Meta-analysis of exercise testing to detect coronary artery disease in women

The Clinical Approach to Angina in Women

Women presenting with angina are more likely to have cardiac chest pain accompanied more frequently by associated symptoms like abdominal pain and lightheadedness. The evaluation of women with suspected coronary disease can be complex because many have microvascular dysfunction, coronary vasospasm, and altered coagulation that require specific testing protocols beyond the conventional stress testing and a coronary angiogram. Therefore, terms such as angina, ischemia, and myocardial infarction with no obstructive coronary disease have been introduced in recent years. More studies are required to elaborate guidelines on the diagnosis and management of these entities.

Use of ST/HR hysteresis decreases false positive rate in exercise electrocardiography test of middle-aged asymptomatic women

BACKGROUND

Exercise electrocardiography (ECG) is a common diagnostic and prognostic method for the detection of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, its accuracy in asymptomatic women has not been comprehensively investigated and the diagnostic criteria may require refinements. This study evaluated the performance of ECG-derived ST/HR-index, ST/HR hysteresis and ST-segment depression parameters among asymptomatic middle-aged women.

METHODS

108 women (mean age 56 ± 4 years) performed exercise ECG test on treadmill until exhaustion three times within a nine-month period. False-positive rates of maximum ST/HR-index, ST/HR hysteresis, and ST-segment depression values measured from 12 leads at peak exercise and after one-minute recovery were evaluated with recommended diagnostic partition values. Repeatability was assessed with intraclass correlation (ICC) and Bland-Altman plot analysis.

RESULTS

False-positive rate was lower for all variables when a two‑lead configuration was used instead of a single‑lead configuration. Using a two‑lead configuration, ST/HR hysteresis (0-1.9 %) and ST-segment depression after one-minute recovery (0-2.8 %) had lower false-positive rates compared to ST/HR index (3.7-20.4 %) and ST-segment depression at peak exercise (9.3-27.8 %). ICC values indicated moderate repeatability for ST/HR hysteresis while ST/HR index, ST-segment at peak exercise, and ST-segment after one-minute recovery had moderate-to-good repeatability. Bland-Altman analysis indicated poor repeatability for all evaluated ECG variables.

CONCLUSION

In asymptomatic middle-aged women, practitioners should prefer the use of ST/HR hysteresis and ST-segment after one-minute recovery over the conventional ST-segment depression at peak exercise or ST/HR index, and evaluate the ECG data from a two‑lead configuration instead of single‑lead.

Prognostic Impact of a Routine Six-Month Exercise Stress Test after Complex Left Main Bifurcation Percutaneous Intervention

The prognostic value of exercise stress test after complex left main (LM) coronary artery bifurcation (LM) stenting has been poorly investigated. To partially fill this gap in knowledge, we retrospectively analyzed the procedural and medical data of consecutive patients referred to our center for complex LM bifurcation disease between January 2008 and May 2018 who were treated using either single- or dual-stenting techniques. The prognostic impact of an exercise stress test, performed 6 months after the coronary intervention, was evaluated in 502 patients (316 males, mean age 70.3 ± 12.8 years, mean Syntax score 31.6 ± 6.3). At follow up after a mean of 37.1 ± 10.8 months (range 22.1-47.3 months), the target lesion failure (TLF) rate was 10.1% while stent thrombosis and cardiovascular mortality were 1.2 and 3.6%, respectively. A positive exercise stress test was detected at 6-month follow up in 42 out of 502 patients (8.4%); the incidence of a significant restenosis was 7.6% (n = 38). Patients with a negative exercise stress test at 6-month follow up had higher freedom from TLF and improved survival compared to those with a positive exercise stress test.

Characteristics of women with ischemic sudden cardiac death

BACKGROUND

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a significant mode of death causing 15-20% of all deaths in high-income countries. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common cause of SCD in both sexes, and SCD is often the first manifestation of underlying CAD in women. This case-control study aimed to determine the factors associated with SCD due to CAD in women.

METHODS

The study group consisted of women with CAD-related SCD (N = 888) derived from the Fingesture study conducted in Northern Finland from 1998 to 2017. All SCDs underwent medicolegal autopsy. The control group consisted of women with angiographically verified CAD without SCD occurring during the 5-year-follow-up (N = 610). To compare these groups, we used medical records, autopsy findings, echocardiograms, and electrocardiograms (ECGs).

RESULTS

Subjects with SCD were older (73.2 ± 11.3 vs. 68.8 ± 8.0, p < 0.001) and were more likely to be smokers or ex-smokers (37.1% vs. 27.6%, p = 0.045) compared to control patients. The proportion of subjects with prior myocardial infarction (MI) was higher in controls (46.9% vs. 41.4% in SCD subjects, p = 0.037), but in contrast, SCD subjects were more likely to have underlying silent MI (25.6% vs. 2.4% in CAD controls, p < 0.001). Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was more common finding in SCD subjects (70.9% vs. 55.1% in controls, p < 0.001). Various electrocardiographic abnormalities were more common in subjects with SCD, including higher heart rate, atrial fibrillation, prolonged QTc interval, wide or fragmented QRS complex and early repolarization. The prevalence of Q waves and T inversions did not differ between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Underlying LVH and previous MI with myocardial scarring are common and often undiagnosed in women with CAD-related SCD. These results suggest that untreated CAD with concomitant myocardial disease is an important factor in SCD in women.

Comparative effectiveness of exercise electrocardiography versus exercise echocardiography in women presenting with suspected coronary artery disease: a randomized study

Aims

There is a paucity of randomized diagnostic studies in women with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). This study sought to assess the relative value of exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) compared with exercise electrocardiography (Ex-ECG) in women with CAD.

Methods and results

Accordingly, 416 women with no prior CAD and intermediate probability of CAD (mean pre-test probability 41%), were randomized to undergo either Ex-ECG or ESE. The primary endpoints were the positive predictive value (PPV) for the detection of significant CAD and downstream resource utilization. The PPV of ESE and Ex-ECG were 33% and 30% (P = 0.87), respectively for the detection of CAD. There were similar clinic visits (36 vs. 29, P = 0.44) and emergency visits with chest pain (28 vs. 25, P = 0.55) in the Ex-ECG and ESE arms, respectively. At 2.9 years, cardiac events were 6 Ex-ECG vs. 3 ESE, P = 0.31. Although initial diagnosis costs were higher for ESE, more women underwent further CAD testing in the Ex-ECG arm compared to the ESE arm (37 vs. 17, P = 0.003). Overall, there was higher downstream resource utilization (hospital attendances and investigations) in the Ex-ECG arm (P = 0.002). Using National Health Service tariffs 2020/21 (British pounds) the cumulative diagnostic costs were 7.4% lower for Ex-ECG compared with ESE, but this finding is sensitive to the cost differential between ESE and Ex-ECG.

Conclusion

In intermediate-risk women who are able to exercise, Ex-ECG had similar efficacy to an ESE strategy, with higher resource utilization whilst providing cost savings.

Updates in Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment in Women

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for American women. CVD is preventable although risk reduction goals are not achieved for women compared with men. Considering a woman's cardiometabolic profile for prevention counseling and prescribing may help. Coronary artery calcium scores provide additional risk assessment and reproductive and menopause histories identify risk enhancers. Diagnosis of CVD is often delayed, and treatment is less optimal for women compared with men. Differences in presentation and underlying CVD etiology (Including spontaneous coronary artery dissection and microvascular disease) may partially account for these disparities. Improvements in CVD imaging to better diagnose these etiologies may benefit women's care.

Sex-Specific Stress Perfusion Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Suspected Ischemic Heart Disease: Insights From SPINS Retrospective Registry

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality in women, but current noninvasive cardiac imaging techniques have sex-specific limitations.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, the authors sought to investigate the effect of sex on the prognostic utility and downstream invasive revascularization and costs of stress perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) for suspected CVD.

METHODS

Sex-specific prognostic performance was evaluated in a 2,349-patient multicenter SPINS (Stress CMR Perfusion Imaging in the United States [SPINS] Study) registry. The primary outcome measure was a composite of cardiovascular death and nonfatal myocardial infarction; secondary outcomes were hospitalization for unstable angina or heart failure, and late unplanned coronary artery bypass grafting.

RESULTS

SPINS included 1,104 women (47% of cohort); women had higher prevalence of chest pain (62% vs 50%; P < 0.0001) but lower use of medical therapies. At the 5.4-year median follow-up, women with normal stress CMR had a low annualized rate of primary composite outcome similar to men (0.54%/y vs 0.75%/y, respectively; P = NS). In contrast, women with abnormal CMR were at higher risk for both primary (3.74%/y vs 0.54%/y; P < 0.0001) and secondary (9.8%/y vs 1.6%/y; P < 0.0001) outcomes compared with women with normal CMR. Abnormal stress CMR was an independent predictor for the primary (HR: 2.64 [95% CI: 1.20-5.90]; P = 0.02) and secondary (HR: 2.09 [95% CI: 1.43-3.08]; P < 0.0001) outcome measures. There was no effect modification for sex. Women had lower rates of invasive coronary angiography (ICA; 3.6% vs 7.3%; P = 0.0001) and downstream costs ($114 vs $171; P = 0.001) at 90 days following CMR. There was no effect of sex on diagnostic image quality.

CONCLUSIONS

Stress CMR demonstrated excellent prognostic performance with lower rates of ICA referral in women. Stress CMR should be considered as a first-line noninvasive imaging tool for the evaluation of women. (Stress CMR Perfusion Imaging in the United States [SPINS] Study [SPINS]; NCT03192891).

Sex difference after acute myocardial infarction patients with a history of current smoking and long-term clinical outcomes: Results of KAMIR Registry

BACKGROUND

The contribution of sex as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease still remains controversial. The present study investigated the impact of sex on long-term clinical outcomes in Korean acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients with a history of current smoking on admission after drug-eluting stents (DESs).

METHODS

A total of 12,565 AMI patients (male: n = 11,767 vs. female: n = 798) were enrolled. Major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) comprising all-cause death, recurrent myocardial infarction (Re-MI), and any repeat revascularization were the primary outcomes that were compared between the two groups. Probable or definite stent thrombosis (ST) was the secondary outcome.

RESULTS

After adjustment, the early (30 days) cumulative incidences of MACEs (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.457; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.021-2.216; p = 0.035) and all-cause death (aHR: 1.699; 95% CI: 1.074-2.687; p = 0.023) were significantly higher in the female group than in the male group. At 2 years, the cumulative incidences of all-cause death (aHR: 1.561; 95% CI: 1.103-2.210; p = 0.012) and Re-MI (aHR: 1.800; 95% CI: 1.089-2.974; p = 0.022) were significantly higher in the female group than in the male group. However, the cumulative incidences of ST were similar between the two groups (aHR: 1.207; 95% CI: 0.583-2.497; p = 0.613).

CONCLUSIONS

The female group showed worse short-term and long-term clinical outcomes compared with the male group comprised of Korean AMI patients with a history of current smoking after successful DES implantation. However, further studies are required to confirm these results.

Multimodality Imaging in the Detection of Ischemic Heart Disease in Women

Women with coronary artery disease tend to have a worse short and long-term prognosis relative to men and the incidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is increasing. Women are less likely to present with classic anginal symptoms when compared with men and more likely to be misdiagnosed. Several non-invasive imaging modalities are available for diagnosing ischemic heart disease in women and many of these modalities can also assist with prognostication and help to guide management. Selection of the optimal imaging modality to evaluate women with possible ischemic heart disease is a scenario which clinicians often encounter. Earlier modalities such as exercise treadmill testing demonstrate significant performance variation in men and women, while newer modalities such as coronary CT angiography, myocardial perfusion imaging and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging are highly specific and sensitive for the detection of ischemia and coronary artery disease with greater parity between sexes. Individual factors, availability, diagnostic performance, and female-specific considerations such as pregnancy status may influence the decision to select one modality over another. Emerging techniques such as strain rate imaging, CT-myocardial perfusion imaging and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging present additional options for diagnosing ischemia and coronary microvascular dysfunction.

Coronary Artery Disease in Women: Lessons Learned from Single-Center SPECT Registry and Future Directions for INOCA Patients

Background and objectives: Myocardial perfusion imaging with cardiac single-photon emission tomography (SPECT) is widely available for the detection of coronary artery disease (CAD) with high diagnostic and prognostic accuracy for women. A large proportion of symptomatic women with true myocardial perfusion defects in SPECT referred to coronary angiography have an absence of CAD-a condition named INOCA (ischemia with nonobstructive CAD). Additionally, the INOCA endotypes are rarely correctly diagnosed, and therefore, no tailored therapy is prescribed. Materials and methods: The cardiac SPECT for women was performed from 2018 to 2021. Patients with perfusion defect were analyzed according to further prescribed diagnostic tests used to diagnose CAD. According to the diagnostic criteria, patients with INOCA were selected as candidates for invasive microvascular physiology measurements. The correlation was calculated between SPECT results and clinical characteristics, symptoms, and risk factors. Results: A total of 726 women with suspected CAD were analyzed. True myocardial perfusion defects were detected in 125 patients (17.2%). During coronary angiography in 70 (56.0%) women, atherosclerosis in epicardial arteries was not observed. In 17 (20.9%) patients, obstructive CAD was present. Correlation was found between perfusion defect in SPECT and cardiovascular risk factors, including overweight, obesity, arterial hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Women with typical angina were more likely to have INOCA, but with "noncardiac" symptoms-CAD. In total, 68 female patients met three inclusion criteria for INOCA and were selected as candidates for invasive diagnostic testing. Conclusions: The created registry proves the important role of cardiac SPECT and great need for the development of invasively detected physiological measurements. The combination of both interventions could significantly change the future directions for INOCA patients, improving treatment strategies and clinical outcomes, especially knowing the number of risk factors and varying clinical presentation. The study will be continued by performing invasive testing of coronary microvascular function to expand the competence about what is known about INOCA patients.

Evaluation of the QRS score for diagnosing coronary artery disease in women: A Finnish cardiovascular study

BACKGROUND

Exercise electrocardiography is a widely used diagnostic modality for diagnosing coronary artery disease. This method has been used for both sexes; however, its diagnostic accuracy in women is limited.

METHODS

The study analyzed 332 women participating in the Finnish Cardiovascular Study. Among 332 women, 125 with angiographically proven coronary artery disease (mean age 62.1 ± 9.5 years), 91 with a low likelihood of coronary artery disease (mean age 47.3 ± 13.5 years), and 116 without angiographically proven coronary artery disease (mean age 56.3 ± 9.9 years) were analyzed. The Q, R, S, and ST-segment changes and QRS score were determined by subtracting the Q, R, S, and ST-segment amplitudes immediately after the maximal exercise changes from their rest values (Δ). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to evaluate the overall diagnostic performance of the parameters for predicting coronary artery disease.

RESULTS

The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve between coronary artery disease and low likelihood of coronary artery disease groups for the QRS score and ΔSTV5, ΔQaVF, and ΔRaVF were 0.75, 0.73, 0.71, and 0.71, respectively. These areas were lower (0.62, 0.57, 0.60, and 0.60, respectively) between the groups with and without angiographically proven coronary artery disease. QRS score demonstrated the highest sensitivity at 80% specificity (61.5%) and the highest specificity at 80% sensitivity (57.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that the QRS and ST-segment depression have a moderate diagnostic ability to predict coronary artery disease in women. Q and R waves in lead aVF showed good diagnostic ability.

The Value of Stress Echocardiography in a Young Female Patient With a Negative Stress Electrocardiogram

Stress echocardiography remains a steadfast noninvasive diagnostic test used to determine the presence of obstructive coronary artery disease, along with defining the severity of other disease states (i.e., hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, regurgitant valve lesions, and right ventricular systolic pressure). Due to its high sensitivity and specificity, stress echocardiographic imaging is advantageous when stress electrocardiography, alone, is not enough to discover true ischemic findings, on a standard Bruce protocol. Even then, false positive and false negative electrocardiogram (EKG) results occur all too frequently. Furthermore, because women may more commonly present with atypical signs of ischemia, additional echocardiographic imaging is beneficial when added to a treadmill stress test to visualize ischemic areas of the myocardium. This case study illustrates the importance of using stress echocardiographic imaging, on a female patient, with false negative EKG findings and atypical chest pain in the presence of coronary artery disease.

Cardiovascular Imaging for Ischemic Heart Disease in Women: Time for a Paradigm Shift

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men and women. Women have a unique phenotype of ischemic heart disease with less calcified lesions, more nonobstructive plaques, and a higher prevalence of microvascular disease compared with men, which may explain in part why current risk models to detect obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) may not work as well in women. This paper summarizes the sex differences in the functional and anatomical assessment of CAD in women presenting with stable chest pain and provides an approach for using multimodality imaging for the evaluation of suspected ischemic heart disease in women in accordance to the recently published American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology guidelines for the evaluation and diagnosis of chest pain. A paradigm shift in the approach to imaging ischemic heart disease women is needed including updated risk models, a more profound understanding of CAD in women where nonobstructive disease is more prevalent, and algorithms focused on the evaluation of ischemia with nonobstructive CAD and myocardial infarction with nonobstructive CAD.

The evolving role of coronary computed tomography in understanding sex differences in coronary atherosclerosis

Our understanding of sex differences in subclinical atherosclerosis and plaque composition and characteristics have greatly improved with the use of coronary computed tomography (CCTA) over the past years. CCTA has emerged as an important frontline diagnostic test for women, especially as we continue to understand the impact of non-obstructive atherosclerosis as well as diffuse, high risk plaque as precursors of acute cardiac events in women. Based on its ability to identify complex plaque morphology such as low attenuation plaque, high risk non calcified plaque, positive remodeling, fibrous cap, CCTA can be used to assess plaque characteristics. CCTA can avoid false positive of other imaging studies, if included earlier in assessment of ischemic symptoms. In the contemporary clinical setting, CCTA will prove useful in further understanding and managing cardiovascular disease in women and those without traditional obstructive coronary disease.

Major adverse cardiac events in symptomatic women with non-obstructive CAD on coronary CTA: pooled analysis from PROMISE and SCOT-HEART

The presence of non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) on coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) has been associated with the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE). However, factors associated with the development of MACE in symptomatic women with non-obstructive CAD on coronary CTA have not been fully elucidated. We sought to examine the influence of risk factors and coronary artery calcification on MACE in symptomatic women with non-obstructive CAD on coronary CTA. Women from PROMISE and SCOT-HEART trials with none or non-obstructive CAD on coronary CTA comprised the study cohort. Baseline characteristics and clinical presentation were assessed. Survival analysis using Kaplan-Meier curves was done to compare outcomes stratified by the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk score and the Agatston score. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, and revascularization. 2597 women had non-obstructive CAD or normal coronary CTA, with a median follow-up of 32 months. Compared to women without MACE, women with MACE had lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and higher mean ASCVD risk scores. Further, women with non-obstructive CAD and ASCVD ≥ 7.5% had higher risk of MACE than those with ASCVD < 7.5% [3.2% vs. 1.1%, adjusted HR (aHR) of 3.1 (95% CI 1.32, 7.23), P-value 0.009]. The Agatston calcium score, on the other hand, was not independently associated with MACE among this population of symptomatic women. Symptomatic women with non-obstructive CAD on coronary CTA are at higher risk for MACE, with the ASCVD risk score being independently associated with the occurrence of adverse events.

Stress Electrocardiography Testing in Coronary Artery Disease: Is It Time for Its Swan Song or To Redefine Its Role in the Modern Era ?

Stress electrocardiography (sECG) or treadmill stress testing is a well validated noninvasive diagnostic modality available to clinicians at low cost yet providing valuable functional data for coronary artery disease (CAD) diagnostic and prognostic evaluation. With the advances in cardiac imaging in both functional and anatomic fronts and the existing limitations of sECG testing, this modality appears less favored worldwide as reflected in some recent guideline updates. We review the past present and future of sECG to provide a viewpoint on where it stands in CAD evaluation and if it will remain relevant as a diagnostic modality or be retired going forward. We also provide our perspectives on how sECG can co-exist with other modalities such as calcium scoring and discuss the role of such testing in the Indian population.

Atrial fibrillation is a predictor of nonobstructive coronary artery disease in elective angiography in old age: a cross-sectional study in Poland and Russia

BACKGROUND

Significant changes in the coronary vessels are not confirmed in a large proportion of patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.

AIMS

The present study aimed to determine correlates and independent predictors of nonobstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) in older adults referred for elective coronary angiography.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 2,214 patients referred to two medical centers (in Poland and Russia) between 2014 and 2016 for elective coronary angiography due to exacerbated angina, despite undergoing optimal therapy for CAD. The median age was 72 years (IQR: 68-76), and 49.5% patients were women.

RESULTS

Significant stenosis (defined as stenosis of 50% or more of the diameter of the left main coronary artery stem or stenosis of 70% or more of the diameter of the remaining major epicardial vessels) was diagnosed only in 1135 (51.3%) patients. Female sex (odds ratio [OR], 3.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.44-3.72; p < 0.001) and atrial fibrillation (OR, 1.87; 95% CI 1.45-2.40; p < 0.001) were the main independent predictors of nonobstructive CAD. Significantly lower ORs were observed for diabetes (OR, 0.75; 95% CI 0.59-0.95; p = 0.02), chronic kidney disease (OR, 0.76; 95% CI 0.61-0.96; p = 0.02), and anemia (OR, 0.69; 95% CI 0.50-0.95; p = 0.02) after controlling for age, chronic heart failure, BMI, and study center.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

The results confirmed that nonobstructive CAD occurs in a high percentage of older patients referred for elective coronary angiography. This suggests the need to improve patient stratification for invasive diagnosis of CAD, especially for older women and patients with atrial fibrillation. Trial registration number and date of registration: NCT04537507, September 3, 2020.

Machine learning of treadmill exercise test to improve selection for testing for coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The high false-positive rate of the treadmill exercise test (TET) may lead to unnecessary invasive coronary angiography. We aimed to develop a machine learning-based algorithm to improve the diagnostic performance of TET.

METHODS

Study included 2325 patients who underwent TET and subsequent coronary angiography within one-year interval. The mean age was 58.7 (48.1-69.3) years, 1731 (74.5%) were male, 1858 (79.9%) had positive TET result, and 812 (34.9%) had obstructive coronary artery disease (≥70% stenosis in at least one vessel). The study population were randomly divided into training (70%) and testing (30%) groups for algorithm development. A total of 93 features, including exercise performance, hemodynamics and ST-segment changes were extracted from the TET results. Clinical features included comorbidity, smoking, height, weight, and Framingham risk score. Support vector machine, logistic regression, random forest, k-nearest neighbor and extreme gradient boosting machine learning algorithms were used to build the predictive models. The performance of each model was compared with that of conventional TET.

RESULTS

Four of the five models exhibited comparable diagnostic performance and were better than conventional TET. The random forest algorithm had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.73. When used with clinical features, the AUC improved to 0.74. The major advantage of the algorithm is the reduction of the false-positive rate compared with conventional TET (55% vs. 76.3%, respectively), while maintaining comparable sensitivity (85%).

CONCLUSIONS

Using the information obtained from conventional TET, a more accurate diagnosis can be made by incorporating an artificial intelligence-based model.

The additive prognostic value of coronary calcium score (CCS) to single photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT-MPI)-real world data from a single center

AIMS

Single-photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging [SPECT-MPI] is a functional test for coronary ischemia. We aimed to assess the additive prognostic value of coronary calcium score (CCS) to SPECT-MPI in stable patients.

METHODS

This study is a retrospective analysis of 655 patients who underwent SPECT-MPI with CCS (2012 to 2017). Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) identified CCS cutoff value for all-cause mortality: CCS+ if > cutoff value and MPI+ if ≥ 5% total perfusion defect (TPD). Patients were divided into 1 MPI-/CCS-; 2 MPI+/CCS-; 3 MPI-/CCS+; 4 MPI+/CCS+ and compared. Cox proportional hazard analysis identified predictors of mortality.

RESULTS

CCS cutoff for all-cause mortality was > 216 (C statistic 0.756, P < 0.0001). In MPI+ groups, mean TPD was similar (13.4% and 13.1% respectively) but mortality was higher in the CCS+ (12.5% vs. 4.8%, P = 0.22) as was the severe LV systolic dysfunction (8.0% vs. 0%, P = 0.095). In MPI- groups, mean TPD was similar (0.7% and 0.9% respectively) but all-cause mortality was higher in the CCS+ (10.7% vs. 1.6%, P < 0.0001) as was severe LVSD (2.9 % vs. 0.3% P = 0.016). Age, smoking, renal impairment ,and CCS > 216 were independent predictors of mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with raised CCS on SPECT-MPI have increased mortality and poor LV function despite a negative MPI.

Cardiac Phase Space Analysis: Assessing Coronary Artery Disease Utilizing Artificial Intelligence

The bridge of artificial intelligence to cardiovascular medicine has opened up new avenues for novel diagnostics that may significantly enhance the cardiology care pathway. Cardiac phase space analysis is a noninvasive diagnostic platform that combines advanced disciplines of mathematics and physics with machine learning. Thoracic orthogonal voltage gradient (OVG) signals from an individual are evaluated by cardiac phase space analysis to quantify physiological and mathematical features associated with coronary stenosis. The analysis is performed at the point of care without the need for a change in physiologic status or radiation. This review will highlight some of the scientific principles behind the technology, provide a description of the system and device, and discuss the study procedure, clinical data, and potential future applications.

State of the Art in Noninvasive Imaging of Ischemic Heart Disease and Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction in Women: Indications, Performance, and Limitations

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Establishing a diagnosis of ischemic heart disease (IHD) in women, including assessment for coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) when indicated, can be challenging. Access to performance of invasive testing when appropriate may be limited, and noninvasive imaging assessments have evolved. This review will summarize the various noninvasive imaging modalities available for the diagnosis of IHD and CMD in women, outlining indications, performance modalities, advantages, and limitations.

RECENT FINDINGS

While stress echocardiography and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) are widely available and can detect IHD in women, their ability to specifically identify CMD is limited. Novel developments in cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging, including spectroscopy, and positron emission tomography (PET) have changed the diagnostic landscape. Coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA), while unable to diagnose CMD, is developing an emerging role in the risk stratification of ischemic syndromes. Despite the discovery of increased CMD prevalence in symptomatic women and technological advances in diagnostic imaging, practitioners are limited by user expertise and center availability when choosing a diagnostic imaging modality. Knowledge of this evolving field is imperative as it highlights the need for sex-specific assessment of cardiovascular syndromes.

The ST segment depression pattern in asymptomatic peri-menopausal female athletes

Background

ST segment has not been well investigated in asymptomatic peri-menopausal female athletes, when the CV risk is higher.

Aims

The aims of the study is to investigate the prevalence of ST segment depression in peri-menopausal female athletes, divided in four age groups.

Methods

in a cohort of 6010 female athletes aged 45–65 years old, 161 subjects were selected for the presence of ST segment depression, revealed by maximal ergometric test. All athletes were also evaluated by physical examination and echocardiography. Inclusion criteria for ST segment depression were ST depression >0.5 mm respect to baseline and its depth was divided in 0.5 mm, 0.5–1 mm, 1–2 mm categories. Its behavior was classified in ascending, horizontal and descending and it was studied in relation to the age range (<51; 51–55; 56–60; >60).

Results

ST segment depression was mainly evident in inferolateral leads in all groups (63%, 70,3%, 71%, 63,6%, for <51; 51–55, 56–60 and 61–65 respectively) with horizontal pattern (52,2%, 59,5%, 57,8%, 63,6%) and 1–2 mm depth (43,5%, 46,7%, 60,6%), with the exception of the range 51–55, mainly showing a depth of 0,5-1 mm (45,9%). The older group showed increased SBP (137.5 mmHg, p = 0.007) and BMI (24.3, p = 0.093) values. Mitral prolapse was shown in 11,8% while 36,6% showed systolic flattening of mitral leaflets.

Conclusions

ST depression in asymptomatic menopausal female athletes is frequent and it is characterized by a specific presentation pattern. This is particularly important in the menopausal age when CV risk factors are more prevalent.

Current approach to the diagnosis of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease: more questions than answers

Despite its commonality in routine clinical practice, the approach to a diagnosis of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease remains complex and, in part, contentious. The traditional dogma linking ischaemia to hard clinical outcomes has been questioned and reframed over the years; rather than being a predictor of hard clinical outcomes, the degree of ischaemia may simply be a marker of atherosclerotic disease burden. A renewed interest in the imaging of plaque burden has spawned the contemporary role of CT imaging for not only diagnosis and prognosis, but also for dictating downstream management. As the technology develops and evidence expands, decisions on investigative modalities remain centred around patient factors, local availability, test performance and cost. This review summarizes the available methods for diagnosis in the symptomatic patient and provides an overview of the current evidence behind functional and anatomical approaches.

[Radiological imaging to assess individual cardiovascular risk]

CLINICAL/METHODICAL ISSUE

Radiologic imaging for the assessment of individual cardiovascular risk.

STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS

The correct estimation of the individual cardiovascular risk is prerequisite for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Here, extensive evidence is available for coronary calcium scans as well as coronary CT angiography (CTA).

METHODICAL INNOVATIONS

Summary of the available evidence for the use of calcium score and coronary CTA. Illustration of the significance of both tests in current guidelines.

PERFORMANCE

Both tests have high prognostic value, surpassing a risk-factor based assessment. In comparison with the calcium score, the CTA has higher incremental value.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Results from recent trials confirm an improvement of outcomes in symptomatic patients by performing a CTA compared with standard care.

PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS

European and US guidelines recommend a calcium score for risk stratification of asymptomatic patients with a low to intermediate risk profile. For symptomatic patients with low to intermediate coronary artery disease pretest probability, a CTA is recommended.

Diagnosis and Prognosis of Coronary Artery Disease with SPECT and PET

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) continues to be the most reliable modality for diagnosis of hemodynamically significant coronary artery disease (CAD). The application of radionuclide MPI using single photon emission computed tomography (SEPCT) and positron emission tomography (PET) for CAD is reviewed, with emphasis on diagnosis and risk stratification.

RECENT FINDINGS

Contemporary studies have reported the diagnostic and prognostic value of novel imaging protocols, employing stress-first or stress-only approach. In addition, the superior diagnostic value of PET has been established with a role of assessment of myocardial blood flow to improve risk stratification. The utility of MPI in special populations, such as the elderly, women, and diabetic patients has also been recently evaluated. Furthermore, multicenter studies have reported a similar diagnostic and prognostic value of radionuclide MPI compared with other functional and anatomical techniques for CAD. Radionuclide MPI with SPECT and PET are efficacious for diagnosis and prognosis of CAD. Its universal application in varied patient populations highlights its excellent clinical effectiveness.

Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography Improving Outcomes in Patients with Chest Pain

Purpose of Review

To provide an overview of recent studies of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and how it has helped to improve clinical outcomes for patients presenting with chest pain.

Recent Findings

Randomised controlled trials have uniformly demonstrated that the use of CCTA is associated with improvements in patient diagnosis, management and treatments as well as the avoidance of unnecessary invasive coronary angiography. These changes have been associated with consistent reductions in long-term rates of fatal or non-fatal myocardial infarction.

Summary

Major beneficial effects in clinical management and patient outcomes are seen with the use of coronary computed tomography angiography. CCTA might be considered to be the first test of choice for the investigation of coronary heart disease.

Long-term mortality and estimated functional capacity among women with symptoms of ischemic heart disease: From the NHLBI-sponsored Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation

The aim of this study was to determine the long-term prognostic value of the Duke Activity Status Index-estimated metabolic equivalents (METs) values among women with suspected ischemic heart disease. At a median of 9.6 years, the incidence of death was 23.4% in those with METs <4.8 versus 8.2% in METs >9.9, P < .01. In conclusion, use of the simple, patient-reported Duke Activity Status Index could help identify higher-risk women with suspected ischemic heart disease for targeted risk management.

Cost-effectiveness of a management strategy based on exercise echocardiography versus exercise electrocardiography in patients presenting with suspected angina during long term follow up: A randomized study

INTRODUCTION

Exercise ECG (Ex-ECG) is advocated by guidelines for patients with low - intermediate probability of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, there are no randomized studies comparing Ex-ECG with exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) evaluating long term cost-effectiveness of each management strategy.

METHODS

Accordingly, 385 patients with no prior CAD and low-intermediate probability of CAD (mean pre-test probability 34%), were randomized to undergo either Ex-ECG (194 patients) or ESE (191 patients). The primary endpoint was clinical effectiveness defined as the positive predictive value (PPV) for the detection of CAD of each test. Cost-effectiveness was derived using the cumulative costs incurred by each diagnostic strategy during a mean of follow up of 3.0 years.

RESULTS

The PPV of ESE and Ex-ECG were 100% and 64% (p = 0.04) respectively for the detection of CAD. There were fewer clinic (31 vs 59, p < 0.01) and emergency visits (14 vs 30, p = 0.01) and lower number of hospital bed days (8 vs 29, p < 0.01) in the ESE arm, with fewer patients undergoing coronary angiography (13.4% vs 6.3%, p = 0.02). The overall cumulative mean costs per patient were £796 for Ex-ECG and £631 for ESE respectively (p = 0.04) equating to a >20% reduction in cost with an ESE strategy with no difference in the combined end-point of death, myocardial infarction, unplanned revascularization and hospitalization for chest pain between ESE and Ex-ECG (3.2% vs 3.7%, p = 0.38).

CONCLUSION

In patients with low to intermediate pretest probability of CAD and suspected angina, an ESE management strategy is cost-effective when compared with Ex-ECG during long term follow up.

Coronary artery disease in post-menopausal women: are there appropriate means of assessment?

The recognition of sex differences in cardiovascular disease, particularly the manifestations of coronary artery disease (CAD) in post-menopausal women, has introduced new challenges in not only understanding disease mechanisms but also identifying appropriate clinical means of assessing the efficacy of management strategies. For example, the majority of treatment algorithms for CAD are derived from the study of males, focus on epicardial stenoses, and inadequately account for the small intramyocardial vessel disease in women. However, newer investigational modalities, including stress perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography are providing enhanced diagnostic accuracy and prognostication for women with microvascular disease. Moreover, these investigations may soon be complemented by simpler screening tools such as retinal vasculature imaging, as well as novel biomarkers (e.g. heat shock protein 27). Hence, it is vital that robust, sex-specific cardiovascular imaging modalities and biomarkers continue to be developed and are incorporated into practice guidelines that are used to manage women with CAD, as well as gauge the efficacy of any new treatment modalities. This review provides an overview of some of the sex differences in CAD and highlights emerging advances in the investigation of CAD in post-menopausal women.

Cardiac Phase Space Tomography: A novel method of assessing coronary artery disease utilizing machine learning

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques are increasingly applied to cardiovascular (CV) medicine in arenas ranging from genomics to cardiac imaging analysis. Cardiac Phase Space Tomography Analysis (cPSTA), employing machine-learned linear models from an elastic net method optimized by a genetic algorithm, analyzes thoracic phase signals to identify unique mathematical and tomographic features associated with the presence of flow-limiting coronary artery disease (CAD). This novel approach does not require radiation, contrast media, exercise, or pharmacological stress. The objective of this trial was to determine the diagnostic performance of cPSTA in assessing CAD in patients presenting with chest pain who had been referred by their physician for coronary angiography.

Methods

This prospective, multicenter, non-significant risk study was designed to: 1) develop machine-learned algorithms to assess the presence of CAD (defined as one or more ≥ 70% stenosis, or fractional flow reserve ≤ 0.80) and 2) test the accuracy of these algorithms prospectively in a naïve verification cohort. This report is an analysis of phase signals acquired from 606 subjects at rest just prior to angiography. From the collective phase signal data, features were extracted and paired with the known angiographic results. A development set, consisting of signals from 512 subjects, was used for machine learning to determine an algorithm that correlated with significant CAD. Verification testing of the algorithm was performed utilizing previously untested phase signals from 94 subjects.

Results

The machine-learned algorithm had a sensitivity of 92% (95% CI: 74%-100%) and specificity of 62% (95% CI: 51%-74%) on blind testing in the verification cohort. The negative predictive value (NPV) was 96% (95% CI: 85%-100%).

Conclusions

These initial multicenter results suggest that resting cPSTA may have comparable diagnostic utility to functional tests currently used to assess CAD without requiring cardiac stress (exercise or pharmacological) or exposure of the patient to radioactivity.

Contrast-Enhanced Stress Echocardiography and Myocardial Perfusion Imaging in Patients Hospitalized With Chest Pain: A Randomized Study

Ultrasound contrast-enhanced stress echocardiography improves endocardial visualization, but diagnostic test rates versus stress myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) have not been studied. A prospective randomized trial was performed between April 2012 and October 2014 at a single-center, safety net hospital. Hospitalized patients referred for noninvasive stress imaging were randomized 1:1 to stress echocardiography or stress MPI. The primary outcome was diagnostic test rate defined as interpretable images and achievement of >85% of age-predicted maximal heart rate (for dobutamine and exercise). Rates were assessed among those completing testing and then based solely on image interpretability. Charges and length of stay were secondary outcomes. A total of 240 patients were randomized, and 229 completed testing. Diagnostic test rates were similar for stress echocardiography versus MPI {89.4% [95% confidence interval (CI), 82.2-94.4] vs. 94.8% [95% CI, 89.1-98.1], P = 0.13} and did not differ with multivariable adjustment. Modalities requiring a diagnostic heart rate criteria were more frequently ordered with stress echocardiography (100% vs. 26%; P < 0.001). Therefore, an imaging-based analysis without the 12 individuals who failed to achieve target heart rate (n = 217) was evaluated with diagnostic test rates of 100% versus 94.8% (95% CI, 89.1%-98.1%; P = 0.03) for stress echocardiography and MPI, respectively. Median length of stay did not differ. Median (interquartile range) test-related charges were lower with stress echocardiography: $2,424 ($2400-$2508) versus $3619 ($3584-$3728), P < 0.0001. Overall, tests were positive for ischemia in 8% of patients. In conclusion, contrast-enhanced stress echocardiography provides comparable diagnostic test rates to MPI with lower associated charges.

Test Selection for Women with Suspected Stable Ischemic Heart Disease

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is the leading cause of death and disability among women in the United States. Identifying IHD in women presenting with stable symptoms and stratifying their risk for an IHD event can be challenging for providers, with several different tests available. This article is meant to serve as a practical guide for clinicians treating women with potentially ischemic symptoms. Evidence and American Heart Association (AHA) recommendations regarding test selection are reviewed, with a focus on the information to be gained from each test. We outline suggested courses of action to be taken in the case of a positive or negative test. Regardless of the initial test result, clinicians should view a woman's symptom presentation as an opportunity to review and modify her risk of cardiovascular events.

12-year Temporal Trend in Referral Pattern and Test Results of Stress Echocardiography in a Tertiary Care Referral Center with Moderate Volume Activities and Cath-lab Facility

Background

Data on stress echocardiography (SE) time-related changes in referral patterns and diagnostic yield for detection of inducible ischemia could enhance Echo Lab quality benchmarks and performance measures.

Aim

This study aims to evaluate temporal trends in SE test results among ambulatory patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease (CAD) in a tertiary care referral center with moderate (>100/year) volume SE activities and Cath-Lab facility.

Methods

From January 2004 to December 2015, 1954 patients (mean age 62 ± 12 years, 42% women, 27% with known CAD) underwent SE (1673 exercise SE, 86%, 246 pharmacological SE, 12%, 35 pacing SE, 2%). Time was grouped into three 4 year periods, where clinical data and test results were evaluated.

Results

Our series comprised low-to-intermediate pretest probability of CAD throughout the observation period (overall pretest probability of CAD 19% ± 15%). A progressive decline over time in the rate of pharmacological SE instead of a dramatic increment of exercise SE (79%-96%, P < 0.0001) was noted. The use of beta-blockers increased (from 43% to 66%, P < 0.0001), while the use of nitrates decreased (from 11% to 4%, P < 0.0001) over time. We noted a very uncommon occurrence of abnormal test results with a further decrease in the last period (from 11% to 3%, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

We observed, over a 12-year period, a progressive decrease in the frequency of inducible myocardial ischemia among patients with known or suspected CADe referred to our Echo Lab for SE with Cath-Lab facility, and this trend was parallel to changes in SE referral practice. These findings are particularly relevant if we consider the practical implications on diagnostic SE accuracy and risk assessment.

Gender aspects on exercise-induced ECG changes in relation to scintigraphic evidence of myocardial ischaemia

BACKGROUND

This retrospective study aimed to determine the diagnostic performance of exercise-induced ST response in relation to findings by myocardial perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (MPS), with focus on gender differences, in patients with suspected or established stable ischemic heart disease.

METHODS

MPS findings of 1 021 patients (518 females) were related to the exercise-induced ST response alone (blinded and unblinded to gender) and ST response together with additional exercise stress test (EST) variables (exercise capacity, blood pressure and heart rate response).

RESULTS

Exercise-induced ischaemia by MPS was found in 9% of females and 23% of males. Diagnostic performance of exercise-induced ST response in relation to MPS findings in females versus males was: sensitivity = 48%,70%; specificity = 67%, 64%; PPV = 13%, 38%; NPV = 93%, 87%. Adding more EST variables to the ST response interpretation yielded in females vs males: sensitivity = 44%, 51%; specificity = 84%, 83%; PPV = 22%, 48% and NPV = 93%, 85%.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients who have performed EST in conjunction with MPS, there is a gender difference in the diagnostic performance of ST response at stress, with a significantly lower PPV in females compared to males. For both genders, specificity can be significantly improved, and a higher PPV can be obtained, while the sensitivity might be compromised by considering more EST variables, in addition to the ST response.

Effect of gender on the prognostic value of dobutamine stress myocardial contrast echocardiography

BACKGROUND

Dobutamine stress contrast echo (DSCE) has a well-established prognostic value in the context of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, data regarding its prognostic capability separately in men and women are scarce. The aim of the current study was to assess gender-related differences in the prognostic performance of DSCE.

METHODS

DSCE was performed in 2645 consecutive patients, who were classified into two groups depending on gender. Follow-up lasted 57.1±10.1 months. End points included all-cause mortality, cardiac death, late revascularization, and hospitalizations. Survival analysis was performed comparing men and women.

RESULTS

Of the 2645 patients (59.3±8.7 years), 69.1% were men. DSCE was positive in 23.4% of male patients, while in females, the respective percentage was 14.3%. There was statistically significant difference between the two groups with regard to end point occurrence (11.6% vs. 6.1%, p<0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that the DSCE response was the strongest predictor of adverse outcomes (Exp(B)=51.9, p<0.05) in both groups. The predictive model including DSCE results along with clinical data performed well without significant differences between males and females (C-index 0.93 vs. 0.87 respectively, p=NS).

CONCLUSION

DSCE has a strong prognostic value for patients with known or suspected CAD, regardless of patient gender. This makes DSCE an attractive screening option for women in whom CAD assessment can be challenging.

Stable ischemic heart disease in women: current perspectives

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women accounting for 1 in every 4 female deaths. Pathophysiology of ischemic heart disease in women includes epicardial coronary artery, endothelial dysfunction, coronary vasospasm, plaque erosion and spontaneous coronary artery dissection. Angina is the most common presentation of stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD) in women. Risk factors for SIHD include traditional risks such as older age, obesity (body mass index [BMI] >25 kg/m²), smoking, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular disease, sedentary lifestyle, family history of premature coronary artery disease, metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus, and nontraditional risk factors, such as gestational diabetes, insulin resistance/polycystic ovarian disease, pregnancy-induced hypertension, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, menopause, mental stress and autoimmune diseases. Diagnostic testing can be used effectively to risk stratify women. Guidelines-directed medical therapy including aspirin, statins, beta-blocker therapy, calcium channel blockers and ranolazine should be instituted for symptom and ischemia management. Despite robust evidence regarding the adverse outcomes seen in women with ischemic heart disease, knowledge gaps exist in several areas. Future research needs to be directed toward a greater understanding of the role of nontraditional risk factors for SIHD in women, gaining deeper insights into the sex differences in therapeutic effects and formulating a sex-specific algorithm for the management of SIHD in women.