Dutch citizens of Turkish origin who utilize healthcare services in Turkey: a qualitative study on motives and contextual factors

Background

Dutch residents of Turkish origin frequently utilize healthcare in Turkey.

Methods

To investigate their motives for doing so, we conducted a qualitative study among these healthcare users using semi-structured interviews. We complemented this with informal conversations with Turkish healthcare providers and observations at the registration offices and waiting rooms of outpatient clinics in several Turkish hospitals.

Results

Respondents believed their perceived needs for referral to specialist care and diagnostic assessments to quantify their health were not being met in the Netherlands.

Conclusions

These mismatches in expectations of what constitutes “good care” led to dissatisfaction with Dutch primary care. Consequently, respondents utilized healthcare in Turkey if the opportunity arose, and were encouraged in this by their social networks. Establishing cross-border communication between healthcare providers is necessary, because there is currently no continuity of care for cross-border patients.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12913-018-3026-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Cohort profile: the Healthy Life in an Urban Setting (HELIUS) study in Amsterdam, The Netherlands

PURPOSE

Ethnic minority groups usually have a more unfavourable disease risk profile than the host population. In Europe, ethnic inequalities in health have been observed in relatively small studies, with limited possibilities to explore underlying causes. The aim of the Healthy Life in an Urban Setting (HELIUS) study is to investigate the causes of (the unequal burden of) diseases across ethnic groups, focusing on three disease categories: cardiovascular diseases, mental health and infectious diseases.

PARTICIPANTS

The HELIUS study is a prospective cohort study among six large ethnic groups living in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Between 2011 and 2015, a total 24 789 participants (aged 18-70 years) were included at baseline. Similar-sized samples of individuals of Dutch, African Surinamese, South-Asian Surinamese, Ghanaian, Turkish and Moroccan origin were included. Participants filled in an extensive questionnaire and underwent a physical examination that included the collection of biological samples (biobank).

FINDINGS TO DATE

Data on physical, behavioural, psychosocial and biological risk factors, and also ethnicity-specific characteristics (eg, culture, migration history, ethnic identity, socioeconomic factors and discrimination) were collected, as were measures of health outcomes (cardiovascular, mental health and infections). The first results have confirmed large inequalities in health between ethnic groups, such as diabetes and depressive symptoms, and also early markers of disease such as arterial wave reflection and chronic kidney disease, which can only just partially be explained by inequalities in traditional risk factors, such as obesity and socioeconomic status. In addition, the first results provided important clues for targeting prevention and healthcare.

FUTURE PLANS

HELIUS will be used for further research on the underlying causes of ethnic differences in health. Follow-up data will be obtained by repeated measurements and by linkages with existing registries (eg, hospital data, pharmacy data and insurance data).

Contribution of short sleep duration to ethnic differences in cardiovascular disease: results from a cohort study in the Netherlands

OBJECTIVES

We analysed association between short sleep duration and prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a multiethnic population living in the Netherlands, and the contribution of short sleep to the observed ethnic differences in the prevalence of CVD, independent of CVD risk factors.

METHODS

20 730 participants (aged 18-71 years) of the HELIUS (Healthy Life in an Urban Setting) Study were investigated. Self-reported sleep duration was classified as: short (<7 hours/night) and healthy (7-9 hours/night). Prevalence of CVD was assessed using the Rose Questionnaire on angina pectoris, intermittent claudication and possible myocardial infarction. Association of short sleep duration with prevalent CVD and the contribution of short sleep to the observed ethnic differences in the prevalence of CVD were analysed using adjusted prevalence ratio(s) (PRs) with 95% CI.

RESULTS

Results indicate that short sleep was associated with CVD among all ethnic groups with PRs ranging from 1.44 (95% CI 1.20 to 1.71) in Moroccans to 1.74 (95% CI 1.28 to 2.36) in Dutch after adjustment for age, sex and conventional CVD risk factors. The independent contributions of short sleep (in percentage) to ethnic differences in CVD compared with Dutch were 12%, 16%, 6%, 19% and 6% in South-Asian Surinamese, African-Surinamese, Ghanaian, Turkish and Moroccan, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Short sleep contributed to ethnic differences in CVD independent of well-known CVD risk factors particularly in Surinamese and Ghanaian groups. Reducing sleep deprivation may be a relevant entry point for reducing increased CVD risks among the various ethnic minority groups.

Relationship between educational and occupational levels, and Chronic Kidney Disease in a multi-ethnic sample- The HELIUS study

BACKGROUND

Ethnic minority groups in high-income countries are disproportionately affected by Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) for reasons that are unclear. We assessed the association of educational and occupational levels with CKD in a multi-ethnic population. Furthermore, we assessed to what extent ethnic inequalities in the prevalence of CKD were accounted for by educational and occupational levels.

METHODS

Cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from the Healthy Life in an Urban Setting (HELIUS) study of 21,433 adults (4,525 Dutch, 3,027 South-Asian Surinamese, 4,105 African Surinamese, 2,314 Ghanaians, 3,579 Turks, and 3,883 Moroccans) aged 18 to 70 years living in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Three CKD outcomes were considered using the 2012 KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) severity of CKD classification. Comparisons between educational and occupational levels were made using logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

After adjustment for sex and age, low-level and middle-level education were significantly associated with higher odds of high to very high-risk of CKD in Dutch (Odds Ratio (OR) 2.10, 95% C.I., 1.37-2.95; OR 1.55, 95% C.I., 1.03-2.34). Among ethnic minority groups, low-level education was significantly associated with higher odds of high to very-high-risk CKD but only in South-Asian Surinamese (OR 1.58, 95% C.I., 1.06-2.34). Similar results were found for the occupational level in relation to CKD risk.

CONCLUSION

The lower educational and occupational levels of ethnic minority groups partly accounted for the observed ethnic inequalities in CKD. Reducing CKD risk in ethnic minority populations with low educational and occupational levels may help to reduce ethnic inequalities in CKD and its related complications.

Ethnic disparities in educational and occupational gradients of estimated cardiovascular disease risk: The Healthy Life in an Urban Setting study

BACKGROUND

European societies are becoming increasingly ethnically diverse. This may have important implications for socio-economic inequalities in health due to the often disadvantaged position of ethnic minority groups in both socio-economic status (SES) and disease, especially cardiovascular disease (CVD).

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine whether the socio-economic gradient of estimated CVD risk differs between ethnic groups.

METHODS

Using the Healthy Life in an Urban Setting study, we obtained data on SES and CVD risk factors among participants from six ethnic backgrounds residing in Amsterdam. SES was measured using educational level and occupational level. CVD risk was estimated based on the occurrence of CVD risk factors using the Dutch version of the systematic coronary risk evaluation algorithm. Ethnic disparities in socio-economic gradients for estimated CVD risk were determined using the relative index of inequality (RII).

RESULTS

Among Dutch-origin men, the RII for estimated CVD risk according to educational level was 6.15% (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.35-7.96%), indicating that those at the bottom of the educational hierarchy had a 6.15% higher estimated CVD risk relative than those at the top. Among Dutch-origin women, the RII was 4.49% (CI 2.45-6.52%). The RII was lower among ethnic minority groups, ranging from 0.83% to 3.13% among men and -0.29% to 5.12% among women, indicating weaker associations among these groups. Results were similar based on occupational level.

CONCLUSIONS

Ethnic background needs to be considered in associations between SES and disease. The predictive value of SES varies between ethnic groups and may be quite poor for some groups.

Ethnic differences in current smoking and former smoking in the Netherlands and the contribution of socioeconomic factors: a cross-sectional analysis of the HELIUS study

OBJECTIVES

Data exploring how much of the ethnic differences in smoking prevalence and former smoking are explained by socioeconomic status (SES) are lacking. We therefore assessed ethnic differences in smoking prevalence and former smoking and the contribution of both educational level and occupational-related SES to the observed ethnic differences in smoking behaviour.

METHODS

Data of 22 929 participants (aged 18-70 years) from the multiethnic cross-sectional Healthy Life in an Urban Setting study in the Netherlands were analysed. Poisson regression models with a robust variance were used to estimate prevalence ratios.

RESULTS

Compared with the Dutch, after adjustment for age and marital status, smoking prevalence was higher in men of Turkish (prevalence ratio 1.69, 95% CI 1.54 to 1.86), African Surinamese (1.55, 95% CI 1.41 to 1.69) and South-Asian Surinamese origin (1.53, 95% CI 1.40 to 1.68), whereas among women, smoking prevalence was higher in Turkish, similar in African Surinamese but lower in all other ethnic origin groups. All ethnic minority groups, except Ghanaians, had a significantly lower smoking cessation prevalence than the Dutch. Socioeconomic gradients in smoking (higher prevalence among those lower educated and with lower level employment) were observed in all groups except Ghanaian women (a higher prevalence was observed in the higher educated). Ethnic differences in smoking prevalence and former smoking are largely, but not completely, explained by socioeconomic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings imply that antismoking policies designed to target smoking within the lower socioeconomic groups of ethnic minority populations may substantially reduce ethnic inequalities in smoking particularly among men and that certain groups may benefit from targeted smoking cessation interventions.

Cardiovascular disease risk and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease among patients with low health literacy

OBJECTIVE

To explore the association between health literacy and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and to assess the differential effects by health literacy level of a nurse-coordinated secondary prevention program (NCPP) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

METHODS

Data were collected in two medical centres participating in the RESPONSE trial (Randomised Evaluation of Secondary Prevention by Outpatient Nurse SpEcialists). CVD risk profiles were assessed at baseline and 12-month follow-up using the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE). Health literacy was assessed by the short Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM-D) and the Newest Vital Sign (NVS-D); self-reported health literacy was evaluated by the Set of Brief Screening Questions (SBSQ-D).

RESULTS

Among 201 CAD patients, 18% exhibited reading difficulties, 52% had difficulty understanding and applying written information, and 5% scored low on self-reported health literacy. Patients with low NVS-D scores had a higher CVD risk [mean SCORE 5.2 (SD 4.8) versus 3.3 (SD 4.1), p < 0.01]. Nurse-coordinated care seemed to reduce CVD risk irrespective of health literacy levels without significant differences.

CONCLUSION

Inadequate health literacy is prevalent in CAD patients in the Netherlands, and is associated with less favourable CVD risk profiles. Where many other forms of CVD prevention fail, nurse-coordinated care seems to be effective among patients with inadequate health literacy.

Risk factor control in secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease: results from the multi-ethnic HELIUS study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the quality of contemporary secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and the differences between six ethnic groups in a large, observational cohort.

DESIGN

We included participants with a self-reported history of CVD from the HEalthy LIfe in an Urban Setting (HELIUS) study, which investigates inequalities in health between six ethnic groups living in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. We quantified the proportions of patients who were at the preventive treatment goal according to the guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology for six risk factors: hypertension, dyslipidaemia, smoking, overweight, physical inactivity and diabetes mellitus, and the use preventive medication.

RESULTS

Of 22,165 participants, 1163 (5%) reported a history of CVD. Mean age was 54 years. Overall, 69% had a systolic blood pressure of <140 mm Hg, and 42% had a low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol of <2.5 mmol/l. Non-smoking was found in 67%. Body mass index (BMI) <25 kg/m² was found in 24%, and 54% reported adequate physical activity. The mean number of risk factors per patient was three (±1.1) out of six, and only 2% had all risk factors on target. Across the ethnic groups, non-smoking was more prevalent in the Ghanaian and Moroccan groups than in the Dutch (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively); BMI <25 kg/m² and adequate physical activity were less prevalent among all ethnic minority groups compared with the Dutch group.

CONCLUSION

We found large treatment gaps in secondary prevention of CVD. Ethnic differences in risk factors were found; however, strategies to improve overall risk factor management may be mandated before designing ethnic-specific strategies.

Endothelial function after ST-elevation myocardial infarction in patients with high levels of high-sensitivity CRP and Lp-PLA2: A substudy of the RESPONSE randomized trial

BACKGROUND

The combination of high levels of high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase-A₂ (Lp-PLA₂) was recently shown to correlate with increased cardiovascular risk. Endothelial dysfunction is also known to be a risk factor for cardiovascular events.

AIM

To test among patients with previous ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) the hypothesis that high levels of both hs-CRP and Lp-PLA₂ may be associated with impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilatation.

METHODS

In this substudy of the RESPONSE randomized trial, we used reactive hyperemia peripheral artery tonometry (RH-PAT) 4 to 6weeks after STEMI and primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) to non-invasively assess endothelial function (RH-PAT index <1.67 identified endothelial dysfunction). Reliable measurements of RH-PAT, hs-CRP, and Lp-PLA₂ were obtained in 68 patients, who were classified as high-risk if levels of both hs-CRP and Lp-PLA₂ were in the upper tertile (≥3.84mg/L and >239μg/L, respectively).

RESULTS

Patients were 57.4±9.7years and 53 (77.9%) were men. 11 (16%) patients were classified as high-risk and 57 (84%) as low-to-intermediate-risk. The RH-PAT index was 1.68±0.22 in high-risk and 1.95±0.63 in low-to-intermediate-risk patients (p=0.17). Endothelial dysfunction was present in 8 (72.7%) high-risk and 26 (45.6%) low-to-intermediate-risk patients (p=0.09). Framingham risk score, NT-proBNP and fibrinogen levels were higher in high-risk patients (p≤0.03).

CONCLUSION

In this population of patients with recent STEMI and PPCI, we observed between patients with high hs-CRP and Lp-PLA levels and all other patients no more than numerical differences in endothelial function that did not reach a statistical significance. Nevertheless, further research in larger study populations may be warranted.

Comparison of cardiovascular risk factors and dietary intakes among Javanese Surinamese and South-Asian Surinamese in the Netherlands. The HELIUS study

Background

Ethnic differences regarding the percent of non-communicable diseases have been shown in Asia but the studies on Asian subgroups living in the western countries regarding percent of cardiovascular risk factors and dietary intakes have been scarce. Therefore we compared the percent of cardiovascular risk factors and dietary intakes between Javanese Surinamese who are originally from Indonesia and South-Asian Surinamese who are originally from India.

Methods

Cross-sectional baseline data of the HELIUS (Healthy Life in an Urban Setting) study were used, including data of 2935 Surinamese participants (197 of Javanese and 2738 of South-Asian origin) out of which 1160 participants (78 Javanese and 1082 South-Asian) additionally reported dietary intake data. Descriptive statistics were used to compare the two ethnic groups regarding cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia; in addition, dietary intake of foods like vegetables, red meat, fruit, high fibre foods, low fibre foods, high fat and low fat dairy products, chicken and sugar sweetened beverages were also compared between the two groups. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to adjust for age and sex when comparing the two groups.

Results

South-Asian Surinamese had a significantly higher percent of abdominal obesity (OR 2.44; CI 1.66–3.57), cardiovascular disease (OR 2.55; CI 1.48–4.35) and diabetes (OR 2.77; CI 1.67–4.60) as compared with Javanese Surinamese after adjustment for age and sex. The percent of obesity (BMI), hypertension, and lipids was not significantly different between the ethnic groups. Javanese Surinamese had a significantly higher intake of red meat and a significantly lower intake of dairy products as compared with South-Asian Surinamese. Intakes of vegetables, grains, fish, fruits, tea and coffee did not significantly differ between the ethnic groups. Both groups showed intake of considerable amount of sugar sweetened beverages.

Conclusions

Public health practitioners in the Netherlands and elsewhere in the world should take into account the ethnic subgroup differences within the broader groups like Asians when developing interventions related to health among ethnic minorities.

[Secondary prevention of coronary heart disease: results of Euroaspire IV]

OBJECTIVE

Secondary prevention is an important part of cardiovascular risk management. Since 1996, an inventory of cardiovascular risk factors and their treatment has been carried out periodically among patients with coronary heart disease within the framework of the European Action on Secondary Prevention by Intervention to Reduce Events (Euroaspire) project.

DESIGN

Retrospective investigation of consecutively hospitalised patients with coronary heart disease.

METHOD

Major cardiovascular risk factors and their treatment were investigated using standardised methods in patients who were hospitalised following a first heart infarction or with coronary revascularisation in the Amsterdam and Rijnmond regions of the Netherlands from 2012 to 2013. The investigations were carried out at an average of 18 months after admission. In addition, an oral glucose-tolerance test was carried out in patients without known diabetes.

RESULTS

We studied 498 patients. The average BMI was 28 kg/m2, almost 75% had a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2and 29% had a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2. The mean cholesterol level was 4.4 mmol/l. Among those included, 16% smoked and 20% had diabetes mellitus; the oral glucose-tolerance test led to a new diabetes-mellitus diagnosis in 1% of the patients without known diabetes. A large majority of those included used antihypertensive agents, and slightly more than half used two or more medications. Despite this, half of the patients were hypertensive.

CONCLUSION

As far as cardiovascular risk factors are concerned, smoking has almost halved in the past 20 years. Secondary preventative medication has increased to a stable high level. Blood pressure and overweight continue to be serious points for attention. Treatment of hypertension, in particular, should be improved, for instance by dose increases or combination of hypertensive medications. Routine oral glucose-tolerance tests are not useful in cardiac patients.

[Societal aspects of the risk of cardiovascular disease]

A 57-year-old man of Turkish descent is treated for coronary artery disease. In addition to drug treatment and percutaneous revascularization, modification of lifestyle-related risk factors is indicated. His risk profile includes smoking, hypertension and inadequate physical activity. Adherence to medication is suboptimal and his wife is a smoker too. Limited health literacy and acculturation, and resource limitations impede adequate lifestyle changes. Guidance of this patient is challenging; it is not straightforward to influence the societal components of his issues from a medical office. Evidence-based lifestyle interventions are scarce, and their validation - if validated at all - was performed in populations that are not representative of the patient in question. However, physicians can contribute to achieving societal change by participating in national programs aimed at improving infrastructure, improving health literacy, development of ethnicity-specific interventions, availability of healthy food, discouragement of smoking, and creating an infrastructure that promotes physical activity in daily life.

Correction: Ethnic Differences in Arterial Wave Reflection Are Mostly Explained by Differences in Body Height-Cross-Sectional Analysis of the HELIUS Study

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160243.].

The Dutch SCORE-based risk charts seriously underestimate the risk of cardiovascular disease

Introduction

Dutch cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention guidelines recommend the use of modified SCORE risk charts to estimate 10-year risk of fatal and nonfatal CVD (myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular disease and congestive heart failure). This combined risk is derived from the SCORE mortality risk using multipliers. These multipliers have been shown to underestimate overall CVD risk. We aimed to compare the current Dutch risk charts with charts that estimate a broader range of clinically relevant CVD using updated multipliers.

Methods

We constructed new risk charts for 10-year CVD using updated, recently published multipliers from the EPIC-Norfolk study, based on ratios of fatal CVD to clinically relevant CVD (fatal plus nonfatal CVD requiring hospitalisation for ischaemic heart disease, cardiac failure, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral artery disease, and aortic aneurysm). Our primary outcome was the proportion of the three risk categories, i. e. ‘high risk’ (>20% 10-year risk), ‘intermediate risk’ (10–19%) and ‘low risk’ (<10%) in the new risk charts as compared with the current risk charts.

Results

Applying the updated fatal CVD/clinical CVD multipliers led to a marked increase in the high-risk categories (109 (27%) vs. 244 (61%), (p < 0.001)), an absolute increase of 229%. Similarly, the number of low-risk categories decreased (190 (48%) vs. 81 (20%) (p < 0.001)).

Conclusion

The current Dutch risk charts seriously underestimate the risk of clinical CVD, even in the first 10 years. Even when analyses are restricted to CVD events that required hospitalisation, true 10-year risks are more than double the currently estimated risks. Future guidelines may be revised to reflect these findings.

Effects of a nurse-coordinated prevention programme on health-related quality of life and depression in patients with an acute coronary syndrome: results from the RESPONSE randomised controlled trial

Background

Improvement of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is an important goal in preventive cardiology. HRQOL is also related to depressive symptoms, which represent a common co-morbidity and risk factor in patients with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Comprehensive nurse-coordinated prevention programmes (NCPP) in secondary care have been shown to reduce cardiovascular risk, however their effects on HRQOL and depressive symptoms have not been evaluated. We therefore investigated HRQOL and depressive symptoms in a secondary analysis in the RESPONSE trial, evaluating the effect of a NCPP on cardiovascular risk.

Methods

RESPONSE was a multicentre (n = 11) randomised controlled trial in ACS-patients in secondary and tertiary healthcare settings evaluating a NCPP. The intervention consisted of four outpatient nurse clinic visits in the first 6 months after the index event, focusing on healthy lifestyles, biometric risk factors and medication adherence, in addition to usual care. The control group received usual care only. The outcome was change in HRQOL as measured by the MacNew questionnaire and change in depressive symptoms as measured by Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI) questionnaire at 12-months follow-up relative to baseline.

Results

Of 754 patients randomised, 615 were analysed for HRQOL; 120 for depressive symptoms. At baseline, HRQOL was 5.17 (SD 1.09) and 5.20 (SD1.04) (scale range 1.0 to 7.0) in the intervention and control group, respectively. At 12 months follow-up, HRQOL increased by 0.57 (SD 0.89) in the intervention group as compared with 0.42 (SD 0.90) in the control group (p = 0.03). This increase was observed across all relevant subscales. The BDI decreased by 1.9 in the intervention group as compared with 0.03 in the control group (p = 0.03) (scale range 1.0 to 63).

Conclusion

Participation in a NCPP is associated with a modest but statistically significant increase in HRQOL, and a decrease of depressive symptoms, both of which are highly relevant to patients. A reduction in depressive symptoms may in addition contribute to a reduction in the overall risk of recurrent events.

Trial registration

Dutch trials register: NTR1290. Registered 24 April 2008.

A clinical prediction model for the presence of peripheral arterial disease — the benefit of screening individuals before initiation of measurement of the ankle—brachial index: an observational study

Measurement of the ankle—brachial index (ABI) can provide important information about the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis. Performing the ABI in the overall population is not feasible, but it can be used in a selected population. A simple prediction rule could be of much use to estimate the risk of an abnormal ABI. This was designed as an observational study in the setting of 955 general practices in The Netherlands. A total of 7454 patients aged ≥ 55 years presenting with at least one vascular risk factor (smoking, hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia) and no complaints of intermittent claudication were included. Patients were selected by the general practitioner during visiting hours and from medical records. Main outcome measures included the prevalence of PAD, defined as an ABI below 0.9, which was related to vascular risk factors using regression analyses on which the PREVALENT clinical prediction model was developed. The overall prevalence of PAD was 18.4%. Since the treatment of individuals with a history of coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease will not be influenced by the finding of asymptomatic PAD, these individuals were not taken into account for the development of the clinical prediction model. Analyses showed a significantly increased risk for PAD with increasing age, smoking, and hypertension. The clinical prediction model giving risk factor points per factor (age: 1 point per 5 years starting at 55 years; ever smoked: 2 points; currently smoking: 7 points; and hypertension: 3 points), showed a proportional increase of the PAD prevalence with each increasing risk profile (range: 7.0—40.6%). In conclusion, based on the PREVALENT clinical prediction model, the general practitioner is able to identify a high-risk population in which measurement of ABI is useful.

Healthy Ageing Through Internet Counselling in the Elderly: the HATICE randomised controlled trial for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and cognitive impairment

INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular disease and dementia share a number of risk factors including hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, smoking, obesity, diabetes and physical inactivity. The rise of eHealth has led to increasing opportunities for large-scale delivery of prevention programmes encouraging self-management. The aim of this study is to investigate whether a multidomain intervention to optimise self-management of cardiovascular risk factors in older individuals, delivered through an coach-supported interactive internet platform, can improve the cardiovascular risk profile and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

HATICE is a multinational, multicentre, prospective, randomised, open-label blinded end point (PROBE) trial with 18 months intervention. Recruitment of 2600 older people (≥65 years) at increased risk of cardiovascular disease will take place in the Netherlands, Finland and France. Participants randomised to the intervention condition will have access to an interactive internet platform, stimulating self-management of vascular risk factors, with remote support by a coach. Participants in the control group will have access to a static internet platform with basic health information.The primary outcome is a composite score based on the average z-score of the difference between baseline and 18 months follow-up values of systolic blood pressure, low-density-lipoprotein and body mass index. Main secondary outcomes include the effect on the individual components of the primary outcome, the effect on lifestyle-related risk factors, incident cardiovascular disease, mortality, cognitive functioning, mood and cost-effectiveness.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study was approved by the medical ethics committee of the Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam, the Comité de Protection des Personnes Sud Ouest et Outre Mer in France and the Northern Savo Hospital District Research Ethics Committee in Finland.We expect that data from this study will result in a manuscript published in a peer-reviewed clinical open access journal.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN48151589.

Blood-Pressure Lowering in Intermediate-Risk Persons without Cardiovascular Disease

BACKGROUND

Antihypertensive therapy reduces the risk of cardiovascular events among high-risk persons and among those with a systolic blood pressure of 160 mm Hg or higher, but its role in persons at intermediate risk and with lower blood pressure is unclear.

METHODS

In one comparison from a 2-by-2 factorial trial, we randomly assigned 12,705 participants at intermediate risk who did not have cardiovascular disease to receive either candesartan at a dose of 16 mg per day plus hydrochlorothiazide at a dose of 12.5 mg per day or placebo. The first coprimary outcome was the composite of death from cardiovascular causes, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke; the second coprimary outcome additionally included resuscitated cardiac arrest, heart failure, and revascularization. The median follow-up was 5.6 years.

RESULTS

The mean blood pressure of the participants at baseline was 138.1/81.9 mm Hg; the decrease in blood pressure was 6.0/3.0 mm Hg greater in the active-treatment group than in the placebo group. The first coprimary outcome occurred in 260 participants (4.1%) in the active-treatment group and in 279 (4.4%) in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79 to 1.10; P=0.40); the second coprimary outcome occurred in 312 participants (4.9%) and 328 participants (5.2%), respectively (hazard ratio, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.81 to 1.11; P=0.51). In one of the three prespecified hypothesis-based subgroups, participants in the subgroup for the upper third of systolic blood pressure (>143.5 mm Hg) who were in the active-treatment group had significantly lower rates of the first and second coprimary outcomes than those in the placebo group; effects were neutral in the middle and lower thirds (P=0.02 and P=0.009, respectively, for trend in the two outcomes).

CONCLUSIONS

Therapy with candesartan at a dose of 16 mg per day plus hydrochlorothiazide at a dose of 12.5 mg per day was not associated with a lower rate of major cardiovascular events than placebo among persons at intermediate risk who did not have cardiovascular disease. (Funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and AstraZeneca; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00468923.).

Blood-Pressure and Cholesterol Lowering in Persons without Cardiovascular Disease

BACKGROUND

Elevated blood pressure and elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Lowering both should reduce the risk of cardiovascular events substantially.

METHODS

In a trial with 2-by-2 factorial design, we randomly assigned 12,705 participants at intermediate risk who did not have cardiovascular disease to rosuvastatin (10 mg per day) or placebo and to candesartan (16 mg per day) plus hydrochlorothiazide (12.5 mg per day) or placebo. In the analyses reported here, we compared the 3180 participants assigned to combined therapy (with rosuvastatin and the two antihypertensive agents) with the 3168 participants assigned to dual placebo. The first coprimary outcome was the composite of death from cardiovascular causes, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke, and the second coprimary outcome additionally included heart failure, cardiac arrest, or revascularization. The median follow-up was 5.6 years.

RESULTS

The decrease in the LDL cholesterol level was 33.7 mg per deciliter (0.87 mmol per liter) greater in the combined-therapy group than in the dual-placebo group, and the decrease in systolic blood pressure was 6.2 mm Hg greater with combined therapy than with dual placebo. The first coprimary outcome occurred in 113 participants (3.6%) in the combined-therapy group and in 157 (5.0%) in the dual-placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.56 to 0.90; P=0.005). The second coprimary outcome occurred in 136 participants (4.3%) and 187 participants (5.9%), respectively (hazard ratio, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.57 to 0.89; P=0.003). Muscle weakness and dizziness were more common in the combined-therapy group than in the dual-placebo group, but the overall rate of discontinuation of the trial regimen was similar in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of rosuvastatin (10 mg per day), candesartan (16 mg per day), and hydrochlorothiazide (12.5 mg per day) was associated with a significantly lower rate of cardiovascular events than dual placebo among persons at intermediate risk who did not have cardiovascular disease. (Funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and AstraZeneca; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00468923.).

Cholesterol Lowering in Intermediate-Risk Persons without Cardiovascular Disease

BACKGROUND

Previous trials have shown that the use of statins to lower cholesterol reduces the risk of cardiovascular events among persons without cardiovascular disease. Those trials have involved persons with elevated lipid levels or inflammatory markers and involved mainly white persons. It is unclear whether the benefits of statins can be extended to an intermediate-risk, ethnically diverse population without cardiovascular disease.

METHODS

In one comparison from a 2-by-2 factorial trial, we randomly assigned 12,705 participants in 21 countries who did not have cardiovascular disease and were at intermediate risk to receive rosuvastatin at a dose of 10 mg per day or placebo. The first coprimary outcome was the composite of death from cardiovascular causes, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke, and the second coprimary outcome additionally included revascularization, heart failure, and resuscitated cardiac arrest. The median follow-up was 5.6 years.

RESULTS

The overall mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was 26.5% lower in the rosuvastatin group than in the placebo group. The first coprimary outcome occurred in 235 participants (3.7%) in the rosuvastatin group and in 304 participants (4.8%) in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64 to 0.91; P=0.002). The results for the second coprimary outcome were consistent with the results for the first (occurring in 277 participants [4.4%] in the rosuvastatin group and in 363 participants [5.7%] in the placebo group; hazard ratio, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.64 to 0.88; P<0.001). The results were also consistent in subgroups defined according to cardiovascular risk at baseline, lipid level, C-reactive protein level, blood pressure, and race or ethnic group. In the rosuvastatin group, there was no excess of diabetes or cancers, but there was an excess of cataract surgery (in 3.8% of the participants, vs. 3.1% in the placebo group; P=0.02) and muscle symptoms (in 5.8% of the participants, vs. 4.7% in the placebo group; P=0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with rosuvastatin at a dose of 10 mg per day resulted in a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular events than placebo in an intermediate-risk, ethnically diverse population without cardiovascular disease. (Funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and AstraZeneca; HOPE-3 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00468923.).

Endothelial Dysfunction After ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Long-term Outcome: A Study With Reactive Hyperemia Peripheral Artery Tonometry

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Long-term data on the relationship between endothelial dysfunction after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and future adverse clinical events are scarce. The aim of this study was to noninvasively assess whether endothelial dysfunction 4 weeks to 6 weeks after primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction predicts future clinical events.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study was performed in 70 patients of the RESPONSE randomized trial, who underwent noninvasive assessment of endothelial function 4 weeks to 6 weeks after primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Endothelial function was measured by the reactive hyperemia peripheral artery tonometry method; an index<1.67 identified endothelial dysfunction.

RESULTS

The reactive hyperemia peripheral artery tonometry index measured on average 1.90±0.58. A total of 35 (50%) patients had endothelial dysfunction and 35 (50%) patients had normal endothelial function. Periprocedural "complications" (eg, cardiogenic shock, total atrioventricular block) were more common in patients with endothelial dysfunction than in those without (25.7% vs 2.9%; P<.01). During 4.0±1.7 years of follow-up, 20 (28.6%) patients had major adverse cardiovascular events: events occurred in 9 (25.7%) patients with endothelial dysfunction and in 11 (31.5%) patients with normal endothelial function (P=.52). There was an association between the prevalence of diabetes mellitus at baseline and the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events during follow-up (univariate analysis: hazard ratio=2.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-7.8; P<.05), and even in multivariate analyses the risk appeared to be increased, although not significantly (multivariate analysis: hazard ratio=2.5; 95% confidence interval, 0.8-7.5).

CONCLUSIONS

In this series of patients who survived an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, endothelial dysfunction, as assessed by reactive hyperemia peripheral artery tonometry 4 weeks to 6 weeks after myocardial infarction, did not predict future clinical events during a mean follow-up of 4 years.

Web-Based Interventions Targeting Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Middle-Aged and Older People: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Web-based interventions can improve single cardiovascular risk factors in adult populations. In view of global aging and the associated increasing burden of cardiovascular disease, older people form an important target population as well.

Objective

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we evaluated whether Web-based interventions for cardiovascular risk factor management reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in older people.

Methods

Embase, Medline, Cochrane and CINAHL were systematically searched from January 1995 to November 2014. Search terms included cardiovascular risk factors and diseases (specified), Web-based interventions (and synonyms) and randomized controlled trial. Two authors independently performed study selection, data-extraction and risk of bias assessment. In a meta-analysis, outcomes regarding treatment effects on cardiovascular risk factors (blood pressure, glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, smoking status, weight and physical inactivity) and incident cardiovascular disease were pooled with random effects models.

Results

A total of 57 studies (N=19,862) fulfilled eligibility criteria and 47 studies contributed to the meta-analysis. A significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (mean difference –2.66 mmHg, 95% CI –3.81 to –1.52), diastolic blood pressure (mean difference –1.26 mmHg, 95% CI –1.92 to –0.60), HbA1c level (mean difference –0.13%, 95% CI –0.22 to –0.05), LDL cholesterol level (mean difference –2.18 mg/dL, 95% CI –3.96 to –0.41), weight (mean difference –1.34 kg, 95% CI –1.91 to –0.77), and an increase of physical activity (standardized mean difference 0.25, 95% CI 0.10-0.39) in the Web-based intervention group was found. The observed effects were more pronounced in studies with short (<12 months) follow-up and studies that combined the Internet application with human support (blended care). No difference in incident cardiovascular disease was found between groups (6 studies).

Conclusions

Web-based interventions have the potential to improve the cardiovascular risk profile of older people, but the effects are modest and decline with time. Currently, there is insufficient evidence for an effect on incident cardiovascular disease. A focus on long-term effects, clinical endpoints, and strategies to increase sustainability of treatment effects is recommended for future studies.

[Web-based interventions targeting cardiovascular risk factors in older people; a systematic review and meta-analysis]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether web-based interventions for cardiovascular risk factor management reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in older people.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHOD

Embase, Medline, Cochrane Library and CINAHL were systematically searched from January 1995 to 3 November 2014. We included all randomised controlled trials for web-based interventions targeting cardiovascular risk factors in populations with a mean age of 50 and older. The outcome measures were cardiovascular risk factors (blood pressure, HbA1c, LDL cholesterol, weight, smoking status and physical activity) and the incidence of cardiovascular disease. We used random-effects models to pool the results of the studies.

RESULTS

A total of 57 studies (19,862 participants) fulfilled eligibility criteria, and 47 of these were suitable for meta-analysis. We found a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (-2.66 mmHg, 95% CI -3.81 to -1.52), diastolic blood pressure (-1.26 mmHg, 95% CI -1.92 to -0.60), HbA1c level (-0.13%, 95% CI -0.22 to -0.05), LDL cholesterol level (-0.06 mmol/l, 95% CI -0.10 to -0.01), weight (-1.34 kg, 95% CI -1.91 to -0.77), and an increase in physical activity (standardized mean difference 0.25, 95% CI 0.10-0.39) in the intervention group when compared with the control group. Treatment effects were more pronounced in studies of short duration (< 12 months) and when combining the web-based intervention with human support by a health care professional. No difference in the incidence of cardiovascular disease was found between groups.

CONCLUSION

Web-based interventions have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular risk profile, but this effect is modest and declines with time. Currently, there is insufficient evidence that this can prevent cardiovascular disease. A focus on long-term effects, effect-sustainability and clinical endpoints is recommended for future studies.

Effective components of nurse-coordinated care to prevent recurrent coronary events: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Current guidelines on secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease recommend nurse-coordinated care (NCC) as an effective intervention. However, NCC programmes differ widely and the efficacy of NCC components has not been studied. To investigate the efficacy of NCC and its components in secondary prevention of coronary heart disease by means of a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. 18 randomised trials (11 195 patients in total) using 15 components of NCC met the predefined inclusion criteria. These components were placed into three main intervention strategies: (1) risk factor management (13 studies); (2) multidisciplinary consultation (11 studies) and (3) shared decision making (10 studies). Six trials combined NCC components from all three strategies. In total, 30 outcomes were observed. We summarised observed outcomes in four outcome categories: (1) risk factor levels (16 studies); (2) clinical events (7 studies); (3) patient-perceived health (7 studies) and (4) guideline adherence (3 studies). Compared with usual care, NCC lowered systolic blood pressure (weighted mean difference (WMD) 2.96 mm Hg; 95% CI 1.53 to 4.40 mm Hg) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD 0.23 mmol/L; 95% CI 0.10 to 0.36 mmol/L). NCC also improved smoking cessation rates by 25% (risk ratio 1.25; 95% CI 1.08 to 1.43). NCC demonstrated to have an effect on a small number of outcomes. NCC that incorporated blood pressure monitoring, cholesterol control and smoking cessation has an impact on the improvement of secondary prevention. Additionally, NCC is a heterogeneous concept. A shared definition of NCC may facilitate better comparisons of NCC content and outcomes.

Heterogeneous impact of classic atherosclerotic risk factors on different arterial territories: the EPIC-Norfolk prospective population study

AIMS

Particular atherosclerotic risk factors may differ in their association with atherosclerosis across vascular territories. Few studies have compared the associations between multiple risk factors and cardiovascular disease (CVD) manifestations in one population. We studied the strength of the associations between traditional risk factors including coronary artery disease (CAD), ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke, abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), and peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

METHODS AND RESULTS

This analysis included 21 798 participants of the EPIC-Norfolk population study, without previous CVD. Events were defined as hospitalization or mortality, coded using ICD-10. The associations between the risk factors, such as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and smoking, and the various CVD manifestations were compared using competing risk analyses. During 12.1 years, 3087 CVD events were recorded. The associations significantly differed across CVD manifestations. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was strongly associated with CAD [adjusted hazard rate (aHR) highest vs. lowest quartile 1.63, 95% CI 1.44-1.86]. Systolic blood pressure was a strong risk factor for PAD (aHR highest vs. lowest quartile 2.95, 95% CI 1.78-4.89) and ischaemic stroke (aHR highest vs. lowest quartile 2.48, 95% CI 1.55-3.97), but not for AAA. Smoking was strongly associated with incident AAA (aHR current vs. never 7.66, 95% CI 4.50-13.04) and PAD (aHR current vs. never 4.66, 95% CI 3.29-6.61), but not with haemorrhagic stroke.

CONCLUSION

The heterogeneity in the risk factor-CVD associations supports the concept of pathophysiological differences between atherosclerotic CVD manifestations and could have implications for CVD prevention.

Smoking cessation after an acute coronary syndrome: immediate quitters are successful quitters

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention guidelines stress the importance of smoking cessation and recommend intensive follow-up. To guide the development of such cessation support strategies, we analysed the characteristics that are associated with successful smoking cessation after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

METHODS

We used data from the Randomised Evaluation of Secondary Prevention for ACS patients coordinated by Outpatient Nurse SpEcialists (RESPONSE) trial (n = 754). This was designed to quantify the impact of a nurse-coordinated prevention program, focusing on healthy lifestyles, traditional CVD risk factors and medication adherence. For the current analysis we included all smokers (324/754, 43 %). Successful quitters were defined as those who reported abstinence at 1 year of follow-up.

RESULTS

The majority of successful quitters quit immediately after the ACS event and remained abstinent through 1 year of follow-up, without extra support (128/156, 82 %). Higher education level (33 vs. 15 %, p < 0.01), no history of CVD (87 vs. 74 %, p < 0.01) and being on target for LDL-cholesterol level at 1 year (78 vs. 63 %, p < 0.01) were associated with successful quitting.

CONCLUSION

The majority of successful quitters at 1 year stopped immediately after their ACS. Patients in this group showed that it was within their own ability to quit, and they did not relapse through 1 year of follow-up. Our study indicates that in a large group of patients who quit immediately after a life-threatening event, no relapse prevention program is needed.

Prevalence of type 2 diabetes and its association with measures of body composition among African residents in the Netherlands--The HELIUS study

AIMS

To compare type 2 diabetes prevalence among three ethnic groups resident in the Netherlands: Ghanaians, African Surinamese and Dutch origin. Secondly, to determine the contribution of measures of body composition to ethnic differences in type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Baseline data from Ghanaian (n=1873), African Surinamese (n=2189) and Dutch (n=2151) origin participants of the HELIUS study (aged 18-70 years) were analyzed. Type 2 diabetes was determined according to the WHO criteria. Logistic regression tested ethnic differences in type 2 diabetes and the contribution of body fat percentage and waist-to-hip ratio.

RESULTS

Among men, type 2 diabetes prevalence was higher in Ghanaians (14.9%) than in African Surinamese (10.4%) and Dutch (5.0%). Among women, type 2 diabetes prevalence in Ghanaian (11.1%) was higher than in Dutch (2.3%), but similar to African Surinamese (11.5%). After adjusting for age, body fat percentage and waist-to-hip ratio, the odds ratios for having type 2 diabetes were 1.55 (95% CI: 1.12-2.15) for Ghanaian men compared with African Surinamese and 4.19 (95% CI: 2.86-6.12) compared with Dutch. Among women these odds ratios were 0.94 (95% CI: 0.70-1.26) and 4.78 (95% CI: 2.82-8.11).

CONCLUSIONS

The higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes among Ghanaian compared with African Surinamese men suggests a need to distinguish between African descent populations when assessing their type 2 diabetes risk. The higher odds for type 2 diabetes among Ghanaians cannot be attributed to differences in body composition. Further research on the contribution of lifestyle factors as well as genetic and epigenetic factors is needed to identify the reasons for the observed disparities.

The Association of Handgrip Strength and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Six Ethnic Groups: An Analysis of the HELIUS Study

We investigated whether ethnic differences in handgrip strength, a marker of poor muscle strength and quality, is a potential cause of ethnic disparities in type 2 diabetes mellitus. We included 2086 Dutch, 2216 South Asian Surinamese, 2084 African Surinamese, 1786 Ghanaian, 2223 Turkish and 2199 Moroccan origin participants from the HELIUS study. We analyzed ethnic differences in handgrip strength, and its association with type 2 diabetes mellitus using logistic regression analyses adjusted for socio-demographic factors, body composition and lifestyle factors. Additionally, we investigated whether handgrip strength explained the ethnic differences in type 2 diabetes mellitus. We found that handgrip strength differed significantly across ethnic groups. After full adjustment, we found an inverse association with type 2 diabetes mellitus (OR 0.95; 95% CI 0.92-0.97) that did not differ substantially between ethnic groups, men and among women, and lean and overweight individuals. The association was not affected by the measure used to define type 2 diabetes mellitus, but was attenuated by exclusion of people with known diabetes. The ethnic differences in type 2 diabetes mellitus were not explained by handgrip strength (e.g. the OR for the South Asian Surinamese vs. Dutch changed from 5.03; 3.69-6.68 to 4.87; 3.57-6.65). In conclusion, we found large ethnic differences in handgrip strength and a consistent association of low handgrip strength with prevalent type 2 diabetes mellitus. This suggests that handgrip strength may be investigated as a target for intervention or a marker to identify people at risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Community-based comprehensive lifestyle programs in patients with coronary artery disease: Objectives, design and expected results of Randomized Evaluation of Secondary Prevention by Outpatient Nurse SpEcialists 2 trial (RESPONSE 2)

Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) are at high risk of recurrent events. A healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce this risk. A previous trial, Randomized Evaluation of Secondary Prevention by Outpatient Nurse SpEcialists (RESPONSE), demonstrated that nurse-coordinated outpatient clinics improve drug treatment of cardiovascular risk factors. However, lifestyle-related risk factors, including smoking, overweight, and physical inactivity, were common and remained largely unchanged at follow-up in most patients (66%). The aim of the current study is to evaluate the impact of 3 community-based lifestyle programs in patients after hospitalization for CAD. We are conducting a multicenter (n = 15), randomized trial that will recruit 800 patients to test the efficacy of up to 3 widely available commercial lifestyle programs, aimed at patients and their partners, on top of usual care. These programs are aimed at smoking cessation (Luchtsignaal(®)), weight loss (Weight Watchers(®)), and improving physical activity (Philips DirectLife(®)).

OUTCOMES

The primary outcome at 12months is the proportion of patients in whom at least 1 lifestyle risk factor is improved without deterioration in any of the other 2, and a relative increase of at least 30% in this proportion is considered clinically relevant.

Comparable Dietary Patterns Describe Dietary Behavior across Ethnic Groups in the Netherlands, but Different Elements in the Diet Are Associated with Glycated Hemoglobin and Fasting Glucose Concentrations

BACKGROUND

Ethnic minority populations in Western societies suffer from a disproportionate burden of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Insight into the role of dietary patterns in T2D may assist public health nutrition efforts in addressing these health disparities.

OBJECTIVE

We explored the association between dietary patterns and biomarkers of T2D in 5 ethnic groups living in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

METHODS

A total of 3776 men and women aged 18-70 y of Dutch, South Asian Surinamese, African-Surinamese, Turkish, and Moroccan origin from the HELIUS (HEalthy LIfe in an Urban Setting) study were included. Diet was assessed by using a food-frequency questionnaire, and dietary patterns were derived separately per ethnic group. First, food group-based dietary patterns were derived by using principal components analysis and the association with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and plasma fasting glucose was assessed by using multivariable linear regression. Second, biomarker-driven dietary patterns based on HbA1c and fasting glucose concentrations were derived by applying reduced rank regression.

RESULTS

Two comparable food group-based dietary patterns were identified in each ethnic group: a "meat and snack" pattern and a "vegetable" pattern. The meat-and-snack pattern derived within the Dutch origin population was significantly associated with HbA1c (β = 0.09; 95% CI: 0.00, 0.19) and fasting glucose (β = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.09, 0.26) concentrations. A biomarker-derived pattern characterized by red and processed meat was observed among Dutch-origin participants; however, among ethnic minority groups, this pattern was characterized by other foods including ethnicity-specific foods (e.g., roti, couscous).

CONCLUSIONS

Although similar food group dietary patterns were derived within 5 ethnic groups, the association of the meat-and-snack pattern with fasting glucose concentrations differed by ethnicity. Taken together with the finding of ethnic differences in biomarker-driven dietary patterns, our results imply that addressing T2D risk in multiethnic populations requires ethnicity-specific approaches.

Novel Approaches in Primary Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: The HOPE-3 Trial Rationale, Design, and Participants' Baseline Characteristics

BACKGROUND

Cholesterol and blood pressure (BP) can be effectively and safely lowered with statin drugs and BP-lowering drugs, reducing major cardiovascular (CV) events by 20%-30% within 5 years in high-risk individuals. However, there are limited data in lower-risk populations. The Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation-3 (HOPE-3) trial is evaluating whether cholesterol lowering with a statin drug, BP lowering with low doses of 2 antihypertensive agents, and their combination safely reduce major CV events in individuals at intermediate risk who have had no previous vascular events and have average cholesterol and BP levels.

METHODS

A total of 12,705 women 65 years or older and men 55 years or older with at least 1 CV risk factor, no known CV disease, and without any clear indication or contraindication to the study drugs were randomized to rosuvastatin 10 mg/d or placebo and to candesartan/hydrochlorothiazide 16/12.5 mg/d or placebo (2 × 2 factorial design) and will be followed for a mean of 5.8 years. The coprimary study outcomes are the composite of CV death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), and nonfatal stroke and the composite of CV death, nonfatal MI, nonfatal stroke, resuscitated cardiac arrest, heart failure, and arterial revascularization.

RESULTS

Participants were recruited from 21 countries in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Mean age at randomization was 66 years and 46% were women.

CONCLUSIONS

The HOPE-3 trial will provide new information on cholesterol and BP lowering in intermediate-risk populations with average cholesterol and BP levels and is expected to inform approaches to primary prevention worldwide (HOPE-3 ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00468923).

Healthcare consumption by ethnic minority people in their country of origin

BACKGROUND

Studies from the USA, New Zealand and Denmark suggest that many ethnic minority citizens obtain healthcare in their country of origin. Their reasons for doing so and the possible consequences remain unclear.

METHODS

We used data from the Healthy Life in an Urban Setting study to investigate the magnitude, types, self-reported reasons and determinants of past-year healthcare consumption in the country of origin by ethnic minority people living in the Netherlands. Individuals of African Surinamese (n = 2059), South-Asian Surinamese (n = 1915), Ghanaian (n = 1426), Moroccan (n = 1516) and Turkish (n = 2245) origin were included (recruited 2011-2013). We performed descriptive and stepwise logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

Respondents of Turkish origin reported the highest healthcare utilization in the country of origin (21.3%) compared with Moroccan (9.8%), Ghanaian (6.6%), African Surinamese (4.8%) and South-Asian Surinamese (3.0%) respondents. The main services used were outpatient clinics, pharmacies and health centres. The chief reported motivations were healthcare for illness, dissatisfaction with care in the residence country and seeking second opinions. Physical health status, cultural distance to the Dutch healthcare system and Turkish origin were all independently associated with healthcare use in countries of origin.

CONCLUSION

Both health status and attitudes towards services in the countries of residence and origin are significantly associated with cross-border healthcare use. Further research is needed to clarify the reasons for the relatively high rates shown by Turkish respondents and to explore the consequences for health and for healthcare utilization in the country of residence.

Prognostic value of access site and nonaccess site bleeding after percutaneous coronary intervention: a cohort study in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and comprehensive meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to investigate the prognostic value of access site bleeding (ASB) and non-ASB for recurrent ischemic outcomes and mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

BACKGROUND

The prognostic value of ASB-related complications after STEMI is subject to debate.

METHODS

The prognostic value of ASB and non-ASB for 1-year mortality, recurrent myocardial infarction (MI), stent thrombosis, and stroke was investigated in 2,002 STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. In addition, we performed a meta-analysis of studies investigating the prognostic value of ASB and non-ASB in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

RESULTS

Seventy-four patients (3.7%) were treated by radial access. ASB developed in 124 patients (6.3%) and non-ASB developed in 102 (5.2%). By multivariable analysis, ASB was not associated with a higher risk of 1-year mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.03; p = 0.89), recurrent MI (HR: 1.16; p = 0.64), stent thrombosis (HR: 0.55; p = 0.42), or stroke (HR: 0.47; p = 0.31). Non-ASB was independently associated with 1-year mortality (HR: 2.77; p < 0.001) and stent thrombosis (HR: 3.10; p = 0.021), but not with recurrent MI and stroke. In a meta-analysis including 495,630 patients, non-ASB was associated with a greater adjusted risk of subsequent 1-year mortality than ASB (HR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.56 to 1.76 and HR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.11 to 1.31).

CONCLUSIONS

In STEMI, ASB was not significantly associated with 1-year clinical outcomes, whereas non-ASB was significantly associated with 1-year mortality and stent thrombosis. These results taken together with those of previous studies indicate a greater risk of subsequent mortality in patients with non-ASB.

Ethnic disparities in the association of impaired fasting glucose with the 10-year cumulative incidence of type 2 diabetes

AIMS

Evidence of ethnic disparities in the conversion of prediabetes to type 2 diabetes is scarce. We studied the association of impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) with the 10-year cumulative incidence of type 2 diabetes in three ethnic groups.

METHODS

We analyzed data for 90 South-Asian Surinamese, 190 African-Surinamese, and 176 ethnic Dutch that were collected in the periods 2001-2003 and 2011-2012. We excluded those with type 2 diabetes or missing FPG data. We defined baseline IFG as FPG of 5.7-6.9 mmol/L. We defined type 2 diabetes at follow-up as FPG ≥ 7.0 mmol/L, HbA1c ≥ 48 mmol/mol (6.5%), or self-reported type 2 diabetes.

RESULTS

10-Year cumulative incidences of type 2 diabetes were: South-Asian Surinamese, 18.9%; African-Surinamese, 13.7%; ethnic Dutch, 4.5% (p<0.05). The adjusted association of baseline IFG and FPG with the 10-year cumulative incidence of type 2 diabetes was stronger for South-Asian Surinamese than for African-Surinamese and ethnic Dutch. The IFG (compared to normoglycaemia) ORs were 11.1 [3.0-40.8] for South-Asian Surinamese, 5.1 [2.0-13.3] for African-Surinamese, and 2.2 [0.5-10.1] for ethnic Dutch.

CONCLUSIONS

The 10-year cumulative incidence of type 2 diabetes was higher and associations with baseline IFG and FPG were stronger among South-Asian Surinamese and African-Surinamese than among ethnic Dutch. Our findings confirm the high risk of type 2 diabetes in South-Asians and suggest more rapid conversion in populations of South-Asian origin and (to a lesser extent) African origin than European origin.

The Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) in a large UK population: 10-year follow-up in the EPIC-Norfolk prospective population study

BACKGROUND

The European Society of Cardiology endorses cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk stratification using the Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) algorithm, with separate algorithms for high-risk and low-risk countries. In the 2012 European Guidelines on CVD Prevention in Clinical Practice, the UK has been reclassified as a low-risk country. However, the performance of the SCORE algorithm has not been validated in the UK.

DESIGN

We compared CVD mortality as predicted by SCORE with the observed CVD mortality in the European Prospective Investigation of Cancer-Norfolk (EPIC-Norfolk) prospective population study, a cohort representative of the general population.

METHODS

Individuals without known CVD or diabetes mellitus, aged 39-65 years at baseline, were included in our analysis. CVD mortality was defined as death due to ischaemic heart disease, cardiac failure, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral artery disease and aortic aneurysm. Predicted CVD mortality was calculated at baseline using the SCORE high-risk and low-risk algorithms.

RESULTS

A total of 15,171 individuals (57.1% female) with a mean age of 53.9 (SD 6.2) years were included. Predicted CVD mortality was 2.85% (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.80-2.90) with the SCORE high-risk algorithm and 1.55% (95% CI 1.52-1.58) with the low-risk algorithm. The observed 10-year CVD mortality was 1.25% (95% CI 1.08-1.44). Similar results were observed across sex and age subgroups.

CONCLUSION

In the large EPIC-Norfolk cohort representative of the UK population, the SCORE low-risk algorithm performed better than the high-risk algorithm in predicting 10-year CVD mortality. Our findings indicate that the UK has been correctly reclassified as a low-risk country.

Improving stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation

Background

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are at increased risk for stroke. Antithrombotic treatment reduces this risk. Antithrombotic treatment consists of either administration of oral anticoagulants (OAC) or the provision of an antiplatelet drug. International guidelines provide advice on the preferred treatment, thereby balancing the risks and benefits of OAC. However, adherence to these guidelines is reported to be as low as 50%. There is paucity in research on why adherence rates are low. Recent studies have shown decision support systems can improve guideline adherence. We investigate the use of a clinical decision support system to improve guideline adherence among general practitioners (GPs) treating patients with AF and study reasons for guideline non-adherence.

Methods/Design

The study is a randomized controlled trial, which is performed among Dutch general practitioners. Initially, GPs in the vicinity of the Academic Medical Center (AMC) in Amsterdam will be included, after which other practices will be recruited. We have developed a novel decision support system that displays a list with pending messages for the on-screen medical record in real time. Messages are generated on a server that evaluates a decision rule based on the atrial fibrillation guideline of the Dutch College of General Practitioners. By interacting with the list, messages can be opened for a description and explanation, or be ignored. GPs are allocated into three groups: 1) control group; 2) intervention group A, in which messages can be ignored without justification; and 3) intervention group B, in which messages can only be ignored with justification.

Our main outcome measure is the between-group difference in the proportion of patients receiving antithrombotic prescriptions in adherence to the Dutch GP guideline for atrial fibrillation. Secondary outcomes are reasons GPs state for deviating from the guideline and the effect on guideline adherence of requiring justification when ignoring a message.

Discussion

This paper describes the protocol for a cluster randomized trial to study the effects of a clinical decision support system in patients with atrial fibrillation. The system is characterized by a non-interruptive presentation and real-time messages that are updated after each relevant action the GP performs.

Trial registration

This trial is registered with the Dutch Trial Register under registration number 3570.

Effect of a nurse-coordinated prevention programme on cardiovascular risk after an acute coronary syndrome: main results of the RESPONSE randomised trial

Objective

To quantify the impact of a practical, hospital-based nurse-coordinated prevention programme on cardiovascular risk, integrated into the routine clinical care of patients discharged after an acute coronary syndrome, as compared with usual care only.

Design

RESPONSE (Randomised Evaluation of Secondary Prevention by Outpatient Nurse SpEcialists) was a randomised clinical trial.

Setting

Multicentre trial in secondary and tertiary healthcare settings.

Participants

754 patients admitted for acute coronary syndrome.

Intervention

A nurse-coordinated prevention programme, consisting of four outpatient nurse clinic visits, focusing on healthy lifestyles, biometric risk factors and medication adherence, in addition to usual care.

Main outcome measures

The main outcome was 10-year cardiovascular mortality risk as estimated by Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation at 12 months follow-up. Secondary outcomes included Framingham Coronary Risk Score at 12 months, in addition to changes in individual risk factors. Risk factor control was classified as ‘poor’ if 0 to 3 factors were on target, ‘fair’ if 4 to 6 factors were on target, and ‘good’ if 7 to 9 were on target.

Results

The mean Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation at 12 months was 4.4 per cent (SD 4.5) in the intervention group and 5.4 per cent (SD 6.2) in the control group (p=0.021), representing a 17.4% relative risk reduction. At 12 months, risk factor control classified as ‘good’ was achieved in 35% of patients in the intervention group compared with 25% in the control group (p=0.003). Attendance to the nurse-coordinated prevention programme was 92%. In the intervention group, 86 rehospitalisations were observed against 132 in the control group (relative risk reduction 34.8%, p=0.023).

Conclusions

The nurse-coordinated hospital-based prevention programme in addition to usual care is a practical, yet effective method for reduction of cardiovascular risk in patients with coronary disease. Our data suggest that the counselling component of the programme may lead to a reduction in hospital readmissions.

Trial Registration trialregister.nl Identifier

TC1290.

Unravelling the impact of ethnicity on health in Europe: the HELIUS study

BACKGROUND

Populations in Europe are becoming increasingly ethnically diverse, and health risks differ between ethnic groups. The aim of the HELIUS (HEalthy LIfe in an Urban Setting) study is to unravel the mechanisms underlying the impact of ethnicity on communicable and non-communicable diseases.

METHODS/DESIGN

HELIUS is a large-scale prospective cohort study being carried out in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The sample is made up of Amsterdam residents of Surinamese (with Afro-Caribbean Surinamese and South Asian-Surinamese as the main ethnic groups), Turkish, Moroccan, Ghanaian, and ethnic Dutch origin. HELIUS focuses on three disease categories: cardiovascular disease (including diabetes), mental health (depressive disorders and substance use disorders), and infectious diseases. The explanatory mechanisms being studied include genetic profile, culture, migration history, ethnic identity, socio-economic factors and discrimination. These might affect disease risks through specific risk factors including health-related behaviour and living and working conditions. Every five years, participants complete a standardized questionnaire and undergo a medical examination. Biological samples are obtained for diagnostic tests and storage. Participants' data are linked to morbidity and mortality registries. The aim is to recruit a minimum of 5,000 respondents per ethnic group, to a total of 30,000 participants.

DISCUSSION

This paper describes the rationale, conceptual framework, and design and methods of the HELIUS study. HELIUS will contribute to an understanding of inequalities in health between ethnic groups and the mechanisms that link ethnicity to health in Europe.

[Cardiovascular disease: big problems require big solutions]

At the age of 45, the lifetime risk of developing cardiovascular disease has been shown to be 60% in men and 55% in women in an analysis which included over 900,000 individuals in 5 prospective cohort studies in the United States. Only 4% of the men and 8% of the women had an optimal risk profile. The benefits of being at low risk were great: 14 more healthy years in those without risk factors. Identifying middle-aged individuals at high risk will prevent only a minority of clinical events. There are two alternatives that can be considered; the first one being the 'polypill' approach in which multiple generic drugs are started by every individual at a certain age, e.g., 55 years. This could prove to be an affordable and effective approach for the entire population. Alternatively, fundamental changes in society aimed at improving lifestyle and dietary habits could be implemented.

Unidentified candidates for cardiac resynchronization therapy: guideline adherence in a large academic outpatient clinic in the Netherlands

BACKGROUND

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) reduces mortality and morbidity in patients with heart failure, diminished left ventricular function, and prolonged QRS duration. We investigated adherence to the CRT guidelines and screened for unidentified CRT candidates.

METHODS

Every unique patient visiting the outpatient clinic during three months was analyzed. In patients with QRS duration ≥120 ms or a paced QRS duration ≥200 ms on the electrocardiogram (ECG), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and New York Heart Association functional class were retrieved from hospital records and compared with the institutional implantable cardioverter defibrillator/pacemaker implantation database. The appropriateness of CRT indication was studied in patients who previously received CRT.

RESULTS

QRS duration was <120 ms in 2,609 out of 3,053 patients screened. LVEF was ≤35% in 28 out of 282 patients with a QRS duration ≥120 ms or a paced QRS duration ≥200 ms. Of those, 11 patients were potential CRT candidates. During follow-up, three patients received a CRT device, two patients died, one patient improved, and one refused implantation, leaving four potential CRT candidates. Forty-six patients previously implanted with a CRT device visited the outpatient clinic, of whom 42 (91.3%) fulfilled the guideline criteria. Hence, 45 out of 49 patients (91.8%) qualifying for CRT had received CRT or were implanted during follow-up, and four (8.2%) CRT candidates were unidentified.

CONCLUSION

In a large, tertiary academic hospital, >91% of patients fulfilling guideline criteria received CRT, and 8.2% of patients were unidentified. Systematic ECG screening of every patient may prove a simple tool to detect CRT candidates who were otherwise unrecognized.