared with those with MPV in the lowest tertile (adjusted OR=2.31; 95% CI 1.60 to 3.35; p<0.001). Total mortality was also more in high-MPV group (adjusted OR 2.62; 95% CI 1.47 to 4.70; p<0.001). There were no significant changes in mean MPV values at admission from those at third month interval (9.15, (SD 0.99) vs 9.19 (SD 0.94); p=0.2). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated MPV was associated with worse outcome in patients with acute MI. Elevated MPV in these patients may be due to inherently large platelets. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/rmaindet.php?trialid=5485&EncHid=98036.61144&modid=1&compid=19; CTRI/2012/12/003222.

Maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant women undergoing balloon mitral valvotomy for rheumatic mitral stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatic mitral stenosis constitutes a major cause of acquired heart disease complicating pregnancy in India. In the present study, we have studied the fetal and maternal outcomes of women undergoing balloon mitral valvotomy during pregnancy. METHODS AND RESULTS: 49 pregnant ladies were included in this study in whom balloon mitral valvotomy was performed. The mean age of these patients was 25.7±3.1 years. The mean gestational age was 23.5±5.2 weeks (12-36 weeks). The procedure was successful in 48 patients (95.9%). Mean two-dimensional MVA increased from baseline value of 0.93±0.17cm2 to 1.75±0.27cm2 (p value <0.0001). Pre-procedure peak pulmonary artery pressure was 43.05±15.88mmHg, which decreased to 22.31±6.36mmHg (p value <0.0001). Hemodynamic data showed pre-BMV left atrial mean pressure of 29.6±6.6mmHg, which decreased to 13.7±4.8mmHg after the procedure (p value <0.0001). Mean fluoroscopy time was 6.4±1.2min. There was no maternal mortality in our study. One procedure had to be abandoned, because of failed septal puncture. One of the patients developed cardiac tamponade and another patient developed severe mitral regurgitation, which were managed medically. The patient who developed severe mitral regurgitation later underwent mitral valve replacement. Post-procedure follow-up showed an improvement in NYHA status by at least one class in 81.3% of patients. Thirty-nine (81.3%) patients had a term normal vaginal delivery and 8 (16.7%) underwent cesarean section for obstetric indications. One of the patients had abortion on the second day of the procedure. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous mitral valvotomy during pregnancy is safe and provides excellent symptomatic relief and hemodynamic improvement. This should be considered as the treatment of choice when managing pregnant women with severe mitral stenosis.

A comparative study of ivabradine and atenolol in patients with moderate mitral stenosis in sinus rhythm.

BACKGROUND: Beta-blockers are frequently used in patients with mitral stenosis to control the heart rate and alleviate exercise-related symptoms. The objective of our study was to examine whether ivabradine was superior to atenolol for achieving higher exercise capacity in patients with moderate mitral stenosis in sinus rhythm. We also evaluated their effects on left ventricular myocardial performance index (MPI). METHODS AND RESULTS: Eighty-two patients with moderate mitral stenosis in sinus rhythm were randomized to receive ivabradine (n=42) 5mg twice daily or atenolol (n=40) 50mg daily for 6 weeks. Transthoracic echocardiography and treadmill test were performed at baseline and after completion of 6 weeks of treatment. Mean total exercise duration in seconds markedly improved in both study groups at 6 weeks (298.57±99.05s vs. 349.12±103.53s; p=0.0001 in ivabradine group, 290.90±92.42s vs. 339.90±99.84s; p=0.0001 in atenolol group). On head-to-head comparison, there was no significant change in improvement of exercise time between ivabradine and atenolol group (p=0.847). Left ventricular MPI did not show any significant change from baseline and at 6 weeks in both drug groups (49.8%±8% vs. 48.3%±7% in ivabradine group, 52.9%±10% vs. 50.9%±10% in atenolol groups; p=0.602). CONCLUSION: Ivabradine or atenolol can be used for heart rate control in patients with moderate mitral stenosis in sinus rhythm. Ivabradine is not superior to atenolol for controlling heart rate or exercise capacity. Left ventricular MPI was unaffected by either of the drugs.

Device closure of pulmonary arteriovenous malformation using Amplatzer vascular plug II in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are very rare and carry the risk of cerebral thrombo-embolism, brain abscess or pulmonary hemorrhage. The Amplatzer vascular plug II (AVP II) is a new device, used for embolization of the pulmonary AVMs. We report a case of pulmonary AVM successfully managed by using AVP II in a patient with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT).

'A twist in the heart' - Echocardiographic diagnosis of criss-cross heart.

Criss-cross heart is an extremely rare congenital anomaly seen in less than 0.1% of all congenital heart diseases. We present a case of criss-cross heart in a 13-year-old boy. Suspicion of criss-cross heart occurred when all the four chambers of the heart could not be profiled in a single four-chamber view and a vertical septum was noticed in parasternal short-axis view. In this patient there was a ventricular septal defect along with this anomaly. Criss-cross heart usually presents with atrioventricular concordance and ventriculoarterial discordance. This case is unique and rare with atrioventricular and ventriculoarterial concordance. .

Hammock mitral valve: a rare cause of congenital mitral regurgitation--a case report.

Hammock valve, also known as anomalous mitral arcade is a rare mechanism for congenital mitral insufficiency. We report a case of a two-week-old neonate who presented with features of heart failure and an apical systolic murmur. Echocardiogram showed severe mitral regurgitation and abnormal mitral valve with direct attachment of mitral leaflets to papillary muscle without intervening chordae tendinae, typical of hammock valve. Heart failure was controlled with ionotrpes and diuretics. The literature on the hammock mitral valve is reviewed.

Malignant arrhythmia with benign tumour: fibrolipoma of the left ventricle.

We report a case of young male referred for evaluation of recent onset recurrent syncope. Inhospital electrocardiogram revealed an episode of ventricular flutter which reverted spontaneously to sinus rhythm. Transthoracic echocardiogram showed hyperechoic mass in the left ventricle. For further tissue characterization a cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was done which revealed a left ventricular mass with predominant fat content. The tumor was surgically resected. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of cardiac fibrolipoma. The patient recovered and is currently asymptomatic.

Optimal in-hospital and discharge medical therapy in acute coronary syndromes in Kerala: results from the Kerala acute coronary syndrome registry.

BACKGROUND: In-hospital and postdischarge treatment rates for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remain low in India. However, little is known about the prevalence and associations of the package of optimal ACS medical care in India. Our objective was to define the prevalence, associations, and impact of optimal in-hospital and discharge medical therapy in the Kerala ACS Registry of 25,718 admissions. METHODS AND RESULTS: We defined optimal in-hospital ACS medical therapy as receiving the following 5 medications: aspirin, clopidogrel, heparin, ß-blocker, and statin. We defined optimal discharge ACS medical therapy as receiving all of the above therapies except heparin. Comparisons by optimal versus nonoptimal ACS care were made via Student t test for continuous variables and χ(2) test for categorical variables. We created random effects logistic regression models to evaluate the association between Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events risk score variables and optimal in-hospital or discharge medical therapy. Optimal in-hospital and discharge medical care were delivered in 40% and 46% of admissions, respectively. Wide variability in both in-hospital and discharge medical care was present, with few hospitals reaching consistently high (>90%) levels. Patients receiving optimal in-hospital medical therapy had an adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval)=0.93 (0.71, 1.22) for in-hospital death and an adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval)=0.79 (0.63, 0.99) for major adverse cardiovascular event rates. Patients who received optimal in-hospital medical care were far more likely to receive optimal discharge care (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 10.48 [9.37, 11.72]). CONCLUSIONS: Strategies to improve in-hospital and discharge medical therapy are needed to improve local process-of-care measures and ACS outcomes in Kerala.