Determinants of the severity and extent of coronary artery disease in patients with type-2 diabetes and in nondiabetic subjects

Sex-specific association of monocyte count to high-density lipoprotein ratio with SYNTAX score in patients with suspected stable coronary artery disease

Recently, the monocyte count to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) was found to be associated with the SYNTAX score in patients with both stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The MHR was significantly higher in male patients. However, the sex-specific association of MHR with SYNTAX score in stable CAD was not well explored. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the association of MHR and presence and severity of CAD evaluated by coronary angiography and the SYNTAX score in males and females.In total, 873 patients who received selective coronary angiography between March 2017 and July 2018 were included in the present study. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to MHR tertiles. The MHR was calculated by dividing the monocyte count by the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level. CAD was defined as at least 50% diameter stenosis of a major coronary artery, including the right coronary, left main coronary, left anterior descending, and left circumflex arteries. The SYNTAX score was calculated by 2 experienced interventional cardiologists. SYNTAX score ≥23 was defined as a high SYNTAX score.Males showed a significantly higher MHR (12.2 [8.9-15.5] vs 9.3 [6.2-12.1], P < .001), accompanied by a higher prevalence of CAD (68.1% vs 53.4%, P < .001). Male sex remained an independent predictor of elevated MHR after correction for confounding factors (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3.102, P = .001). The association between MHR and SYNTAX score was confirmed only in male stable patients with CAD (r = 0.113, P = .036). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that MHR was an independent predictor of SYNTAX score ≥23 only in male patients with CAD. The receiver-operating characteristic curve showed a predictive value of MHR for high SYNTAX score only in males.A higher MHR in males and a positive correlation of MHR with SYNTAX score were observed only in male stable patients with CAD. Such an easily obtained index may help interventional cardiologists detect high-risk patients before coronary catheterization, but its application may be restricted to males.

Dyslipidaemia in type 2 diabetes: epidemiology and biochemistry

Lipid abnormalities in type 2 diabetes are characterised by high triglyceride concentrations, low high density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations, and normal total and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c) concentrations. LDL particles, however, are small and dense. Epidemiological evidence for these lipid abnormalities, and for the associations between lipid abnormalities and the increased risk of cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes, are presented. Most, of the lipid abnormalities in type 2 diabetes can be explained by reduced action of insulin at the tissue level. The biochemical and metabolic mechanisms underlying the lipid abnormalities are discussed.

Cohort comparison study of cardiac disease and atherosclerotic burden in type 2 diabetic adults using whole body cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging

BACKGROUND

Whole body cardiovascular MR (WB CVMR) combines whole body angiography and cardiac MR assessment. It is accepted that there is a high disease burden in patients with diabetes, however the quantification of the whole body atheroma burden in both arterial and cardiac disease has not been previously reported. In this study we compare the quantified atheroma burden in those individuals with and without diabetes by clinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) status.

METHODS

158 participants underwent WB CVMR, and were categorised into one of four groups: (1) type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with CVD; (2) T2DM without CVD; (3) CVD without T2DM; (4) healthy controls. The arterial tree was subdivided into 31 segments and each scored according to the degree of stenosis. From this a standardised atheroma score (SAS) was calculated. Cardiac MR and late gadolinium enhancement images of the left ventricle were obtained for assessment of mass, volume and myocardial scar assessment.

RESULTS

148 participants completed the study protocol--61% male, with mean age of 64 ± 8.2 years. SAS was highest in those with cardiovascular disease without diabetes [10.1 (0-39.5)], followed by those with T2DM and CVD [4 (0-41.1)], then those with T2DM only [3.23 (0-19.4)] with healthy controls having the lowest atheroma score [2.4 (0-19.4)]. Both groups with a prior history of CVD had a higher SAS and left ventricular mass than those without (p < 0.001 for both). However after accounting for known cardiovascular risk factors, only the SAS in the group with CVD without T2DM remained significantly elevated. 6% of the T2DM group had evidence of silent myocardial infarct, with this subcohort having a higher SAS than the remainder of the T2DM group [7.7 (4-19) vs. 2.8 (0-17), p = 0.024].

CONCLUSIONS

Global atheroma burden was significantly higher in those with known cardiovascular disease and without diabetes but not in those with diabetes and cardiovascular disease suggesting that cardiovascular events may occur at a lower atheroma burden in diabetes.

The impact of cardiovascular risk factors on the site and extent of coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

In patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), the site and extent of coronary artery involvement in terms of proximal versus distal stenosis and multi- versus single-vessel disease have a crucial effect on patients' outcome. This study was designed to evaluate the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and the site and extent of coronary artery involvement.

METHODS

In this study of patients who had undergone coronary angiography in our hospital, 125 with proximal lesions were enrolled as the case group (group 1) and an equal age- and gender-matched number of patients with non-proximal lesions were selected as the control group (group 2). The two groups were compared based on the presence or absence of diabetes mellitus (DM), hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, hypertension (HTN) and cigarette smoking.

RESULTS

The frequency of DM was 33.6 and 10.4% in the case and control groups, respectively, which was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). However, the frequency of hypercholesterolaemia in the case and control groups was 30.4 and 29.6% (p = 0.89), respectively; for hypertriglyceridaemia it was 19.2 and 16.8% (p = 0.062), respectively; for HTN it was 33.6 and 28.8% (p = 0.4), respectively; and for cigarette smoking it was 28.8 and 39.2% (p = 0.08), respectively, which were not statistically significant. Diabetic patients compared to non-diabetics had more multi-vessel disease (89.1 vs 61%, p < 0.0001, respectively), which was statistically significant. There was no relationship between hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, HTN and cigarette smoking and extent (multi-vessel involvement) of CAD (p = NS).

CONCLUSION

Proximal and multi-vessel involvement of the coronary arteries in patients with CAD was related to a history of DM but not of hypercholesterolaemia, HTN, cigarette smoking and hypertiglyceridaemia.

Association between albuminuria and duration of diabetes and myocardial dysfunction and peripheral arterial disease among patients with stable coronary artery disease in the BARI 2D study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of prior duration of diabetes, glycated hemoglobin level at study entry, and microalbuminuria or macroalbuminuria on the extent and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral arterial disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We studied baseline characteristics of the 2368 participants of the BARI 2D (Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes) study, a randomized clinical trial that evaluates treatment efficacy for patients with type 2 diabetes and angiographically documented stable CAD. Patients were enrolled from January 1, 2001, through March 31, 2005. Peripheral arterial disease was ascertained by an ankle-brachial index (ABI) of 0.9 or less, and extent of CAD was measured by presence of multivessel disease, a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of less than 50%, and myocardial jeopardy index.

RESULTS

Duration of diabetes of 20 or more years was associated with increased risk of ABI of 0.9 or less (odds ratio [OR], 1.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-2.26), intermittent claudication (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.10-2.35), and LVEF of less than 50% (OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.37-3.02). Microalbuminuria was associated with intermittent claudication (OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.16-2.02) and ABI of 0.9 or less (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 0.98-1.75), whereas macroalbuminuria was associated with abnormal ABI, claudication, and LVEF of less than 50%. There was a significant association between diabetes duration and extent of CAD as manifested by number of coronary lesions, but no other significant associations were observed between duration of disease, glycated hemoglobin levels, or albumin-to-creatinine ratio and other manifestations of CAD.

CONCLUSION

Duration of diabetes and microalbuminuria or macroalbuminuria are important predictors of severity of peripheral arterial disease and left ventricular dysfunction in a cohort of patients selected for the presence of CAD.

Baseline coronary angiographic findings in the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes trial (BARI 2D)

This report describes the baseline angiographic findings in the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation (BARI) 2 Diabetes (BARI 2D) trial, a randomized study that was initiated after the original BARI trial (BARI 1). Unlike BARI 1, which compared coronary artery bypass graft surgery with coronary angioplasty (percutaneous coronary intervention) in patients with and without diabetes, BARI 2D is investigating early versus deferred revascularization as needed in selected patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and significant stable coronary artery disease (CAD). This analysis included 1,773 patients without previous procedures. The intended mode of revascularization, percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft surgery, was specified before randomization. Angiographic findings in those randomized to revascularization versus medical treatment were similar. Overall, the mean number of lesions >or=20% diameter stenosis was 4.6 +/- 2.3, and the myocardial jeopardy index was 46 +/- 24%. Patients selected for the coronary artery bypass graft stratum had a higher mean number of lesions >or=20% diameter stenosis (5.7 vs 4.0, p <0.0001) and a higher myocardial jeopardy index (61% vs 38%, p <0.0001) than those selected for the percutaneous coronary intervention stratum. Female gender, black race, and higher body mass index were associated with less extensive CAD, whereas a history of hypertension, age at entry, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and ankle-brachial index <or=0.9 were associated with more extensive CAD. In conclusion, BARI 2D patients, who by design have mild or no symptoms, demonstrate considerable variation in the extent of CAD and amount of jeopardized myocardium. Coronary arteriographic findings are consistent with the intent of the design of BARI 2D. Certain baseline and clinical features were associated with the extent of disease and myocardial jeopardy.

Traditional Risk Factors Are Predictive on Segmental Localization of Coronary Artery Disease

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between established risk factors and segmental localization of coronary artery disease. A total of 2760 patients who underwent coronary angiography were enrolled into the study. Coronary angiographic segmental evaluation was performed according to the scheme of American Heart Association. Patients were classified into 2 groups (group 1: normal coronary artery segments, group 2: coronary artery segments with coronary artery disease). Smoking was highly related with left main coronary artery disease (odds ratio = 7.5; P = .005). Diabetes mellitus and male sex increased the risk of atherosclerosis in all coronary vasculature (odds ratio = 2.7-2.2; P < .001- P < .001). Hypertension was correlated with distal coronary artery (odds ratio = 1.4; P < .001) and family history with distal circumflex lesions (odds ratio = 4.5; P = .005) High triglyceride levels were associated with right coronary artery lesions (odds ratio = 1.00; P =.03). The effect of advanced age was small (odds ratio = 1.08; P < .001). Risk factors may be predictive for segmental localization.

Renal dysfunction is the most important predictor of the extent and severity of coronary artery disease in patients with diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVES

Diabetic patients tend to have more extensive and diffuse coronary artery disease (CAD) that may contribute to the less favorable outcomes in them. The aim of this study was to elucidate the predictors of the angiographic severity and extent of CAD in patients with diabetes.

METHODS

A total of 203 diabetic patients (116 men; mean age, 61.9+/-10.8) who were referred for a first coronary angiogram were included. The extent and severity of CAD was assessed in several ways. The first was a simple classification in one-vessel, two-vessel, and three-vessel disease scoring system. The total numbers of segments with > or = 20 and > or = 50% stenosis were calculated as CASS 20 and CASS 50 scores, respectively. Hamsten and Gensini scores were also calculated.

RESULTS

Of the 203 patients included in the study, 175 (86.2%) had CAD. Multivariate ordinal logistic regression analysis showed that age (Wald 5.741, P=0.017), glomerular filtration rate (Wald 5.032, P=0.025), previous myocardial infarction (Wald 10.955, P=0.001), and family history of CAD (Wald 7.236, P=0.007) were independent predictors of the severity of CAD, as assessed by the clinical zero-vessel to three-vessel disease scoring system. On stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, glomerular filtration rate was an independent predictor of the CASS 20 (r=-0.221, P=0.004), CASS 50 (r=-0.239, P=0.005), Gensini (r=-0.328, P<0.001), and Hamsten (r=-0.320, P<0.001) scores. Previous myocardial infarction was an independent predictor of the CASS 50 (r=0.355, P<0.001), Gensini (r=0.350, P<0.001), and Hamsten (0.256, P<0.001) scores. Age and sex were independent predictors for the CASS 50 (r=0.174, P=0.039; r=0.172, P=0.016, respectively) and Hamsten (r=0.212, P=0.011; r=0.244, P=0.001, respectively) scores.

CONCLUSION

Renal function is one of the most important factors associated with the extent and severity of coronary atherosclerosis, whereas classical coronary risk factors and the degree of metabolic control were not associated with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis in diabetic patients.

Is atherosclerosis in diabetes and impaired fasting glucose driven by elevated LDL cholesterol or by decreased HDL cholesterol?

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the atherogenicity of lipids in coronary patients with normal fasting glucose (NFG), impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Serum lipid values, the presence of angiographic coronary artery disease (CAD) at baseline, and the incidence of vascular events over 2.3 years were recorded in 750 consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography.

RESULTS

Triglycerides significantly (P < 0.001) increased and HDL cholesterol (P < 0.001) as well as LDL particle diameter (P < 0.001) significantly decreased from subjects with NFG <5.6 mmol/l (n = 272) over patients with IFG > or =5.6 mmol/l (n = 314) to patients with type 2 diabetes (n = 164). Factor analysis revealed two factors in the lipid profiles of our patients: triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein A1, and LDL particle diameter loaded high on an HDL-related factor, and total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B loaded high on an LDL-related factor. In patients with type 2 diabetes, the HDL-related factor (odds ratio 0.648 [95% CI 0.464-0.904]; P = 0.011), but not the LDL-related factor (0.921 [0.677-1.251]; P = 0.597), was associated with significant coronary stenoses > or =50%. Consistently, in the prospective study, the HDL-related factor (0.708 [0.506-0.990]; P = 0.044), but not the LDL-related factor (1.362 [0.985-1.883]; P = 0.061), proved significantly predictive for vascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

The low HDL cholesterol/high triglyceride pattern is associated with the degree of hyperglycemia. In coronary patients with type 2 diabetes, this pattern correlates with the prevalence of CAD and significantly predicts the incidence of vascular events.

Fractional esterification rate of cholesterol and ratio of triglycerides to HDL-cholesterol are powerful predictors of positive findings on coronary angiography

BACKGROUND

We examined the predictive value of various clinical and biochemical markers for angiographically defined coronary artery disease (aCAD). Specifically, we assessed the value of the ratio of plasma triglyceride (TGs) to HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and the fractional esterification rate of cholesterol in plasma depleted of apolipoprotein B (apoB)-containing lipoproteins (FER(HDL)), a functional marker of HDL and LDL particle size.

METHODS

Patients (788 men and 320 women) undergoing coronary angiography were classified into groups with positive [aCAD(+)] and negative [aCAD(-)] findings. Patient age, body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure (BP), medications, drinking, smoking, exercise habits, and plasma total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL-unesterified cholesterol, HDL-C, TGs, FER(HDL), apoB, log(TG/HDL-C), and TC/HDL-C were assessed. Lipids and apoproteins were measured by standard laboratory procedures; FER(HDL) was determined by a radioassay.

RESULTS

Members of the aCAD(+) group were older and had a higher incidence of smoking and diabetes than those in the aCAD(-) group. The aCAD(+) group also had higher TG, apoB, FER(HDL), and log(TG/HDL-C) and lower HDL-C values. aCAD(+) women had greater waist circumference and higher plasma TC and TC/HDL-C. aCAD(+) men, but not women, had higher plasma LDL-C. In the multivariate logistic model, the significant predictors of the presence of aCAD(+) were FER(HDL), age, smoking, and diabetes. If only laboratory tests were included in the multivariate logistic model, FER(HDL) appeared as the sole predictor of aCAD(+). Log(TG/HDL-C) was an independent predictor when FER(HDL) was omitted from multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

FER(HDL) was the best laboratory predictor of the presence of coronary atherosclerotic lesions.

Lipoprotein alterations in hemodialysis: differences between diabetic and nondiabetic patients

Both renal failure and type 2 diabetes may contribute synergistically to the dyslipemia of diabetic renal failure with the development of atherosclerosis as the possible consequence. It has not yet been conclusively evaluated whether diabetic patients with end-stage renal failure under maintenance hemodialysis (HD) show accentuated alterations in plasma lipids and lipoproteins in comparison to nondiabetics under HD. These abnormalities would involve hepatic lipase activity and the regulation of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein metabolism. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether type 2 diabetic patients undergoing HD exhibited a lipid-lipoprotein profile different from that of nondiabetic hemodialyzed patients. We compared plasma lipids, apoprotein (apo) A-I and B, and lipoprotein parameters among 3 groups: 25 type 2 diabetics, 25 nondiabetics, both undergoing HD, and 20 healthy control subjects. Intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were isolated by sequential ultracentrifugation. Hepatic lipase activity was measured in postheparin plasma. Both groups of HD patients showed higher triglyceride and IDL cholesterol (P <.001), and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (P <.01) and apo A-I (P <.001) levels compared to the control group, even after adjustment for age and body mass index (BMI). However, no differences were found in lipid, lipoprotein, and apoprotein concentrations between diabetic and nondiabetic HD patients, except for high LDL triglyceride content of diabetic HD patients (P <.01). Nondiabetics undergoing HD also presented higher LDL triglyceride levels than controls (P <.05). LDL triglyceride correlated with plasma triglycerides (r = 0.51, P <.001). A lower LDL cholesterol/apo B ratio was found in each group of HD patients in comparison to controls (P <.02). Comparing the diabetic and nondiabetic patients, hepatic lipase activity remained unchanged, but significantly lower than control subjects (P <.001). Hepatic lipase correlated with log-triglyceride (r = -0.31, P <.01), IDL cholesterol (r = -0.41, P <.001), and LDL triglyceride (r = -0.32, P <.01). In conclusion, both diabetic and nondiabetic HD patients shared unfavorable alterations in lipid-lipoprotein profile not different between them but different from a healthy control group. The only difference between the groups of HD patients was a significant LDL triglyceride enrichment, which correlated negatively with hepatic lipase activity. Lipoprotein abnormalities in HD patients would enhance their risk for the development of atherosclerosis.

[Prognosis of diabetic patients with ischemic cardiopathy]

The prevalence of diabetes in Spain is about 6% and increases with age and obesity. Diabetes is present in approximately 25% of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Pre-diabetic and diabetic patients have a higher incidence of CHD and poorer prognosis, with high short- and long-term mortality. The protective effect of pre-menopause status is suppressed by diabetes. Diabetes has a synergic effect with other cardiovascular risk factors. Primary prevention in diabetic patients should be approached as in non-diabetic post-infarction patients. In diabetes, a healthy life-style and strict control of blood sugar and the other cardiovascular risk factors, particularly hypertension, is mandatory.

A retrospective electronic chart review of blood pressure changes in elderly patients treated with amlodipine or an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor blocker

BACKGROUND

Despite the high costs of managing hypertension, pharmacologic intervention is cost-effective, particularly in patients at highest risk for cardiovascular events. The prevalence of hypertension in the elderly and the age-associated risks of coronary artery disease and stroke suggest that early identification and aggressive treatment should be priorities in this population.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of amlodipine and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) in the treatment of essential hypertension in elderly patients (>60 years) in an actual practice setting.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort analysis using electronic medical records stored in the Physicians Data Corporation cardiology database. Patients aged >60 years who received care from a cardiologist and who had a recorded diagnosis of hypertension during 1997 or 1998 were identified. For inclusion, patients had to have received an initial prescription for amlodipine, an ACE inhibitor, or an ARB at the index visit. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) readings from the index visit and > or =1 subsequent visit (<180 days after the index visit) were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 192 patients (56.3% male; mean age, 71.9 years) met the inclusion criteria. Amlodipine-treated patients experienced a mean decrease in SBP of 26.7 mm Hg, compared with 18.8 mm Hg in patients receiving an ARB and 15.8 mm Hg for patients receiving an ACE inhibitor (P = 0.008, amlodipine vs ACE inhibitor). DBP decreased 8.8 mm Hg with amlodipine, 8.7 mm Hg with an ARB, and 6.2 mm Hg with an ACE inhibitor. After adjusting for age, sex, and disease severity, amlodipine-treated patients were -4 times as likely to move to a better blood pressure stage than patients treated with an ARB or an ACE inhibitor (odds ratio, ARB vs amlodipine: 0.245; 95% CI, 0.080-0.753; odds ratio, ACE inhibitor vs amlodipine: 0.234; 95% CI, 0.072-0.761).

CONCLUSION

Results of this study indicate that in patients aged >60 years, amlodipine may be an effective therapy for hypertension.