Intra-thoracic fat, cardiometabolic risk factors, and subclinical cardiovascular disease in healthy, recently menopausal women screened for the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS)

ObjectiveTo examine the correlations between intra-hepatic and intra-thoracic (total, epicardial, and pericardial) fat deposition with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and subclinical atherosclerosis burden in healthy, recently postmenopausal women.MethodsWomen screened for the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (mean age 52.9 years) who underwent electron beam or multidetector computed tomography (CT) imaging for the quantification of intra-hepatic fat and thoracic adipose tissue, and coronary artery calcification (CAC) were included (n = 650).ResultsHigher levels of intra-hepatic and thoracic fat were each associated with CVD risk markers. After adjustment for BMI, the associations for intra-hepatic fat with hs-CRP and insulin persisted (r = 0.21 and 0.19, respectively; P < 0.001), while those between thoracic fat indices and lipids persisted (r for total thoracic fat with HDL, LDL, and triglycerides = ?0.16, 0.11, and 0.11, respectively, P < 0.05). Total thoracic fat was associated with CAC after initial multivariable adjustment (odds ratio [OR] of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th vs. 1st quartile and [95% confidence intervals]: 0.8 [0.4–1.6], 1.5 [0.8–2.9], and 1.8 [1.0–3.4]; p for linear trend = 0.017) and was only slightly attenuated after additional adjustment for BMI. Associations between total thoracic fat and CVD risk markers and CAC appeared due slightly more to associations with epicardial than pericardial fat.ConclusionWhile hepatic fat is related to hs-CRP and insulin, cardiac fat is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis as demonstrated by CAC. Cardiac fat may represent a useful marker for increased CVD risk beyond the standard adiposity measures of BMI and WC.     

Lower extremity peripheral artery disease in the absence of traditional risk factors. The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

ObjectiveLower-extremity peripheral artery disease (LE-PAD), is strongly related to traditional risk factors (smoking, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes). We hypothesized that the prevalence of LE-PAD in the absence of traditional CVD risk factors is not negligible, and that this condition would remain associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in other territories.MethodsIn the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, we classified participants without any traditional risk factor according to their ankle-brachial index (ABI) into 3 groups: low (<1.00), normal (1.00–1.30) and high (>1.30) ABI. Coronary or carotid artery diseases were defined by the presence of any coronary artery calcification (CAC score > 0) or carotid plaque, respectively.ResultsAmong the 6814 participants, 1932 had no traditional risk factors. A low- and high ABI were found in 176 (9%) and 149 (7.8%) cases, respectively. Lower glomerular filtration rate (OR: 0.88/10 units, p = 0.04) and higher Interleukin-6 levels (OR: 1.42/natural-log unit, p = 0.02) were associated with low ABI. Past smoking (cessation > 10 years) and pulse pressure had borderline association with low ABI. In adjusted models, low-ABI was significantly associated with CAC prevalence (OR: 1.22, p < 0.03). No significant association was found with carotid plaque.ConclusionIn the absence of traditional CVD risk factors, LE-PAD is still common and associated with coronary artery disease.     

Adiponectin G276T gene polymorphism is associated with cardiovascular disease in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes

ObjectiveAdiponectin has anti-atherogenic properties and reduced serum adiponectin levels are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this study, we examined the relationship between CVD and adiponectin (ADIPOQ) gene G276T polymorphism that is associated with serum adiponectin level in a large cohort of type 2 diabetic patients.Research design and methodsWe enrolled 2637 Japanese type 2 diabetic subjects (males, 61.1%; age, 54.9 ± 7.9 years old), determined their genotypes regarding ADIPOQ G276T polymorphisms, and evaluated the association between this polymorphism and the prevalence of CVD (myocardial infarction and/or cerebral infarction).ResultsThe prevalence of CVD tended to be higher as the number of G alleles increased [GG (9.5%), GT (6.8%), TT (5.6%), p value for trend = 0.0059] and was significantly higher in the subjects with GG genotype compared to those with GT or TT genotype (9.5% vs. 6.6%, p = 0.0060). Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that the number of G alleles (Odds ratio (OR) = 1.49 with 95%CI 1.09–2.05, p = 0.0125) and GG genotype (OR = 1.66 with 95%CI 1.13–2.43, p = 0.0098) were significantly associated with CVD even after adjustment for conventional risk factors. Interestingly, the presence of obesity further and significantly increased the risk of CVD in the subjects with GG genotype (OR = 1.67 with 95%CI 1.14–2.44, p = 0.0090) but not in the subjects with TT or GT genotype (OR = 1.17 with 95%CI 0.73–1.89, NS).ConclusionsIt is likely that the G allele of the ADIPOQ G276T polymorphism is a susceptibility allele for CVD in Japanese type 2 diabetic patients, especially when they accompany obesity.     

Coronary calcification is more predictive of carotid intimal medial thickness in black compared to white middle aged men

BackgroundRace-specific data for the association between coronary artery calcification (CAC) and carotid intimal medial thickness (IMT) are limited. We sought to compare black-white specific associations of these two measures.MethodsWe conducted a population-based study of 379 randomly selected men aged 40–49 years (84 black and 295 white) from Allegheny County, US (2004–2006). Agatston CAC score was evaluated by electron-beam tomography and carotid IMT was evaluated by ultrasonography.ResultsCompared to white men, black men had similar prevalence of CAC (p = 0.56) and higher total carotid IMT (p < 0.001). In black and white men, CAC score had significant positive correlations with total carotid IMT (r = 0.47 and r = 0.24, respectively, p < 0.001 for both) as well as the IMT for the common carotid artery (CCA), internal carotid artery and carotid bulb. The associations of CAC with total and CCA IMT were significantly stronger in black (β = 0.07 and β = 0.05, respectively) than white men (β = 0.03 and β = 0.01, respectively) after adjustment for traditional coronary risk factors (p = 0.046 and p = 0.036, respectively).ConclusionsIn black and white middle aged men, CAC score had significant positive correlations with total and segmental carotid IMT. CAC was more predictive of total and CCA IMT in black than white men independent of coronary risk factors.     

Knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors and awareness of non-pharmacological approach for risk prevention in young survivors of acute myocardial infarction. The cardiovascular risk prevention project "Help Your Heart Stay Young"

Background and aimsKnowledge of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in young patients who experienced myocardial infarction (MI) is poorly described.Methods and resultsKnowledge of traditional CVD risk factors, non-fatal cardiovascular events and of non-pharmacological factors able to reduce CVD risk and education level were evaluated by questionnaires in subjects who visited their family doctors. Sixty-one participants with history of MI in age <50 years (MI+) were compared with 3749 subjects with age <50 years, from the same population source, but without history of MI (MI−). MI+ were more frequently men (p < 0.01), did not have significantly higher prevalences of family history of CVD, diabetes and hypertension. MI+ individuals reported previous non-fatal stroke (13% vs. 0.5%, p < 0.001), overweight, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia (all p < 0.001) more frequently than controls, whereas prevalence of arterial hypertension, smoking habit and physical inactivity did not differ between the two groups; MI+ and MI− individuals did not differ in terms of the proportion of those who were unaware of being hypertensive, diabetic or hypercholesterolemic. MI+ participants reported more frequently lower education level than controls (p < 0.05). Knowledge of non-pharmacological approach for CVD risk reduction was similar in MI+ and MI−. In a logistic multivariate analysis, male gender (adjusted odds ratio = 5.8) and high cholesterol level (adjusted odds ratio 2.8, both p < 0.01) were independent correlates of MI+. CVD risk factors distribution was similar between participants with juvenile MI+ and MI in age ≥50 years (n = 167) extracted from the same population source; however, stroke was reported more frequently in juvenile MI+ than in those who had MI at age ≥50 years/old (13% vs. 4%, p < 0.01).ConclusionsJuvenile non-fatal MI was associated with metabolic CVD risk factors, with higher cerebrovascular co-morbidity and lower education level.     

Abdominal aortic calcium and multi-site atherosclerosis: the Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

BackgroundAbdominal aortic calcification (AAC) is a measure of subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD). Data are limited regarding its relation to other measures of atherosclerosis.MethodsAmong 1812 subjects (49% female, 21% black, 14% Chinese, and 25% Hispanic) within the population-based Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, we examined the cross-sectional relation of AAC with coronary artery calcium (CAC), ankle brachial index (ABI), and carotid intimal medial thickness (CIMT), as well as multiple measures of subclinical CVD.ResultsAAC prevalence ranged from 34% in those aged 45–54 to 94% in those aged 75–84 (p < 0.0001), was highest in Caucasians (79%) and lowest in blacks (62%) (p < 0.0001). CAC prevalence, mean maximum CIMT ≥ 1 mm, and ABI < 0.9 was greater in those with vs. without AAC: CAC 60% vs. 16%, CIMT 38% vs. 7%, and ABI 5% vs. 1% for women and CAC 80% vs. 37%, CIMT 43% vs. 16%, and ABI 4% vs. 2% for men (p < 0.01 for all except p < 0.05 for ABI in men). The substantially greater prevalence for CAC in men compared to women all ages is not seen for AAC. By age 65, 97% of men and 91% of women have AAC, CAC, increased CIMT, and/or low ABI. The presence of multi-site atherosclerosis (≥3 of the above) ranged from 20% in women to 30% in men (p < 0.001), was highest in Caucasians (28%) and lowest in Chinese (16%) and ranged from 5% in those aged 45–54 to 53% in those aged 75–84 (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001). Finally, increased AAC was associated with 2–3-old relative risks for the presence of increased CIMT, low ABI, or CAC.ConclusionsAAC is associated with an increased likelihood of other vascular atherosclerosis. Its additive prognostic value to these other measures is of further interest.     

Non-HDL cholesterol is strongly associated with coronary artery calcification in asymptomatic individuals

BackgroundGrowing evidence shows that non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (Non-HDL-C) is a strong and independent predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Few studies have assessed the association between traditional lipid measures and subclinical end points. In this study we analyzed the association of Non-HDL-C, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides (TG) with coronary artery calcium (CAC), a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis.MethodsThe study population consisted of 1611 consecutive asymptomatic individuals (67% men, mean age: 53 ± 10 years) referred to a single electron beam tomography (EBT) facility for CAC screening. Multivariate logistic regression was used to test the association between increasing quartiles of lipid levels and presence of CAC score (CACS) > 0 and CACS ≥ 100, with the lowest levels (first quartile) of lipid values as reference.ResultsOverall CACS of 0, 1–99, 100–399 and ≥400, were observed in 35%, 44%, 12% and 9% of the study subjects, respectively. The prevalence of CAC increased significantly across increasing quartiles of LDL-C, TG and Non-HDL-C (all p < 0.0001), whereas CACS was significantly lower across increasing quartiles of HDL-C (p < 0.001). In a multivariate model controlling for age, gender, race, cigarette smoking, hypertension, family history of coronary artery disease and obesity, there was a significant increase in the prevalence of CAC with increasing values of each lipid variable. In a multivariate model simultaneously controlling for increasing quartiles of the remaining lipid variables, only the association of Non-HDL-C with CACS > 0 remained statistically significant (p = 0.002). Similar results were observed with CACS ≥ 100 (p = 0.038).ConclusionIn this study Non-HDL-C was more strongly associated with subclinical atherosclerosis than all other conventional lipid values. These data suggests that Non-HDL-C may be an important treatment target in primary prevention.     

Telomerase, telomere length, and coronary artery calcium in black and white men in the CARDIA study

ObjectiveTo evaluate whether telomerase activity, measured in circulating blood leukocytes, might be associated with prevalent atherosclerosis, or predict future coronary artery disease risk.Methods and resultsWe examined associations of telomerase activity levels measured at year 15 in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study with prevalent coronary artery calcium (CAC), progressive CAC at year 20, and incident CAC between years 15 and 20, in 440 black and white men aged 33–45 years. Telomere length was also measured in a subset of participants (N = 129).In multivariate-adjusted analysis, higher quartiles of telomerase were cross-sectionally associated with greater odds of prevalent CAC at year 15 (quartile 2: OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 0.54–3.23; quartile 3: OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 0.60–3.30; quartile 4: OR = 3.27, 95% CI: 1.39–7.71 compared with quartile 1, p-continuous = 0.012) and progressive CAC at year 20, but telomerase was not significantly associated with incidence of newly detectable CAC. Higher telomerase activity levels predicted greater CAC progression at year 20 among persons with short telomere length; low telomerase and short TL predicted less CAC progression.ConclusionTelomerase activity in leukocytes was associated with calcified atherosclerotic plaque, and was also a predictor of advancing plaque among persons with short telomeres.     

Impaired post-ischaemic microvascular hyperaemia in Indian Asians is unexplained by diabetes or other cardiovascular risk factors

ObjectivePeople of Indian Asian descent have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) that cannot be explained by diabetes and other established CVD risk factors. We investigated if microcirculatory function was impaired in a population-based sample of people of Indian Asian descent compared with Europeans in the UK and whether any differences could be accounted for by diabetes or other CVD risk factors.Research design and methodsCutaneous microvascular function was assessed using laser Doppler fluximetry in response to heating to 42 °C (maximum hyperaemia) and 3 min arterial occlusion (post occlusive reactive hyperaemia: PORH) in 148 Indian Asians and 147 Europeans. Blood pressure, anthropometry and fasting bloods were also measured.ResultsMaximum hyperaemia and minimum resistance did not differ significantly by ethnicity. Resting flux and PORH were lower in Indian Asians and time to peak of PORH was prolonged. Diabetes was associated with reduced maximum hyperaemia and PORH. Adjustment for diabetes accounted for differences in resting flux and time to peak but not differences in PORH (Europeans = 45.0 (40.3, 50.1)au, Indian Asians = 35.6 (31.9, 39.7)au, mean (95% confidence interval); p = 0.008 after adjustment). Differences in conventional CVD risk factors did not account for interethnic differences in microvascular responses.ConclusionsPeople of Indian Asian descent have impaired post-occlusive reactive hyperaemia unexplained by diabetes, dysglycaemia or other CVD risk factors. Abnormal microvascular function in response to ischaemia could represent a novel mechanism contributing to the elevated risk of CVD in Indian Asians.     

Increased volume of epicardial fat is an independent risk factor for accelerated progression of sub-clinical coronary atherosclerosis

BackgroundEpicardial adipose tissue (EAT), a metabolically active visceral fat depot surrounding the heart, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD) through possible paracrine interaction with the coronary arteries. We examined the association of EAT with metabolic syndrome and the prevalence and progression of coronary artery calcium (CAC) burden.MethodsCAC scan was performed in 333 asymptomatic diabetic patients without prior history of CAD (median age 54 years, 62% males), followed by a repeat scan after 2.7 ± 0.3 years. CAC progression was defined as >2.5 mm³ increase in square root transformed volumetric CAC scores. EAT and intra-thoracic fat volumes were quantified using a dedicated software (QFAT), and were examined in relation to the metabolic syndrome, baseline CAC scores and CAC progression.ResultsBoth epicardial and intra-thoracic fat were associated with metabolic syndrome after adjustment for conventional cardiovascular risk factors, but the association was attenuated after additional adjustment for body mass index. EAT, but not intra-thoracic fat, showed significant association with baseline CAC scores (odds ratio [OR] 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04–1.22, p = 0.04) and CAC progression (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.05–1.19, p < 0.001) after adjustment for conventional measures of obesity and risk factors.ConclusionEAT volume measured on non-contrast CT is an independent marker for the presence and severity of coronary calcium burden and also identifies individuals at increased risk of CAC progression. EAT quantification may thus add to the prognostic value of CAC imaging.     

Normal weight obese (NWO) women: an evaluation of a candidate new syndrome

Background and aimsObesity, an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), has been associated with the early development of coronary atherosclerosis in adolescents and young men. A subset of metabolically obese but normal weight individuals was identified, with potentially increased risks for development of the metabolic syndrome despite their normal body mass index. We determined the relationship among body fat distribution and selected CVD risk factors to distinguish normal weight obese from controls with normal metabolic profiles.Methods and resultsWe analysed anthropometric variables, body composition by DXA, RMR by indirect calorimetry and bioumoral variables of 74 clinically healthy Caucasian Italian women. Significant differences were observed in the biochemical HDL-chol values between NWO and controls and pre-obese-obese. Significant correlations were found among cardiovascular risk indexes, LEAN of the right part of the trunk and TC/HDL (R = −0.69, p < 0.001) and LDL/HDL (R = −0.72, p < 0.001), and LEAN and RMR (R = 0.44, p = 0.022) of NWO women.ConclusionsIn normal weight obese women the cardiovascular risk indexes are related to metabolic variables and to body fat mass distribution. NWO individuals showed a relationship between the decrease in LEAN of the left leg and an increase in CVD risk factors. We suggest that LEAN distribution seems to be a potential predictor of CVD.     

Benefits from intracoronary as compared to intravenous abciximab administration for STEMI patients undergoing primary angioplasty: a meta-analysis of 8 randomized trials

BackgroundAdjunctive abciximab administration has been demonstrated to reduce mortality and reinfarction in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) referred to invasive management. Standard abciximab regimen consists of an intravenous (IV) bolus followed by a 12-h IV infusion. Experimental studies and small clinical trials suggest the superiority of intracoronary (IC) injection of abciximab over IV route. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to perform a meta-analysis of randomized trials (RCTs) to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of IC vs IV abciximab administration in STEMI patients undergoing primary angioplasty.MethodsWe obtained results from all RCTs enrolling STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The primary endpoint was mortality, while recurrent myocardial infarction, postprocedural epicardial (TIMI 3) and myocardial (MBG 2–3) perfusion were identified as secondary endpoints. The safety endpoint was the risk of major bleeding complications.ResultsA total of 8 randomized trials were finally included in the meta-analysis, enrolling a total of 3259 patients. As compared to IV route, IC abciximab was associated with a significant improvement in myocardial perfusion (OR [95% CI] = 1.76 [1.28–2.42], p < 0.001), without significant benefits in terms of mortality (OR [95% CI] = 0.85 [0.59–1.23], p = 0.39), reinfarction (OR [95% CI] = 0.79 [0.46–1.33], p = 0.37), or major bleeding complications (OR [95% CI] = 1.19 [0.76–1.87], p = 0.44). However, we observed a significant relationship between patient's risk profile and mortality benefits from IC abciximab administration (p = 0.011).ConclusionsThe present updated meta-analysis showed that IC administration of abciximab is associated with significant benefits in myocardial perfusion, but not in clinical outcome at short-term follow-up as compared to IV abciximab administration, without any excess of major bleedings in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI. However, a significant relationship was observed between patient's risk profile and mortality benefits from IC abciximab administration. Therefore, waiting for long-term follow-up results and additional randomized trials, IC abciximab administration cannot be routinely recommended, but may be considered in high-risk patients.     

Obesity markers and estimated 10-year fatal cardiovascular risk in Switzerland

Background and aimThere is an ongoing debate on which obesity marker better predicts cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this study, the relationships between obesity markers and high (>5%) 10-year risk of fatal CVD were assessed.Methods and resultsA cross-sectional study was conducted including 3047 women and 2689 men aged 35–75 years. Body fat percentage was assessed by tetrapolar bioimpedance. CVD risk was assessed using the SCORE risk function and gender- and age-specific cut points for body fat were derived. The diagnostic accuracy of each obesity marker was evaluated through receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis.In men, body fat presented a higher correlation (r = 0.31) with 10-year CVD risk than waist/hip ratio (WHR, r = 0.22), waist (r = 0.22) or BMI (r = 0.19); the corresponding values in women were 0.18, 0.15, 0.11 and 0.05, respectively (all p < 0.05). In both genders, body fat showed the highest area under the ROC curve (AUC): in men, the AUC (95% confidence interval) were 76.0 (73.8–78.2), 67.3 (64.6–69.9), 65.8 (63.1–68.5) and 60.6 (57.9–63.5) for body fat, WHR, waist and BMI, respectively. In women, the corresponding values were 72.3 (69.2–75.3), 66.6 (63.1–70.2), 64.1 (60.6–67.6) and 58.8 (55.2–62.4). The use of the body fat percentage criterion enabled the capture of three times more subjects with high CVD risk than the BMI criterion, and almost twice as much as the WHR criterion.ConclusionObesity defined by body fat percentage is more related with 10-year risk of fatal CVD than obesity markers based on WHR, waist or BMI.     

Urine α-Glutathione S-transferase, systemic inflammation and arterial function in juvenile type 1 diabetes

BackgroundDespite marked improvement in therapy and monitoring of patients with insulin-dependent (type 1) diabetes, diabetic nephropathy remains a serious complication, with subsequent end-stage renal disease in about 20% of cases.ObjectiveTo investigate in young patients with type 1 diabetes whether urine α-Glutathione S-transferase to creatinine ratio (α-GST:crea) relates to markers of systemic inflammation and subclinical vasculopathy.DesignChildren and adolescents (median age and diabetes duration 14 and 6 years, respectively) with type 1 diabetes screened in a previous study for proximal tubular (urine α-GST:crea ratio) and renal (plasma creatinine, cystatin C glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and timed urine albumin excretion rate (AER)) function were, within the same timeframe, also investigated for vascular (blood pressure, carotid artery intima–media thickness (IMT) and compliance (CAC), brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and plasma cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and inflammatory (C-reactive protein (CRP), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)) profiles. Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) was assessed through questionnaire (n = 67 respondents).ResultsNone of the patients (n = 69) had overt renal insufficiency. AER correlated with age (p = 0.01, r = 0.3), diabetes duration (p = 0.02, r = 0.3), FMD (p = 0.04, r = ? 0.3, n = 52), CAC (p = 0.03, r = ? 0.3, n = 62) and cGMP (p = 0.01, r = ? 0.3, n = 59). α-GST:crea was lower (p = 0.03) in patients than in controls. α-GST:crea appeared to be particularly lower in older patients (p = 0.004, r = ? 0.34 vs age), in those with worse diabetic control (p = 0.03, r = ? 0.26 vs HbA1c), and in those with lower carotid artery elasticity (p = 0.017, r = 0.3 vs CAC). Although ETS had no direct significant impact on α-GST:crea, α-GST:crea correlated with FMD only in patients with ETS (r = 0.5, p = 0.009, n = 13). α-GST:crea showed positive association with TNF-α (p = 0.01, r = 0.3).ConclusionIn children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes, lower levels of urine excretion of α-GST:crea appear to be associated with decreasing elasticity and endothelial vasomotor function of peripheral arteries, especially in patients with ETS. In contrast, higher levels of α-GST:crea are more common in patients with elevated markers of systemic inflammation. Large scale prospective studies are needed to clarify the meaning and mechanisms of this association.     

Dietary patterns and 5-year incidence of cardiovascular disease: a multivariate analysis of the ATTICA study

Background and aimsThe 5-year incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in relation to dietary habits, among men and women from Greece, was evaluated.Methods and resultsFrom May 2001 to December 2002, 1514 men and 1528 women (>18 years) without any clinical evidence of CVD, living in the Attica area, Greece, were enrolled in the ATTICA study. In 2006, a group of experts performed the 5-year follow-up (941 of the 3042 participants were lost). Development of CVD (coronary heart disease, acute coronary syndromes, stroke, or other CVD) during the follow-up period was defined according to WHO ICD-10 criteria. Principal Components Analysis was applied, and 15 dietary patterns were extracted (71% of total information explained) from 26 foods or food groups.The 5-year incidence of CVD was 11.0% in men and 6.1% in women (p < 0.001); the case fatality rate was 1.6%. Multi-adjusted analysis revealed that the dietary pattern that was mainly characterized by cereals, small fish, hardtack and olive oil intake, was associated with lower CVD risk (HR per 1 unit = 0.72, 95% CI 0.52–1.00); the pattern that was characterized by fruits, vegetables intake and olive oil use in daily cooking was associated with lower CVD risk (HR per 1 unit = 0.80, 95% CI 0.66–0.97); while patterns that were mainly characterized by sweets, red meat, margarine, salty nuts intake, and hard cheese, as well as alcohol intake, were associated with higher CVD risk (HR per 1 unit = 1.26, 95% CI 1.01–1.56, and HR per 1 unit = 1.32, 95% CI 1.05–1.66, respectively).ConclusionsMultivariate statistical methods revealed dietary patterns based on empirical epidemiological data which were associated with the development of CVD.     

Gender differences in epicardial and tissue-level reperfusion in patients undergoing primary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction

ObjectivePregnancy associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) is a potential new marker for vulnerable plaques in the coronary arteries only examined in stable coronary disease (CAD) in patients undergoing coronary angiography. Here we address the prognostic value of serum PAPP-A in unselected stable CAD patients.MethodBlood samples were drawn at study entry. Serum PAPP-A values ≥4 mIU/L were considered elevated. Mortality and non-fatal myocardial infarction was prospectively registered. The primary outcome was the composite outcome of myocardial infarction and all-cause mortality, secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality and myocardial infarction.ResultsPatients (n = 4243) were followed for a median of 2.8 years. In a Cox analysis, elevated PAPP-A was significantly related to the composite outcome of myocardial infarction and death (HR 1.99, 95% CI 1.62–2.45, p < 0.0005), all-cause mortality (HR 2.42, 1.92–3.06, p < 0.0005), and myocardial infarction (HR 1.40, 1.01–1.94, p = 0.046). After Holm's correction, the latter significance disappeared. After adjustment for risk factors and medication at entry, elevated PAPP-A remained significantly related to the composite outcome (HR 1.51, 1.22–1.86, p < 0.0005) and all-cause mortality (HR 1.68, 1.32–2.13, p < 0.0005).ConclusionIn patients with stable CAD elevated serum PAPP-A seems promising as aid in identifying patients at high risk for death.     

Interleukin-18 and the risk of future cardiovascular disease among initially healthy women

ObjectiveElevated levels of interleukin (IL)-18 have been implicated in the development of atherosclerosis in animals. Data in humans are less clear, and data in women are particularly scarce.Methods and resultsIn a prospective nested case–control study of initially healthy women, we measured baseline plasma IL-18 levels in 253 participants who subsequently developed cardiovascular disease (CVD) and in 253 healthy age- and smoking-matched controls. IL-18 levels were higher at baseline among those who developed CVD (274.1 pg/mL versus 233.8 pg/mL, P < 0.001), and were associated with future CVD (relative risk (RR) for highest versus lowest quartile 2.53; 95% CI, 1.47–4.35, P < 0.001). While that risk was attenuated after adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors (RR 1.60; 95% CI, 0.77–3.34, P = 0.13), those with IL-18 levels at or above a threshold of the 90th percentile (442 pg/mL) remained at elevated risk after adjustment (RR 2.40; 95% CI, 1.05–5.56, P = 0.04). Levels of IL-18 above this threshold modify the fully adjusted risk of future CVD conferred by elevated levels of total cholesterol (P_interaction = 0.02).ConclusionsIn this population of apparently healthy women, IL-18 levels associate with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, but that risk is attenuated in models adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Very high levels of IL-18 interact with hypercholesterolemia to alter CVD risk.     

Recently postmenopausal women have the same prevalence of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis as age and traditional risk factor matched men

ObjectiveTo compare the prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis between postmenopausal women and men of similar age early after the onset of menopause.MethodsIn the first part of this cross-sectional study 186 non-diabetic young postmenopausal women (n = 101, menopausal age ≤10 years) and men (n = 85) aged 40–60 years without overt CVD were consecutively recruited from the outpatients clinics of an academic hospital. Subclinical carotid atherosclerosis was assessed by high-resolution ultrasonography. The presence of carotid atherosclerosis was defined as either increased carotid intima-media thickness (IMT > 0.9 mm) and/or the presence of plaques. In the second part, 1:1 matching for age and traditional risk factors (hyperlipidemia, smoking, hypertension and BMI) was performed between men and women of this cohort resulting in a matched sub-sample of 76 subjects.ResultsBy multivariate analysis, gender was not an independent determinant of any measure of carotid atherosclerosis. In the matched sub-sample, carotid IMT and the number of segments with atherosclerosis did not significantly differ between women and men (0.734 ± 0.119 mm and 1.47 ± 1.6 versus 0.717 ± 0.138 mm and 1.47 ± 1.5, p = 0.575 and p = 0.999, respectively). Also, the prevalence of increased IMT (60.5% in both genders), carotid plaques and subclinical atherosclerosis (31.6% and 63.2% versus 28.9% and 65.8%, p = 0.803 and p = 0.811, respectively) was similar between men and women.ConclusionsThe prevalence and severity of carotid atherosclerosis was similar between men and young postmenopausal women matched for traditional risk factors. Whether these women may be better risk stratified irrespective of gender should be further assessed in prospective studies.     

The multi-faceted outcomes of conjunct diabetes and cardiovascular familial history in type 2 diabetes

BackgroundFamilial history of early-onset CHD (EOCHD) is a major risk factor for CHD. Familial diabetes history (FDH) impacts β-cell function. Some transmissible, accretional gradient of CHD risk may exist when diabetes and EOCHD familial histories combine. We investigated whether the impact of such combination is neutral, additive, or potentiating in T2DM descendants, as regards cardiometabolic phenotype, glucose homeostasis and micro-/macroangiopathies.MethodsCross-sectional retrospective cohort study of 796 T2DM divided according to presence (Diab[+]) or absence (Diab[?]) of 1st-degree diabetes familial history and/or EOCHD (CVD(+) and (?)). Four subgroups: (i) [Diab(?)CVD(?)] (n = 355); (ii) [Diab(+)CVD(?)] (n = 338); (iii) [Diab(?)CVD(+)] (n = 47); and (iv) [Diab(+)CVD(+)] (n = 56).ResultsNo interaction on subgroup distribution between presence of both familial histories, the combination of which translated into additive detrimental outcomes and higher rates of fat mass, sarcopenia, _hsCRP and retinopathy. FDH(+) had lower insulinemia, insulin secretion, hyperbolic product, and accelerated hyperbolic product loss. An EOCHD family history affected neither insulin secretion nor sensitivity. There were significant differences regarding macroangiopathy/CAD, more prevalent in [Diab(?)CVD(+)] and [Diab(+)CVD(+)]. Among CVD(+), the highest macroangiopathy prevalence was observed in [Diab(?)CVD(+)], who had 66% macroangiopathy, and 57% CAD, rates higher (absolute-relative) by 23%–53% (overall) and 21%–58% (CAD) than [Diab(+)CVD(+)], who inherited the direst cardiometabolic familial history (p 0.0288 and 0.0310).ConclusionsA parental history for diabetes markedly affects residual insulin secretion and secretory loss rate in T2DM offspring without worsening insulin resistance. It paradoxically translated into lower macroangiopathy with concurrent familial EOCHD. Conjunct diabetes and CV familial histories generate multi-faceted vascular outcomes in offspring, including lesser macroangiopathy/CAD.     

Exercise training enhances autonomic function after acute myocardial infarction: A randomized controlled study

IntroductionHeart rate recovery, defined as the fall in heart rate during the first minute after exercise, is an indicator of autonomic function, and has been found to be an independent predictor of mortality after acute myocardial infarction. Exercise training has several well-known benefits in terms of cardiorespiratory fitness, modifiable cardiovascular risk factors and prognosis after acute coronary events. However, there are no randomized controlled studies in the literature evaluating the effects of exercise training per se, controlling for changes in medication and diet, on heart rate recovery. Thus, this study aims to assess the effects of exercise training on autonomic function in coronary artery disease patients recovering from acute myocardial infarction.MethodsThirty-eight patients following a first acute myocardial infarction participated in this prospective randomized clinical trial. Patients were randomized into two groups: exercise training or control. The exercise group participated in an 8-week aerobic exercise program, while the control received standard medical care and follow-up. Changes in hemodynamics at rest and at peak exercise (heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and rate pressure product), dietary intake, cardiorespiratory fitness, and heart rate recovery were assessed.ResultsMedication and diet remained unchanged in both groups during the study period. The exercise-training group improved resting hemodynamics, particularly resting heart rate (from 68.0 ± 9.2 to 62.6 ± 8.7 bpm, p = 0.030) and systolic blood pressure (from 135 ± 7.1 to 125.6 ± 11.3 mmHg, p = 0.012), cardiorespiratory fitness (from 30.8 ± 7.8 to 33.9 ± 8.3 ml/min/kg, p = 0.016), and heart rate recovery (from 20 ± 6 to 24 ±5 bpm, p = 0.007). No significant changes were observed in the control group.ConclusionsExercise training improved autonomic function, assessed by heart rate recovery, resting heart rate and systolic blood pressure, in the absence of changes in diet or medication.