Trends in cardiovascular health metrics and associations with all-cause and CVD mortality among US adults

Geographic Variation in Trends and Disparities in Heart Failure Mortality in the United States, 1999 to 2017

Background Cardiovascular disease mortality related to heart failure (HF) is rising in the United States. It is unknown whether trends in HF mortality are consistent across geographic areas and are associated with state-level variation in cardiovascular health (CVH). The goal of the present study was to assess regional and state-level trends in cardiovascular disease mortality related to HF and their association with variation in state-level CVH. Methods and Results Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) per 100 000 attributable to HF were ascertained using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research from 1999 to 2017. CVH at the state-level was quantified using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Linear regression was used to assess temporal trends in HF AAMR were examined by census region and state and to examine the association between state-level CVH and HF AAMR. AAMR attributable to HF declined from 1999 to 2011 and increased between 2011 and 2017 across all census regions. Annual increases after 2011 were greatest in the Midwest (β=1.14 [95% CI, 0.75, 1.53]) and South (β=0.96 [0.66, 1.26]). States in the South and Midwest consistently had the highest HF AAMR in all time periods, with Mississippi having the highest AAMR (109.6 [104.5, 114.6] in 2017). Within race‒sex groups, consistent geographic patterns were observed. The variability in HF AAMR was associated with state-level CVH (P<0.001). Conclusions Wide geographic variation exists in HF mortality, with the highest rates and greatest recent increases observed in the South and Midwest. Higher levels of poor CVH in these states suggest the potential for interventions to promote CVH and reduce the burden of HF.

Temporal trends of cardiovascular health factors among 366 270 French adults

AIMS

We aimed to investigate time trends in cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics in the population at large, as well as in important subgroups.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this study, we used a community-based sample of 366 270 adults from France who had a standardized examination to assess cardiovascular risk factors between 1992 and 2011 (20 years). Cardiovascular health metrics categorized into ideal, intermediate, and poor categories were computed using smoking, physical activity, body mass index, total cholesterol, blood glucose, and blood pressure. Matching on age, sex, and depression across 5-year periods (1992-96, 1997-2001, 2002-06, and 2007-11) was performed in order to correct for the sociodemographic differences between the examinations at different periods of times. Mean age across all four time periods was 44.7 (SD 13) years and 38% (138 228) were women. Overall, few participants (≤3.5%) met all six ideal CVH metrics at any time point. The prevalence of meeting ≥5 ideal CVH metrics increased from 6.7% in 1992-96 to 15.0% in 2007-11 (P < 0.001). A significant improvement in CVH (meeting ≥5 ideal CVH metrics) from 1992 to 2011 was observed among younger (from 7.5% to 16.6%) and older individuals (from 1.3% to 4.2%), men (from 4.4% to 11.8%) and women (from 10.4% to 20.1%), those with low (from 9.1% to 10.4%) and high education status (from 15% to 18.1%) and those with (from 5.1% to 12.7%) and without depressive symptoms (from 6.8% to 15.1%). However, the rate of improvement was steepest in the most affluent group in comparison with those with lower socio-economic status.

CONCLUSION

Overall CVH improved from 1992 until 2006 and slightly decreased between 2006 and 2011 in French adults. From 1992 until 2006, the improvement in CVH was less pronounced among those with low socio-economic status as compared to those with a higher socio-economic status.

Estimated Impact of Achieving Optimal Cardiovascular Health Among US Adults on Cardiovascular Disease Events

Background Better cardiovascular health (CVH) scores are associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, estimates of the potential population-level impact of improving CVH on US CVD event rates are not currently available. Methods and Results Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011 to 2016 (n=11 696), we estimated the proportions of US adults in CVH groups. Levels of 7 American Heart Association CVH metrics were scored as ideal (2 points), intermediate (1 point), or poor (0 points), and summed to define overall CVH (low, 0-8 points; moderate, 9-11 points; or high, 12-14 points). Using individual-level data from 7 US community-based cohort studies (n=30 447), we estimated annual incidence rates of major CVD events by levels of CVH. Using the combined data sources, we estimated population attributable fractions of CVD and the number of CVD events that could be prevented annually if all US adults achieved high CVH. High CVH was identified in 7.3% (95% CI, 6.3%-8.3%) of US adults. We estimated that 70.0% (95% CI, 56.5%-79.9%) of CVD events were attributable to low and moderate CVH. If all US adults attained high CVH, we estimated that 2.0 (95% CI, 1.6-2.3) million CVD events could be prevented annually. If all US adults with low CVH attained moderate CVH, we estimated that 1.2 (95% CI, 1.0-1.4) million CVD events could be prevented annually. Conclusions The potential benefits of achieving high CVH in all US adults are considerable, and even a partial improvement in CVH scores would be highly beneficial.

Changes in Cardiovascular Health Status and Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death in Older Adults

PURPOSE

Cardiovascular health (CVH) status is associated with several cardiovascular outcomes; however, correlations between changes in CVH status and risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) are unknown. We aimed to evaluate associations between changes in CVH status and risk of SCD and all-cause death in older adults.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used data from the Korea National Health Insurance Service-Senior cohort database (2005-2012). Six metrics from the American Heart Association (smoking, body mass index, physical activity, blood pressure, total cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose) were used to calculate CVH scores. Changes in CVH status between two health checkups were categorized as low to low, low to high, high to low, and high to high.

RESULTS

We included 105200 patients whose CVH status for an initial and follow-up health checkup (2-year interval) was available. During a median of 5.2 years of follow-up after a second health checkup, 688 SCDs occurred. Compared to patients with a persistent low CVH status, those with a consistently high CVH status had a reduced risk of SCD [adjusted hazard ratio (HR), 0.69; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.56-0.86] and all-cause death (adjusted HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.69-0.78). The risk of all-cause death followed similar trends. However, an inconsistent linear relationship was observed for changes in CVH status and the risk of SCD, but not of all-cause death.

CONCLUSION

Maintaining a high CVH status was associated with future risks of SCD and all-cause death among an older adult population.

Food Insecurity and Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Purpose of Review

This review examines the current epidemiological evidence for the relationship between levels of food insecurity and cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes among US adults > 17 years.

Recent Findings

Review of recent literature revealed that reduced food security was associated with decreased likelihood of good self-reported cardiovascular health and higher odds of reporting CVD-related outcomes such as coronary heart disease, angina, heart attack, peripheral arterial disease, and hypertension.

Summary

Existing evidence suggests a compelling association between each level of reduced food security and CVD risk with a particularly strong association between very low food security and CVD risk. Policies and public health-based strategies are needed to identify the most vulnerable subgroups, strengthen and enhance access to food assistance programs, and promote awareness and access to healthful foods and beverages to improve food security, nutrition, and cardiovascular health.

[Changes in adherence to the Mediterranean diet observed in a Spanish population during confinement for the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic]

Introduction

Introduction: home confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic can influence the dietary profiles of the population, suddenly subjected to a stressful factor that implies important modifications in life habits. Among others, a restriction of mobility and a change in the way of carrying out work, going from being face-to-face to non-contact (teleworking). Objective: to know the usual dietary pattern prior to confinement, and to assess the evolution of adherence to the Mediterranean diet weekly until its conclusion. Methods: data were collected using a weekly anonymous online questionnaire that monitored adherence to the Mediterranean diet in real time in an initial sample of 490 adults from Spain. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed using the MEDAS (Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener) and modified PREDIMED questionnaires. Results: confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the eating habits of the participants, so that adherence to the Mediterranean diet increased at the end of the confinement period, which is of special interest, since it was based on a good initial adherence (MEDAS adherence: 10.03 ± 1.9 initial and 10.47 ± 2.1 final; p = 0.016; modified PREDIMED adherence: 9.26 ± 2.0 initial and 9.89 ± 2.1 final; p < 0.001), without observing clinically relevant changes in body composition as measured by body mass index (BMI) except in women (23.3 kg/m2 ± 2.9 initial and 23.4 kg/m2 ± 2.9 final; p < 0.001), with a slight increase in this parameter, but maintaining on average the healthy values recommended by the guidelines. Conclusions: in the studied population we observed an improvement in adherence to the Mediterranean diet without observing clinically relevant changes in BMI.

Cardiovascular health and chronic axonal polyneuropathy: A population-based study

Background and purpose

Chronic axonal polyneuropathy is a common, usually multifactorial, disease for which there is no treatment yet available. We investigated the association between cardiovascular health, defined by the health score of the American Heart Association, and chronic axonal polyneuropathy.

Methods

Between June 2013 and January 2017, we investigated participants of the Rotterdam Study, a population‐based cohort study. Participants were screened for polyneuropathy and categorized as having no, possible, probable or definite polyneuropathy. The cardiovascular health score (range 0–14; higher score reflecting better health) consisted of four health behaviours (diet, physical activity, smoking and body mass index) and three health factors (blood pressure, serum cholesterol and fasting glucose level).

Results

We included 1919 participants, of whom 120 (6.3%) had definite polyneuropathy. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 69.0 (58.6–73.7) years and 53.4% were women. A higher cardiovascular health score was associated with a lower prevalence of definite polyneuropathy (per point increase: odds ratio [OR] 0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84–0.96). Optimal cardiovascular health (score≥10) was strongly associated with a lower prevalence of definite polyneuropathy (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.32–0.90). An increase in health factors and health behaviour scores separately was associated with a lower prevalence of polyneuropathy (per point increase: OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.71–0.95 and OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.78–0.96, respectively). The association between a lower cardiovascular health score and lower sural nerve amplitude was not significant after correction for covariates (difference 0.07µV, 95% CI −0.02–0.17).

Conclusions

Better cardiovascular health, consisting of both modifiable health behaviours and health factors, is associated with a lower prevalence of chronic axonal polyneuropathy.

Association of Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Health in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)

INTRODUCTION

Evidence regarding the associations between accelerometer-measured moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and cardiovascular health (CVH) indicators among Hispanic/Latino adults are unavailable.

METHODS

Examined cross-sectional data from 12,008 Hispanic/Latino adults aged 18-74 years participating in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos. Accelerometer-measured MVPA was assessed categorically and dichotomously per 2008 PA guidelines. Adverse and ideal CVH indicators were determined by standard cut-points for blood glucose, total cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and smoking. A composite of low CV risk, defined as achieving all ideal CVH indicators, was included. Adjusted Poisson regression models and complex survey design methods were used for all analyses.

RESULTS

Compared to high MVPA, lower MVPA categories were associated with higher prevalence of all adverse CVH indicators, except hypertension, and with lower prevalence of low CV risk and ideal blood glucose, blood pressure, and BMI. Similarly, non-adherence to PA guidelines was associated with a higher prevalence of diabetes (16%), hypercholesterolemia (9%), obesity (28%), and smoking (9%); and lower prevalence of low CV risk (24%), ideal blood glucose (6%), ideal blood pressure (6%), and ideal BMI (22%).

CONCLUSION

Overall, high accelerometer-measured MVPA and meeting PA guidelines were associated with favorable CVH in Hispanic/Latino adults.

Subclinical myocardial injury and cardiovascular mortality: Racial differences in prevalence and risk (from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination survey)

Background

Subclinical myocardial injury (SCMI) determined from the Electrocardiographic Cardiac Infarction/Injury Score (CIIS) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. We hypothesized that SCMI prevalence and association with mortality would differ by race, categorized as non‐Hispanic White (White), non‐Hispanic Black (Black), and Mexican American.

Methods

Our analysis included 5,852 participants (age 58.5 ± 13.2 years; 54% women, 52% Whites, 23% Blacks, and 25% Mexican American participants) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III, 1988–94) who were free of cardiovascular disease at the time of enrollment. SCMI was defined as the presence of CIIS ≥ 10 score points on the 12‐lead ECG. Prevalence of SCMI and its association with cardiovascular mortality were examined in each race/ethnic group in models adjusted for sociodemographics and common cardiovascular risk factors.

Results

SCMI prevalence was 23.4% in Whites, 21.8% in Blacks, and 18.0% in Mexican Americans. Compared to Whites, Blacks were as likely to have SCMI (odds ratio [OR] 0.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.80–1.13), while Mexican Americans were less likely (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.62–0.88). SCMI was not associated with increased risk of cardiovascular mortality in either Whites (hazard ratio [HR] 1.18, 95% CI 0.95–1.48) or Blacks (HR 1.19, 95% CI 0.79–1.80). In contrast, SCMI in Mexican Americans was associated with increased risk of cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.74, 95% CI 1.13–2.67, p < .05).

Conclusion

Mexican Americans had a lower prevalence of SCMI, but increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. Screening for SCMI may identify individuals at increased risk and improve targeted prevention efforts.

Cardiovascular health in early adulthood predicts the development of coronary heart disease in individuals with type 1 diabetes: 25 year follow-up from the Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications study

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Type 1 diabetes increases CHD risk. We examined the use of the American Heart Association's cardiovascular health metrics (blood pressure, total cholesterol, glucose/HbA_1c, BMI, physical activity, diet, smoking) to predict incidence of CHD among individuals with type 1 diabetes, with the hypothesis that a better American Heart Association health metric profile would be associated with lower incident CHD.

METHODS

Prevalence of the seven cardiovascular health metrics was determined using first and second visits from adult participants (mean age 28.6 years) in the Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications prospective cohort study of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes. An ideal metric score (0-7) was defined as the sum of all metrics within the ideal range, and a total metric score (0-14) was calculated based on poor, intermediate and ideal categories for each metric. Incident CHD development (medical record-confirmed CHD death, myocardial infarction, revascularisation, ischaemic electrocardiogram changes or Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications physician-determined angina) over 25 years of follow-up was examined by metric scores.

RESULTS

Among 435 participants, BMI, blood pressure, total cholesterol and smoking demonstrated the highest prevalence within the ideal range, while diet and HbA_1c demonstrated the lowest. During 25 years of follow-up, 177 participants developed CHD. In Cox models, each additional metric within the ideal range was associated with a 19% lower risk (p = 0.01), and each unit increase in total metric score was associated with a 17% lower risk (p < 0.01) of CHD, adjusting for diabetes duration, estimated glomerular filtration rate, albumin excretion rate, triacylglycerols, depression and white blood cell count.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Among individuals with type 1 diabetes, higher cardiovascular health metric scores were associated with lower risk of incident CHD. The American Heart Association-defined cardiovascular health metrics provide straightforward goals for health promotion that may reduce CHD risk in the type 1 diabetes population. Graphical abstract.

Effect of Kidney Function on Relationships between Lifestyle Behaviors and Mortality or Cardiovascular Outcomes: A Pooled Cohort Analysis

BACKGROUND

Adherence to healthy behaviors reduces risks of cardiovascular disease and death in the general population. However, among people with kidney disease, a group at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, such benefits have not been established.

METHODS

We pooled data from three cohort studies with a total of 27,271 participants. Kidney function was categorized on the basis of eGFR (≥60, 45 to <60, and <45 ml/min per 1.73 m²). We used proportional hazard frailty models to estimate associations between healthy behaviors (not smoking, at recommended body mass index [BMI], physical activity, healthy diet, and moderate to no alcohol intake) and outcomes (all-cause death, major coronary events, ischemic stroke, and heart failure events).

RESULTS

All recommended lifestyle behaviors were significantly associated with lower risks of death, regardless of eGFR. Not smoking (versus current) and any moderate to vigorous physical activity (versus none) was significantly associated with reduced risks of major coronary and heart failure events, regardless of eGFR. Any (versus no) moderate or vigorous physical activity significantly associated with decreased risk of ischemic stroke events only among those with eGFR ≥60. Moderate to no daily alcohol intake (versus excessive) was significantly associated with an increased risk of major coronary events, regardless of eGFR. For heart failure events, a BMI of 18.5 to 30 associated with decreased risk, regardless of eGFR. Across all eGFR categories, the magnitude of risk reduction for death and all cardiovascular outcomes increased with greater numbers of recommended lifestyle behaviors.

CONCLUSIONS

Recommended lifestyle behaviors are associated with lower risk of death and cardiovascular disease events among individuals with or without reduced kidney function, supporting lifestyle behaviors as potentially modifiable risk factors for people with kidney disease.

Association of cardiovascular health and epigenetic age acceleration

Background

Cardiovascular health (CVH) has been defined by the American Heart Association (AHA) as the presence of the “Life’s Simple 7” ideal lifestyle and clinical factors. CVH is known to predict longevity and freedom from cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death for women in the United States. DNA methylation markers of aging have been aggregated into a composite epigenetic age score, which is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, it is unknown whether poor CVH is associated with acceleration of aging as measured by DNA methylation markers in epigenetic age.

Methods and results

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of racially/ethnically diverse post-menopausal women enrolled in the Women’s Health Initiative cohort recruited between 1993 and 1998. Epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) was calculated using DNA methylation data on a subset of participants and the published Horvath and Hannum methods for intrinsic and extrinsic EAA. CVH was calculated using the AHA measures of CVH contributing to a 7-point score. We examined the association between CVH score and EAA using linear regression modeling adjusting for self-reported race/ethnicity and education. Among the 2,170 participants analyzed, 50% were white and mean age was 64 (7 SD) years. Higher or more favorable CVH scores were associated with lower extrinsic EAA (~ 6 months younger age per 1 point higher CVH score, p < 0.0001), and lower intrinsic EAA (3 months younger age per 1 point higher CVH score, p < 0.028).

Conclusions

These cross-sectional observations suggest a possible mechanism by which ideal CVH is associated with greater longevity.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2021 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, venous disease, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The American Heart Association, through its Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update. The 2021 Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and American Heart Association staff members. This year's edition includes data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population, an enhanced focus on social determinants of health, adverse pregnancy outcomes, vascular contributions to brain health, the global burden of cardiovascular disease, and further evidence-based approaches to changing behaviors related to cardiovascular disease.

RESULTS

Each of the 27 chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policy makers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Ideal cardiovascular health in women with systemic lupus erythematosus: Association with arterial stiffness, inflammation, and fitness

BACKGROUND

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is closely related to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We aimed to examine the association of ideal cardiovascular health (ICH) with arterial stiffness, inflammation, and physical fitness in women with SLE.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 76 women with SLE (age 43.4±13.8 years old). Ideal levels of 7 health metrics (smoking, body mass index, physical activity, healthy diet, blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose) were used to define the ICH score (ranging from 0 to 7 ideal metrics) and the ICH status ( defined as presenting ≥4 ideal metrics). Arterial stiffness was measured through pulse wave velocity (PWV) and inflammation through serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) was measured by 6-min walk test (6MWT), and Siconolfi step test and muscular strength by handgrip strength and 30-s chair stand, and range of motion (ROM) by the back-scratch test.

RESULTS

Higher ICH score was associated with lower PWV (β = -0.122, p = 0.002), lower hs-CRP (β = -0.234, p = 0.056), higher CRF [6MWT (β = 0.263, p = 0.041); Siconolfi step test (β = 0.330, p < 0.001)], higher ROM (β = 0.278, p = 0.013) and higher relative handgrip strength (β = 0.248, p = 0.024). Women with ICH status presented lower PWV (mean difference 0.40 m/s, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.63, p = 0.001), and higher CRF [assessed by 6MWT (mean difference 43.9 m, 95% CI 5.0 to 82.7, p = 0.028)], than women with non-ICH status. Sensitivity analyses using ICH score ranging 0-14 and considering ICH status with ≥5 metrics revealed consistent results.

CONCLUSION

ICH is associated with lower arterial stiffness, lower inflammation, and higher fitness in women with SLE. Although these results extend current knowledge about the potential role of ICH for primordial prevention of CVD in SLE, they are yet to be confirmed in future prospective research .

The Role of BMI and Blood Pressure in the Relationship Between Total Cholesterol and Disability in Chinese Centenarians: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Lower serum lipid metabolism might be associated with the decline of activity of daily living in the extreme longevity group. However, studies on models and possible paths of this correlation between total cholesterol (TC) and disability in centenarians are scarce. The aim of this study was to verify this correlation and explore the mediating effect of BMI and blood pressure on this relationship in Hainan centenarians. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 1002 centenarians from the China Hainan Centenarians Cohort Study (CHCCS). Data on demographics, anthropometry data, lifestyle, and TC levels were collected through interviews, physical examinations, and laboratory tests. The Barthel index and Lawton index, measuring the disability status, were used to estimate the activity of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activity of daily living (IADL). A multivariable logistic regression model was used to explore the correlation between disability and TC levels. Mediation analyses were used to explore the both direct and indirect effects of TC level on disability. Results: After adjusting for covariates, with 1 mmol/L increment in TC, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of ADL severe disability and ADL moderate & severe disability were 0.789(95%CI: 0.650-0.959) and 0.822(95%CI: 0. 0.699-0.966), respectively. There was a significant declining trend in the prevalence of different types of disability with increment in TC. The correlation was more pronounced among Hainan female centenarians. In the analysis of mediating effect among the female population, BMI significantly mediated the effect of TC levels on different types of disability. BMI and SBP, as chain mediators, multiply and chain mediated the effect of TC levels on IADL. Conclusion: Low TC levels might be correlated with a higher frequency of disability in female centenarians, and this correlation might be mediated by BMI and blood pressure.

Risk of fatal and nonfatal coronary heart disease and stroke events among adult patients with hypertension: basic Markov model inputs for evaluating cost-effectiveness of hypertension treatment: systematic review of cohort studies

Objectives

Hypertension is a risk factor for a number of vascular and cardiac complications. A Markov like simulation based on cardiovascular disease (CVD) policy model is being used for evaluating cost-effectiveness of hypertension treatment. Stroke, angina, myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac arrest and all-cause mortality were only included CVD outcome variables in the model. Therefore this systematic review was conducted to evaluate completeness of CVD policy model for evaluation of cost-effectiveness across different regions.

Key findings

Fourteen cohort studies involving a total of 1 674 773 hypertensive adult population and 499 226 adults with treatment resistant hypertension were included in this systematic review. Hypertension is clearly associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke mortality, unstable angina, stable angina, MI, heart failure (HF), sudden cardiac death, transient ischemic attack, ischemic stroke, sub-arachnoid hemorrhage, intracranial hemorrhage, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and abdominal aortic aneurism (AAA). Lifetime risk of developing HF is higher among hypertensives across all ages, with slight variation among regions. Treatment resistant hypertension is associated with higher relative risk of developing major CVD events and mortality when compared with the non-resistant hypertension.

Summary

The CVD policy model can be used in most of the regions for evaluation of cost-effectiveness of hypertension treatment. However, hypertension is highly associated with HF in Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, it is important to consider HF in CVD policy model for evaluating cost-effectiveness of hypertension treatment in these regions. We do not suggest the inclusion of PAD and AAA in CVD policy model for evaluating cost-effectiveness of hypertension treatment due to lack of sufficient evidence. Researchers should consider the effect of treatment resistant hypertension either through including in the basic model or during setting the model assumptions.

Educational Attainment and Prevalence of Cardiovascular Health (Life's Simple 7) in Asian Americans

Asian Americans have a high burden of cardiovascular disease, yet little is known about the social patterning of cardiovascular health (CVH) in this population. We examined if education (<high school diploma, high school diploma, some college, and college degree+) was associated with CVH and if this varied by time in the United States (U.S.). Our study population included Asian Americans 20+ years of age sampled in the 2011-16 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n = 1634). Ideal cardiovascular health was based on a composite score of adiposity, total cholesterol, blood pressure, blood glucose, smoking, physical activity, and diet. We fit sequential weighted multivariate logistic regression models for all analyses. The prevalence of ideal cardiovascular (CV) health was 17.1% among those living in the U.S. <10 years, 7.1% for those living in the U.S. >10+ years, and 15.9% for the U.S.-born. All models showed that low education compared to high education was associated with lower odds of having ideal CVH. This pattern remained in adjusted models but became non-significant when controlling for nativity (odds ratio = 0.34, 95% confidence interval: 0.10, 1.13). Models stratified by time in the U.S. were less consistent but showed similar education gradients in CVH. Low education is a risk factor for attaining ideal cardiovascular health among Asian Americans, regardless of time in the U.S.

Association between ultraprocessed food intake and cardiovascular health in US adults: a cross-sectional analysis of the NHANES 2011-2016

BACKGROUND

Higher intake of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) might be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

OBJECTIVES

Our objective was to examine the association between usual percentage of calories (%kcal) from UPFs and the American Heart Association's "Life's Simple 7" cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics in US adults.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 11,246 adults aged ≥20 y from the NHANES 2011-2016 (a cross-sectional, nationally representative survey). UPF designation was assigned on the basis of the NOVA classification system, according to the extent and purpose of food processing. Each CVH metric was given a score of 0, 1, or 2 representing poor, intermediate, or ideal health, respectively. Scores of the 6 metrics (excluding diet) were summed, and CVH was categorized as inadequate (0-4), average (5-8), or optimum (9-12). We used the National Cancer Institute's methods to estimate the usual %kcal from UPFs, and multivariable linear and multinomial logistic regression to assess the association between UPFs and CVH, adjusted for age, sex, race and Hispanic origin, education, and poverty.

RESULTS

The weighted prevalence of inadequate, average, and optimum CVH was 8.0%, 51.7%, and 40.3%, respectively. The mean usual %kcal from UPFs was 55.4%, and midpoint of quartiles of intake ranged from 40.4% (quartile 1) to 70.5% (quartile 4). Every 5% increase in calories from UPFs was associated with 0.14 points lower CVH score (P < 0.001). The adjusted ORs for inadequate CVH were 1.40 (95% CI: 1.23, 1.60), 1.82 (1.45, 2.29), and 2.57 (1.79, 3.70), respectively, comparing quartiles 2, 3, and 4 with quartile 1 of UPF intake. The pattern of association was largely consistent across subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

Usual %kcal from UPFs represented more than half of total calorie intake in US adults. A graded inverse association between %kcal from UPFs and CVH was observed.

Association of the Duration of Ideal Cardiovascular Health Through Adulthood With Cardiometabolic Outcomes and Mortality in the Framingham Offspring Study

Importance

The American Heart Association ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) score is associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. However, it is unclear whether the number of years spent in ideal CVH is associated with morbidity or with mortality.

Objective

To evaluate whether living longer with a higher CVH score in midlife is associated with lower risk of hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, CVD and its subtypes (coronary heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, and peripheral artery disease), or all-cause mortality in later life.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This prospective cohort study used data from 1445 participants from 1991 to 2015 who participated in the community-based Framingham Heart Study Offspring investigation conducted in Massachusetts. The CVH scores of participants were assessed at examination cycles 5, 6, and 7 (1991-1995; 1995-1998; and 1998-2001, respectively). Individuals were excluded from analyses of the association between duration of CVH score and outcomes if they had the outcome of interest at the seventh examination. The median follow-up was approximately 16 years. Data were analyzed from April 2018 to October 2019. The CVH score categories were poor for scores 0 to 7, intermediate for scores 8 to 11, and ideal for scores 12 to 14. A composite score was derived based on smoking status, diet, physical activity, resting blood pressure levels, body mass index, fasting blood glucose levels, and total serum cholesterol levels.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Number of events and number at risk for each main outcome, including incident hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, CVD, and all-cause mortality, after the seventh examination.

Results

Of 1445 eligible participants, the mean (SD) age was 60 (9) years, and 751 (52%) were women. Number of events/number at risk for each main outcome after the seventh examination were 348/795 for incident hypertension, 104/1304 for diabetes, 198/918 for chronic kidney disease, 210/1285 for CVD, and 300/1445 for all-cause mortality. At the seventh examination, participants mostly had poor (568 [39%]) or intermediate (782 [54%]) CVH scores. For each antecedent (before examination cycle 7) 5-year duration that participants had intermediate or ideal CVH, they were less likely to develop adverse outcomes (hazards ratios of 0.67 [95% CI, 0.56-0.80] for incident hypertension, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.57-0.93] for diabetes, 0.75 [95% CI, 0.63-0.89] for chronic kidney disease, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.63-0.85] for CVD, and 0.86 [95% CI, 0.76-0.97] for all-cause mortality) relative to living the same amount of time in poor CVH (referent group). No effect modification was observed by age or by sex.

Conclusions and Relevance

These results suggest that more time spent in better CVH in midlife may have salutary cardiometabolic benefits and may be associated with lower mortality later in life.

National trends in cardiovascular health metrics among Iranian adults using results of three cross-sectional STEPwise approaches to surveillance surveys

To examine the trends of 7 cardiovascular health metrics (CVH metrics) incorporate of smoking, physical activity, diet, body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), total cholesterol (TC), and blood pressure (BP) level during three cross-sectional STEPwise approaches to surveillance (STEPS), 2007-2016, among Iranian adults. The study population consisted of 19,841 women and 17,243 men, aged 20-65 years. The CVH metrics were categorized as 'ideal', 'intermediate', and 'poor'. The sex-stratified weighted prevalence rate of each CVH metrics was reported. The conditional probability of each poor versus combined intermediate and ideal metric was analyzed using logistic regression. In 2016 compared to 2007, the prevalence of poor BP level (20.4% vs. 23.7%), smoking (13.7% vs. 23.8%), TC ≥ 240 mg/dl (2.4% vs. 11.2%) and FPG < 100 mg/dl (75.6% vs. 82.3%) declined, whereas poor physical activity level (49.7% vs. 30%), poor healthy diet score (38.1% vs. 4.1%), BMI levels ≥ 25 kg/m2 (62.8% vs. 57.8%) increased. Despite a high prevalence of obesity among women, it remained constant in women but showed an increasing trend in men; moreover, the trends of low physical activity and current smoking were better for women. Despite some improvement in CVH metrics, < 4% of Iranian adults meet ≥ 6 CVH metrics in 2016; this issue needs intervention at the public health level using a multi-component strategy.

Effect of recreational beach tennis on ambulatory blood pressure and physical fitness in hypertensive individuals (BAH study): rationale and study protocol

BACKGROUND

Different physical activities are widely recommended as non-pharmacological therapies to reduce blood pressure. However, the effectiveness of exercise programs is associated with its continuity and regularity, and the long-term adherence to traditional exercise interventions is often low. Recreational sports emerge as an alternative, being more captivating and able to retain individuals for longer periods. Besides, sport interventions have demonstrated improvements in physical fitness components that are associated with a lower incidence of hypertension. However, no studies have investigated the effects of recreational sports on 24 h ambulatory blood pressure. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of beach tennis training on ambulatory blood pressure and physical fitness in individuals with hypertension.

METHODS

This study will be a randomized, single-blinded, two-arm, parallel, and superiority trial. Forty-two participants aged 35-65 years with previous diagnosis of hypertension will be randomized to 12 weeks of beach tennis training group (two sessions per week lasting 45-60 min) or a non-exercising control group. Ambulatory (primary outcome) and office blood pressures, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength/power and quality of life will be assessed at baseline and after the intervention period.

DISCUSSION

Our conceptual hypothesis is that beach tennis training will reduce ambulatory blood pressure and improve fitness parameters in middle-aged individuals with hypertension. The results of this trial are expected to provide evidences of efficacy of recreational beach tennis practice on blood pressure management and to support sport recommendations for clinical scenario in higher risk populations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03909321 . Registered on April 10, 2019.

Predicting cardiovascular health trajectories in time-series electronic health records with LSTM models

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States (US). Better cardiovascular health (CVH) is associated with CVD prevention. Predicting future CVH levels may help providers better manage patients' CVH. We hypothesized that CVH measures can be predicted based on previous measurements from longitudinal electronic health record (EHR) data.

METHODS

The Guideline Advantage (TGA) dataset was used and contained EHR data from 70 outpatient clinics across the United States (US). We studied predictions of 5 CVH submetrics: smoking status (SMK), body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), hemoglobin A1c (A1C), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). We applied embedding techniques and long short-term memory (LSTM) networks - to predict future CVH category levels from all the previous CVH measurements of 216,445 unique patients for each CVH submetric.

RESULTS

The LSTM model performance was evaluated by the area under the receiver operator curve (AUROC): the micro-average AUROC was 0.99 for SMK prediction; 0.97 for BMI; 0.84 for BP; 0.91 for A1C; and 0.93 for LDL prediction. Model performance was not improved by using all 5 submetric measures compared with using single submetric measures.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest that future CVH levels can be predicted using previous CVH measurements for each submetric, which has implications for population cardiovascular health management. Predicting patients' future CVH levels might directly increase patient CVH health and thus quality of life, while also indirectly decreasing the burden and cost for clinical health system caused by CVD and cancers.

Associations of Late Adolescent or Young Adult Cardiovascular Health With Premature Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality

BACKGROUND

When measured in adolescence or young adulthood, cardiovascular health (CVH) is associated with future subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD), but data are lacking regarding CVD events or mortality.

OBJECTIVES

This study examined associations of CVH at ages 18 to 30 years with premature CVD and mortality.

METHODS

This study analyzed data from the CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study). CVH was scored at baseline (1985 to 1986) using Life's Simple 7 metrics and categorized as high (12 to 14 points), moderate (8 to 11), or low (0 to 7). CVD events and cause-specific mortality were adjudicated over 32 years of follow-up. Adjusted associations were estimated using Cox models and event rates and population attributable fractions were calculated by CVH category.

RESULTS

Among 4,836 participants (mean age: 24.9 years, 54.8% female, 50.5% Black, mean education: 15.2 years), baseline CVH was high (favorable) in 28.8%, moderate in 65.0%, and low in 6.3%. During follow-up, 306 CVD events and 431 deaths occurred. The adjusted hazard ratios for high (vs. low) CVH were 0.14 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.09 to 0.22) for CVD and 0.07 (95% CI: 0.03 to 0.19) for CVD mortality, and the population attributable fractions for combined moderate or low (vs. high) CVH were 0.63 (95% CI: 0.47 to 0.74) for CVD and 0.81 (95% CI: 0.55 to 0.92) for CVD mortality. Among individuals with high CVH, event rates were low across sociodemographic subgroups (e.g., CVD rates per 1,000 person-years: age 18 to 24 years, 0.64; age 25 to 30 years, 0.65; men, 1.04; women, 0.36; Blacks, 0.90; Whites, 0.50; up to/through high-school education, 1.00; beyond high-school education, 0.61).

CONCLUSIONS

High CVH in late adolescence or young adulthood was associated with very low rates of premature CVD and mortality over 32 years, indicating the critical importance of maintaining high CVH.

Poor cardiovascular health status among Chinese women

BACKGROUND

Systematic investigation and analysis of cardiovascular health status (CVHS) of Chinese women is rare. This study aimed to assess CVHS and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) burden in the Chinese women physicians (CWP) and community-based non-physician cohort (NPC).

METHODS

In this prospective, multicenter, observational study, CVHS using the American Heart Association (AHA) defined 7 metrics (such as smoking and fasting glucose) and ASCVD risk factors including hypertension, hyperlipidemia and type-2 diabetes were evaluated in CWP compared with NPC.

RESULTS

Of 5832 CWP with a mean age of 44 ± 7 years, only 1.2% achieved the ideal CVHS and 90.1% showed at least 1 of the 7 AHA CVHS metrics at a poor level. Total CVHS score was significantly decreased and ASCVD risk burden was increased in postmenopausal subjects in CWP although ideal CVHS was not significantly influenced by menopause. Compared to 2596 NPC, fewer CWP had ≥ 2 risk factors (8% vs. 27%, P < 0.001); CWP scored significantly higher on healthy factors, a composite of total cholesterol, blood pressure, fasting glucose (P < 0.001), but, poorly on healthy behaviors (P < 0.001), specifically in the physical activity component; CWP also showed significantly higher levels of awareness and rates of treatment for hypertension and hyperlipidemia, but, not for type-2 diabetes.

CONCLUSION

Chinese women's cardiovascular health is far from ideal and risk intervention is sub-optimal. Women physicians had lower ASCVD burden, scored higher in healthy factors, but, took part in less physical activity than the non-physician cohort. These results call for population-specific early and improved risk intervention.

Ideal Cardiovascular Health Metrics and Incidence of Ischemic Stroke Among Hypertensive Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background: This study aimed to assess the relationship between ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics and incident ischemic stroke (IS) in hypertensive patients, especially those with hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy).

Methods: A prospective cohort study enrolled 5,488 hypertensive patients in Nanshan District of Shenzhen City in southern China from September 2011 to December 2017. CVH metrics were defined according to the American Heart Association. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the associations between the number of ideal CVH metrics and the incidence of IS by calculating multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CI.

Results: During an average follow-up of 5.7 years, 340 IS patients were identified. Compared with those having 0 ideal CVH metrics, the HRs (95% CIs) for IS among those with 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5–6 ideal CVH metrics were 0.62 (0.31–1.25), 0.37 (0.19–0.74), 0.37 (0.18–0.74), 0.34 (0.16–0.71), and 0.28 (0.12–0.63), respectively (P < 0.001). An ideal healthy diet score and ideal fasting blood glucose level were independently associated with IS among participants, with HRs (95% CIs) of 0.53 (0.33–0.86) and 0.32 (0.17–0.66), respectively. Additionally, compared with those with normal total homocysteine (tHcy) levels (<15 μmol/L), the HR (95% CI) for IS among participants with HHcy and who had 5–6 ideal CVH metrics was 0.50 (0.27–0.92).

Conclusion: An increased number of ideal CVH metrics was inversely associated with the incidence of IS in hypertensive patients. The participants with HHcy who had 5–6 ideal CVH metrics exhibited a lower IS risk than those with normal tHcy levels.

Role of health insurance and neighborhood-level social deprivation on hypertension control following the affordable care act health insurance opportunities

OBJECTIVES

To understand if neighborhood-level social deprivation moderates the association between gaining health insurance and improved hypertension control.

METHODS

We used electronic health record (EHR) data from the Accelerating Data Value Across a National Community Health Center Network (ADVANCE) clinical data research network from five states that expanded Medicaid eligibility (CA, OH, OR, WA, WI). We include patients with hypertension aged 19-64. Controlled hypertension was assessed for four groups pre-(1/1/2012-12/31/2013) to post-(1/1/2014-12/31/2017) Affordable Care Act (ACA) Medicaid expansion: (1) newly insured, (2) continuously insured, (3) discontinuously insured, and (4) continuously uninsured. We also used Social Deprivation Index score to derive predicted probability of controlled hypertension using logistic mixed effects.

RESULTS

N = 28,485 patients. All groups experienced improved hypertension control: the newly insured saw a greater increase than the other groups (8.6% vs. 0.9% for the continuously uninsured, 1.3% for the continuously and 3.0% for the discontinuously insured). The likelihood of hypertension control rose more for the newly insured (vs. the other insurance groups) for patients living in the most deprived neighborhoods (16% from pre- to post-ACA).

CONCLUSIONS

Gaining health insurance was related to hypertension control; individuals living in the most disadvantaged communities experienced the greatest benefit.

POLICY IMPLICATIONS

Ensuring health insurance access is important for cardiovascular health, especially among disadvantaged communities.

Association of Exhaled Carbon Monoxide With Ideal Cardiovascular Health, Circulating Biomarkers, and Incidence of Heart Failure in the Framingham Offspring Study

Background Exhaled carbon monoxide (eCO) is directly associated with traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors and incident cardiovascular disease. However, its relation with the cardiovascular health score and incidence of heart failure (HF) has not been investigated. Methods and Results We measured eCO in 3521 Framingham Heart Study Offspring participants attending examination cycle 6 (mean age 59 years, 53% women). We related the cardiovascular health score (composite of blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, body mass index, smoking, diet, and physical activity) to eCO adjusting for age, sex, and smoking. Higher cardiovascular health scores were associated with lower eCO (β=-0.02, P<0.0001), even among nonsmokers. Additionally, C-reactive protein, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, fibrinogen, growth differentiation factor-15, homocysteine, and asymmetrical dimethylarginine were positively associated with eCO (P≤0.003 for all). The age- and sex-adjusted and multivariable-adjusted heritabilities of eCO were 49.5% and 31.4%, respectively. Over a median follow-up of 18 years, 309 participants (45% women) developed HF. After multivariable adjustment, higher eCO was associated with higher risk of HF (hazards ratio per SD increment: 1.39; 95% CI, 1.19-1.62 [P<0.001]) and with higher risk of HF with reduced ejection fraction (N=144 events; hazard ratio per SD increment in eCO: 1.43; 95% CI, 1.15-1.77 [P=0.001]). Conclusions In our community-based sample, higher levels of eCO were associated with lower cardiovascular health scores, an adverse cardiovascular biomarker profile, and a higher risk of HF, specifically HF with reduced ejection fraction. Our findings suggest that carbon monoxide may identify a novel pathway to HF development.

Ambulatory blood pressure in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: Association with markers of immune activation

Objectives: Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring measures 24-hour blood pressure, night-time blood pressure, and impaired dipping of nocturnal blood pressure, parameters that better predict cardiovascular risk than standard office blood pressure measurements. Systemic lupus erythematosus is characterized by immune system hyperactivity, elevated cardiovascular risk and high prevalence of hypertension; however, little is known about ambulatory blood pressure in lupus patients and its relationship to immune activation. Methods: We studied 26 patients with lupus and 26 control subjects. We obtained ambulatory 24-hour blood pressure measurements and report plasma concentrations of 77 markers of immune activation using a multiplex immunoassay and assessed their association with blood pressure measurements. Results: Despite similar office blood pressure measurements in patients with lupus and controls, lupus patients had higher 24-hour systolic [median (interquartile range) 129 (113 - 140) vs. 116 (111 - 121) mmHg, p = 0.03] and diastolic blood pressure [80 (69 - 86) vs. 72 (64 - 75) mmHg, p = 0.006] as well as less nocturnal dipping [7.8% (5.1 - 14.2%) vs. 12.0% (8.1 20.0%)] p = 0.03], compared to controls. In patients with lupus, markers of the innate (monocyte chemotactic protein-3) and adaptive immune systems [CUB domain-containing protein-1 and Interleukin-15 receptor subunit-α,] were associated with nocturnal blood pressure measurements and attenuated nocturnal dipping. In conclusion, 24-hour systolic and diastolic blood pressure was higher and nocturnal blood pressure dipping was attenuated in patients with lupus compared to control subjects. Conclusion: In patients with SLE, nocturnal blood pressure and attenuated nocturnal blood pressure dipping were significantly associated with several innate and adaptive immune system biomarkers.

Ultra-Processed Foods and Excess Heart Age Among U.S. Adults

INTRODUCTION

A high percentage of total calories from ultra-processed foods has been associated with several cardiovascular disease risk factors. No study has examined the association between ultra-processed foods and heart age. This study examines the association between ultra-processed foods and excess heart age (difference between estimated heart age and chronological age) among U.S. adults.

METHODS

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2009-2016) data for participants aged 30-74 years without cardiovascular disease or stroke (n=12,640) was used. Ultra-processed food was assigned based on NOVA classification of food processing, with ultra-processed food being the highest level. This study estimated the usual percentage of calories from ultra-processed foods and used sex-specific Framingham heart age algorithms to calculate heart age. The multivariable linear or logistic regression was used to examine the association between ultra-processed foods and excess heart age or likelihood of excess heart age being ≥10 years. Data analyses were conducted in 2020.

RESULTS

The median usual percentage of calories from ultra-processed foods was 54.5% (IQR=45.8%‒63.1%). Adjusted excess heart age increased from 7.0 years (95% CI=6.4, 7.6) in the lowest quintile (Q1) to 9.9 years (95% CI=9.2, 10.5) in the highest quintile (Q5) (p<0.001). Compared with Q1, AORs for excess heart age of ≥10 years were 1.16 (95% CI=1.08, 1.25) in Q2, 1.29 (95% CI=1.14, 1.46) in Q3, 1.43 (95% CI=1.20, 1.71) in Q4, and 1.66 (95% CI=1.29, 2.14) in Q5 (p<0.001). The pattern of association was largely consistent across subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

U.S. adults consumed more than half of total daily calories from ultra-processed foods. A higher percentage of calories from ultra-processed foods was associated with higher excess heart age and likelihood of excess heart age of ≥10 years.

VCAM-1 Target in Non-Invasive Imaging for the Detection of Atherosclerotic Plaques

Simple Summary

Cardiovascular diseases are the first cause of morbimortality worldwide. They are mainly caused by atherosclerosis, with progressive plaque formation in the arterial wall. In this context, several imaging techniques have been developed to screen, detect and quantify atherosclerosis. Early screening improves primary prevention and promotes the prescription of adequate medication before adverse clinical events. In this review, we focus on the imaging of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, an adhesion molecule involved in the first stages of the development of atherosclerosis. This molecule could therefore be a promising target to detect early atherosclerosis non-invasively. Potential clinical applications are critically discussed.

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is a progressive chronic arterial disease characterised by atheromatous plaque formation in the intima of the arterial wall. Several invasive and non-invasive imaging techniques have been developed to detect and characterise atherosclerosis in the vessel wall: anatomic/structural imaging, functional imaging and molecular imaging. In molecular imaging, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) is a promising target for the non-invasive detection of atherosclerosis and for the assessment of novel antiatherogenic treatments. VCAM-1 is an adhesion molecule expressed on the activated endothelial surface that binds leucocyte ligands and therefore promotes leucocyte adhesion and transendothelial migration. Hence, for several years, there has been an increase in molecular imaging methods for detecting VCAM-1 in MRI, PET, SPECT, optical imaging and ultrasound. The use of microparticles of iron oxide (MPIO), ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO), microbubbles, echogenic immunoliposomes, peptides, nanobodies and other nanoparticles has been described. However, these approaches have been tested in animal models, and the remaining challenge is bench-to-bedside development and clinical applicability.

The role of traditional risk factors in explaining the social disparities in cardiovascular death: The national health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (NHANES III)

Objective

─ To assess the role of traditional risk factors in explaining the association between cumulative social risk exposure and disparities in CVD death among US adults.

Methods

─ The study included 15,906 participants from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III who were CVD-free at enrollment. Baseline social risk factors (minority race, poverty-income ratio<1, education<12 grade, and living single) were used to create a cumulative social risk score (0 to ≥3). CVD death served as the primary outcome. We assessed the contribution of each major CVD risk factor to the link between cumulative social risk exposure and CVD death.

Results

─ During a median follow-up of 14 years, 1309 CVD deaths occurred. Participants with elevated cumulative social risk score were at increased risk of CVD death, with hazard ratio 1.19(95%CI 1.01–1.41), 1.52(95%CI 1.28–1.79), and 1.46 (95%CI 1.23–1.74) in individuals with score 1, 2 and ​≥ ​3 respectively, compared with individuals with score of 0. Traditional CVD risk factors explained about one third of the disparities in CVD death in individuals with the elevated social risk exposure. Among the one third effect by combined CVD risk factors, current smoking contributed the largest proportion, accounting for approximately one half of the combined risk factors effect, followed by obesity and diabetes.

Conclusions

─Among the traditional risk factors, control of smoking appears to be the greatest opportunity to attenuate the social disparities in CVD death. While these findings call for further studies to identify other pathways that explain the elevated CVD mortality in socially disadvantaged population.

Nondietary Cardiovascular Health Metrics With Patient Experience and Loss of Productivity Among US Adults Without Cardiovascular Disease: The Medical Expenditure Panel Survey 2006 to 2015

Background

The American Heart Association 2020 Impact Goals aimed to promote population health through emphasis on cardiovascular health (CVH). We examined the association between nondietary CVH metrics and patient‐reported outcomes among a nationally representative sample of US adults without cardiovascular disease.

Methods and Results

We included adults aged ≥18 years who participated in the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey between 2006 and 2015. CVH metrics were scored 1 point for each of the following: not smoking, being physically active, normal body mass index, no hypertension, no diabetes mellitus, and no dyslipidemia, or 0 points if otherwise. Diet was not assessed in Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Patient‐reported outcomes were obtained by telephone survey and included questions pertaining to patient experience and health‐related quality of life. Regression models were used to compare patient‐reported outcomes based on CVH, adjusting for sociodemographic factors and comorbidities. There were 177 421 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey participants (mean age, 45 [17] years) representing ~187 million US adults without cardiovascular disease. About 12% (~21 million US adults) had poor CVH. Compared with individuals with optimal CVH, those with poor CVH had higher odds of reporting poor patient‐provider communication (odds ratio, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.05–1.24), poor healthcare satisfaction (odds ratio, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.08–1.22), poor perception of health (odds ratio, 5.89; 95% CI, 5.35–6.49), at least 2 disability days off work (odds ratio, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.30–1.48), and lower health‐related quality of life scores.

Conclusions

Among US adults without cardiovascular disease, meeting a lower number of ideal CVH metrics is associated with poor patient‐reported healthcare experience, poor perception of health, and lower health‐related quality of life. Preventive measures aimed at optimizing ideal CVH metrics may improve patient‐reported outcomes among this population.

Geographical variations in cardiovascular health in China: A nationwide population-based survey of 74,726 adults

Background

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in China. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of cardiovascular health among Chinese adults and to understand the geographic pattern of cardiovascular health.

Methods

In 2015, a total of 74,726 respondents aged ≥ 20 years with no history of cardiovascular disease were randomly sampled from 298 counties/districts of 31 provinces in mainland China and were interviewed. Seven metrics, including smoking, body mass index, physical activity, diet, total cholesterol, blood pressure, and fasting glucose, were determined. Ideal cardiovascular health was defined as the simultaneous presence of all metrics at the ideal level. A score ranging from 0 to 14 was calculated as the sum of all seven metrics for each province. Scores for cardiovascular health behaviors (smoking, body mass index, physical activity and diet) and those for cardiovascular health factors (smoking, total cholesterol, blood pressure, and fasting glucose) were also calculated.

Findings

The mean age was 44.4 ± 15.9 years, and 49.3% were women. The age-sex-standardized prevalence of ideal cardiovascular health was universally poor, ranging from 0.02% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0%, 0.05%] in Tibet to 2.76% (95% CI: 0.45%, 5.07%) in Heilongjiang. Ideal diet (7.1%) was the least common factor of the seven metrics in each province and varied considerably across provinces. Other component metrics of ideal cardiovascular health were also spatially patterned. In all provinces, women had higher scores than men for cardiovascular health, health behaviors and health factors. Differences in cardiovascular health and health behavior scores between urban and rural areas were associated with levels of socio-economic development.

Interpretation

Strategies for addressing poor cardiovascular health require geographic targeting and localized consideration.

Funding

This research was supported by National Key R&D Program, the Shenzhen Strategic Emerging Industry Development Special Fund, and the Fund of "Sanming" Project of Medicine in Shenzhen.

Association of Changes in Cardiovascular Health Metrics and Risk of Subsequent Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality

Background

The extent to which change in cardiovascular health (CVH) in midlife reduces risk of subsequent cardiovascular disease and mortality is unclear.

Methods and Results

CVH was computed at 2 ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) study visits in 1987 to 1989 and 1993 to 1995, using 7 metrics (smoking, body mass index, total cholesterol, blood glucose, blood pressure, physical activity, and diet), each classified as poor, intermediate, and ideal. Overall CVH was classified as poor, intermediate, and ideal to correspond to 0 to 2, 3 to 4, and 5 to 7 metrics at ideal levels. There 10 038 participants, aged 44 to 66 years that were eligible. From the first to the second study visit, there was an improvement in overall CVH for 17% of participants and a decrease in CVH for 21% of participants. At both study visits, 28%, 27%, and 6% had poor, intermediate, and ideal overall CVH, respectively. Compared with those with poor CVH at both visits, the risk of cardiovascular disease (hazard ratio [HR], 0.26; 95% CI, 0.20–0.34) and mortality (HR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.29–0.44) was lowest in those with ideal CVH at both measures. Improvement from poor to intermediate/ideal CVH was also associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (HR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.59–0.75) and mortality (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.72–0.89).

Conclusions

Improvement in CVH or stable ideal CVH, compared with those with poor CVH over time, is associated with a lower risk of incident cardiovascular disease and all‐cause mortality. The change in smoking status and cholesterol may have accounted for a large part of the observed association.

Effect of Electronic Activity Monitors and Pedometers on Health: Results from the TAME Health Pilot Randomized Pragmatic Trial

Background: Brief counseling and self-monitoring with a pedometer are common practice within primary care for physical activity promotion. It is unknown how high-tech electronic activity monitors compare to pedometers within this setting. This study aimed to investigate the outcomes, through effect size estimation, of an electronic activity monitor-based intervention to increase physical activity and decrease cardiovascular disease risk. Method: The pilot randomized controlled trial was pre-registered online at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02554435). Forty overweight, sedentary participants 55–74 years of age were randomized to wear a pedometer or an electronic activity monitor for 12 weeks. Physical activity was measured objectively for 7 days at baseline and follow-up by a SenseWear monitor and cardiovascular disease risk was estimated by the Framingham risk calculator. Results: Effect sizes for behavioral and health outcomes ranged from small to medium. While these effect sizes were favorable to the intervention group for physical activity (PA) (d = 0.78) and general health (d = 0.39), they were not favorable for measures. Conclusion: The results of this pilot trial show promise for this low-intensity intervention strategy, but large-scale trials are needed to test its efficacy.

Association Between Copper, Zinc, Iron, and Selenium Intakes and TC/HDL-C Ratio in US Adults

The trace minerals zinc, copper, iron, and selenium are essential micronutrients, and because of their antioxidant activity, they are hypothesized to improve cardiovascular health. However, their associations with different risk levels for cardiovascular diseases are less clear. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2014 were used. In this study, the ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TC/HDL-C) was used as a risk marker for cardiovascular disease, and a ratio ≥ 5 was considered to indicate high risk. A total of 7597 adults (3673 men and 3924 women) were included, and 15.9% of the participants had a high risk of cardiovascular disease. Using quantile regression analysis, we found the negative correlation between zinc, copper, iron, and selenium intakes and TC/HDL-C. The effects of copper and zinc were enhanced with increasing quantiles of risk levels. In addition, the difference in the associations of the trace minerals was sex-dependent. The correlation between iron and cardiovascular risk in males was stronger than those in females, while that of copper was weaker than that in females. Moreover, a significant nonlinear relationship between selenium and the TC/HDL-C ratio was only found in females, and this relationship was U-shaped. Our findings suggest that among healthy adults in the US, zinc, copper, iron, and selenium intakes are inversely associated with cardiovascular disease risk, and the effect is enhanced with increasing quantiles of risk levels, with magnitudes differing by sex. Therefore, trace minerals may have the ability to prevent cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular Events and Costs With Home Blood Pressure Telemonitoring and Pharmacist Management for Uncontrolled Hypertension

Uncontrolled hypertension is a leading contributor to cardiovascular disease. A cluster-randomized trial in 16 primary care clinics showed that 12 months of home blood pressure telemonitoring and pharmacist management lowered blood pressure more than usual care (UC) for 24 months. We report cardiovascular events (nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, hospitalized heart failure, coronary revascularization, and cardiovascular death) and costs over 5 years of follow-up. In the telemonitoring intervention (TI group, n=228), there were 15 cardiovascular events (5 myocardial infarction, 4 stroke, 5 heart failure, 1 cardiovascular death) among 10 patients. In UC group (n=222), there were 26 events (11 myocardial infarction, 12 stroke, 3 heart failure) among 19 patients. The cardiovascular composite end point incidence was 4.4% in the TI group versus 8.6% in the UC group (odds ratio, 0.49 [95% CI, 0.21-1.13], P=0.09). Including 2 coronary revascularizations in the TI group and 10 in the UC group, the secondary cardiovascular composite end point incidence was 5.3% in the TI group versus 10.4% in the UC group (odds ratio, 0.48 [95% CI, 0.22-1.08], P=0.08). Microsimulation modeling showed the difference in events far exceeded predictions based on observed blood pressure. Intervention costs (in 2017 US dollars) were $1511 per patient. Over 5 years, estimated event costs were $758 000 in the TI group and $1 538 000 in the UC group for a return on investment of 126% and a net cost savings of about $1900 per patient. Telemonitoring with pharmacist management lowered blood pressure and may have reduced costs by avoiding cardiovascular events over 5 years. Registration- URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT00781365.

Investigating the current knowledge and needs concerning a follow-up for long-term cardiovascular risks in Dutch women with a preeclampsia history: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

There is increasing evidence that a history of preeclampsia is an important risk factor for future cardiovascular events. Awareness of this risk could provide opportunities for identification of women at risk, with opportunities for prevention and / or early intervention. A standardized follow-up has not yet been implemented in the north of the Netherlands. The objective of this qualitative study was to explore the opinions and wishes among women and physicians about the follow-up for women with a history of preeclampsia.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews with 15 women and 14 physicians (5 obstetricians, 4 general practitioners, 3 vascular medicine specialists and 2 cardiologists) were performed and addressed topics about knowledge on CVR, current - and future follow-up. Women were approached through the HELLP foundation and their physicians. Physicians were approached by email. The interviews were recorded, typed and coded using ATLAS.ti software. A theoretical-driven thematic analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Women had some knowledge about the association between preeclampsia and the increased CVR, but missed information from their health care providers. Specialists were aware of the association, but the information and advice they provided to their patients was minimal and inconsistent according to themselves. Whereas some general practitioners regarded their own knowledge as limited. There was a clear desire among women for a more extensive follow-up with specific attention to both emotional and physical consequences of preeclampsia. Physicians indicated that they preferred to see a follow up program concerning the CVR at the general practitioner as part of the already existent cardiovascular risk management (CVRM) program.

CONCLUSION

Women and medical specialists consider it important to improve aftercare for women after a pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia. Introducing these women into the CVRM program at the general practitioner is regarded as a preferred first step. Further research is warranted to establish an evidence-based guideline for the follow-up of these women.

Design and study protocol for a cluster randomized trial of a multi-faceted implementation strategy to increase the uptake of the USPSTF hypertension screening recommendations: the EMBRACE study

Background

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends out-of-office blood pressure (BP) testing to exclude white coat hypertension prior to hypertension diagnosis. Despite improved availability and coverage of home and 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring (HBPM, ABPM), both are infrequently used to confirm diagnoses. We used the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW) framework, a multi-step process for mapping barriers to theory-informed behavior change techniques, to develop a multi-component implementation strategy for increasing out-of-office BP testing for hypertension diagnosis. Informed by geographically diverse provider focus groups (n = 63) exploring barriers to out-of-office testing and key informant interviews (n = 12), a multi-disciplinary team (medicine, psychology, nursing) used rigorous mixed methods to develop, refine, locally adapt, and finalize intervention components.

The purpose of this report is to describe the protocol of the Effects of a Multi-faceted intervention on Blood pRessure Actions in the primary Care Environment (EMBRACE) trial, a cluster randomized control trial evaluating whether a theory-informed multi-component strategy increased out-of-office testing for hypertension diagnosis.

Methods/design

The EMBRACE Trial patient sample will include all adults ≥ 18 years of age with a newly elevated office BP (≥ 140/90 mmHg) at a scheduled visit with a primary care provider from a study clinic. All providers with scheduled visits with adult primary care patients at enrolled ACN primary care clinics were included. We determined that the most feasible, effective implementation strategy would include delivering education about out-of-office testing, demonstration/instruction on how to perform out-of-office HBPM and ABPM testing, feedback on completion rates of out-of-office testing, environmental prompts/cues via computerized clinical decision support (CDS) tool, and a culturally tailored, locally accessible ABPM testing service. We are currently comparing the effect of this locally adapted multi-component strategy with usual care on the change in the proportion of eligible patients who complete out-of-office BP testing in a 1:1 cluster randomized trial across 8 socioeconomically diverse clinics.

Conclusions

The EMBRACE trial is the first trial to test an implementation strategy for improving out-of-office testing for hypertension diagnosis. It will elucidate the degree to which targeting provider behavior via education, reminders, and decision support in addition to providing an ABPM testing service will improve referral to and completion of ABPM and HBPMs.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03480217, Registered on 29 March 2018

Prevalence of three lifestyle factors among Australian adults from 2004 to 2018: an age-period-cohort analysis

BACKGROUND

It has been reported that current smoking, overweight/obesity and physical inactivity are significant modifiable risk factors of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease and cancer. However, the effects of age, period and cohort on the prevalence of the three lifestyle factors among Australian adults are still unclear.

METHODS

Our study analysed data from 2004 to 2005, 2007 to 2008, 2011 to 2012, 2014 to 2015 and 2017 to 2018 National Health Survey. We employed the age-period-cohort models to analyze the individual effects of age, period and cohort on the prevalence of current smoking, overweight/obesity and physical inactivity among Australian adults.

RESULTS

A total of 76 489 adults were included. Age, period and cohort all showed significant independent effects on prevalence of current smoking, overweight/obesity and physical inactivity (P < 0.01) except the cohort effect on physical inactivity in females (P = 0.31). The prevalence of current smoking decreased with age and period, and it first increased with birth cohort and then declined. For overweight/obesity prevalence, it increased with age until early-60s and then dropped. We found a positive period effect on overweight/obesity; however, the prevalence of overweight/obesity experienced several shifts with birth cohort. Physical activity prevalence raised with age, and it has several fluctuations for curves of period and cohort.

CONCLUSION

Age effects showed a distinct pattern for the prevalence of the three lifestyle factors. The prevalence of overweight/obesity continued to rise during the study period. The raised physical inactivity prevalence in recent study cycles is also concerning. Recent birth cohorts may be at increased risk of overweight/obesity and physical inactivity.

Age-specific associations of glycated haemoglobin variability with cardiovascular disease and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A 10- year cohort study

AIMS

To investigate the associations of increased variability in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality risk in patients with diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective cohort study included 147 811 patients aged 45 to 84 years with type 2 diabetes mellitus, without CVD and with at least three HbA1c values recorded before baseline in the period 2008 to 2010. HbA1c variability was evaluated using a mixed effects model to reduce regression dilution bias. Age-specific associations (45- 54, 55- 64, 65- 74 and 75- 84 years) between HbA1c variability and risk of CVD and mortality were assessed by Cox regression, adjusted for patient characteristics and usual HbA1c.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 7.4 years(1.02 million person-years), an overall incidence of 40 785 events including CVD (incidence 27  793) and all-cause mortalities (incidence 23 175) were identified. Positive log-linear associations between HbA1c variability and CVD and mortality were identified in all age groups. The hazard ratios (HRs) for the composite of CVD and all-cause mortality showed that age was inversely associated with HbA1c variability, with a 28% higher risk per 1% increase in HbA1c variability in the age group 45 to 54 years (all composite outcomes: HR 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21, 1.35), whereas only a 14% higher risk in the 75- 84 age group (all composite outcomes: HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.11, 1.17). Subgroup analysis showed the risk in patients with usual HbA1c <53mmol/mol was about eight times higher than in those with usual HbA1c ≥64mmol/mol.

CONCLUSIONS

HbA1c variability was strongly related to CVD and mortality in patients with diabetes across all age groups. Whilst pursuing optimal HbA1c targets, attention should be given to patients with high HbA1c variability, especially younger patients with good HbA1c control.

US trends in premature heart disease mortality over the past 50 years: Where do we go from here?

Despite the premature heart disease mortality rate among adults aged 25-64 decreasing by 70% since 1968, the rate has remained stagnant from 2011 on and, in 2017, still accounted for almost 1-in-5 of all deaths among this age group. Moreover, these overall findings mask important differences and continued disparities observed by demographic characteristics and geography. For example, in 2017, rates were 134% higher among men compared to women and 87% higher among blacks compared to whites, and, while the greatest burden remained in the southeastern US, almost two-thirds of all US counties experienced increasing rates among adults aged 35-64 during 2010-2017. Continued high rates of uncontrolled blood pressure and increasing prevalence of diabetes and obesity pose obstacles for re-establishing a downward trajectory for premature heart disease mortality; however, proven public health and clinical interventions exist that can be used to address these conditions.

Interrelationships Between American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7, ECG Silent Myocardial Infarction, and Cardiovascular Mortality

Background We examined the interrelationships among cardiovascular health (CVH), assessed by the American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7 (LS7) health metrics, silent myocardial infarction (SMI), and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. Methods and Results This analysis included 6766 participants without a history of coronary heart disease from the Third Report of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Poor, intermediate, and ideal CVH were defined as an LS7 score of 0 to 4, 5 to 9, and 10 to 14, respectively. SMI was defined as ECG evidence of myocardial infarction without a clinical diagnosis of myocardial infarction. Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to examine the association of baseline CVH with CVD death stratified by SMI status on follow-up. In multivariable logistic regression models, ideal CVH was associated with 69% lower odds of SMI compared with poor CVH. During a median follow-up of 14 years, 907 CVD deaths occurred. In patients without SMI, intermediate CVH (hazard ratio, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.14-1.74) and poor CVH (hazard ratio, 2.77; 95% CI, 2.10-3.66) were associated with increased risk of CVD mortality, compared with ideal CVH. However, in the presence of SMI, the magnitude of these associations almost doubled (hazard ratio, 2.17 [95% CI, 1.42-3.32] for intermediate CVH and hazard ratio, 6.28 [95% CI, 3.02-13.07] for poor CVH). SMI predicted a significant increased risk of CVD mortality in the intermediate and poor CVH subgroups but a nonsignificant increased risk in the ideal CVH subgroup. Conclusions Ideal CVH is associated with a lower risk of SMI, and concomitant presence of SMI and poor CVH is associated with a worse prognosis. These novel findings underscore the potential role of maintaining ideal CVH in preventing future CVD outcomes.

How Are Sleep Characteristics Related to Cardiovascular Health? Results From the Population-Based HypnoLaus study

Background Although sleep characteristics have been linked to cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular risk factors, the association between sleep characteristics measured by polysomnography and cardiovascular health ( CVH ) remains unknown. Methods and Results In a population-based sample (n=1826), sleep characteristics were assessed by both sleep questionnaires and polysomnography. Global, behavioral, and biological CVH were defined according to the American Heart Association. Multinomial logistic regressions were performed to estimate relative risk ratios and 95% CI . Strong dose-response associations were found between all oxygen saturation-related variables (oxygen desaturation index, mean oxygen saturation, and percentage of total sleep time spent under 90% oxygen saturation) and obstructive sleep apnea (severity categories and apnea/hypopnea index) and global, behavioral, and biological CVH . Mean oxygen saturation had the strongest positive association (relative risk ratios 1.31 [ CI 1.22-1.41]; 1.78 [ CI 1.55-2.04] for intermediate relative to ideal CVH ), and oxygen desaturation index had the strongest negative association (relative risk ratios 0.71 [ CI 0.65-0.78]; 0.45 [ CI 0.34-0.58] for intermediate relative to ideal CVH ) with global CVH , and these associations were also the most robust in sensitivity analyses. The impacts of sleep architecture and sleep fragmentation were less consistent. Conclusions Mean oxygen saturation, oxygen desaturation index, and apnea/hypopnea index were associated with CVH . Conversely, most variables related to sleep architecture and sleep fragmentation were not consistently related to CVH . Sleep-disordered breathing and the associated oxygen (de)saturation were associated with CVH more strongly than with sleep fragmentation.

Cardiovascular Health Score and Lifetime Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: The Cardiovascular Lifetime Risk Pooling Project

BACKGROUND

Long-term risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) according to levels of cardiovascular health (CVH) have not been characterized in a diverse, representative population.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We pooled individual-level data from 30 447 participants (mean [SD] age, 55.0 [13.9] years; 60.6% women; 31.8% black) from 7 US cohort studies. We defined CVH based on levels of 7 American Heart Association health metrics, scored as ideal (2 points), intermediate (1 point), or poor (0 points). The total CVH score was used to quantify overall CVH as high (12-14 points), moderate (9-11 points), or low (0-8 points). We used a modified Kaplan-Meier analysis, accounting for the competing risk of death, to estimate the lifetime risk of CVD (composite of incident myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, or CVD death) separately in white and black men and women free of CVD at index ages of <40, 40 to 59, and ≥60 years. High CVH was more prevalent among women compared with men, white compared with black participants, and in younger compared with older participants. During 538 477 person-years of follow-up, we observed 6546 CVD events. In women aged 40 to 59 years, those with high CVH had lower lifetime risk (95% CI) of CVD (white women, 12.6% [2.6%-22.6%]; black women, 0.0%) compared with moderate (white women, 16.6% [13.0%-20.2%]; black women, 12.7% [6.8%-18.5%]) and low (white women, 33.8% [30.6%-37.1%]; black women, 34.7% [30.4%-39.0%]) CVH strata. Patterns were similar for men and individuals <40 and ≥60 years of age.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher baseline CVH at all ages in adulthood is associated with substantially lower lifetime risk for CVD compared with moderate and low CVH, in white and black men and women in the United States. Public health and healthcare efforts aimed at maintaining and restoring higher CVH throughout the life course could provide substantial benefits for the population burden of CVD.

Ideal cardiovascular health in adolescents and young adults is associated with alexithymia over two decades later: Findings from the cardiovascular risk in Young Finns Study: Department: Research Centre of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland

We evaluated the association of cardiovascular health in adolescence and young adulthood with alexithymia 25 years later. The study sample (n = 1122) participated in evaluations conducted in 1986 (baseline) and in 2011-2012 (T2). Baseline health factors and behaviors were assessed utilizing seven ideal cardiovascular health metrics (ICH index) including blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels, smoking, physical activity, body-mass-index, and diet. The stability of the ICH index was evaluated with corresponding assessments in 2007 (T1). At T2, alexithymia was measured with the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). The main analyses were conducted using ANCOVA and adjusted for depression, age, and present social and lifestyle factors. TAS-20 subscales, Difficulty Identifying Feelings (DIF), Difficulty Describing Feelings (DDF), and Externally Oriented Thinking, were analyzed separately. The ICH index was significantly associated with the TAS-20 total score, as well as both with DIF and DDF. A less ideal cardiovascular health was associated with higher alexithymia scores. However, regarding the separate factors, only the association between non-ideal dietary habits and DIF was significant in the multivariate analyses. The baseline ICH index score was stable from baseline to T1. We conclude that non-ideal cardiovascular lifestyle habits in adolescence and young adulthood are significantly associated with later alexithymia.

Rural-urban differences in college students' cardiovascular risk perceptions

Objective: To examine rural-urban differences in college students' cardiovascular risk perceptions. Participants: College students in rural (n = 61) and urban (n = 57) Kentucky counties were recruited from November 2012 to May 2014. Methods: This was a secondary data analysis of a cross-sectional study examining rural-urban differences in cardiovascular risk factors. Students rated their risk for developing high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, having a stroke, and gaining excess weight. Chi-square and logistic regression were used for data analysis. Results: Rural students had lower odds of perceived high risk for developing high blood pressure compared to urban students (odds ratio (OR): 0.32, 95% CI: 0.11-0.96) after adjusting for race, sex, and body mass index. This association was not observed after adjusting for healthcare access variables. No other significant differences were observed. Conclusions: Efforts to raise perceived risk for developing hypertension among rural college students may be warranted.