Sex Difference in Outcomes of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Young Patients

Emerging opportunities to target inflammation: myocardial infarction and type 2 diabetes

After myocardial infarction (MI), patients with type 2 diabetes have an increased rate of adverse outcomes, compared to patients without. Diabetes confers a 1.5-2-fold increase in early mortality and, importantly, this discrepancy has been consistent over recent decades, despite advances in treatment and overall survival. Certain assumptions have emerged to explain this increased risk, such as differences in infarct size or coronary artery disease severity. Here, we re-evaluate that evidence and show how contemporary analyses using state-of-the-art characterization tools suggest that the received wisdom tells an incomplete story. Simultaneously, epidemiological and mechanistic biological data suggest additional factors relating to processes of diabetes-related inflammation might play a prominent role. Inflammatory processes after MI mediate injury and repair and are thus a potential therapeutic target. Recent studies have shown how diabetes affects immune cell numbers and drives changes in the bone marrow, leading to pro-inflammatory gene expression and functional suppression of healing and repair. Here, we review and re-evaluate the evidence around adverse prognosis in patients with diabetes after MI, with emphasis on how targeting processes of inflammation presents unexplored, yet valuable opportunities to improve cardiovascular outcomes in this vulnerable patient group.

Sex and Racial Disparities in Proportionate Mortality of Premature Myocardial Infarction in the United States: 1999 to 2020

BACKGROUND

The incidence of premature myocardial infarction (PMI) in women (<65 years and men <55 years) is increasing. We investigated proportionate mortality trends in PMI stratified by sex, race, and ethnicity.

METHODS AND RESULTS

CDC WONDER (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research) was queried to identify PMI deaths within the United States between 1999 and 2020, and trends in proportionate mortality of PMI were calculated using the Joinpoint regression analysis. We identified 3 017 826 acute myocardial infarction deaths, with 373 317 PMI deaths corresponding to proportionate mortality of 12.5% (men 12%, women 14%). On trend analysis, proportionate mortality of PMI increased from 10.5% in 1999 to 13.2% in 2020 (average annual percent change of 1.0 [0.8-1.2, P <0.01]) with a significant increase in women from 10% in 1999 to 17% in 2020 (average annual percent change of 2.4 [1.8-3.0, P <0.01]) and no significant change in men, 11% in 1999 to 10% in 2020 (average annual percent change of -0.2 [-0.7 to 0.3, P=0.4]). There was a significant increase in proportionate mortality in both Black and White populations, with no difference among American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian/Pacific Islander, or Hispanic people. American Indian/Alaska Natives had the highest PMI mortality with no significant change over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Over the last 2 decades, there has been a significant increase in the proportionate mortality of PMI in women and the Black population, with persistently high PMI in American Indian/Alaska Natives, despite an overall downtrend in acute myocardial infarction-related mortality. Further research to determine the underlying cause of these differences in PMI mortality is required to improve the outcomes after acute myocardial infarction in these populations.

Sex Differences in Delirium after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery and Perioperative Neuropsychiatric Conditions: A Secondary Analysis of a Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Biological sex influences the risk of depression and cognitive impairment, but its role in relation to postoperative delirium is unclear. This analysis investigates sex differences in delirium risk after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and sex-related differences in relation to affective and cognitive symptoms.

METHODS

This is a secondary analysis of the Neuropsychiatric Outcomes After Heart Surgery (NOAHS) study, a single-site, observational study of a CABG surgery cohort (n = 149). Preoperative characteristics are stratified by sex, and baseline variables that differ by sex are evaluated to understand whether sex modifies their relationships with delirium. We also evaluate sex differences in one-month depression and cognition.

RESULTS

Female sex is associated with several delirium risk factors, including higher risk of preoperative depression and middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis. MCA stenosis was statistically associated with delirium only among women (OR 15.6, 95% CI 1.5, 164.4); mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was associated with delirium only in men (OR 4.6, 95% CI 1.2, 17.9). Other sex-based differences failed to reach statistical significance. Depression remained commoner among women 1 month post-CABG.

CONCLUSIONS

Women in this CABG cohort were more likely to have depression at baseline and 1 month postoperatively, as well as MCA stenosis and postoperative delirium. Sex might modify the relationship between post-CABG delirium and its risk factors including MCA stenosis and MCI. Cerebrovascular disease deserves study as a potential explanation linking female sex and a range of poor outcomes among women with coronary heart disease.

Sex differences in outcomes after acute coronary syndrome vary with age: a New Zealand national study

AIMS

This study investigated age-specific sex differences in short- and long-term clinical outcomes following hospitalization for a first-time acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in New Zealand (NZ).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using linked national health datasets, people admitted to hospital for a first-time ACS between January 2010 and December 2016 were included. Analyses were stratified by sex and 10-year age groups. Logistic and Cox regression were used to assess in-hospital death and from discharge the primary outcome of time to first cardiovascular (CV) readmission or death and other secondary outcomes at 30 days and 2 years. Among 63 245 people (mean age 69 years, 40% women), women were older than men at the time of the ACS admission (mean age 73 vs. 66 years), with a higher comorbidity burden. Overall compared with men, women experienced higher rates of unadjusted in-hospital death (10% vs. 7%), 30-day (16% vs. 12%) and 2-year (44% vs. 34%) death, or CV readmission (all P < 0.001). Age group-specific analyses showed sex differences in outcomes varied with age, with younger women (<65 years) at higher risk than men and older women (≥85 years) at lower risk than men: unadjusted hazard ratio of 2-year death or CV readmission for women aged 18-44 years = 1.51 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21-1.84] and aged ≥85 years = 0.88 (95% CI 0.83-0.93). The increased risk for younger women was no longer significant after multivariable adjustment whereas the increased risk for older men remained.

CONCLUSION

Men and women admitted with first-time ACS have differing age and comorbidity profiles, resulting in contrasting age-specific sex differences in the risk of adverse outcomes between the youngest and oldest age groups.

Sex-specific and ethnicity-specific differences in MINOCA

Suspected myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) has received increasing attention over the past decade. Given the heterogeneity in the mechanisms underlying acute myocardial infarction in the absence of obstructive coronary arteries, the syndrome of MINOCA is considered a working diagnosis that requires further investigation after diagnostic angiography studies have been performed, including coronary magnetic resonance angiography and functional angiography. Although once considered an infrequent and low-risk form of myocardial infarction, recent data have shown that the prognosis of MINOCA is not as benign as previously assumed. However, despite increasing awareness of the condition, many questions remain regarding the diagnosis, risk stratification and treatment of MINOCA. Women seem to be more susceptible to MINOCA, but studies on the sex-specific differences of the disease are scarce. Similarly, ethnicity-specific factors might explain discrepancies in the observed prevalence or underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of MINOCA but data are also scarce. Therefore, in this Review, we provide an update on the latest evidence available on the sex-specific and ethnicity-specific differences in the clinical features, pathophysiological mechanisms, treatment and prognosis of MINOCA.

Gender Differences Among Very Young Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome: Long-Term Follow-Up of the STAMINA Study

The rate of hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) among young patients is increasing. Healthcare disparities remain unsolved among female patients. We explored gender differences regarding risk factors, clinical presentation, in-hospital treatment, and long-term outcomes among ACS patients. A total of 445 patients with very early ACS (men ≤ 35 years and women ≤ 40 years of age) were followed for a median of 5 years. Primary clinical endpoint was the composite of cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, stroke, and coronary revascularization. Women accounted for 16% of cases. Smoking was the most prevalent risk factor, 56% and 60% of the females and males, respectively, continued to smoke after ACS. Chest pain was typical in 85% and 83% of the female and male patients, respectively. In-hospital treatment (pharmacological and reperfusion) as well as the composite clinical endpoint during follow-up did not differ between female and male patients. Lipid-lowering therapy was suboptimal in both genders, and persistence of smoking was the sole predictor for the composite clinical endpoint (hazard ratio: 2.30 [95% CI: 1.26-4.20]; P = .007). In conclusion, in-hospital treatment was similar between male and female patients. However, the majority of them continued smoking, and this was an independent predictor for future adverse outcomes.

Gender-Related Factors Associated With Outcomes of Acute Coronary Syndrome in Young Female Patients

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains a significant global health concern, with a growing recognition of its impact on young adults, particularly young female adults. Although gender-related factors, defined as a social construct that encompasses 4 distinct dimensions (gender roles, gender identity, gender relations, and institutionalized gender) are undoubtedly relevant across age groups, young female patients with ACS face specific challenges and disparities in outcomes, compared to other populations. This narrative review examines the role of gender-related factors-specifically, gender roles, gender identity, gender relations, and institutionalized gender-in influencing objective and subjective ACS outcomes in young female patients. In the 5 articles identified, the objective outcomes included hospital readmission, "door-to-electrocardiography" time, and coronary atherosclerosis progression. Subjective outcomes, such as physical and mental functional status, quality of life, physical limitations, and vital exhaustion, were also examined. Being employed, which is a gender role, emerged as a protective factor against hospital readmission. Gender identity factors such as depression and stress were correlated with negative outcomes, and anxiety influenced "door-to-electrocardiography" times. Institutional factors, including income disparities, affected readmission likelihood. Strong social support decreased physical limitations post-ACS, whereas financial challenges and lower education negatively impacted quality of life and vital exhaustion. These findings underscore the intricate interplay of gender dimensions in shaping ACS outcomes among young female patients. Integrating these insights into clinical practice and research can enhance care, mitigate disparities, and foster improved cardiovascular health in this vulnerable population.

Response to interleukin-1 blockade with anakinra in women and men with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Interleukin-1 blockade with anakinra reduces high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels and prevents heart failure (HF) events after ST-segment myocardial infarction (STEMI). Sex-based differences in STEMI patients have been reported, but no data are available regarding response to anakinra.

METHODS

We analyzed the systemic inflammation and composite end-point of new-onset HF or death in women and men with STEMI treated with anakinra from three different Virginia Commonwealth University Anakinra Response Trial (VCUART) randomized clinical trials.

RESULTS

We analyzed 139 patients, 29 (21%) were women while 110 (79%) were men. Baseline hsCRP was higher in women compared to men (8.9 [5.2-13.5] vs. 4.2 [2.1-7.7] mg/L, P<0.001). Eighty-four patients were treated with anakinra (22 [75%] women and 62 [56%] men). The area under the curve of hsCRP (hsCRP-AUC) after 14 days was numerically lower in patients receiving anakinra versus placebo both in men (86 [37-130] vs. 223 [119-374] mg day/L) and in women (73 [46-313] vs. 242 [102-988] mg day/L) (P<0.001 for multiple groups, P for interaction 0.22). The incidence of the composite endpoint was also numerically lower in the anakinra group compared to placebo, both in men (4 [6.4%] vs. 14 [29.1%]) and in women (3 [13.6%] vs. 2 [28.5%]) (P=0.019 for multiple groups, P for interaction 0.44). There were no statistically significant differences between women and men in hsCRP-AUC and death or HF events when comparing separately the anakinra and placebo groups (all P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Women were underrepresented in the VCUART trials, they appeared to have higher hsCRP levels at time of presentation, yet to benefit similar to men by treatment with anakinra in STEMI.

Association of marital/partner status with hospital readmission among young adults with acute myocardial infarction

INTRODUCTION

Despite evidence supporting the benefits of marriage on cardiovascular health, the impact of marital/partner status on the long-term readmission of young acute myocardial infarction (AMI) survivors is less clear. We examined the association between marital/partner status and 1-year all-cause readmission and explored sex differences among young AMI survivors.

METHODS

Data were from the VIRGO study (Variation in Recovery: Role of Gender on Outcomes of Young AMI Patients), which enrolled young adults aged 18-55 years with AMI (2008-2012). The primary end point was all-cause readmission within 1 year of hospital discharge, obtained from medical records and patient interviews and adjudicated by a physician panel. We performed Cox proportional hazards models with sequential adjustment for demographic, socioeconomic, clinical, and psychosocial factors. Sex-marital/partner status interaction was also tested.

RESULTS

Of the 2,979 adults with AMI (2002 women [67.2%]; mean age 48 [interquartile range, 44-52] years), unpartnered individuals were more likely to experience all-cause readmissions compared with married/partnered individuals within the first year after hospital discharge (34.6% versus 27.2%, hazard ratio [HR] = 1.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15-1.49). The association attenuated but remained significant after adjustment for demographic and socioeconomic factors (adjusted HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.01-1.34), and it was not significant after further adjusting for clinical factors and psychosocial factors (adjusted HR, 1.10; 95%CI, 0.94-1.28). A sex-marital/partner status interaction was not significant (p = 0.69). Sensitivity analysis using data with multiple imputation and restricting outcomes to cardiac readmission yielded comparable results.

CONCLUSIONS

In a cohort of young adults aged 18-55 years, unpartnered status was associated with 1.3-fold increased risk of all-cause readmission within 1 year of AMI discharge. Further adjustment for demographic, socioeconomic, clinical, and psychosocial factors attenuated the association, suggesting that these factors may explain disparities in readmission between married/partnered versus unpartnered young adults. Whereas young women experienced more readmission compared to similar-aged men, the association between marital/partner status and 1-year readmission did not vary by sex.

Gender Differences in Long-Term Outcomes of Young Patients Who Underwent Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Long-Term Outcome Analysis from a Multicenter Registry in Japan

Young patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have shown worse long-term outcomes but remain inadequately investigated. We analyzed 1,186 consecutive young patients (aged ≤55 years) from the Keio Cardiovascular PCI registry who were successfully discharged after PCI (2008 to 2019) and compared them to 5,048 older patients (aged 55 to 75 years). The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause death, acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, bleeding, stroke requiring admission, and coronary artery bypass grafting within 2 years after discharge. In the young patients, the mean age was 48.4 ± 5.4 years, acute coronary syndrome cases accounted for 69.6%, and 92 (7.8%) were female. Body mass index; hemoglobin levels; and proportions of smoking, hyperlipidemia, and ST-elevation myocardial infarction were lower and dialysis or active cancer proportions were higher in young female patients than male patients. A higher number of young female than male patients reached the primary end point and all-cause death (15.2% vs 7.1%, p = 0.01; 4.3% vs 1.0%, p = 0.023), mainly because of noncardiac death (4.3% versus 0.5%, p = 0.001). After covariate adjustment, the primary end point rates were higher among young women than men (hazard ratio 2.00, 95% confidence interval 1.03 to 3.89, p = 0.042). Gender did not predict the primary end point among older patients (vs men; hazard ratio 0.84, 95% confidence interval 0.67 to 1.06, p = 0.14). In conclusion, young women showed worse outcomes during the 2-year post-PCI follow-up, but this gender difference was absent in patients aged 55 to 75 years.

Association of Marital/Partner Status with Hospital Readmission Among Young Adults With Acute Myocardial Infarction

Introduction

Despite evidence supporting the benefits of marriage on cardiovascular health, the impact of marital/partner status on the long-term readmission of young acute myocardial infarction (AMI) survivors is less clear. We aimed to examine the association between marital/partner status and 1-year all-cause readmission, and explore sex differences, among young AMI survivors.

Methods

Data were from the VIRGO study (Variation in Recovery: Role of Gender on Outcomes of Young AMI Patients), which enrolled young adults aged 18-55 years with AMI (2008-2012). The primary end point was all-cause readmission within 1 year of hospital discharge, obtained from medical record, patient interviews, and adjudicated by a physician panel. We performed Cox proportional hazards models with sequential adjustment for demographic, socioeconomic, clinical and psychosocial factors. Sex-marital/partner status interaction was also tested.

Results

Of the 2,979 adults with AMI (2002 women [67.2%]; mean age 48 [interquartile range, 44-52] years), unpartnered individuals were more likely to experience all-cause readmissions compared with married/partnered individuals within the first year after hospital discharge (34.6% versus 27.2%, hazard ratio [HR]=1.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15-1.49). The association attenuated but remained significant after adjustment for demographic and socioeconomic factors (adjusted HR, 1.16; 95%CI, 1.01-1.34), and was not significant after further adjusting for clinical factors and psychosocial factors (adjusted HR, 1.10; 95%CI, 0.94-1.28). Sex-marital/partner status interaction was not significant (p=0.69). Sensitivity analysis using data with multiple imputation, and restricting outcomes to cardiac readmission yielded comparable results.

Conclusions

In a cohort of young adults aged 18-55 years, unpartnered status was associated with 1.3-fold increased risk of all-cause readmission within 1 year of AMI discharge. Further adjustment for demographic, socioeconomic, clinical and psychosocial factors attenuated the association, suggesting that these factors may explain disparities in readmission between married/partnered versus unpartnered young adults. Whereas young women experienced more readmission compared to similar-aged men, the association between marital/partner status and 1-year readmission did not vary by sex.

An In-Depth Prospective Comprehensive View on Myocardial Infarction (MI) in Young Adults

Due to major advancements in myocardial infarction (MI) prevention and effective medical treatment, the death rate and incidence of MI have dropped considerably. We know that their risk factors and prognosis may differ; therefore, increasing primary and secondary prevention activities among young people is crucial. Multiple studies have found that MI is the deadliest form of coronary heart disease (CHD). As a result, we made an effort to illuminate MI in young people in our review of the literature. We found that young people, particularly women, are developing MI. Smoking is a key risk factor that should be targeted in an effort to minimize youth MI rates. It is thus important to create superior methods for measuring risk in young people, which may combine both standard and nonconventional risk factors, such as genetic rate scores and coronary artery calcium testing. Henceforth, addressing modifiable risk factors at a younger age has the greatest impact.