Risk factor comparison in young patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome with atherosclerotic coronary artery disease vs. angiographically normal coronaries

Background: Acute myocardial infarction is a relatively rare phenomenon in the young population. The incidence has nevertheless increased from years past, likely due to the presence of multiple risk factors from an increasingly younger age. Regardless of whether they have atherosclerotic coronary artery disease or normal coronary angiogram, young patients with risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD), chest pain, and positive troponin, are initially treated in a similar fashion. Our goal was to shed light on whether risk factors between these two groups differ to help guide physicians in clinically determining whether or not an atherosclerotic cardiovascular event has occurred, as well as to potentially identify young patients at risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) despite normal coronary arteries.Methods: A retrospective cross sectional study was undertaken over an 8 year period at Tawam Hospital. 576 patients aged 50 or under who underwent coronary angiography were selected for the study. Medical records were analyzed for the patient''s demographics and CAD risk factor profile, including the following variables: family history of CAD, smoking status, Body Mass Index category, lipid profile, and diagnosis of hyperlipidemia, diabetes, or hypertension. Details of the coronary angiogram were also reviewed.Results: Statistically significant outcomes included a higher prevalence of diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and smoking history in patients with CAD compared to the patients with normal coronary angiogram. Diabetes was one of the strongest risk factors in CAD patients, with an odds ratio of 1.98 (p= 0.011), followed by hyperlipidemia at 1.85 (p= 0.021). Smoking history had an odds ratio of 2.93 (p <0.001).Conclusion: Risk factors were present in both groups, but significantly more in the CAD group. No particular risk factor stood out for the development of ACS in those with normal coronary arteries, other than mean BMI being slightly higher in this group. Based on our analysis, no single variable can accurately predict the risk for ACS in normal coronaries. To our knowledge, few studies have been done in the young population with angiographically normal coronary arteries to determine possible risk factors for development of ACS. Further research needs to be done to determine whether the risk factors that were common amongst both groups are coincidental, or a cause of ACS in those with normal coronary arteries.     

Risk factors for ventilator dependency following coronary artery bypass grafting

Background: Ventilator dependency following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is often associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, few reports have focused on the independent risk factors for ventilator dependency following CABG. This study aimed to evaluate the independent risk factors for ventilator dependency following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: The relevant pre-, intra- and post-operative data of patients without a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease undergoing isolated CABG from January 2003 to December 2008 in our center were retrospectively analyzed. Elapsed time between CABG and extubation of more than 48 hours was defined as postoperative ventilator dependency (PVD). Results: The incidence of PVD was 13.8% (81/588). The in-hospital mortality in the PVD group was significantly higher than that in the non-PVD group (8.6% versus 2.4%, p=0.0092). Besides the length of ICU and hospital stay, PVD correlated with negative respiratory outcomes. The independent risk factors for PVD were preoperative congestive heart failure (OR=2.456, 95%CI 1.426-6.879), preoperative hypoalbuminemia (OR=1.353, 95%CI 1.125-3.232), preoperative arterial oxygen partial pressure (PO₂) (OR=0.462, 95%CI 0.235-0.783) and postoperative anaemia (OR=1.541, 95%CI 1.231-3.783). Conclusions: Preoperative congestive heart failure, preoperative hypoalbuminemia, low preoperative PO₂ and postoperative anaemia were identified as four independent risk factors for ventilator dependency following CABG.     

Small hippocampal size in cognitively normal subjects with coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVE: Hippocampal size reduction detected by three-dimensional structural magnetic resonance imaging (3D-MRI) represents an important hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recently, epidemiological and neuropathological studies have associated coronary artery disease (CAD) and cardiovascular risk factors with AD. The present study aimed to assess whether small hippocampal size is also a feature of CAD. METHODS: Hippocampal volumes were assessed in 20 men with CAD and 20 healthy matched control subjects by use of 3D-MRI. Subjects with a history of neurological or psychiatric disorder, or signs of cognitive impairment were rigorously excluded. RESULTS: Compared with controls, subjects with CAD had significantly smaller (-14%) hippocampal volumes. Cardiovascular risk factors were not related to hippocampal volumes of CAD subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate small hippocampal size in CAD subjects without any cognitive impairment. Future studies should clarify whether the annual rate of hippocampal volume loss of persons with CAD is greater than that of healthy individuals and predicts later cognitive decline or dementia.     

Anger and coronary calcification in individuals with and without risk factors of coronary artery disease

The authors investigated the relationship between anger and the calcification of the coronary artery in individuals with and without risk factors for coronary artery disease in Korea. Sixty-one subjects with risk factors of coronary artery disease and 31 subjects without risk factors were enrolled in this study. Electron Beam Computed Tomography was used to measure the calcium level of coronary artery. The anger expression scale was used to measure the anger levels. The anxiety, depression, hostility, and somatization subscales of the symptom checklist-90-revised (SCL-90-R) and the global assessment of recent stress (GARS) scale were used to assess the psychopathology and perceived stress. The logistic regression analysis results showed that only the anger-total score was significantly associated with the coronary calcification regardless of the risk factors. These results suggest that anger plays an important role in the calcification of the coronary artery.     

老年冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病患者冠状动脉病变影响因素的探讨

目的探讨循环人血管紧张素1～7(Ang1～7)、内皮细胞微颗粒CD31^＋、单核细胞CD14^＋CD16^＋和超敏C－反应蛋白(hs－CRP)对老年冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病患者冠状动脉病变的影响。 方法选择2010年1月至2014年3月老年冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病患者140例,健康对照组50例。根据冠状动脉狭窄程度将患者分为3组：75%～84%组,85%～94%组和95%～100%组;根据冠状动脉病变支数将患者分为4组：单支、双支、三支和四支病变组;再根据美国纽约心脏病学会(NYHA)分级将患者分为4组：NYHAⅠ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ级组;又根据左心室射血分数(LVEF)进一步将患者分为3组：48%～58%组、36%～47%组和25%～35%组;根据6 min步行试验的步行距离又将患者分为3组：>450 m组、150～450 m组和<150 m组。采用流式细胞术检测血清CD31^＋和CD14^＋CD16^＋水平的变化,使用双夹心抗体酶联免疫吸附法定量检测Ang1～7水平,应用免疫散射比浊法测定hs－CRP的水平。多组间差异采用单因素方差分析,组间两两比较采用t检验。 结果冠状动脉狭窄75%～84%组Ang1～7(34.8±6.9)pg/mL、CD31^＋(471±29)个/μL、CD14^＋CD16^＋(1.4±0.3)%、hs－CRP(1.7±0.8)mg/L分别与冠状动脉狭窄95%～100%组Ang1～7(9.1±0.4) pg/mL、CD31^＋ (1554±40)个/μL、CD14^＋CD16^＋(5.9±0.8)%、hs－CRP(17.1±1.5) mg/L比较,差异均有统计学意义(P值均小于0.05);冠状动脉单支病变组Ang1～7(38.7±7.9)pg/mL、CD31^＋(496±30)个/μL、CD14^＋CD16^＋(2.1±0.7)%、hs－CRP(1.9±0.9)mg/L与分别冠状动脉四支病变组Ang1～7(11.2±2.0)pg/mL、CD31^＋(1583±52)个/μL、CD14^＋CD16^＋(10.6±1.4)%、hs－CRP(14.9±1.9)mg/L比较,差异均有统计学意义(P值均小于0.05);NYHAⅠ级组Ang1～7(38.5±2.7)pg/mL、CD31^＋(511±32)个/μL、CD14^＋CD16^＋(1.7±0.5)%、hs－CRP(1.9±0.2)mg/L与分别NYHA Ⅳ级组Ang1～7(10.0±1.2)pg/mL、CD31^＋(1598±49)个/μL、CD14^＋CD16^＋(12.1±1.4)%、hs－CRP(15.0±1.9)mg/L比较,差异均有统计学意义(P值均小于0.05);LVEF 48%～58%组Ang1～7(32.9±6.8)pg/mL、CD31^＋(385±28)个/μL、CD14^＋CD16^＋(2.9±0.8)%、hs－CRP(2.1±0.8)mg/L与分别LVEF 25%～35%组Ang1～7(9.5±2.0)pg/mL、CD31^＋(1644±54)个/μL、CD14^＋CD16^＋(13.0±1.6)%、hs－CRP(14.1±2.0)mg/L比较,差异均有统计学意义(P值均小于0.05);6 min步行试验>450 m组Ang1～7(36.4±7.1)pg/mL、CD31^＋(561±30)个/μL、CD14^＋CD16^＋(1.9±0.5)%、hs－CRP(2.1±0.9)mg/L与分别6 min步行试验<150 m组Ang1～7(10.1±0.9)pg/mL、CD31^＋(1338±41)个/μL、CD14^＋CD16^＋(7.2±0.9)%、hs－CRP(18.7±1.5)mg/L比较,差异均有统计学意义(P值均小于0.05)。 结论Ang1～7水平下降,CD31^＋、CD14^＋CD16^＋和hs－CRP表达水平的增高可能影响老年冠状动脉病变的严重程度。     

Hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women with specific risk factors for coronary artery disease

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in postmenopausal women is associated with a reduction in the risk of developing coronary artery disease (CAD) of about 50%. Women with an elevated risk for CAD appear to benefit most by HRT. The HRT-associated cardiovascular protection may be related to favourable changes in several important cardiovascular risk estimators, such as circulating blood concentrations of cholesterol, lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) and homocysteine. This paper reviews the literature presently available on the effects of HRT on cholesterol, Lp(a) and homocysteine concentrations, and special attention will be given to the effects on their elevated concentrations. The effect of HRT in women with hypertension is reviewed as well. From this overview it can be concluded that risk factors such as cholesterol, Lp(a), and homocysteine can be favourably modulated by HRT, and especially, that the strongest reductions can be achieved in those women with the highest concentrations. Although clinical trials still need to demonstrate the impact of lowering concentrations of Lp(a) and homocysteine, HRT appears to be a promising risk reduction strategy in this respect.     

Risk factors for coronary heart disease in a black population.

A matched case control study using population-based controls was done over a 2-year period in an urban, public hospital setting. The object of the study was to determine if the established risk factors for coronary heart disease--hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, cigarette smoking, low socioeconomic status (as reflected by occupational class and educational level), marital status, and obesity were associated with coronary heart disease in a black population. The established risk factors were found to be significant in this patient population, as was obesity. Being divorced or separated was a risk factor for women but not for men.     

Evidence at autopsy of spasm in the distal right coronary artery in persons with coronary heart disease dying suddenly

The aim of this study was to examine whether there are morphological signs in spasm in the coronary arteries at autopsy in persons with coronary artery disease dying suddenly. From a forensic autopsy service, 48 cases of sudden and unexpected deaths were selected: 24 cases with a preliminary diagnosis of coronary heart disease and 24 cases involving persons dying of noncoronary causes. A complete autopsy according to a preset protocol was followed with particular emphasis on the heart examination. The myocardium and the coronary arteries were sampled and examined without knowledge to which group the case belonged. The degree of folding of the internal elastic lamina of the proximal and distal parts of the coronary arteries was measured by picture analysis of elastin-stained cross sections of the arteries. The degree of folding was significantly greater in the distal section of the right coronary artery in cases of the coronary group compared to the folding in the same section in cases of the noncoronary group. In the proximal part of the right coronary artery and in the left coronary artery with its two branches, there were no differences in the folding of the internal elastic membrane between the groups.

Our findings indicate that a spasmic contracture of an artery may be diagnosed postmortem. The spasm of the distal part of the right coronary artery may have caused focal ischemia in the central parts of the cardiac conducting system, precipitating a lethal arrhythmia.     

Risk factor reduction in progression of angiographic coronary artery disease

Introduction

To investigate differences between outpatients with progressive and nonprogressive coronary artery disease (CAD) measured by coronary angiography.

Material and methods

Chart reviews were performed in patients in an outpatient cardiology practice having ≥ 2 coronary angiographies ≥ 1 year apart. Progressive CAD was defined as 1) new non-obstructive or obstructive CAD in a previously disease-free vessel; or 2) new obstruction in a previously non-obstructive vessel. Coronary risk factors, comorbidities, cardiovascular events, medication use, serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and blood pressure were used for analysis.

Results

The study included 183 patients, mean age 71 years. Mean follow-up duration was 11 years. Mean follow-up between coronary angiographies was 58 months. Of 183 patients, 108 (59%) had progressive CAD, and 75 (41%) had nonprogressive CAD. The use of statins, β-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, and aspirin was not significantly different in patient with progressive CAD or nonprogressive CAD Mean arterial pressure was higher in patients with progressive CAD than in patients with nonprogressive CAD (97±13 mm Hg vs. 92±12 mm Hg) (p<0.05). Serum LDL-C was insignificantly higher in patients with progressive CAD (94±40 mg/dl) than in patients with nonprogressive CAD (81±34 mg/dl) (p=0.09).

Conclusions

Our data suggest that in addition to using appropriate medical therapy, control of blood pressure and serum LDL-C level may reduce progression of CAD.     

Coronary artery disease with normal lipids and low coronary artery calcium in two women with high lipoprotein(a)

We present 2 patients with elevated levels of lipoprotein (a) and significant coronary artery disease despite having little coronary artery calcification. Clinicians should be aware that patients with elevated lipoprotein (a) may have important coronary artery disease with low coronary artery calcification scores.     

Outcome of coronary artery bypass grafting in patients without major risk factors and patients with at least one major risk factor for coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has become a safer procedure in recent years. AIMS: We aimed to compare complications and early outcome of CABG in patients without history of general risk factors with those in patients with at least one general risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Postoperative in-hospital complications, 30-day mortality rate and length of stay in hospital of 708 patients without preoperative general risk factors undergoing CABG in three university hospitals were assessed and compared with 10,844 patients undergoing CABG with at least one general risk factor as controls. In addition, the association of the studied variables with patients' early outcome was evaluated. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: SPSS software with Pearson's chi2 test; independent sample t test, Mann-Whitney test and univariate analysis were used. RESULTS: All studied in-hospital complications were similar between the two groups. Thirty days mortality rate (0.7% in study group and 1.4% in control group) was similar between groups, whereas prolonged length of stay (>12 days) was more frequent in control group (61.33% vs. 71.36%, P<0.0001). Atrial fibrillation (P<0.0001) was a strong predictor for prolonged length of stay in hospital. CONCLUSION: Most aspects of early complications after CABG, as well as 30-day mortality rate, were similar between patients with and without general risk factors for coronary artery disease undergoing CABG.     

Characterizing sleep problems in persons with Alzheimer's disease and normal elderly

We retrospectively analyzed sleep disturbance symptoms and estimated time in bed from the intake interviews of 399 healthy, non-demented elderly (NDE) and 263 persons with a diagnosis of possible (n = 53) or probable (n = 210) Alzheimer's disease (AD). Our primary objective was to identify what symptoms might underlie an individual's perception of 'sleep problems' and to determine if these were consistent within, and across, our two cohorts. We stratified each cohort according to whether or not they (or their caregiver) indicated that they had a 'sleep problem', and compared the frequency and endorsement rates of each of 21 sleep disturbance symptoms across those who did or did not endorse 'sleep problem'. For less than half of the symptoms in persons with AD, and a quarter of those in NDE, endorsement rates were significantly different depending on whether the reporter (or their sleep partner) did or did not report a sleep problem. Differences in mean frequency ratings between individuals reporting sleep problems relative to those not reporting were observed on 10 symptoms in both cohorts; six of these were the same symptom for both cohorts. When persons with subjective sleep problems in the AD and NDE cohorts were compared, only four of 21 symptoms were endorsed in one and not the other; two symptoms were significantly more frequent in one cohort than the other. Thus, within cohorts, the differences between persons with and without 'sleep problems' were relatively pronounced while the main differences in specific sleep-related symptoms between AD and NDE were not. Observed between-cohort differences appear to be driven by who is reporting, and the high prevalence of daytime sleeping in AD. Within-cohort differences reflect a clear distinction between persons with and without sleep problems, regardless of the reporter.     

Risk factors for coronary heart disease: a study in inner London.

A survey was carried out among 281 men and women aged between 30 and 64 years randomly selected from five general practices located in the inner London borough of Tower Hamlets, to determine the prevalence of risk factors for coronary heart disease. Smoking and obesity were both more pronounced in Tower Hamlets than in comparable national studies: 51% of men and 44% of women were smokers and 57% of these were smoking 20 or more cigarettes per day. A body mass index of 30 or more was present in 18% of men and 10% of women and a body mass index of 25 or more in 71% of men and 49% of women. Two or more risk factors for coronary heart disease (smoking and/or hypertension and/or raised cholesterol levels) were present in 25% of men and 22% of women. For every person known by their general practitioner to have established cardiovascular disease, there were an additional two people also at risk on the basis of multiple risk factors. In this inner city population the prevalence of cardiovascular risk, for women as well as men, has major resource and organizational implications for primary care. A strategy for change requires action based on graded multiple risks for both men and women.