An Algorithm That Identifies Coronary and Heart Failure Events In The Electronic Health Record

Objective

The objective of this project was to identify criteria that accurately categorize acute coronary and heart failure events exclusively with electronic health record data so that the medical record can be used for surveillance without manual record review.

Introduction

Surveillance to track the incidence, prevalence and treatment of disease is a fundamental task of public health. The advent of universal health care coverage in the United States and electronic health records could make the medical record a valuable disease surveillance tool. This can only happen, however, if the necessary data can be extracted from the medical record without manual review.

Methods

We serially compared 3 different computer algorithms to manual record review. The first two algorithms relied on ICD9CM codes, troponin levels, ECG data and echocardiographic data. The 3rd algorithm relied on a very detailed coding system, IMO statements, troponin levels and echocardiographic data.

Results

Cohen’s Kappa for the initial algorithm was 0.47 (95%CI 0.41–0.54). Cohen’s Kappa was 0.61 (95%CI 0.55–0.68) for the second algorithm. Cohen’s Kappa for the third algorithm was 0.99 (95%CI 0.98–1.00).

Conclusions

We conclude that electronic medical record data are sufficient to categorize coronary heart disease and heart failure events without manual record review. However, only moderate agreement with medical record review can be achieved when the classification is based on 4-digit ICD9CM codes because ICD9CM 410.9 includes myocardial infarction with ST elevation (STEMI) and myocardial infarction without ST elevation (nSTEMI). Nearly perfect agreement can be achieved using IMO statements, a more detailed coding system that tracks to ICD9, ICD10 and SnoMED-CT. IMO statements are available in many electronic medical record systems.     

Psychosocial work exposures of the job strain model and cardiovascular mortality in France: results from the STRESSJEM prospective study

Objectives:The study aims to explore the prospective associations of the psychosocial work exposures of the job strain model with cardiovascular mortality, including mortality for ischemic heart diseases (IHD) and stroke, using various time-varying exposure measures in the French working population of employees.Methods:The study was based on a cohort of 798 547 men and 697 785 women for which job history data from 1976 to 2002 were linked to mortality data and causes of death from the national death registry. Psychosocial work exposures from the validated job strain model questionnaire were assessed using a job-exposure matrix (JEM). Three time-varying measures of exposure were studied: current, cumulative, and recency-weighted cumulative exposure. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the associations between psychosocial work exposures and cardiovascular mortality.Results:Within the 1976–2002 period, there were 19 264 cardiovascular deaths among men and 6181 among women. Low decision latitude, low social support, job strain, iso-strain, passive job, and high strain were associated with cardiovascular mortality. Most of these associations were also observed for IHD and stroke mortality. The comparison between the different exposure measures suggested that current exposure may be more important than cumulative (or past) exposure. The population fractions of cardiovascular mortality attributable to job strain were 5.64% for men and 6.44% for women.Conclusions:Psychosocial work exposures of the job strain model may play a role in cardiovascular mortality. The estimated burden of cardiovascular mortality associated with these exposures underlines the need for preventive policies oriented toward the psychosocial work environment.     

Economic Burden of Cardiovascular Disease in Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review

Background

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) constitute major comorbidities in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), contributing substantially to treatment costs for T2DM. An updated overview of the economic burden of CVD in T2DM has not been presented to date.

The seasonality in heart failure deaths and total cardiovascular deaths

Objectives: To examine the seasonal pattern in heart failure (HF) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) by climate and cause of death in Australia. Methods: A retrospective analysis of a national database of deaths in the eight Australian State and Territory capitals between January 1997 and November 2004. We examined the seasonal pattern in HF and CVD deaths, we identified variations in the pattern by: sex, age, time, climate and cause of death (for total CVD using seven groups determined by ICD‐10 code). Results: Deaths in all seven groups of CVD significantly increased in winter. The largest increase in mortality rates was 23.5% observed for HF. The magnitude of this increase varied greatly between cities, with the lowest winter mortality rates in the coldest (Hobart) and warmest (Darwin) cities. The pattern in CVD deaths showed a clearer correlation with climate than HF deaths. Conclusion and implications: Winters in Australia are mild but winter increases in HF and CVD are a significant problem. Increased blood pressure and lack of vitamin D in winter are the most likely causes of the increase. Reducing exposure to cold, particularly in the elderly, should reduce the number of winter CVD deaths in Australia.     

Urotensin II in cardiovascular regulation

Cardiovascular function is modulated by neuronal transmitters, circulating hormones, and factors that are released locally from tissues. Urotensin II (UII) is an 11 amino acid peptide that stimulates its’ obligatory G protein coupled urotensin II receptors (UT) to modulate cardiovascular function in humans and in other animal species, and has been implicated in both vasculoprotective and vasculopathic effects. For example, tissue and circulating concentrations of UII have been reported to increase in some studies involving patients with atherosclerosis, heart failure, hypertension, preeclampsia, diabetes, renal disease and liver disease, raising the possibility that the UT receptor system is involved in the development and/or progression of these conditions. Consistent with this hypothesis, administration of UT receptor antagonists to animal models of cardiovascular disease have revealed improvements in cardiovascular remodelling and hemodynamics. However, recent studies have questioned this contributory role of UII in disease, and have instead postulated a protective effect on the cardiovascular system. For example, high concentrations of circulating UII correlated with improved clinical outcomes in patients with renal disease or myocardial infarction. The purpose of this review is to consider the regulation of the cardiovascular system by UII, giving consideration to methodologies for measurement of plasma concentrations, sites of synthesis and triggers for release.     

上海市嘉定区居民甲状腺疾病与心血管疾病及相关危险因素的相关性研究

目的 探讨甲状腺疾病与心血管疾病及相关危险因素的相关性.方法 利用上海市公共卫生与预防医学"高峰计划"学科建设中健康人群队列项目数据,采用问卷调查和生化指标了解人群的基本情况、慢性病病史及相关生化指标分布.结果 本次共调查10 051人,892人(8.87％)患有甲状腺疾病,女性患病率(12.18％)高于男性(3.91...     

Dietetic guidelines: diet in secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (first update, June 2003)

AIM: To update dietetic guidelines summarizing the systematic review evidence on dietary advice to prevent further events in people with existing cardiovascular disease (CVD) (secondary prevention). METHODS: The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE and EMBASE were comprehensively searched to November 2002 for systematic reviews on aspects of diet and heart health. Reviews were included if they searched systematically for randomised controlled trials relating to diet and secondary prevention of CVD. Two members of the UK Heart Health and Thoracic Dietitians Group critically appraised each review. The quality and results of each review were discussed and summarized in a meeting of the whole group. RESULTS: Providing evidence-based dietary information (including increasing omega-3 fat intake) to all people who have had a myocardial infarction will save more lives than concentrating dietary advice on just those in need of weight loss or lipid lowering. The practice of prioritizing dietetic time in secondary prevention to those with raised lipids is out of date since the advent of statin therapy. However, effective dietary advice for those with angina, stroke, peripheral vascular disease or heart failure is less clear. CONCLUSION: There is good systematic review evidence that dietary advice to those with coronary heart disease can reduce mortality and morbidity as well as modify some risk factors. Dietary advice that does this most effectively should be prioritized.     

Risk stratification of coronary heart disease in Greece: final results from the CARDIO2000 Epidemiological Study

BACKGROUND: In past years several risk factors have been associated with the incidence of coronary heart disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between the risk of developing acute coronary syndromes and several risk factors in Greece. METHODS: During 2000-2002, 700 male (59 +/- 10 years old) and 148 female (65 +/- 9 years old) patients with the first event of an acute coronary syndrome were randomly selected from cardiological clinics of all Greek regions. Afterward, 1,078 population-based controls were randomly selected from the same hospitals and matched to the patients by sex and age. Detailed information regarding their medical and psychosocial status and various lifestyle habits related to coronary risk was recorded. RESULTS: The frequency ratio between males and females in the case series of patients was 4:1. The statistical analysis showed that smoking (odds ratio = 1.61, P < 0.001), hypertension (odds ratio = 1.99, P < 0.001), hypercholesterolemia (odds ratio = 3.53, P < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (odds ratio = 2.44, P < 0.01), family history of CHD (odds ratio = 3.19, P < 0.001), exposure to passive cigarette smoking (odds ratio = 1.54, P < 0.01), and depressive episodes (odds ratio = 1.35, P < 0.01) were associated with an increased coronary risk, while physical activity (odds ratio = 0.81, P = 0.01), adoption of Mediterranean diet (odds ratio = 0.80, P < 0.05), and high education (odds ratio = 0.81, P < 0.001) were associated with a significant reduction of the coronary risk. Also, a J-shape association was found between alcohol intake and coronary risk. CONCLUSION: Several emerging lifestyle risk factors (education, depression, diet, passive smoking), in addition to the conventional ones, may contribute to the risk of coronary events in this population.     

Dietetic guidelines on food and nutrition in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease – evidence from systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials (second update, January 2006)

AIM: To update dietetic guidelines based on systematic review evidence on dietary advice to prevent further events in people with existing cardiovascular disease (CVD) (secondary prevention). METHODS: The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE and EMBASE were comprehensively searched to January 2005 for systematic reviews on aspects of diet and heart health. Reviews were included if they searched systematically for randomized controlled trials relating to diet and secondary prevention of CVD. Each review was critically appraised by at least two members of the UK Heart Health and Thoracic Dietitians Group. The quality and results of each review were discussed and summarized at a group meeting. RESULTS: Evidence-based strategies that reduce cardiovascular events in those with CVD include reduction in saturated fat and substitution with unsaturated fats. Individuals who have suffered a myocardial infarction may also benefit from adopting a Mediterranean type diet and increasing intake of omega 3 fats, but it is not clear whether they are beneficial for all patients with CVD. There is no systematic review evidence to support the use of antioxidant vitamins supplements, low glycaemic index diets, or homocysteine lowering therapies in this group. CONCLUSION: There remains good evidence that reducing saturated fat reduces morbidity in patients with CVD. This advice is consistent for most manifestations of CVD, with the addition of Mediterranean dietary advice and increased omega 3 fats for those who have had a myocardial infarction.     

Dietary fats and cardiovascular health: a summary of the scientific evidence and current debate

Abstract

This narrative review summarises the main studies of the role of the different fatty acids in coronary heart disease (CHD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and the current scientific debate on dietary recommendations. Reduction and substitution of the saturated fatty acids (SFAs) with the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are still the main dietary recommendation to prevent CHD and CVD. In the last few years, however, the strength of the scientific evidence underlying this dietary advice has been questioned. Recent investigations reappraise the previously declared deleterious role of the SFAs and reduce the positive role of PUFAs, mainly the omega-6, whereas the role of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) remains unclear. In contrast, the negative effects of trans fatty acids (TFAs) seem stronger than previously thought. Finally, criticisms have emerged from a dietary recommendation approach focussed on individual components rather than on wide food items and eating habits.     

2012—2018年某三甲教学医院住院患者死亡病例统计分析

目的通过对广州某三甲教学医院2012—2018年住院患者死亡病例的统计分析,了解该院住院患者死因构成的变化情况。方法利用该院病案信息系统检索到研究年限内死亡病例3243例,对病例的年龄、性别、死亡主要诊断等方面资料进行整理,采用SPSS 23.0软件进行数据统计和分析。结果2012—2018年,该院住院患者死亡共3243人;死亡患者男女性别比为1.59;60岁以上住院患者死亡人数超过全部死亡人数的一半(占57.63%);不同性别间,30~69岁患者男性死亡占比高于女性,以40~49岁组的男女差值最大(3.33%);肿瘤、循环系统疾病和呼吸系统疾病导致的死亡占比之和在各个年份中均超过65%,是导致住院患者死亡的主要病因。研究期内,肿瘤导致的死亡占比呈下降趋势,损伤与中毒导致的死亡占比则明显上升。结论肿瘤、循环和呼吸系统疾病仍是导致住院患者死亡的主要病种,需关注老年患者疾病防治情况,并从医院工作上对近年来明显增多的损伤中毒导致住院患者死亡的情况采取应对措施。     

Association between Plant-Based Dietary Patterns and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies

Plant-based diets, characterized by a higher consumption of plant foods and a lower consumption of animal foods, are associated with a favorable cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, but evidence regarding the association between plant-based diets and CVD (including coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke) incidence remain inconclusive. A literature search was conducted using the PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases through December 2020 to identify prospective observational studies that examined the associations between plant-based diets and CVD incidence among adults. A systematic review and a meta-analysis using random effects models and dose–response analyses were performed. Ten studies describing nine unique cohorts were identified with a total of 698,707 participants (including 137,968 CVD, 41,162 CHD and 13,370 stroke events). Compared with the lowest adherence, the highest adherence to plant-based diets was associated with a lower risk of CVD (RR 0.84; 95% CI 0.79–0.89) and CHD (RR 0.88; 95% CI 0.81–0.94), but not of stroke (RR 0.87; 95% CI 0.73–1.03). Higher overall plant-based diet index (PDI) and healthful PDI scores were associated with a reduced CVD risk. These results support the claim that diets lower in animal foods and unhealthy plant foods, and higher in healthy plant foods are beneficial for CVD prevention. Protocol was published in PROSPERO (No. CRD42021223188).     

Ethnic group differences in cardiovascular risk assessment scores: national cross-sectional study

Objectives. There are marked inequalities in cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence and outcomes between ethnic groups. CVD risk scores are increasingly used in preventive medicine and should aim to accurately reflect differences between ethnic groups. Ethnicity, as an independent risk factor for CVD, can be accounted for in CVD risk scores primarily using two methods, either directly incorporating it as a risk factor in the algorithm or through a post hoc adjustment of risk. We aim to compare these two methods in terms of their prediction of CVD across ethnic groups using representative national data from England.

Design. A cross-sectional study using data from the Health Survey for England. We measured ethnic group differences in risk estimation between the QRISK2, which includes ethnicity and Joint British Societies 2 (JBS2) algorithm, which uses post hoc risk adjustment factor for South Asian men.

Results. The QRISK2 score produces lower median estimates of CVD risk than JBS2 overall (6.6% [lower quartile–upper quartile (LQ-UQ) = 4.0–18.6] compared with 9.3% [LQ-UQ = 2.3–16.9]). Differences in median risk scores are significantly greater in South Asian men (7.5% [LQ-UQ = 3.6–12.5]) compared with White men (3.0% [LQ-UQ = 0.7–5.9]). Using QRISK2, 19.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 16.2–22.0] fewer South Asian men are designated at high risk compared with 8.8% (95% CI = 5.9–7.8) fewer in White men. Across all ethnic groups, women had a lower median QRISK2 score (0.72 [LQ-UQ = ? 0.6 to 2.13]), although relatively more (2.0% [95% CI = 1.4–2.6]) were at high risk than with JBS2.

Conclusions. Ethnicity is an important CVD risk factor. Current scoring tools used in the UK produce significantly different estimates of CVD risk within ethnic groups, particularly in South Asian men. Work to accurately estimate CVD risk in ethnic minority groups is important if CVD prevention programmes are to address health inequalities.     

An Economic Evaluation of Valsartan for Post-MI Patients in the UK Who Are Not Suitable for Treatment with ACE Inhibitors

Objectives:  The overall objective of this study was to estimate the costs and outcomes associated with treatment with valsartan for post-myocardial infarction (post-MI) patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction, heart failure, or both, who are not suitable for treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, compared to placebo.
Methods:  A Markov model, using data drawn from the Valsartan in Acute Myocardial Infarction (VALIANT) trial and other trials, was developed to predict the future health pathways, resource use, and costs for patients who have recently experienced an MI. Patients received either valsartan (mean dose 247 mg) or placebo. Cost data were drawn from national databases and published literature, although health outcome utility weights were derived from existing studies. Patient outcomes were modeled for 10 years, and incremental cost-effective ratios were calculated for valsartan compared with placebo.
Results:  Over a period of 10 years, a cohort of 1000 patients treated with valsartan experienced 147 fewer cardiovascular deaths, 37 fewer nonfatal MIs, and 95 fewer cases of heart failure than a cohort who received placebo. The incremental cost of valsartan, compared with placebo, was £2680 per patient, although the incremental effectiveness of valsartan was 0.5021 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained per patient. Therefore, the incremental cost per QALY for treatment with valsartan was £5338. When analysis was undertaken using life-years rather than QALYs, the cost per life-year gained was £4672.
Conclusions:  For patients who are not suitable for treatment with ACE inhibitors, valsartan is a viable and cost-effective treatment for their management after an MI.     

PM2.5对成人及胎儿心血管系统不良效应

近年中国大气污染严重,其健康影响受到人们高度关注。大气颗粒物污染中细颗粒物（PM_2.5）的健康危害最大。大量证据表明,大气PM_2.5与心血管疾病有密切关系,并且PM_2.5对成年期和胎儿期这两个不同时期心血管系统的不良效应存在统计学差异。本文分别针对PM_2.5对成人心血管系统及胎儿心血管发育不良效应的研究进展作一回顾。     

Association between daily mortality from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and air pollution in Taiwan

Background

Many studies have investigated the effects of air pollutants on disease and mortality. However, the results remain inconsistent and inconclusive. We thought that the impact of different seasons or ages of people may explain these differences.

Methods

Measurement of the five pollutants (particulate matter <10 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM₁₀), SO₂, NO₂, O₃, and CO) was monitored by automated measuring units at five different stations. Monitoring stations were provided by the Taiwan Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from 1997 to 1999. The subjects in the study were classified in two groups: those 65 years of age and older, and those of all ages (including the subjects in the ?65 group). Data on daily mortality caused by respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, and all other causes including the two aforementioned was collected by the Taiwan Department of Health (DOH). A time-series regression model was used to analyze the relative risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases due to air pollution in the summer and winter seasons.

Results

Risk of death from all causes and mortality from cardiovascular diseases during winter was significantly positively correlated with levels of SO₂, CO, and NO₂ for both groups of subjects and additionally with PM₁₀ for the elderly (?65 years old) group. There were significant positive correlations with respiratory diseases and levels of O₃ for both groups. However, the only significant positive correlation was with O₃ (RR=1.283) for the elderly group during summer. No other parameters showed significance for either group.

Conclusion

Our findings contribute to the evidence of an association between SO₂, CO, NO₂, and PM₁₀ and mortality from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, especially among elderly people during the winter season.     

心血管疾病家族史和吸烟对缺血性脑卒中发病的联合效应

目的 探讨蒙古族人群心血管疾病家族史和吸烟的联合作用与缺血性脑卒中事件发生的关系。方法 2002-2003年在完成2589名蒙古族研究对象基线调查的基础上,进行10年随访观察,将缺血性脑卒中作为终点事件。按心血管疾病家族史与吸烟状况将2589名研究对象分为无心血管疾病家族史/不吸烟、无心血管疾病家族史/吸烟、心血管疾病家族史/不吸烟、心血管疾病家族史/吸烟四组。以Kaplan-Meier(K-M)方法描述4个组研究对象的缺血性脑卒中累积发病率。应用Cox比例风险模型,估计发生缺血性脑卒中的风险比(HR)及其95%CI。结果 K-M分析结果显示,上述4个组的累积发病率分别为1.17%(15/1278)、3.83%(37/967)、5.70%(9/158)、8.33%(15/180)。经Cox模型分析,在调整年龄、男性、饮酒情况、SBP、DBP、BMI、FPG、TC、TG、LDL-C后,与无心血管疾病家族史/不吸烟组相比,无心血管疾病家族史/吸烟组、有心血管疾病家族史/吸烟组的HR值分别为2.26(95%CI:1.19~4.28)和2.45(95%CI:1.13~5.33),差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),以心血管疾病家族史/吸烟组发生缺血性脑卒中的危险性最高。结论 具有心血管疾病家族史的吸烟人群可增加缺血性脑卒中的危险性。     

Homocysteine, folate, vitamin B12, and cardiovascular risk in Indians, Malays, and Chinese in Singapore

OBJECTIVE: To examine the hypothesis that the higher rates of coronary heart disease (CHD) in Indians (South Asians) compared with Malays and Chinese is partly attributable to differences in blood concentrations of homocysteine, and related blood concentrations of folate and vitamin B12. DESIGN: Cross sectional study of the general population. SETTING: Singapore. PARTICIPANTS: Random sample of 726 fasting subjects aged 30 to 69 years. MAIN RESULTS: Mean plasma total homocysteine concentrations did not show significant ethnic differences; values were Indians (men 16.2 and women 11.5 mumol/l), Malays (men 15.0 and women 12.5 mumol/l), and Chinese (men 15.3 and women 12.2 mumol/l). Similarly, the proportions with high plasma homocysteine (> 14.0 mumol/l) showed no important ethnic differences being, Indians (men 60.0 and women 21.9%), Malays (men 53.9 and women 37.8%), and Chinese (men 56.6 and women 30.6%). Mean plasma folate concentrations were lower in Indians (men 8.7 and women 10.9 nmol/l) and Malays (men 8.5 and women 10.8 nmol/l), than Chinese (men 9.7 and women 13.8 nmol/l). Similarly, the proportions with low plasma folate (< 6.8 nmol/l) were higher in Indians (men 44.9 and women 36.6%) and Malays (men 45.3 and women 24.5%) than Chinese (men 31.4 and women 12.6%). Mean plasma vitamin B12 concentrations were lowest in Indians (men 352.5 and women 350.7 pmol/l), then Chinese (men 371.1 and women 373.7 pmol/l), and then Malays (men 430.5 and women 486.0 pmol/l). CONCLUSION: While there were ethnic differences for plasma folate and vitamin B12 (in particular lower levels in Indians), there was no evidence that homocysteine plays any part in the differential ethnic risk from CHD in Singapore and in particular the increased susceptibility of Indians to the disease.     

Particulate matter exposures, mortality, and cardiovascular disease in the health professionals follow-up study

Background: The association of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular outcomes with air pollution exposures has been well established in the literature. The number of studies examining chronic exposures in cohorts is growing, with more recent studies conducted among women finding risk estimates of greater magnitude. Questions remain regarding sex differences in the relationship of chronic particulate matter (PM) exposures with mortality and cardiovascular outcomes.Objectives: In this study we explored these associations in the all-male Health Professionals Follow-Up Study prospective cohort.Methods: The same spatiotemporal exposure estimation models, similar outcomes, and biennially updated covariates were used as those previously applied in the female Nurses’ Health Study cohort.Results: Among 17,545 men residing in the northeastern and midwestern United States, there were 2,813 deaths, including 746 cases of fatal coronary heart disease (CHD). An interquartile range change (4 µg/m³) in average exposure to PM ≤ 2.5 µm in diameter in the 12 previous months was not associated with all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.94; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.87–1.00] or fatal CHD (HR = 0.99; 95% CI, 0.87–1.13) in fully adjusted models. Findings were similar for separate models of exposure to PM ≤ 10 µm in diameter and PM between 2.5 and 10 µm in diameter and for copollutant models.Conclusions: Among this cohort of men with high socioeconomic status living in the midwestern and northeastern United States, the results did not support an association of chronic PM exposures with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular outcomes in models with time-varying covariates. Whether these findings suggest sex differences in susceptibility or the protective impact of healthier lifestyles and higher socioeconomic status requires additional investigation.