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Ngamdu KS, Kalra DK. Risk of Stroke, Dementia, and Cognitive Decline with Coronary and Arterial Calcification. J Clin Med 2024; 13:4263. [PMID: 39064303 PMCID: PMC11277788 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13144263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Extant research shows that following a cerebrovascular insult to the brain, patients may develop a wide range of cognitive disorders, spanning from mild cognitive impairment (CI) to advanced dementia. Several studies have shown that atherosclerosis in the carotid, coronary, and breast arteries is associated with an increased risk of stroke, CI, and dementia. In this review, we examine the association of subclinical atherosclerotic calcification detected by computed tomography (CT) in these arterial beds and the risk of stroke, CI, and dementia. A major advantage of CT is that it can accurately quantify vascular calcification in different parts of the vasculature during a single examination. However, the strength of the association between CT findings and CI and stroke varies with the location and severity of the arteries involved. Data are still limited on this topic, highlighting the need for additional investigations to further our understanding of the risk of cognitive impairment in patients with subclinical atherosclerosis. It is equally important to test preventive strategies for managing patients in whom vascular calcifications are identified incidentally in randomized controlled trials to study the effects on outcomes, including incidents of stroke and CI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dinesh K. Kalra
- Division of Cardiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 201 Abraham Flexner Way, Suite 600, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
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Effects of shear stress on vascular endothelial functions in atherosclerosis and potential therapeutic approaches. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 158:114198. [PMID: 36916427 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Different blood flow patterns in the arteries can alter the adaptive phenotype of vascular endothelial cells (ECs), thereby affecting the functions of ECs and are directly associated with the occurrence of lesions in the early stages of atherosclerosis (AS). Atherosclerotic plaques are commonly found at curved or bifurcated arteries, where the blood flow pattern is dominated by oscillating shear stress (OSS). OSS can induce ECs to transform into pro-inflammatory phenotypes, increase cellular inflammation, oxidative stress response, mitochondrial dysfunction, metabolic abnormalities and endothelial permeability, thereby promoting the progression of AS. On the other hand, the straight artery has a stable laminar shear stress (LSS), which promotes the transformation of ECs into an anti-inflammatory phenotype, improves endothelial cell function, thereby inhibits atherosclerotic progression. ECs have the ability to actively sense, integrate, and convert mechanical stimuli by shear stress into biochemical signals that further induces intracellular changes (such as the opening and closing of ion channels, activation and transcription of signaling pathways). Here we not only outline the relationship between functions of vascular ECs and different forms of fluid shear stress in AS, but also aim to provide new solutions for potential atherosclerotic therapies targeting intracellular mechanical transductions.
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Gassenmaier S, Tsiflikas I, Greulich S, Kuebler J, Hagen F, Nikolaou K, Niess AM, Burgstahler C, Krumm P. Prevalence of pathological FFR CT values without coronary artery stenosis in an asymptomatic marathon runner cohort. Eur Radiol 2021; 31:8975-8982. [PMID: 34041572 PMCID: PMC8589749 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-021-08027-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate computed tomography fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) values in distal parts of the coronaries in an asymptomatic cohort of marathon runners without any coronary stenosis for potentially false-positive values. METHODS Ninety-eight asymptomatic male marathon runners (age 53 ± 7 years) were enrolled in a prospective monocentric study and underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). CCTA data were analyzed for visual coronary artery stenosis. FFRCT was evaluated in 59 participants without coronary artery stenosis in proximal, mid, and distal coronary sections using an on-site software prototype. RESULTS In participants without coronary artery stenosis, abnormal FFRCT values ≤ 0.8 in distal segments were found in 22 participants (37%); in 19 participants in the LAD; in 5 participants in the LCX; and in 4 participants in the RCA. Vessel diameters in participants with FFRCT values > 0.80 compared to ≤ 0.80 were 1.6 ± 0.3 mm versus 1.5 ± 0.3 mm for distal LAD (p = 0.025), 1.8 ± 0.3 mm versus 1.6 ± 0.5 mm for distal LCX (p = 0.183), and 2.0 ± 0.4 mm versus 1.5 ± 0.2 mm for distal RCA (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Abnormal FFRCT values of ≤ 0.8 frequently occurred in distal coronary segments in subjects without any anatomical coronary artery stenosis. This effect is only to some degree explainable by small distal vessel diameters. Therefore, the validity of hemodynamic relevance evaluation using FFRCT in distal coronary artery segment stenosis is reduced. KEY POINTS • Abnormal FFRCT values (≤ 0.8) occurred in over a third of the subjects in the distal LAD despite the absence of coronary artery stenosis.. • Therefore, the validity of hemodynamic relevance evaluation in distal coronary artery segment stenosis is reduced. • Decision-making based on abnormal FFRCT values in distal vessel sections should be performed with caution and only in combination with visual assessment of the grade of stenosis..
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Gassenmaier
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ilias Tsiflikas
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Simon Greulich
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, University of Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jens Kuebler
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Florian Hagen
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Konstantin Nikolaou
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas M Niess
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Sports Medicine, University of Tuebingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 6, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christof Burgstahler
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Sports Medicine, University of Tuebingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 6, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Patrick Krumm
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Lee CT, Eastman SE, Arcinas LA, Asselin CY, Cheung D, Mayba A, Zhu A, Strzelczyk J, Maycher B, Memauri B, Kirkpatrick ID, Jassal DS. Prevalence and Functional Implication of Silent Coronary Artery Disease in Marathon Runners Over 40 Years of Age: The MATCH-40 Study. CJC Open 2021; 3:595-602. [PMID: 34027364 PMCID: PMC8134914 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjco.2020.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Marathon participation is becoming increasingly popular among individuals ≥40 years of age. Little is known about the prevalence of subclinical coronary artery disease (CAD) and corresponding ischemia in this patient population. The study objectives are: (1) to characterize the prevalence of silent CAD in marathoners ≥ 40 years old using cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCT); and (2) if subclinical CAD was detected, to determine the functional significance of occult lesions by stress echocardiography (SE). METHODS Marathoners aged ≥ 40 years who completed a full marathon between 2018 and 2019 were recruited to undergo a prospective CCT. Coronary artery stenosis was graded as zero, mild (1%-49%), moderate (50%-69%), or severe (> 70%). All study participants diagnosed with mild-to-severe atherosclerotic CAD on CCT further underwent functional imaging with exercise treadmill SE. RESULTS A total of 65 individuals (53 ± 7 years, 65% males, 24 ± 3 kg/m2) underwent a prospective CCT within 12 months of marathon completion. Of the total study population, 13 participants (20%) were diagnosed with CAD, of whom 10 (77%) had mild disease, 1 (8%) had moderate disease, and 2 (15%) had severe disease by CCT. Despite the identification of subclinical CAD on CCT, none of the 13 patients had any evidence of inducible ischemia on SE. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to incorporate both CCT and SE in the evaluation of subclinical CAD in marathoners ≥40 years old. Although the overall prevalence of anatomic CAD was 20%, there was no evidence of functional ischemia in this highly competitive cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher T. Lee
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Skyler E. Eastman
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Liane A. Arcinas
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Chantal Y. Asselin
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - David Cheung
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Andrew Mayba
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Antonia Zhu
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jacek Strzelczyk
- Department of Radiology, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Bruce Maycher
- Department of Radiology, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Brett Memauri
- Department of Radiology, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Iain D.C. Kirkpatrick
- Department of Radiology, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Davinder S. Jassal
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Albrechtsen Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Radiology, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Christou GA, Deligiannis AP, Kouidi EJ. The role of cardiac computed tomography in pre-participation screening of mature athletes. Eur J Sport Sci 2021; 22:636-649. [PMID: 33517865 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2021.1883125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The overwhelming majority of sports-related sudden cardiac deaths in mature athletes is attributed to coronary artery disease (CAD). Coronary plaques of mature athletes appear to be more calcified compared to sedentary individuals and thus may be more stable and less likely to be associated with an acute coronary event. Cardiac computed tomography (CT), including unenhanced CT for coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS) and contrast-enhanced coronary CT angiography, is characterized by very high negative predictive value to rule out CAD. Cardiac CT has been shown to have additional diagnostic value for detection of CAD in athletes over and above exercise electrocardiogram. Moreover, measurement of CACS possibly enables a more precise cardiovascular risk stratification of mature athletes. The main advantage of cardiac CT is its noninvasive nature. Although cardiac CT appears to increase the overall cost of cardiac examinations, this additional cost is much lower than the cost of unnecessary invasive coronary angiographies that would be performed in case of false positive results of exercise electrocardiograms. Radiation exposure may not be a major concern for the application of this modality to pre-participation screening of athletes, since recent technical advancements have resulted in low radiation dose of cardiac CT.Highlights Coronary computed tomography angiography can be used in pre-participation screening of mature athletes to increase the negative predictive value for excluding coronary artery disease.The identification of coronary artery calcium score = 0 in an athlete can improve risk stratification, since this athlete can be reasonably managed as an individual with low cardiovascular risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios A Christou
- Laboratory of Sports Medicine, Sports Medicine Division, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.,MSc Sports Cardiology, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Asterios P Deligiannis
- Laboratory of Sports Medicine, Sports Medicine Division, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evangelia J Kouidi
- Laboratory of Sports Medicine, Sports Medicine Division, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Sangha GS, Goergen CJ, Prior SJ, Ranadive SM, Clyne AM. Preclinical techniques to investigate exercise training in vascular pathophysiology. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2021; 320:H1566-H1600. [PMID: 33385323 PMCID: PMC8260379 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00719.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a dynamic process starting with endothelial dysfunction and inflammation and eventually leading to life-threatening arterial plaques. Exercise generally improves endothelial function in a dose-dependent manner by altering hemodynamics, specifically by increased arterial pressure, pulsatility, and shear stress. However, athletes who regularly participate in high-intensity training can develop arterial plaques, suggesting alternative mechanisms through which excessive exercise promotes vascular disease. Understanding the mechanisms that drive atherosclerosis in sedentary versus exercise states may lead to novel rehabilitative methods aimed at improving exercise compliance and physical activity. Preclinical tools, including in vitro cell assays, in vivo animal models, and in silico computational methods, broaden our capabilities to study the mechanisms through which exercise impacts atherogenesis, from molecular maladaptation to vascular remodeling. Here, we describe how preclinical research tools have and can be used to study exercise effects on atherosclerosis. We then propose how advanced bioengineering techniques can be used to address gaps in our current understanding of vascular pathophysiology, including integrating in vitro, in vivo, and in silico studies across multiple tissue systems and size scales. Improving our understanding of the antiatherogenic exercise effects will enable engaging, targeted, and individualized exercise recommendations to promote cardiovascular health rather than treating cardiovascular disease that results from a sedentary lifestyle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurneet S Sangha
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Craig J Goergen
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana.,Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Steven J Prior
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland.,Baltimore Veterans Affairs Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sushant M Ranadive
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland
| | - Alisa M Clyne
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
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Naghavi M, Maron DJ, Kloner RA, Berman DS, Budoff M, Superko HR, Shah PK. Coronary artery calcium testing: A call for universal coverage. Prev Med Rep 2019; 15:100879. [PMID: 31193256 PMCID: PMC6525277 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2019.100879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Heart attacks kill more Americans than all cancers combined. Fatal heart attack victims have no symptoms until minutes before they die, hence early detection of high-risk asymptomatic individuals is needed. Even though heart attacks kill and cost more than cancers, as a nation we spend over 20 times more on screening for asymptomatic cancer than for asymptomatic atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), the underlying cause of heart attacks. Currently, payers only cover screening for risk factors of ASCVD such as blood pressure and blood cholesterol. This approach tends to miss high-risk and over-treat low-risk individuals. Although treadmill stress testing with ECG is not indicated for ASCVD detection in asymptomatic individuals, it is done often, and frequently leads to misleading conclusions or unnecessary downstream diagnostic procedures. For example, former President Clinton had passed his treadmill stress tests for several years during his presidential annual checkup but had a heart attack shortly after his presidency. This common practice is a waste of our limited resources. Instead, a more accurate risk assessment using coronary artery calcium (CAC) testing is available; and has just been adopted by ACC/AHA guidelines, however payers do not cover it. CAC is measured non-invasively with a 5-minute CT-scan of the heart, and costs less than $200, whereas cancer screening with colonoscopy and mammography costs over $3000. There is an opportunity to save lives and dollars if CAC testing is covered for appropriately selected individuals. Texas has already passed HB1290 to mandate CAC coverage. Other states must step up and take actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Naghavi
- Society for Heart Attack Prevention and Eradication (SHAPE), Palo Alto, CA, United States of America
| | - David J Maron
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Robert A Kloner
- Cardiovascular Research at Huntington Medical Research Institutes, Cardiovascular Division, Dept. of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Pasadena, CA, United States of America
| | - David S Berman
- C Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute and David Geffen School of Medicine UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Mathew Budoff
- Harbor UCLA and Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, Torrance, CA, United States of America
| | - H Robert Superko
- Cholesterol, Genetics, and Heart Disease Institute, Carmel, CA, United States of America
| | - P K Shah
- Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
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Banchhor SK, Londhe ND, Araki T, Saba L, Radeva P, Khanna NN, Suri JS. Calcium detection, its quantification, and grayscale morphology-based risk stratification using machine learning in multimodality big data coronary and carotid scans: A review. Comput Biol Med 2018; 101:184-198. [DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2018.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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