Impact of Race and Ethnicity on the Clinical and Angiographic Characteristics, Social Determinants of Health, and 1-Year Outcomes After Everolimus-Eluting Coronary Stent Procedures in Women

Untangling the Complex Multidimensionality of the Social Determinants of Cardiovascular Health: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

The cardiovascular literature is limited by the lack of consensus on what are the best metrics for reporting social determinants of health (SDH) or social deprivation, and if they should be reported as a single metric or separately by their domains.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature on cardiovascular surgeries and procedures was conducted, identifying articles from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2023, that studied the relationship between health outcomes after cardiovascular procedures or surgeries and SDH/social deprivation. The cardiovascular procedures/surgeries of interest were coronary and valve surgeries and procedures including coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), valve replacement or repair, and transcatheter aortic valve intervention.

RESULTS

After screening 638 articles, we identified 47 papers that met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. The most common procedure evaluated was CABG and PCI; 46 of the studies focused on these 2 procedures. Almost all of the articles reported a different metric for SDH/social deprivation (41 different metrics); despite this, all of the metrics showed a consistent relationship with worse outcomes associated with greater degrees of SDH/deprivation. Only 9 reported on the individual domains of SDH/social deprivation; 3 studies showed a discordant relationship.

CONCLUSIONS

Although our systematic review identified numerous articles evaluating the relationship between SDH/social deprivation in cardiovascular disease, there was substantial heterogeneity in which metric was used and how it was reported. This reinforces the need for standards as to the best metrics for SDH/social deprivation as well as best practices for reporting.

Assessment of the Dimensions of Coronary Arteries for the Manifestation of Coronary Artery Disease

INTRODUCTION

The size of the coronary artery influences the effective outcome of therapeutic measures like coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), and diagnosis of coronary artery disease. Patients' age, gender, BMI, anatomical variations, and increased left ventricular size all have an effect on coronary artery parameters.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to compare the average size of the coronary arteries of the Pakistani population in both sexes for manifestation of coronary artery disease.

METHODOLOGY

For the analysis of the coronary arteries, 100 patients of both sexes, male and female, were taken. X-ray angiography was performed for two-dimensional images of coronary arteries. For diameter measurement, images were visualized on quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) in different views (caudal and cranial views). The diameters of the left main coronary artery (left main stem/LMS), left anterior descending (LAD), left circumflex (LCx), and right coronary artery (RCA) were measured on angiograms. Data about the dimensions of the coronary artery was gathered through quantitative angiography. Data analysis was done through SPSS version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY).

RESULTS

 There is a notable distinction in the average diameters among the proximal LAD (3.12), mid-LAD (2.40), and distal LAD (1.29). A statistically significant difference is evident among mid-LCx, distal LCx, and proximal LCx (p-value < 0.001). Likewise, the average diameter of the distal RCA (1.89) was smaller when compared to the mid-RCA (3.19) and proximal RCA (3.78). However, there was no significant difference in the average diameter among mid-LMS, distal LMS, and proximal LMS (p-value = 0.09).

CONCLUSION

The average diameter of distal RCA was smaller when compared to mid-RCA and proximal RCA. The average size of proximal LAD and proximal LCx was comparatively larger than mid- and distal LAD and LCx. The findings of current research will be beneficial for the diagnosis and management of coronary artery disease patients.

Disparities in Drug-Eluting Stent Utilization in Patients With Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: An Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample

The superiority of drug-eluting stents (DES) compared with bare-metal stents (BMS) is well-established, but data regarding DES use in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) as a function of race is limited. Our goal was to examine stent utilization patterns and disparities based on race, sex, and insurance status in patients with STEMI undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. The National Inpatient Sample database was used to retrospectively compare DES vs BMS use in patients admitted with STEMI from 2009 to 2018. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the independent predictors of DES use. DES utilization increased significantly from 62.8% in 2009 to 94.0% in 2018. However, African Americans were less likely to receive a DES (odds ratio [OR] .82, 95% confidence interval [CI] .77-.87) compared with Caucasians. Women were more likely to undergo DES implantation (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.05-1.10). Patients insured by Medicaid (OR .84, 95% CI .80-.89) and those classified as Self-pay (OR .63, 95% CI .61-.66) were less likely to undergo DES implantation compared to those with private insurance (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.29-1.38). Disparities based on race and insurance status continue to persist despite a significant increase in DES utilization in STEMI patients across the identified subgroups.

Ethnicity in Complex High-Risk but Indicated Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Types and Outcomes

Complex High-risk but indicated Percutaneous coronary interventions (CHiPs) is increasingly common in contemporary practice. However, data on ethnic differences in CHiP types, outcomes, and trends in patients with stable angina are limited; this is pertinent given the population of Black, Asian, and other ethnic minorities (BAME) in Europe is increasing. We conducted a retrospective analysis of CHiP procedures undertaken in patients with stable angina using data obtained from the BCIS (British Cardiovascular Intervention Society) registry (2006 to 2017). CHiP cases were identified and categorized by ethnicity into White and BAME groups. We then performed multivariable regression analysis and propensity score matching to determine adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of in-hospital mortality, major bleeding, and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebral events (MACCEs) in BAME compared with Whites. Of 424,290 procedure records, 105,949 were CHiP (25.0%) (White 89,038 [84%], BAME 16,911 [16%]). BAME patients were younger (median 68.1 vs 70.6 years). Previous coronary artery bypass surgery (33.4% vs 38.3%), followed by chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention (31.9% vs 32%) were common CHiP variables in both groups. The third common variable was age 80 years and above (23.6%) in White patients and severe vascular calcifications in BAME patients (18.8%). BAME patients had higher rates of diabetes (41.1 vs 23.6%), hypertension (68 vs 66.5%), previous percutaneous coronary intervention (43.7 vs 37.6%), and previous myocardial infarction (44.9 vs 42.5%), (p <0.001 for all). Mortality (aOR 1.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.8 to 1.5) and MACCE (aOR 1.0, 95% CI 0.8 to 1.1) odds were similar among the groups. Bleeding odds (aOR 0.7, 95% CI 0.6 to 0.9) were lower in BAME. In conclusion, CHiP procedures differed among the ethnic groups. BAME patients were younger and had worse cardiometabolic profiles. Similar odds of death and MACCE were seen in BAME compared with their White counterparts. Bleeding odds were 30% lower in the BAME group.

2021 ACC/AHA/SCAI Guideline for Coronary Artery Revascularization: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

AIM

The guideline for coronary artery revascularization replaces the 2011 coronary artery bypass graft surgery and the 2011 and 2015 percutaneous coronary intervention guidelines, providing a patient-centric approach to guide clinicians in the treatment of patients with significant coronary artery disease undergoing coronary revascularization as well as the supporting documentation to encourage their use.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from May 2019 to September 2019, encompassing studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Collaboration, CINHL Complete, and other relevant databases. Additional relevant studies, published through May 2021, were also considered. Structure: Coronary artery disease remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Coronary revascularization is an important therapeutic option when managing patients with coronary artery disease. The 2021 coronary artery revascularization guideline provides recommendations based on contemporary evidence for the treatment of these patients. The recommendations present an evidence-based approach to managing patients with coronary artery disease who are being considered for coronary revascularization, with the intent to improve quality of care and align with patients' interests.

2021 ACC/AHA/SCAI Guideline for Coronary Artery Revascularization: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

AIM

The guideline for coronary artery revascularization replaces the 2011 coronary artery bypass graft surgery and the 2011 and 2015 percutaneous coronary intervention guidelines, providing a patient-centric approach to guide clinicians in the treatment of patients with significant coronary artery disease undergoing coronary revascularization as well as the supporting documentation to encourage their use.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from May 2019 to September 2019, encompassing studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Collaboration, CINHL Complete, and other relevant databases. Additional relevant studies, published through May 2021, were also considered.

STRUCTURE

Coronary artery disease remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Coronary revascularization is an important therapeutic option when managing patients with coronary artery disease. The 2021 coronary artery revascularization guideline provides recommendations based on contemporary evidence for the treatment of these patients. The recommendations present an evidence-based approach to managing patients with coronary artery disease who are being considered for coronary revascularization, with the intent to improve quality of care and align with patients' interests.

Differences in coronary artery disease and outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stents in women and men

INTRODUCTION

Despite common perceptions, coronary artery disease (CAD) is not a male-specific condition, and sex-based differences do occur in many aspects, including clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent implantation. New-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) significantly improved post-PCI outcomes. However, no sex-specific guidelines on PCI and the use of DES are available as current evidence was derived from clinical trials enrolling predominantly male patients.

AREAS COVERED

This review aims at exploring sex-based disparities in CAD characteristics and manifestations, and comparing PCI outcomes and the efficacy and safety profiles of DES according to sex. In addition, a critical approach to trials' interpretation with an analysis of sources of bias is provided to inform future research and clinical practice.

EXPERT OPINION

Sex gap in clinical outcomes after PCI with DES implantation is narrowing due to improved performances of new-generation DES. However, scientific research and biomedical engineering are striving to optimize DES profiles and generate new iterations of devices. At the same time, gender initiatives and sex-specific trials are accruing to overcome current issues in the field. Advances in these areas will foster improvements in early and long-term clinical outcomes of both women and men.

Polymer-free sirolimus-eluting stent use in Europe and Asia: Ethnic differences in demographics and clinical outcomes

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to assess regional and ethnic differences in an unselected patient population treated with polymer-free sirolimus-eluting stents (PF-SES) in Asia and Europe.

METHODS

Two all-comers observational studies based on the same protocol (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT02629575 and NCT02905214) were combined for data analysis to assure sufficient statistical power. The primary endpoint was the accumulated target lesion revascularization (TLR) rate at 9-12 months.

RESULTS

Of the total population of 7243 patients, 44.0% (3186) were recruited in the Mediterranean region and 32.0% (2317) in central Europe. The most prominent Asian region was South Korea (17.6%, 1274) followed by Malaysia (5.7%, 413). Major cardiovascular risk factors varied significantly across regions. The overall rates for accumulated TLR and MACE were low with 2.2% (140/6374) and 4.4% (279/6374), respectively. In ACS patients, there were no differences in terms of MACE, TLR, MI and accumulated mortality between the investigated regions. Moreover, dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) regimens were substantially longer in Asian countries even in patients with stable coronary artery disease as compared to those in Europe.

CONCLUSIONS

PF-SES angioplasty is associated with low clinical event rates in all regions. Further reductions in clinical event rates seem to be associated with longer DAPT regimens.

Racial Disparities in Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Women Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Women are underrepresented in cardiovascular clinical studies. Black women have a higher ischemic heart disease mortality risk than their white counterparts. However, there exist limited outcome data comparing black women and white women after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The aim of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate for racial disparities in 1-year major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in women undergoing PCI.

METHODS/MATERIALS

Within our PCI database, we identified 4776 female patients who underwent PCI between 2003 and 2016. Of those, 1916 were black and 2860 were white. Endpoints included MACE, death, myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization (TVR) and stent thrombosis (ST) at 30 days and 1 year. A proportional Cox hazard model analysis was performed to assess outcomes after adjustment for confounding factors.

RESULTS

Black women presented at a younger age and had a significantly higher prevalence of risk factors. Periprocedural and in-hospital outcomes were similar in the 2 groups. At 30 days and 1 year, the rates of myocardial infarction, TVR and ST were significantly higher in black women. After adjustment for baseline differences, only ST appears to be more likely to occur in black women than in white women.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large cohort of women with coronary artery disease undergoing PCI, we observed racial disparities primarily in baseline characteristics indicative of need for interventions to achieve early diagnosis and better prevention in black women. Future directions should include efforts to identify and better characterize the factors underlying and contributing to cardiovascular outcomes in women after PCI.

SUMMARY

In this real-world analysis from a large cohort of women with coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention at a US tertiary-care center, racial disparities were observed, especially in baseline characteristics, indicating late presentation.