Primary Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease in the Elderly

Prognostic value of cardiovascular disease status: the Leiden 85-plus study

This study aimed to explore the prognosis of very old people depending on their cardiovascular disease (CVD) history. This observational prospective cohort study included 570 participants aged 85 years from the general population with 5-year follow-up for morbidity, functional status, and mortality. At baseline, participants were assigned to three groups: no CVD history, "minor" CVD (angina pectoris, transient ischemic attack, intermittent claudication, and/or heart failure), or "major" CVD (myocardial infarction [MI], stroke, and/or arterial surgery). Follow-up data were collected on MI, stroke, functional status, and cause-specific mortality. The composite endpoint included cardiovascular events (MI or stroke) and cardiovascular mortality. At baseline, 270 (47.4 %) participants had no CVD history, 128 (22.4 %) had minor CVD, and 172 (30.2 %) had major CVD. Compared to the no CVD history group, the risk of the composite endpoint increased from 1.6 (95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.1-2.4) for the minor CVD group to 2.7 (95 % CI, 2.0-3.9) for the major CVD group. Similar trends were observed for cardiovascular and all-cause mortality risks. In a direct comparison, the major CVD group had a nearly doubled risk of the composite endpoint (hazard ratio, 1.8; 95 % CI, 1.2-2.7), compared to the minor CVD group. Both minor and major CVD were associated with an accelerated decline in cognitive function and accelerated increase of disability score (all p < 0.05), albeit most pronounced in participants with major CVD. CVD disease status in very old age is still of important prognostic value: a history of major CVD (mainly MI or stroke) leads to a nearly doubled risk of poor outcome, including cardiovascular events, functional decline, and mortality, compared with a history of minor CVD.

Development and validation of a coronary risk prediction model for older U.S. and European persons in the Cardiovascular Health Study and the Rotterdam Study

BACKGROUND

Risk scores for prediction of coronary heart disease (CHD) in older adults are needed.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a sex-specific CHD risk prediction model for older adults that accounts for competing risks for death.

DESIGN

2 observational cohort studies, using data from 4946 participants in the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) and 4303 participants in the Rotterdam Study (RS).

SETTING

Community settings in the United States (CHS) and Rotterdam, the Netherlands (RS).

PARTICIPANTS

Persons aged 65 years or older who were free of cardiovascular disease.

MEASUREMENTS

A composite of nonfatal myocardial infarction and coronary death.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 16.5 and 14.9 years, 1166 CHS and 698 RS participants had CHD events, respectively. Deaths from noncoronary causes largely exceeded the number of CHD events, complicating accurate CHD risk predictions. The prediction model had moderate ability to discriminate between events and nonevents (c-statistic, 0.63 in both U.S. and European men and 0.67 and 0.68 in U.S. and European women). The model was well-calibrated; predicted risks were in good agreement with observed risks. Compared with the Framingham point scores, the prediction model classified elderly U.S. persons into higher risk categories but elderly European persons into lower risk categories. Differences in classification accuracy were not consistent and depended on cohort and sex. Adding newer cardiovascular risk markers to the model did not substantially improve performance.

LIMITATION

The model may be less applicable in nonwhite populations, and the comparison Framingham model was not designed for adults older than 79 years.

CONCLUSION

A CHD risk prediction model that accounts for deaths from noncoronary causes among older adults provided well-calibrated risk estimates but was not substantially more accurate than Framingham point scores. Moreover, adding newer risk markers did not improve accuracy. These findings emphasize the difficulties of predicting CHD risk in elderly persons and the need to improve these predictions.

PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research; and the Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development.

Antiplatelet drugs and the perioperative period: What every urologist needs to know

Antiplatelet agents like aspirin and clopidogrel are widely used for indications ranging from primary and secondary prevention of myocardial infarction or stroke to prevention of coronary stent thrombosis after percutaneous coronary interventions. When patients receiving antiplatelet drugs are scheduled for surgery, urologists commonly advise routine periprocedural withdrawal of these drugs to decrease the hemorrhagic risks that may be associated if such therapy is continued in the perioperative period. This approach may be inappropriate as stopping antiplatelet drugs often exposes the patient to a more serious risk, i.e. the risk of developing an arterial thrombosis with its potentially fatal consequences. Moreover, it has been seen that the increase in perioperative bleeding if such drugs are continued is usually of a quantitative nature and does not shift the bleeding complication to a higher risk quality. We, in this mini review, look at the physiological role and pathological implications of platelets, commonly used antiplatelet therapy and how continuation or discontinuation of such therapy in the perioperative period affects the hemorrhagic and thrombotic risks, respectively. Literature on the subject between 1985 and 2008 is reviewed. The consensus that seems to have emerged is that the policy of routine discontinuation of antiplatelet drugs in the perioperative period must be discouraged and risk stratification must be employed while making decisions regarding continuation or temporary discontinuation of antiplatelet therapy. Although antiplatelet drugs may be discontinued in patients at a low risk for an arterial thrombotic event, they must be continued in patients where the risks of bleeding and complications related to excessive bleeding are less than the risks of developing arterial thrombosis.

Use of Framingham risk score and new biomarkers to predict cardiovascular mortality in older people: population based observational cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the performance of classic risk factors, and of some new biomarkers, in predicting cardiovascular mortality in very old people from the general population with no history of cardiovascular disease.

DESIGN

The Leiden 85-plus Study (1997-2004) is an observational prospective cohort study with 5 years of follow-up.

SETTING

General population of the city of Leiden, the Netherlands.

PARTICIPANTS

Population based sample of participants aged 85 years (215 women and 87 men) with no history of cardiovascular disease; no other exclusion criteria. Main measurements Cause specific mortality was registered during follow-up. All classic risk factors included in the Framingham risk score (sex, systolic blood pressure, total and high density lipoprotein cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, smoking and electrocardiogram based left ventricular hypertrophy), as well as plasma concentrations of the new biomarkers homocysteine, folic acid, C reactive protein, and interleukin 6, were assessed at baseline.

RESULTS

During follow-up, 108 of the 302 participants died; 32% (35/108) of deaths were from cardiovascular causes. Classic risk factors did not predict cardiovascular mortality when used in the Framingham risk score (area under receiver operating characteristic curve 0.53, 95% confidence interval 0.42 to 0.63) or in a newly calibrated model (0.53, 0.43 to 0.64). Of the new biomarkers studied, homocysteine had most predictive power (0.65, 0.55 to 0.75). Entering any additional risk factor or combination of factors into the homocysteine prediction model did not increase its discriminative power.

CONCLUSIONS

In very old people from the general population with no history of cardiovascular disease, concentrations of homocysteine alone can accurately identify those at high risk of cardiovascular mortality, whereas classic risk factors included in the Framingham risk score do not. These preliminary findings warrant validation in a separate cohort.

Incidence of adverse events with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors in liver transplant patients

Transplant patients are at increased risk of developing dyslipidemia, which contributes to coronary artery disease and cardiovascular events. The purpose of this study was to explore documented adverse effects of liver transplant recipients receiving lipid-lowering therapies.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of 69 liver transplant patients was conducted to evaluate the incidence of adverse effects, especially rhabdomyolysis and liver function abnormalities, in liver transplant patients treated with a lipid lowering agent (LLA). Data were collected from the time of initiation of LLA to 12 months later, looking at the type, dose, and duration of LLA, concurrent cytochrome P450 inhibitors, immunosuppression used, and laboratory parameters.

RESULTS

For HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor therapy, simvistatin was used in five (7.8%) patients, pravastatin in 40 (62.5%), fluvastatin in one (1.6%), atorvastatin in five (7.8%), and lovastatin in three (4.7%). Gemfibrozil, a fibric acid derivative, was employed as monotherapy in 10 (15.6%) of patients. There were five patients who received combination therapy with a fibric acid derivative, four (80%) with gemfibrozil + pravastatin, and one (20%) with gemfibrozil + simvastatin. Six patients studied had adverse effects, five (7.2%) with myalgia and one (1.4%) with myopathy. LLA monotherapy with either pravastatin or atorvastatin was used in these patients. The five patients with myalgia were on concurrent therapy with cyclosporin, and the patient with myopathy was on concurrent cyclosporin + diltiazem therapy, both of which are P450 inhibitors. One out of 23 patients on a non-immunosuppressant P450 inhibitor developed adverse effects. No significant elevation of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, or alkaline phosphatase was noted in any patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, there was a general tolerability with a low incidence of adverse events, no incidence of severe complications, and no alterations in liver function tests in the study population with the use of LLA.

Changes over time in the prevalence and quality of care of type 2 diabetes in Italy: the Casale Monferrato surveys, 1988 and 2000

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

In this study we assessed the prevalence of diagnosed type 2 diabetes and the quality of care during the period 1988-2000 in an Italian population.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Two population-based surveys, using similar methods and centralized measurements, were conducted in 1988 and 2000 in a representative Italian area to identify people with known diabetes. The adjusted prevalence (reference, 2001 Italian population) was computed. The age- and sex-adjusted prevalence rates of diabetes in the population of Casale Monferrato were 2.13% (2.05-2.22) in 1988 and 3.07% (2.97-3.17) in 2000. In comparison with diabetic persons recruited in 1988 and independently of age and sex, persons recruited in 2000 had a lower likelihood of having HbA1c > or = 7.0% (OR=0.48; 0.42-0.56), diastolic blood pressure > or = 80 mmHg (OR=0.61; 0.49-0.75), LDL cholesterol > or = 2.59 mmol/l (OR=0.77; 0.63-0.93) and AER > or = 20 microg/min (OR=0.53; 0.45-0.61; they had a higher likelihood of having BMI > or = 25 kg/m(2) (OR=1.49; 1.2-1.74). However, 45.4% of patients still had HbA1c > or = 7.0%, 80% blood pressure > or = 130/80 mmHg and 79% LDL-cholesterol values > or =2.59 mmol/l.

CONCLUSION

More than two-thirds of Italians with diabetes are now aged 65 years and more. The quality of control of glycemia, lipids and blood pressure improved and the prevalence of diabetic nephropathy decreased over time, although complete adherence to international guidelines has not yet been achieved.

Keeping the young-elderly healthy: is it too late to improve our health through nutrition?

Healthy older individuals can take several measures to preserve and improve their health. Even if past nutritional and lifestyle practices were not optimal, much can be done to reduce the risk of chronic disease and disability in future years. The first challenge is to recognize and address the profound changes in body composition that occur with aging. Older persons tend to accumulate relatively more body fat and less lean body mass, ie, muscle and bone. With a gain in body weight, which usually occurs, these changes are exaggerated. Because muscle tissue has a much higher metabolic rate than does fat tissue, older individuals generally develop lower metabolic rates. To avoid excess weight gain, older individuals must make major restrictions in caloric intake and increases in energy expenditure. Women experience changes in body composition similar to those in men, with changes becoming more prominent at menopause. Exercise improves body composition among healthy elderly, both by reducing fat mass and by increasing bone and muscle mass, thereby helping to restore higher metabolic rates. In men and women aged >/=65 y and taking calcium and vitamin D supplements for 3 y, the rate of bone loss slowed and the incidence of nonvertebral fractures was reduced. Several population studies of older persons show that following nutritional and lifestyle guidelines for cancer prevention reduces risk by one-third. Improving serum lipid concentrations in adults over 65 y of age with coronary artery disease decreases the risk of future cardiac events by as much as 45%. Furthermore, the greatest benefit from control of hypertension is in older individuals.

Effect of age on the association of non-high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B with cardiovascular mortality in a Mediterranean population with type 2 diabetes: the Casale Monferrato study

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Measurement of plasma apolipoprotein (Apo) B may improve prediction of cardiovascular risk, as it provides a measure of the total number of atherogenic particles. The aim of this population-based study was to compare the association of non-HDL-cholesterol, ApoB and the ApoB:ApoA-I ratio with cardiovascular mortality in people with type 2 diabetes.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We assessed the association of lipids, lipoprotein lipids and apolipoproteins with 11-year mortality from cardiovascular disease in the population-based cohort of the Casale Monferrato Study (1,565 people with diabetes; median age 68.9 years), and determined the effect of age (< or =70 and >70 years) on these relationships.

RESULTS

On the basis of 341 deaths from cardiovascular disease in 10,809 person-years of observation, there was a decreasing trend in risk adjusted for multiple factors across quartiles of total cholesterol, and LDL- and non-HDL-cholesterol in people aged >70 years, but no trend in those aged < or =70 years. Age did not affect the protective effect of HDL-cholesterol. ApoB and ApoB:ApoA-I were associated with outcome in people in both age groups independently of non-HDL-cholesterol. After adjustment for multiple factors, including non-HDL-cholesterol, the hazard ratios for ApoB:ApoA-I in the upper vs lower quartile were 2.98 (95% CI 1.15-7.75; p for trend=0.009) for people aged < or =70 years and 1.94 (95% CI 1.20-3.13; p for trend=0.003) for those aged >70 years.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

In this cohort of Mediterranean subjects with diabetes, ApoB and the ApoB:ApoA-I ratio were associated with cardiovascular disease mortality independently of non-HDL-cholesterol. Our findings support the recommendation that ApoB and ApoA-I should be measured routinely in all people with diabetes, particularly in the elderly.

Improving the gastrointestinal tolerability of aspirin in older people

Interventions to reduce mortality and disability in older people are vital. Aspirin is cheap and effective and known to prevent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, many cancers, and Alzheimer dementia. The widespread use of aspirin in older people is limited by its gastrointestinal side effects. Understanding age-related changes in gastrointestinal physiology that could put older people at risk of the side effects of aspirin may direct strategies to improve tolerance and hence lead to greater numbers of older people being able to take this effective intervention.

Antiplatelet agents and arterial thrombosis

There is an increase in arterial thrombotic events in the elderly. Elderly patients are more likely to have associated diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia, and when age is confounded by these other predisposing factors, the risk of an arterial ischemic event increases disproportionately. Antithrombotic therapy for geriatric patients is underused, even when one adjusts for potential drug contraindications. This article focuses on the action of the currently available antiplatelet agents--aspirin, clopidogrel, and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GPIIb/IIIa) receptor antagonists, and assesses their effects in different disease states, with special attention to data that examine the geriatric population.

[Utilization of the principle therapeutic classes for cardiovascular prevention in elderly patients seen by cardiologists. The ELIAGE survey]

Limited data are available regarding drug prescription for cardiovascular prevention in elderly patients seen by cardiologists.

METHODS

The ELIAGE survey was conducted in France between March and September 2003 among 507 cardiologists. 1952 consecutives elderly patients (> or = 70 years old) were enrolled. Mean age was 76 years, 40% were between 70 and 74, and 26% were more than 80. Sixty-two of patients were men. Sixteen percent of patients had no history of cardiovascular disease but presented at least one of major cardiovascular risk factor: hypertension (91%), hyperlipemia (58%), diabetes (28%), and/or smoking (6%). Eighty-four percent had a known history of occlusive, atherosclerotic vascular disease: coronary heart disease in 76%, peripheral artery disease in 17%, and prior stroke or transient ischemic attack in 13%. Heart failure was observed in 21%.

RESULTS

The rates of prescription in the overall survey population were respectively 68% for antiplatelet agents, 67% for lipid lowering drugs (of which 85% were on a statin), 51% for beta-blockers and 41% for angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. Among patients with coronary heart disease, prescription rates were 42% for ACE-inhibitors, 58% for beta-blockers, 76% for antiplatelet agents and 72% for lipid-lowering agents, 85% of whom received a statin. The ELIAGE survey shows a high prevalence of persistent dyslipidemia, with 46% of patients having a LDL-cholesterol equal to or greater than 1.25 g/l and 15% > or = 1.60 g/l. Despite lipid-lowering therapy, LDL-cholesterol remained equal to or greater than 1.25 g/l in 40% of treated patients and > or = 1.60 g/l in 13%. Blood pressure control was not better with 61% of patients having systolic blood pressure > or = 140 mmHg and 21% > or = 160 mmHg. In multivariate analysis, increase was inversely associated with the prescription of lipid-lowering therapy.

CONCLUSION

The ELIAGE survey in France shows the persistence of poor control of modifiable risk factors among elderly patients seen by cardiologists. Both primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention appear to be unsatisfactory. Improved utilisation of proven therapeutic classes may lead to improvements in cardiovascular prevention.