Statins in Patients with Uncomplicated Hypertension: A Prescription Audit.

OBJECTIVE: Guidelines recommend prescription of statins in all high-risk patients with hypertension irrespective of their cholesterol levels. We performed a prescription audit in India to determine the application of recommendations. METHODS: A registry-based audit of patients with primary diagnosis of hypertension (n=3073) was performed. Details of co-morbidities and medications were obtained. Patients with known vascular disease were excluded. Patients were classified into subgroups based on risk factors and type of therapy. A multivariate model of risk was developed using clinical data and patients were classified into low, moderate and high risk. Statin prescriptions were divided into low, medium and high intensity based on US guidelines. Descriptive statistics are reported. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 59±13 years, 47 % were women and 26 % were less than 50 years age. Diabetes was noted in 31.1 %, current smoking in 1.3 %, obesity in 14.7 % and hypothyroidism in 7.9 %. Statins were prescribed in 41.2 % (95% CI 39.4-42.9%), more in men compared to women (47.7% vs 33.7%, p<0.001). Most of the patients received moderate intensity statins (83.9%). In age-groups >40, 40-59, 60-79 and 80+ years, statins were prescribed in 18.7%, 36.5%, 49.5% and 49.4% respectively (ptrend <0.001). Statins were prescribed in 52.0% diabetics, 60.9% obese, 52.5% smokers and 34.8% hypothyroid. In the multivariate model statins use in low, medium and high risk patients was 28.4%, 46.6% and 55.1% respectively (ptrend <0.001). CONCLUSION: In an Indian secondary care practice only half of patients with moderate to high risk uncomplicated hypertension receive statins.

Influence of COVID-19 pandemic in India on coronary artery disease clinical presentation, angiography, interventions and in-hospital outcomes: a single centre prospective registry-based observational study.

OBJECTIVE: The study examined the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic in India on variation in clinical features, management and in-hospital outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). DESIGN: Prospective registry-based observational study. SETTING: A tertiary care hospital in India participant in the American College of Cardiology CathPCI Registry. PARTICIPANTS: 7089 successive patients who underwent PCI from April 2018 to March 2023 were enrolled (men 5627, women 1462). Details of risk factors, clinical presentation, coronary angiography, coronary interventions, clinical management and in-hospital outcomes were recorded. Annual data were classified into specific COVID-19 periods according to Government of India guidelines as pre-COVID-19 (April 2018 to March 2019, n=1563; April 2019 to March 2020, n=1594), COVID-19 (April 2020 to March 2020, n=1206; April 2021 to March 2022, n=1223) and post-COVID-19 (April 2022 to March 2023, n=1503). RESULTS: Compared with the patients in pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 periods, during the first COVID-19 year, patients had more hypertension, non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD). In the second COVID-19 year, patients had more STEMI, lower LVEF, multivessel CAD, primary PCI, multiple stents and more vasopressor and mechanical support. There were 99 (1.4%) in-hospital deaths which in the successive years were 1.2%, 1.4%, 0.8%, 2.4% and 1.3%, respectively (p=0.019). Compared with the baseline year, deaths were slightly lower in the first COVID-19-year (age-sex adjusted OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.31 to 1.47) but significantly more in the second COVID-19-year (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.10 to 3.54). This variation attenuated following adjustment for clinical presentation, extent of CAD, in-hospital treatment and duration of hospitalisation. CONCLUSIONS: In-hospital mortality among patients with CAD undergoing PCI was significantly higher in the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic in India and could be one of the reasons for excess deaths in the country. These patients had more severe CAD, lower LVEF, and more vasopressor and mechanical support and duration of hospitalisation.

Low body mass index is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes following PCI in India: ACC-NCDR registry.

Objective: Registry-based prospective study was conducted to evaluate association of body mass index (BMI) with major adverse coronary events (MACE) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: Successive patients undergoing PCI were enrolled from April'19 to March'22 and classified into five BMI categories (<23.0,23.0-24.9,25.0-26.9,27.0-29.9, and ≥30.0 kg/m2). Clinical, angiographic features, interventions and outcomes were obtained by in-person or telephonic follow-up. Primary endpoints were (a) MACE(cardiovascular deaths, acute coronary syndrome or stroke, revascularization, hospitalization and all-cause deaths) and (b)cardiovascular deaths. Cox-proportionate hazard ratios(HR) and 95 % confidence intervals(CI) were calculated. Results: The cohort included 4045 patients. Mean age was 60.3 ± 11y, 3233(79.7 %) were men. There was high prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors. 90 % patients had acute coronary syndrome(STEMI 39.6 %, NSTEMI/unstable angina 60.3 %), 60.0 % had impaired ejection fraction(EF) and multivessel CAD. Lower BMI groups (<23.0 kg/m2) had higher prevalence of tobacco use, reduced ejection fraction(EF), multivessel CAD, stents, and less primary PCI for STEMI. There was no difference in discharge medications and in-hospital deaths. Median follow-up was 24 months (IQR 12-36), available in 3602(89.0 %). In increasing BMI categories, respectively, MACE was in 10.9,8.9,9.5,9.1 and 6.8 % (R2 = 0.73) and CVD deaths in 5.1,4.5,4.4,5.1 and 3.5 % (R2 = 0.39). Compared to lowest BMI category, age-sex adjusted HR in successive groups for MACE were 0.89,0.87,0.79,0.69 and CVD deaths 0.98,0.87,0.95,0.75 with overlapping CI. HR attenuated following multivariate adjustments. Conclusions: Low BMI patients have higher incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events following PCI in India. These patients are older, with greater tobacco use, lower EF, multivessel CAD, delayed STEMI-PCI, and longer hospitalization.

Association of type 2 diabetes with coronary risk factors, clinical presentation, angiography, coronary interventions and follow-up outcomes: A single centre prospective registry.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: To determine variations in coronary artery disease (CAD) clinical presentation, interventions, and outcomes in patients with diabetes vs without, a prospective study was performed. METHODS: Successive patients with predominantly acute coronary syndromes who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were enrolled from January 2018 to March 2021. Patients with diabetes were compared to those without diabetes to determine differences in clinical and angiographic features and outcomes. In-person and telephonic follow-up were performed. Primary outcome was cardiovascular death and co-primary were major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, revascularization, stroke). Cox-proportional hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. RESULTS: 5181 patients (men 4139,women 1042) were enrolled. Acute coronary syndrome(ACS) was in 4917 (94.9%) and diabetes in 1987 (38.4%). Patients with diabetes were older (61.1 ± 9.6 vs 59.7 ± 11.5years), with more hypertension (71.1 vs 45.5%), chronic kidney disease (3.0 vs 1.7%), previous PCI (13.5 vs 11.0%), past coronary artery bypass graft surgery (4.9 vs 2.4%), non ST-elevation myocardial infarction (59.6 vs 51.6%) and triple vessel disease (20.3 vs 17.2%) (p < 0.01). Duration of hospitalization was more in diabetes (4.2 ± 2.6 vs 4.0 ± 2.1 days, p = 0.023) with no difference in in-hospital deaths (1.4 vs 1.0%, p = 0.197). Follow up was performed in 1202 patients (diabetes 499,41.5%) enrolled from April 2020 to March 2021 (median 16.4 months). In diabetes there were more cardiovascular deaths (multivariate adjusted HR 2.38, CI 1.13-5.02) and all-cause deaths (HR 1.85, CI 1.06-3.22). CONCLUSIONS: CAD patients with diabetes undergoing PCI have more hypertension, chronic kidney disease, non ST-elevation myocardial infarction and triple vessel disease. At medium-term follow-up the incidence of cardiovascular and all-cause deaths is significantly more in these patients.

Premature coronary artery disease, risk factors, clinical presentation, angiography and interventions: Hospital based registry.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Premature coronary artery disease (CAD) is endemic in India. We performed a study to identify risk factors, clinical presentation, angiographic findings and interventions in premature CAD. METHODS: Successive patients who underwent percutaneous intervention (PCI) were enrolled from January 2018 to June 2021. Premature CAD was defined as women 45-59 y and men 40-54 y and very premature as women <45 y and men <40 y. Descriptive statistics are presented. Univariate odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated to identify differences in various groups. RESULTS: 4672 patients (women 936, men 3736) were enrolled. Premature CAD was in 1238 (26.5%; women 31.9%; men 25.1%) and very premature in 212 (4.5%; women 6.5%, men 4.0%). In premature and very premature vs non-premature CAD, OR (95%CI) for high cholesterol ≥200 mg/dl [women 1.52(1.03-2.25) and 1.59(0.79-3.20); men 1.73(1.38-2.17) and 1.92(1.22-3.03)], non-HDL cholesterol ≥130 mg/dl [women 1.84(1.35-2.52) and 1.32(0.72-2.42); men 1.69(1.43-1.90) and 1.67(1.17-2.34)], LDL cholesterol [men 1.10(0.95-1.25) and 1.04(0.77-1.41)], and tobacco [women 1.40(0.84-2.35) and 2.14(0.95-4.82); men 1.63(1.34-1.98) and 1.27(0.81-1.97)] were higher while hypertension, diabetes and chronic kidney disease were more in non-premature(p < 0.05). Presentation as STEMI was marginally more in women with premature [1.13(0.85-1.51)] and very premature [1.29(0.75-2.22)] CAD and was significantly higher in men [1.35(1.16-1.56) and 1.79(1.29-2.49)]. Location and extent of CAD were not different. CONCLUSIONS: In India, a third of CAD patients presenting for coronary intervention have premature disease. Important risk factors are high total and non-HDL cholesterol and tobacco (men) with greater presentation as STEMI. Extent and type of CAD are similar to non-premature CAD indicating severe disease.

Association of health insurance status with coronary risk factors, coronary artery disease, interventions and outcomes in India.

Objective: Coronary artery disease (CAD) related hospitalization and interventions are associated with catastrophic out-of-pocket health expenditure in India. To evaluate differences in risk factors, disease severity, management and outcomes in uninsured vs insured CAD patients we performed a study. Methods: Successive CAD patients who underwent percutaneous intervention (PCI) at our centre were enrolled from January 2018 to June 2021. Clinical, angiographic and intervention data were periodically uploaded in the American College of Cardiology CathPCI platform. Descriptive statistics are reported. Results: 4672 CAD patients (men 3736, women 936) were included; uninsured were 2166 (46%), government insurance was in 1635 (36%) and private insurance in 871 (18%). Mean age was 60.1 ± 11 years, uninsured <50y were 21.6% vs 14.0% and 20.3% with government and private insurance. Among the uninsured prevalence of raised total and non-HDL cholesterol, any tobacco use, ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and ejection fraction <30% were more (p < 0.01). In the STEMI group (n = 1985), rates of primary PCI were the highest in those with private insurance (38.7%) compared to others. Multivessel stenting (≥2 stents) was more among the insured patients. Median length of hospital stay was similar in the three groups. In-hospital mortality was slightly more in the uninsured (1.43%), compared to government (0.88) and privately insured (0.82) (p = 0.242). The cost of hospitalization and procedures was the highest among uninsured (US$ 2240, IQR 1877-2783) compared to government (US$ 1977, IQR 1653-2437) and privately insured (US$ 2013, IQR 1668-2633) (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Uninsured CAD patients in India are younger with more risk factors, acute coronary syndrome, STEMI, multivessel disease and coronary stenting compared to those with government or private insurance. The uninsured bear significantly greater direct costs with slightly greater mortality.

Non-physician health workers for improving adherence to medications and healthy lifestyle following acute coronary syndrome: 24-month follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate usefulness of non-physician health workers (NPHW) to improve adherence to medications and lifestyles following acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS: We randomized 100 patients at hospital discharge following ACS to NPHW intervention (n=50) or standard care (n=50) in an open label study. NPHW was trained for interventions to improve adherence to medicines - antiplatelets, ß-blockers, renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockers and statins and healthy lifestyles. Intervention lasted 12 months with passive follow-up for another 12. Both groups were assessed for adherence using a standardized questionnaire. RESULTS: ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) was in 49 and non-STEMI in 51, mean age was 59.0±11 years. 57% STEMI were thrombolyzed. On admission majority were physically inactive (71%), consumed unhealthy diets (high fat 77%, high salt 58%, low fiber 57%) and 21% were smokers/tobacco users. Coronary revascularization was performed in 90% (percutaneous intervention 79%, bypass surgery 11%). Drugs at discharge were antiplatelets 100%, ß-blockers 71%, RAS blockers 71% and statins 99%. Intervention and control groups had similar characteristics. At 12 and 24 months, respectively, in intervention vs control groups adherence (>80%) was: anti platelets 92.0% vs 77.1% and 83.3% vs 40.9%, ß blockers 97.2% vs 90.3% and 84.8% vs 45.0%), RAS blockers 95.1% vs 82.3% and 89.5% vs 46.1%, and statins 94.0% vs 70.8% and 87.5% vs 29.5%; smoking rates were 0.0% vs 12.5% and 4.2% vs 20.5%, regular physical activity 96.0% vs 50.0%, and 37.5% vs 34.1%, and healthy diet score 5.0 vs 3.0, and 4.0 vs 2.0 (p<0.01 for all). Intervention vs standard group at 12 months had significantly lower mean systolic BP, heart rate, body mass index, waist:hip ratio, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL cholesterol (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: NPHW-led educational intervention for 12 months improved adherence to evidence based medicines and healthy lifestyles. Efficacy continued for 24 months with attrition.