Upright T waves in lead aVR are associated with cardiac death or hospitalization for heart failure in patients with a prior myocardial infarction

The aim of the present study was to clarify the prognostic significance of upright T waves (amplitude > 0 mV) in lead aVR in patients with a prior myocardial infarction (MI). We retrospectively examined 167 patients with a prior MI. The primary end point was cardiac death or hospitalization for heart failure. During a follow-up period of 6.5 ± 2.8 years, 34 patients developed the primary end point. A Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a lower primary event-free rate in patients with upright T waves in lead aVR than in those with nonupright T waves in lead aVR (P = 0.001). Univariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses showed that age, gender, chronic kidney disease, anterior wall MI, upright T waves in lead aVR, left ventricular ejection fraction, loop diuretic use, and spironolactone use were significantly associated with the primary end point. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis selected age [hazard ratio (HR) 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05-1.16, P < 0.001], upright T waves in lead aVR (HR 3.10, 95% CI 1.23-7.82, P = 0.017), and loop diuretic use (HR 4.61, 95% CI 1.55-13.67, P = 0.006) as independent predictors of the primary end point. In conclusion, the presence of upright T waves in lead aVR is an independent predictor of cardiac death or hospitalization for heart failure in patients with a prior MI. The analysis of T-wave amplitude in lead aVR provides useful prognostic information in patients with a prior MI.     

Ticagrelor Monotherapy After PCI in High-Risk Patients With Prior MI: A Prespecified TWILIGHT Substudy

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate if patients with prior myocardial infarction (MI) could benefit from ticagrelor monotherapy in terms of bleeding reduction without any compromise in ischemic event prevention.BackgroundPatients with history of MI who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remain at risk for recurrent ischemic events. The optimal antithrombotic strategy for this cohort remains debated.MethodsIn this prespecified analysis of the randomized TWILIGHT (Ticagrelor With Aspirin or Alone in High-Risk Patients after Coronary Intervention) trial, the authors evaluated the impact of history of MI on treatment effect of ticagrelor monotherapy versus ticagrelor plus aspirin in patients undergoing PCI with drug-eluting stent with at least 1 clinical and 1 angiographic high-risk feature and free from adverse events at 3 months after index PCI. The primary endpoint was Bleeding Academic Research Consortium type 2, 3, or 5 bleeding, and the key secondary endpoint was the composite of all-cause death, MI, or stroke, both at 12 months after randomization.ResultsA total of 1,937 patients (29.7%) with and 4,595 patients (70.3%) without prior MI were randomized to ticagrelor and placebo or ticagrelor and aspirin. At 1 year after randomization, patients with prior MI experienced higher rates of death, MI, or stroke (5.7% vs 3.2%; P < 0.001) but similar BARC types 2 to 5 bleeding (5.0% vs 5.5%; P = 0.677) compared with patients without prior MI. Ticagrelor monotherapy consistently reduced the risk for the primary bleeding outcome in patients with (3.4% vs 6.7%; HR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.33-0.76) and without (4.2% vs 7.0%; HR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.45-0.76; P_interaction = 0.54) prior MI. Rates of the key secondary ischemic outcome were not significantly different between treatment groups irrespective of history of MI (prior MI, 6.0% vs 5.5% [HR: 1.09; 95% CI: 0.75-1.58]; no prior MI, 3.1% vs 3.3% [HR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.67-1.28]; P_interaction = 0.52).ConclusionsTicagrelor monotherapy is associated with significantly lower risk for bleeding events compared with ticagrelor plus aspirin, without any compromise in ischemic prevention, among high-risk patients with history of MI undergoing PCI. (Ticagrelor With Aspirin or Alone in High-Risk Patients After Coronary Intervention [TWILIGHT]; NCT02270242)     

Influence of Bleeding Risk on Outcomes of Radial and Femoral Access for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: An Analysis From the GLOBAL LEADERS Trial

BackgroundRadial artery access has been shown to reduce mortality and bleeding events, especially in patients with acute coronary syndromes. Despite this, interventional cardiologists experienced in femoral artery access still prefer that route for percutaneous coronary intervention. Little is known regarding the merits of each vascular access in patients stratified by their risk of bleeding.MethodsPatients from the Global Leaders trial were dichotomized into low or high risk of bleeding by the median of the PRECISE-DAPT score. Clinical outcomes were compared at 30 days.ResultsIn the overall population, there were no statistical differences between radial and femoral access in the rate of the primary end point, a composite of all-cause mortality, or new Q-wave myocardial infarction (MI) (hazard ratio [HR] 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.42-1.15). Radial access was associated with a significantly lower rate of the secondary safety end point, Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) 3 or 5 bleeding (HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.36-0.84). Compared by bleeding risk strata, in the high bleeding score population, the primary (HR 0.47, 95% CI 0.26-0.85; P = 0.012; P_interaction = 0.019) and secondary safety (HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.35-0.95; P = 0.030; P_interaction = 0.631) end points favoured radial access. In the low bleeding score population, however, the differences in the primary and secondary safety end points between radial and femoral artery access were no longer statistically significant.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the outcomes of mortality or new Q-wave MI and BARC 3 or 5 bleeding favour radial access in patients with a high, but not those with a low, risk of bleeding. Because this was not a primary analysis, it should be considered hypothesis generating.     

Everolimus Eluting Stents in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus and Chronic Kidney Disease: Insights from the TUXEDO Trial

BackgroundPatients with diabetes and those with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at increased risk of cardiovascular events. Everolimus eluting stents (EES) have been shown to be superior to paclitaxel eluting stents (PES) in patients with diabetes. However, it is not known if EES is as beneficial in diabetic patients with CKD compared with those without CKD.Methods and resultsPatients enrolled in the TUXEDO-India trial, which is a clinical trial of patients with diabetes and coronary artery disease (CAD) randomly assigned to EES vs. thin-strut PES (Taxus Element), with data on baseline renal function were selected. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min/1.73 m² using the Cockcroft–Gault formula. Primary outcome was target vessel failure (TVF-defined as cardiac death, TV myocardial infarction (MI) or ischemia driven TV revascularization) at 1 year. Various secondary outcomes including stent thrombosis were evaluated.Among the 1821 patients with diabetes included in this analysis, 344 (19%) had CKD. In a propensity score adjusted analysis, patients with CKD had a significant increase in MACE (HR = 2.02; 95% CI 1.17–3.50; P = 0.01); death/MI/TVR (HR = 1.99; 95% CI 1.18–3.34; P = 0.009); death/MI (HR = 2.31; 95% CI 1.30–4.08; P = 0.004); cardiac death/MI (HR = 2.40; 95% CI 1.31–4.42; P = 0.005); death (HR = 2.88; 95% CI 1.35–6.13; P = 0.006) driven by an increase in cardiac death (HR = 3.33; 95% CI 1.42–7.83; P = 0.006) when compared with those without CKD. However, stent related events (TV-MI, TVR, TLR and stent thrombosis) were not different between CKD and non CKD groups. A significant interaction between CKD status and stent type (EES vs. PES) was noted for the outcomes of TVF (P_interaction = 0.046), MACE (P_interaction = 0.02), cardiac death or MI (P_interaction = 0.05), non-target vessel related MI (P_interaction = 0.04), non-Q-wave MI (P_interaction = 0.03) and deaths/MI/TVR (P_interaction = 0.04) such that EES was superior to PES in the non-CKD cohort but not in the CKD cohort.ConclusionsIn subjects with diabetes, CKD is an independent predictor of adverse cardiovascular outcomes including increased risk of death driven largely by non-stent related events. While EES was superior to PES in patients without CKD, this was not the case in those with CKD (Clinical Trials Registry-India number, CTRI/2011/06/001830).     

Prognostic Role of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing in Wild-Type Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy Patients Treated With Tafamidis

BackgroundThe prognostic value of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in patients with wild-type transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis treated with tafamidis is unknown.Methods and ResultsThis retrospective study included patients with wtATTR who underwent baseline cardiopulmonary exercise testing and were treated with tafamidis from August 31, 2018, until March 31, 2020. Univariate logistic and multivariate cox-regression models were used to predict the occurrence of the primary outcome (composite of mortality, heart transplant, and palliative inotrope initiation). A total of 33 patients were included (median age 82 years, interquartile range [IQR] 79–84 years), 84% were Caucasians and 79% were males). Majority of patients had New York Heart Association functional class III disease at baseline (67%). The baseline median peak oxygen consumption (VO₂) and peak circulatory power (CP) were 11.35 mL/kg/min (IQR 8.5–14.2 mL/kg/min) and 1485.8 mm Hg/mL/min (IQR 988–2184 mm Hg/mL/min), respectively, the median ventilatory efficiency was 35.7 (IQR 31–41.2). After 1 year of follow-up, 11 patients experienced a primary end point. Upon multivariate analysis, the low peak VO₂ (hazard ratio [HR] 0.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.23–0.79, P = .007], peak CP (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.98–0.99, P = .02), peak oxygen pulse (HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.39–0.97, P = .03), and exercise duration of less than 5.5 minutes (HR 5.82, 95% CI 1.29–26.2, P = .02) were significantly associated with the primary outcome.ConclusionsTafamidis-treated patients with wtATTR who had baseline low peak VO₂, peak CP, peak O₂ pulse, and exercise duration of less than 5.5 minutes had worse outcomes.     

Comparison of single‐ versus two‐stent techniques in treatment of unprotected left main coronary bifurcation disease

Background : This study sought to compare 3‐year outcomes of single‐ versus two‐stent techniques in patients with distal unprotected left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease treated with drug‐eluting stents (DES). Methods and Results : A total of 392 patients with distal unprotected LMCA disease who underwent DES implantation with single‐ (n = 234) or two‐ (n = 158) stent techniques were evaluated. The primary end point was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as the composite of death, myocardial infarction (MI), and target lesion revascularization (TLR). The two‐stent group was more likely to have extensive coronary artery stenosis. After adjustment with weighted Cox model using the inverse probability of treatment weighting, the 3‐year risk of death was similar in the single‐ and two‐stent groups (hazard ratio [HR], 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.28–2.13, P = 0.62). However, the 3‐year risks of MI (HR, 0.38, 95% CI, 0.19–0.78, P = 0.008), TLR (HR, 0.16, 95% CI, 0.05–0.57, P = 0.005), and MACE (HR, 0.89, 95% CI, 0.22–0.67, P = 0.0007) were significantly lower in the single‐stent group. Conclusion : Compared with the two‐stent technique, the single‐stent technique showed more favorable long‐term clinical outcomes in patients with distal unprotected LMCA disease who received DES. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Medium on-treatment platelet reactivity to ADP is favorable in patients with acute coronary syndromes undergoing coronary stenting

Bleeding in the setting of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) has negative prognostic implications. We sought to determine the impact of different levels of on-treatment platelet reactivity (PR) to ADP on both bleeding and ischemic events in ACS patients receiving coronary stenting. PR to ADP was measured with the VerifyNow P₂Y₁₂ assay (Accumetrics, San Diego, CA) in 374 patients with ACS receiving standard dual antiplatelet therapy. Patients were stratified into three tertiles according to the increasing values of P₂Y₁₂ reaction units with the first tertile defined as low, second as medium, and third as high PR. The end points were bleeding (TIMI major or minor), ischemic end point (cardiovascular death and non-fatal myocardial infarction), and combined end point (bleeding or ischemic end point). At 30 days: low PR was associated with increased risk of bleeding as compared to medium (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 3.50, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.30–9.42, p?=?0.013) and high PR (HR 2.78, 95% CI 1.50–5.15, p?=?0.001); high PR posed increased risk of ischemic endpoint as compared with medium PR (HR 7.26, 95% CI 1.67–31.55, p?=?0.008) and a trend towards higher incidence of ischemic events was observed when compared with low PR (HR 1.51, 95% CI 0.96–2.36, p?=?0.074); patients with medium PR were at significantly lower risk of combined end point as compared to those with low (HR 0.30, 95% CI 0.12–0.75, p?=?0.01) and high PR (HR 0.31, 95% CI 0.12–0.77, p?=?0.012). In conclusion, low PR to ADP is associated with increased hazard of bleeding and poses similar combined risk of bleeding and ischemic events as high PR. Medium PR predicts favorable net outcome in ACS patients.     

Five-Year Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Total Coronary Occlusion Treated With Drug-Eluting vs Bare-Metal Stents: A Case-Control Study

Background

Limited data exist on long-term safety and effectiveness of drug-eluting stents (DESs) in true chronic total coronary occlusion (CTO) settings. We evaluated 5-year clinical outcomes of patients with CTO treated successfully with DES vs bare-metal stent (BMS).

Methods

We compared the 5-year clinical outcomes of 156 patients treated with DES implantation with outcomes of a historical cohort of 159 patients treated with BMS. Primary end point was freedom from major adverse cardiac events (MACEs; defined as death, myocardial infarction [MI], and target lesion revascularization [TLR]); secondary end points were freedom from target vessel failure (TVF; combination of target vessel revascularization, MI, and cardiac death) and TLR at 5 years.

Results

After 5 years, the DES group had significantly superior event-free survival from MACE (84% vs 69%; log rank P < 0.001), TVF (71% vs 84%; P = 0.002), and TLR (77% vs 92%; P = 0.0001), compared with the BMS group. The Cox proportional hazards model identified BMS vs DES (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 3.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.85-6.17; P = 0.001), final minimal lumen diameter (HR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.14-0.52; P = 0.0001), and stent length (HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.03; P = 0.03) as independent predictors of MACE at 5-year follow-up. Twelve (7%) and 7 (4%) stent thromboses occurred in the DES and BMS groups (P = 0.23), respectively.

Conclusions

After 5 years, DESs were superior to BMSs in reducing MACE, TVF, and TLR in patients with CTO and should be the preferred strategy.     

Electrocardiographic criteria for the diagnosis of abnormal hypertensive cardiac phenotypes

This article compared the performance of 18 electrocardiographic (ECG) left ventricular hypertrophic (LVH) criteria and four P‐wave indices for the diagnosis of echocardiographic (ECHO) LVH and left atrial enlargement (LAE), including the deepest S‐wave amplitude added to the S‐wave amplitude of lead V₄ (S_D+SV₄) and P‐wave terminal force in lead V₁ (PTFV₁). A total of 152 middle‐aged hypertensive patients without evident cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) were enrolled. The gold standard for the diagnosis of LVH and LAE was ECHO left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and largest left atrial volume index (LAVI). For the detection of LVH, Sokolow‐Lyon voltage, Cornell voltage, Cornell product, S_D+SV₄, Manning, and R+S in any precordial lead had relatively higher sensitivity, especially S_D+SV₄ criteria. Their combination could further increase sensitivity (43% vs 29% [S_D+SV₄], P = 0.016). PTFV₁ was the only criterion that had significant diagnostic value for ECHO LAE (AUC, 0.68; 95% CI: 0.54‐0.73, P = 0.008). For middle‐aged hypertensive patients without evident cardiovascular diseases, S_D+SV₄ had the highest sensitivity for the diagnosis of LVH and the combination of several ECG LVH criteria might further increase sensitivity. PTFV₁ had significant diagnostic value for ECHO LAE.     

Pulmonary Hypertension,Right Ventricular Function,and Clinical Outcome in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

BackgroundPulmonary hypertension (PH) and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction have been associated with adverse outcome in patients with chronic heart failure. However, data are lacking in the setting of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). We sought to determine prognostic significance of PH in patients with ADHF and its interaction with RV function.MethodsWe studied 326 patients with ADHF. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) and RV function were determined with the use of Doppler echocardiography, with PH defined as PASP >50 mm Hg. The primary end point was all-cause mortality during 1-year follow-up.ResultsPH was present in 139 patients (42.6%) and RV dysfunction in 83 (25.5%). The majority of patients (70%) with RV dysfunction had PH. Compared with patients with normal RV function and without PH, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for mortality was 2.41 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.44–4.03; P = .001) in patients with both RV dysfunction and PH. Patients with normal RV function and PH had an intermediate risk (adjusted HR 1.78, 95% CI 1.11–2.86; P = .016). Notably, patients with RV dysfunction without PH were not at increased risk for 1-year mortality (HR 1.04, 95% CI 0.43–2.41; P = .94). PH and RV function data resulted in a net reclassification improvement of 22.25% (95% CI 7.2%–37.8%; P = .004).ConclusionsPH and RV function provide incremental prognostic information in ADHF. The combination of PH and RV dysfunction is particularly ominous. Thus, the estimation of PASP may be warranted in the standard assessment of ADHF.     

Ambulatory ECG-based T-wave alternans predicts sudden cardiac death in high-risk post-MI patients with left ventricular dysfunction in the EPHESUS study

Background: Exercise microvolt T‐wave alternans (TWA) identifies sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk. TWA can be measured from ambulatory ECGs (AECGs) using modified moving average (MMA) method. Whether MMA TWA from AECGs predicts SCD in post‐MI patients with left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) is unknown. Methods: EPHESUS enrolled hospitalized post‐MI patients with heart failure and/or diabetes with LVD. Before randomization to drug treatment, AECGs were obtained in 493 patients. Of them, 46 died of cardiovascular causes, including 18 of SCD. Patients alive at end of follow‐up (N = 92) were matched with 46 nonsurvivors based on age, gender, and diabetes. MMA TWA was analyzed using MARSPC system (GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI, USA). The three highest TWA values from artifact‐free periods were averaged for AECG channels corresponding to leads V₁ and V₃. SCD prediction was tested with a prespecified 47 μV cutpoint and at a cutpoint maximizing the separation between SCD patients versus survivors or non‐SCD. Results: TWA in either lead was higher for patients with SCD (P ≤ 0.05) versus survivors or non‐SCD. TWA ≥ 47 μV was associated with RR = 5.2 (95%CI = 1.8–13.6, P = 0.002) in V₁ and RR = 5.5 (95% CI = 2.2–13.8, P < 0.001) in V₃ for SCD. The optimal cutpoint for TWA in V₁ was ≥43 μV (RR = 5.9 [95%CI = 2.2–15.8, P < 0.001]). The optimal cutpoint in V₃ was ≥47 μV. TWA greater than the optimal cutpoint in either lead was associated with RR = 7.1 (95%CI = 2.7–18.3, P < 0.001) for SCD, with 11 out of 18 patients dying of SCD. Conclusions: AECG‐based TWA measured with MMA is a powerful predictor of SCD in high‐risk post‐MI patients with LV dysfunction.     

Flow-Mediated Dilation Normalization Predicts Outcome in Chronic Heart Failure Patients

BackgroundReduced flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is a known prognostic marker in heart failure (HF), but may be influenced by the brachial artery (BA) diameter. Aiming to adjust for this influence, we normalized FMD (nFMD) by the peak shear rate (PSR) and tested its prognostic power in HF patients.Methods and ResultsBA diameter, FMD, difference in hyperemic versus rest brachial flow velocity (FVD), PSR (FVD/BA), and nFMD (FMD/PSR × 1000) were assessed in 71 HF patients. At follow-up (mean 512 days), 19 HF (27%) reached the combined endpoint (4 heart transplantations [HTs], 1 left ventricle assist device implantation [LVAD], and 14 cardiac deaths [CDs]). With multivariate Cox regression analysis, New York Heart Association functional class ≥III (hazard ratio [HR] 9.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.11–41.4; P = .003), digoxin use (HR 6.36, 95% CI 2.18–18.6; P = .0010), FMD (HR 0.703, 95% CI 0.547–0.904; P = .006), PSR (HR 1.01, 95% CI 1.005–1.022; P = .001), FVD (HR 1.04, 95% CI 1.00–1.06; P = .02), and nFMD (HR 0.535, 95% CI 0.39–0.74; P = .0001) were predictors of unfavorable outcome. Receiver operating characteristic curve for nFMD showed that patients with nFMD >5 seconds had significantly better event-free survival than patients with nFMD ≤5 seconds (log-rank test: P < .0001).ConclusionsnFMD is a strong independent predictor of CD, HT, and LVAD in HF with left ventricular ejection fraction <40%. Patients with nFMD >5 seconds have a better prognosis than those with lower values.     

Prognostic Value of Standard Electrocardiographic Parameters for Predicting Major Adverse Cardiac Events after Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background: The prognostic value of electrocardiographic (ECG) variables in predicting major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in the era of modern therapy is unclear. This study was conducted to evaluate the prognostic significance of ECG parameters in predicting 1‐year MACEs for AMI patients. Methods: Between January 2006 and January 2008, 529 AMI patients were included. ECG variables were analyzed from the ECG taken on discharge day. The 1‐year MACEs were defined as death, nonfatal MI, and revascularization including repeat percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Mean follow‐up duration was 360 ± 119 days. Results: Of these patients, 497 (94%) patients provided complete follow‐up data (355 males; 67 ± 12 years old). The rate of 1‐year MACEs was 16%. In univariate analysis, heart rate, corrected QT interval, left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, voltage (SV₁+ RV₅), lateral ST‐depression (V_5–6 or I, aVL), pathologic Q wave (V_1–4, V_5–6), ST‐elevation (V_1–4, V_5–6 or I, aVL), and T‐wave inversion (V_1–4, V_5–6, or I, aVL) had a significant association with 1‐year MACEs. In the Cox regression hazard model, lateral ST‐depression (hazard ratio [HR] 2.260, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.204 to 4.241, P = 0.011) and corrected QT interval (HR 1.007, 95% CI 1.002 to 1.011, P = 0.004) were independent predictors of 1‐year MACEs. After adjustment for all risk variables, lateral ST‐depression (HR 3.781, 95% CI 1.047 to 13.656, P = 0.042) was the only ECG variable that independently predicted 1‐year MACEs. Conclusion: Lateral ST‐depression on discharge day ECG is an independent predictor of 1‐year MACEs after AMI. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2011;16(1):56–63     

Clinical outcomes of drug‐eluting versus bare‐metal in‐stent restenosis

In‐stent restenosis (ISR) is a challenging syndrome that affects drug‐eluting stents and bare‐metal stents. However, data comparing the outcomes of drug‐eluting versus bare‐metal ISR are limited. Our objective was to evaluate the long‐term clinical outcomes of drug‐eluting versus bare‐metal ISR. Patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention at Cleveland Clinic for ISR from 05/1999 to 06/2007 were included. Unadjusted outcomes were tested using Kaplan‐Meier curves followed by multivariable adjusted Cox proportional hazards analyses. Twenty seven variables, including type of stent used to treat ISR and procedural date, were included. The primary end point was a composite of death, myocardial infarction (MI), or target lesion revascularization (TLR). The secondary endpoints were components of the primary endpoint. Of 931 patients identified, 225 had drug‐eluting ISR and 706 had bare‐metal ISR. There were 279 cumulative events for a median follow‐up of 3.2 years. The primary endpoint was not different between drug eluting and bare‐metal ISR (22% versus 33%, adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79–1.66; P = 0.49). The secondary endpoints of death (8% versus 16%, adjusted HR 1.05; 95% CI, 0.56–1.98; P = 0.88), MI (4% versus 5%, adjusted HR 1.48; 95% CI, 0.54–4.04; P = 0.45), and TLR (15% versus 16%, adjusted HR 1.30; 95% CI, 0.81–2.11; P = 0.28) were also not different. This study represents the largest analysis comparing drug‐eluting to bare‐metal ISR. On multivariable Cox proportional hazard analyses, drug‐eluting and bare‐metal ISR have similar long term outcomes. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Latent Obstruction and Left Atrial Size Are Predictors of Clinical Deterioration Leading to Septal Reduction in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

BackgroundExercise echocardiography is a reliable tool to assess left ventricular (LV) dynamic obstruction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The aim of this study was to determine the role of exercise echocardiography in the evaluation of latent obstruction and in predicting clinical deterioration in HCM patients.Methods and ResultsWe considered 283 HCM patients studied with exercise echocardiography. The end point was clinical deterioration leading to septal reduction (myectomy or alcohol septal ablation). LV latent obstruction was present at enrollment in 67 patients (24%). During a mean follow-up of 42 ± 31 months, 42 patients had clinical deterioration leading to septal reduction therapy: in 12/67 (22%) patients with a latent obstruction at enrollment, in 28/84 (33%) patients with obstruction at rest, and in 2/132 (1.5%) with obstruction neither at rest or during stress. Multivariate analysis identified the following variables as independently associated with the end point: LV gradient >30 mm Hg at rest (hazard ratio [HR] 2.56, 95% CI 1.27–5.14; P = .009), LV gradient >30 mm Hg during stress (HR 4.96, 95% CI 1.81–13.61; P = .002), and indexed left atrial volume (LAVi ) >40 mL/m² (HR 2.86, 95% CI 1.47–5.55; P = .002). In patients with a latent obstruction, the strongest independent predictor of outcome was LAVi >40 mL/m² (HR 3.75, 95% CI 1.12–12.51; P = .032).ConclusionsAssessment of LV gradient during stress with exercise echocardiography is an important tool for the evaluation of latent obstruction in HCM and may have a role in risk stratification of these patients.     

Do Patients with Drug‐Eluting Stent Thrombosis Have a Similar Prognosis to Patients Presenting with ST‐Elevation Myocardial Infarction of de novo Lesions?

Background: Despite significant advances in stent technology and pharmacotherapy, drug‐eluting stent thrombosis (DES‐ST) remains a major complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and commonly presents as ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). There are currently little data comparing the in‐hospital outcomes of patients presenting with STEMI due to DES‐ST with those due to de novo coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: Our study comprised 985 consecutive patients who underwent primary PCI for STEMI, 102 of whom were diagnosed as having a definite DES‐ST. The primary end‐point was the in‐hospital composite of death or recurrent myocardial infarction (MI). The secondary end‐point was the in‐hospital maximum rise in creatine kinase (myocardial band [MB] fraction) and troponin I. Results: The DES‐ST group had a higher proportion of patients with diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, history of ischemic heart disease, coronary revascularization, and chronic renal impairment. The adjusted primary end‐point was higher in the DES‐ST cohort (12.7% vs. 7.4%; P = 0.05). The 2 cohorts did not differ in the secondary end‐point. The independent predictors of the primary end‐point were age (hazard ratio [HR]= 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]= 1.01 – 1.06; P = 0.005), cardiogenic shock (HR = 11.5; 95% CI = 6.38 – 20.07, P < 0.001), and lesions involving the left anterior descending coronary artery (HR = 1.8; 95% CI = 1.03 – 3.13, P = 0.04). DES‐ST was not an independent predictor of the primary end‐point (HR = 1.18; 95% CI = 0.53–2.63, P = 0.38). Conclusions: Patients with STEMI secondary to DES‐ST have a poorer in‐hospital outcome than do patients in whom STEMI is due to de novo CAD. This difference may be predominantly driven by differences in the baseline characteristics between these cohorts. (J Interven Cardiol 2011;24:320–325)     

Clinical Implications of QRS Duration and QT Peak Prolongation in Patients with Suspected Coronary Disease Referred for Elective Cardiac Catheterization

Background: The electrocardiogram (ECG) remains a simple, universally available, and prognostically powerful investigation in heart failure, and acute coronary syndromes. We sought to assess the prognostic utility of clinical, angiographic, and simple ECG parameters in a large cohort of patients undergoing elective cardiac catheterization (CC) for known or suspected coronary artery disease. Methods: Consecutive consenting patients undergoing CC for coronary disease were enrolled at a single tertiary center. Patient data, drug therapy, catheter reports, and ECG recordings were prospectively recorded in a validated electronic archive. The primary outcome measure was death or nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI) over 1 year or until percutaneous or cardiac surgical intervention. Independent prognostic markers were identified using the Cox proportional hazard model. Results: A total of 682 individuals were recruited of whom 17(2.5%) died or suffered a nonfatal MI in 1 year. In multivariate analysis QRS duration (ms) (HR 1.03 95% CI 1.01–1.05, P = 0.003), extent of coronary disease (HR 2.01 95% CI 1.24–3.58, P = 0.006), and prolonged corrected QT peak interval in lead I (HR 1.02 95% CI 1.00–1.03, P = 0.044) were independently associated with death or nonfatal MI. Receiver‐operator characteristic (ROC) analysis for the multivariate model against the primary end point yielded an area under the curve of 0.759 (95% CI 0.660–0.858), P < 0.001. Conclusions: QRS duration and QT peak are independently associated with increased risk of death or nonfatal MI in stable patients attending for coronary angiography.     

Newly diagnosed abnormal glucose tolerance determines post-MI prognosis in patients with hospital related hyperglycaemia but without known diabetes

AimsInvestigate if abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT) affects post-myocardial infarction (MI) prognosis in patients with hospital-related hyperglycaemia (HRH) but without known diabetes mellitus (KDM).MethodsPost-MI survivors without KDM underwent pre-discharge oral glucose tolerance test. Cardiovascular death and non-fatal re-infarction (MACE) were recorded. We compare the ability of admission (APG), fasting (FPG) and 2 h post-load (2 h-PG) plasma glucose to predict MACE in patients with (HRH) and without HRH (NoHRH).Results50.2% and 73% of NoHRH and HRH had AGT respectively. MACE occurred in 19.5% and 18.1% in HRH and NoHRH groups. MACE-free survival was lower in patient with AGT in both groups (NoHRH: HR 1.82, 95% CI 1.19–2.78, p = 0.005; HRH: HR 2.48, 95% CI 1.24–4.96, p = 0.010). AGT predicted MACE-free survival (NoHRH: HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.02–2.51, p = 0.042; HRH: HR 3.09, 95% CI 1.07–8.94, p = 0.037). 2 h-PG, but not FPG or APG, independently predicted MACE free survival (NoHRH: HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.07–1.27, p ≤0.001 and HRH: HR 1.18, 95% CI 1.03–1.37, p = 0.020). Addition of AGT and 2 h-PG, not FPG or APG, improved net reclassification of events in both groups.ConclusionPost-MI prognosis is worse with AGT irrespective of presence of HRH. 2 h-PG, predicts prognosis in HRH and NoHRH groups.     

Recording lead V(4)R is associated to enhanced use of fibrinolytic therapy in acute myocardial infarction

Background

ST-segment elevation in the right-sided chest lead V₄R in inferior wall myocardial infarction is recognized as a sign of proximal occlusion of the right coronary artery with evolving right ventricular myocardial infarction. Our objective is to study how often lead V₄R is recorded in clinical practice and how this might be associated with use of reperfusion therapy and outcome of patients.

Methods

Recording of lead V₄R in 814 consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarction, administration of therapy, and outcome of the patients during a median follow-up of 285 days (174-313 days) were studied.

Results

V₄R was recorded in 52% of patients with inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Patients with V₄R recorded were more likely to receive fibrinolytic therapy compared with patients without recording (65% vs 51%; P = .035). In multivariate analysis, recording of lead V₄R (odds ratio [OR] 1.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-2.2; P = .006), along with age (P < .001), previous myocardial infarction (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.3-3.5; P = .002), and diabetes (OR 3.9, 95% CI 1.1-2.4; P = .03) correlated to the use of reperfusion therapy. Patients with lead V₄R recorded had less (P = .055) reinfarction, unstable angina, stroke, and/or death during follow-up.

Conclusions

Lead V₄R was recorded in only half of patients with inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Patients with V₄R recorded were more likely to receive thrombolytic therapy than those without recording of the additional chest lead.     

Left Ventricular Dilation and Incident Congestive Heart Failure in Asymptomatic Adults Without Cardiovascular Disease: Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

BackgroundLimited data exist on the association between left ventricular (LV) dilation/remodeling and incident heart failure (HF), especially in adults without prior myocardial infarction (MI) and valvular heart disease. We assessed the association between LV dilation and remodeling and incident HF in a multiethnic cohort.Methods and ResultsA total of 4,974 of 6,814 participants in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) had cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and complete data. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard analyses were used to assess the association between LV end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and adjudicated HF. During the 12 years of follow-up (mean 9.4 y), 177 (3.6%) HF events occurred, 126 (71.2%) in HF with reduced ejection fraction (EF) and 51 (28.8%) in HF with preserved EF. LV dilation (LVEDD >52 mm or >95th percentile) was associated with HF in univariate (hazard ratio [HR] 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08–1.46; P = .007) and multivariable Cox models (HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.09–1.57; P = .01) adjusting for traditional risk factors, medication use, LV EF, and interim MI. We found a significant multiplicative interaction between LVEDD and LV EF in our full multivariable models. Participants with dilated LV and preserved EF had increased risk [HR 2.22, 95% CI 1.46–3.37; P = .006) and those with dilated LV and reduced EF had worse prognosis (HR 7.35, 95% CI 2.36–22.85; P = .0006) compared with normal-size LV and preserved EF. A high proportion of participants with LV dilation had eccentric remodeling, a risk factor for HF. Concentric hypertrophy, also a risk factor for HF, was common in the normal-size LV group.ConclusionsLV dilation predicts incident HF independently from risk factors, LV EF, and interim MI.