Trends in Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor Prevalence and Estimated 10-Year Cardiovascular Risk Scores in a Large Untreated French Urban Population: The CARVAR 92 Study

Heart surgery over two decades: what we have learned about results and changing risks

OBJECTIVES

Using the cardiac surgery database is of high importance in referral centers and can lead to a better quality of care for patients. Tehran Heart Center (THC) is a cardiovascular referral center that was inaugurated in 2001. In this report, we aimed to present the third report of trends in patients' cardiovascular risk factors and surgical procedures from 2002 to 2021 that have been gathered for all THC patients.

METHODS

This serial cross-sectional study was conducted at Tehran Heart Center from 2002 to 2021. All patients undergoing cardiac surgeries were eligible to enter the study (N = 63,974). Those with miscellaneous types of surgeries were excluded (N = 9556). The distribution of cardiac surgeries (including isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), isolated valve, and CABG + valve surgeries) and their respective in-hospital mortality were recorded. Furthermore, 20-year trends in the prevalence of various cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) among the following groups were evaluated: a) isolated CABG, b) aortic valve replacement/repair for aortic stenosis (AS/AVR/r), and c) isolated other valve surgeries (IVS).

RESULTS

A total of 54,418 patients (male: 70.7%, age: 62.7 ± 10.8 years) comprised the final study population, with 84.5% prevalence of isolated CABG. Overall, the AS/AVR/r group was in between the CABG and IVS groups concerning CVRFs distribution. Excluding some exceptions for the AS/AVR/r group (in which the small sample size (N = 909) precluded observing a clear trend), all studied CVRFs demonstrated an overall rising trend from 2002 to 2021 in all three groups. Regarding in-hospital mortality, the highest rate was recorded as 4.0% in 2020, while the lowest rate was 2.0% in 2001.

CONCLUSIONS

Isolated CABG remained the most frequent procedure in THC. Notable, increasing trends in CVRFs were observed during this 20-year period and across various types of cardiac surgeries, which highlights the clinical and policy-making implications of our findings.

Evaluating the Potential of Plukenetia volubilis Linneo (Sacha Inchi) in Alleviating Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: A Mini Review

Plukenetia volubilis Linneo or Sacha Inchi (SI), a traditional natural remedy indigenous to Peru and Brazil, has garnered global attention due to its exceptional nutritional composition. Its protective effects against various non-communicable diseases, notably cardiovascular disease (CVD), have become a subject of interest in recent research. This comprehensive review summarizes the existing evidence from 15 relevant articles concerning the impact of SI on common CVD risk factors, including dyslipidemia, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. The relevant articles were derived from comprehensive searches on PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science using predefined criteria and keywords related to the topic. Overall, SI demonstrated positive effects in attenuating dyslipidemia, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. The multifaceted mechanisms responsible for the protective effects of SI against these CVD risk factors are primarily attributed to its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. While preclinical studies dominate the current scientific literature on SI, there are limited clinical trials to corroborate these findings. Therefore, future well-designed, large-scale randomized clinical trials are highly recommended to establish the efficacy of SI and determine its optimal dosage, potential drug and food interactions, and practical integration into preventive strategies and dietary interventions for the high-risk populations.

Prevalence of prediabetes and undiagnosed diabetes in a large urban middle-aged population: the CARVAR 92 cohort

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of prediabetes and unknown diabetes and its long-term change in a large middle-aged urban population.

METHODS

We conducted a screening campaign between 2007 and 2018 for cardiovascular risk factors in the western suburbs of Paris including subjects aged 40-70 (CARVAR 92). Among subjects who reported no previous diabetes, prediabetes and undiagnosed diabetes were defined as follows: fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≥ 6.1 mmol/l (110 mg/dl) and < 7 mmol/l (126 mg/dl) for prediabetes according to WHO criteria (FPG between 5.6 and 6.9 mmol/l according to ADA criteria) and FPG ≥ 7.0 mmol/l for undiagnosed diabetes.

RESULTS

Of the 32,721 subjects in the CARVAR 92 cohort, 32,675 were included in this analysis. The median age of the patients was 56 years [30, 94], 45.4% were male, 5.9% had known diabetes, 36.4% were overweight and 18.7% obese. Among patients without previously known diabetes (n = 30,759), 8.1% had prediabetes according to WHO criteria (27.2% according to ADA criteria) and 2.3% had diabetes. Subjects with prediabetes and unknown diabetes were more likely to be male, older, and overweight or obese than non-diabetic subjects. From 2007 to 2018, the prevalence of prediabetes, unknown diabetes, and known diabetes decreased, except for prediabetes which remained stable for people aged 55-64.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of prediabetes and unknown diabetes remains high but decreased during a 12-year period. About one-quarter of diabetes cases remain undiagnosed. Our results highlight that there is still a room for screening and cardiovascular prevention campaigns.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

IRB00012437.

Gender gap in annual preventive care services in France

BACKGROUND

In France, screening for cardiovascular risk factors is recommended during annual preventive visits. However, data are lacking on the temporal trend in women's uptake to preventive care services, and in cardiovascular and mortality outcomes. The aim of the study was to investigate the participation and mortality of women in annual preventive care services in a major preventive medicine center in France.

METHOD

Ee conducted repeated cross-sectional studies including a total of 366,270 individuals who had a first examination at the Centre d'Investigations Préventives et Cliniques, France, between January 1992 and December 2011.

FINDINGS

Women's participation was low below 50 years of age, then increases from 50 to 70 years, and is lower for women older than 70 years. The gap in female participation was more pronounced among individuals with high education, low social deprivation, and no depressive symptoms. Compared with the general population, the screened population had significantly lower standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) among both men and women, for all age ranges. Screened women aged 18-49 years showed a lower mortality gain compared with men of the same age; SMRs did not differ significantly by sex for individuals over 50 years.

INTERPRETATION

In this community-based sample, compared with men, women's participation to annual preventive care services was lower, and screened women had a lower mortality gain. Despite the demonstrated benefit of annual check-ups on health, there is a gender gap in adherence to preventive programs and in efficiency of screening programs, especially in the young age range. This gap in cardiovascular disease prevention may result in poorer cardiovascular health in women. Urgent adaptations to overcome this gender gap in preventive screening in France are warranted.

FUNDING

Bamba Gaye is supported by the Fondation Recherche Médicale grant.

The trend of 10-year cardiovascular risk among diabetic and non-diabetic participants in Tehran Lipid and glucose study: 1999-2018

BACKGROUND

Assessing the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is crucial in preventive cardiology. We aimed to determine the trend of CVD risk among individuals with and without diabetes during two decades of follow-up in a Middle Eastern cohort.

METHODS

We studied 8,450 individuals (55.5% women) aged 40-75 years who participated in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS). Diabetes status and CVD risk factors were evaluated in six examinations from 1999 to 2018. The individual 10-year CVD risk score was calculated using the ACC/AHA recommended risk equation. We used generalized estimating equation models (GEE) to assess the time trends of CVD risk factors and CVD risk scores in diabetic and non-diabetic groups separately.

RESULTS

The age-adjusted ACC/AHA risk score significantly decreased in non-diabetic women and men (from 3.2% to 1.6% in women and 6.8% to 5.0% in men; p for trend < 0.001). Whereas the risk significantly decreased among diabetics men (from 13.8% to 11.5%), it increased somehow among diabetics women (from 5.3% to 5.5%). Furthermore, in both sexes, diabetic individuals compared to non-diabetic ones had better control on their systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and fasting plasma glucose during the last two decades.

CONCLUSIONS

The CVD risk and most CVD risk factors improved in individuals with and without diabetes in the past two decades; however, they have not reached the targets yet. So, more stringent lifestyle modifications and treatment strategies are needed, especially for primary prevention in the general population.

Self-Reported Modifiable Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Disease among Older Adults in Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional Study of Prevalence and Clustering

The co-occurrence of multiple modifiable risk factors increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity or mortality. This study examines the prevalence and clustering of self-reported modifiable CVD risk factors among older adults in Malaysia. A total of 7117 adults aged ≥50 years participated in the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2018: Elderly Health, a community-based cross-sectional survey. Data were collected using a standardized structured questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with the clustering of self-reported modifiable CVD risk factors. The prevalence of self-reported diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, overweight/obesity, and current smoking was 23.3%, 42.2%, 35.6%, 58.4%, and 17.5%, respectively. Overall, the prevalence of clustering of ≥1, ≥2, and ≥3 modifiable CVD risk factors was 83.3%, 75.4%, and 62.6%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that men, 60–69 age group, urban dwellers, having no formal education, unemployed/retirees/homemakers, and being physically inactive were independently associated with self-reported modifiable CVD risk factors clustering. There are also ethnic differences in self-reported modifiable CVD risk factors clustering. Our findings underscore the necessity of targeted interventions and integrated strategies for early detection and treatment of modifiable CVD risk factors among older adults, considering age, sex, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.

Trends in cardiovascular risk factors in diabetic patients in comparison to general population in Iran: findings from National Surveys 2007-2016

To determine levels of change in risk factors for cardiovascular disease among people with and without a previous diagnosis of diabetes from 2007 to 2016 in Iran. Data were obtained from five rounds of the World Health Organization STEPwise approach to Surveillance (STEPS) cross-sectional surveys. Participants were 7665 and 93,733 adults with and without known diabetes, respectively, aged 25–65 years. We used logistic and linear regressions to assess the trends of risk factors. Individuals with known diabetes compared to those without the condition, experienced greater reductions in mean levels of systolic blood pressure (3.0 vs. 0.5 mmHg among women and 3.9 vs. 1.6 mmHg among men), diastolic blood pressure (6.4 vs. 5.11 mmHg in women and 3.3 vs. 1.8 mmHg in men), and non-HDL cholesterol (42.4 vs. 27.2 mg/dL among women and 30.3 vs. 21.0 mg/dL among men) throughout these years. Men with diabetes also showed a greater reduction in the prevalence of daily cigarette smoking compared to their non-diabetic counterparts (7.3% vs. 2.3%). Fasting plasma glucose decreased among subjects with diabetes but increased among those without diabetes. Significant increases were observed in proportions who met goals for blood pressure, triglycerides, non-HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in both groups; however, almost half of diabetic subjects did not achieve risk factor goals in 2016. Secondary prevention in diabetic patients was more effective than primary prevention in the general population; however, the rate of diabetic patients who met the designated goals for each risk factor was still suboptimal.

Predicting Mortality after Autologous Transplant: Development of a Novel Risk Score

There have been several efforts to predict mortality after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), such as the hematopoietic cell transplant-comorbidity index (HCT-CI), described for allogeneic stem cell transplantation and validated for ASCT, but there is no composite score in the setting of ASCT combining comorbidities with other clinical characteristics. Our aim is to describe a comprehensive score combining comorbidities with other clinical factors and to analyze the impact of this score on nonrelapse mortality (NRM), overall survival (OS), and early morbidity endpoints (mechanical ventilation, shock or dialysis) after ASCT. For the training cohort, we retrospectively reviewed data of 2068 adult patients who received an ASCT in Argentina (October 2002 to June 2017) for multiple myeloma or lymphoma. For the validation cohort, we analyzed 2168 ASCTs performed in the Medical College of Wisconsin and Spanish stem cell transplant group (Grupo Español de Trasplante Hematopoyético (GETH)) (January 2012 to December 2018). We first performed a multivariate analysis for NRM in order to select and assign weight to the risk factors included in the score (male patients, aged 55 to 64 and ≥65 years, HCT-CI ≥3, Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma). The hazard ratio for NRM increased proportionally with the score. Patients were grouped as low risk (LR) with a score of 0 to 1 (686, 33%), intermediate risk (IR) with a score of 2 to 3 (1109, 53%), high risk (HR) with a score of 4 (198, 10%), and very high risk (VHR) with a score of ≥5 (75, 4%). The score was associated with a progressive increase in all the early morbidity endpoints. Moreover, the score was significantly associated with early NRM (day 100: 1.5% versus 2.4% versus 7.6% versus 17.6%) as well as long term (1 to 3 years; 1.8% to 2.3% versus 3.8% to 4.9% versus 11.7% to 14.5% versus 25.0% to 27.4%, respectively; P< .0001) and OS (1 to 5 years; 94% to 73% versus 89% to 75% versus 76% to 47% versus 65% to 52% respectively; P < .0001). The score was validated in an independent cohort (N = 2168) and was significantly associated with early and late events. In conclusion, we developed and validated a novel score predicting NRM and OS in 2 large cohorts of more than 2000 autologous transplant patients. This tool can be useful for tailoring conditioning regimens or defining risk for transplant program decision making.

Noncardiac Lebanese hospitalized adult patients' awareness of their coronary artery disease risk factors

BACKGROUND

Noncommunicable diseases are the leading cause of death in Lebanon, with cardiovascular diseases accounting for almost half of the annual deaths.

PURPOSE

We aimed to determine awareness of noncardiac Lebanese hospitalized patients for their coronary artery disease risk factors, their level of adherence to medications or lifestyle modifications, and assess factors associated with awareness.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 14 hospitals with a total of 382 patients. Levels of awareness were evaluated by the comparison of self-report with measurements and laboratory test results. Healthy behaviors and adherence to treatment were evaluated. Factors associated with better awareness were studied using multivariate regressions, while adherence to treatments and healthy lifestyle were described for the different risk factors and in the Framingham Risk Score categories.

RESULTS

Our work revealed a moderate-to-high level of awareness (58.7% for overweight/obesity, 75% for hypertension, 85.7% for diabetes, and 86.4% for dyslipidemia) among patients for most cardiovascular risk factors, but a low-to-moderate level of adherence for some interventions such as physical exercise, weight loss, and smoking cessation.

CONCLUSION

The results emphasize on the importance of educational campaigns on healthy habits and screening to improve early diagnosis, increase patients' awareness of their risk factors, and, therefore, optimize primary prevention.

Cardiovascular Risk Assessed by Reynolds Risk Score in Relation to Waist Circumference in Apparently Healthy Middle-Aged Population in Montenegro

SUMMARY – Reynolds Risk Score (RRS) is regarded as a good screening tool for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Since CVD is the leading cause of death in Montenegro, we aimed to assess the risk of CVD as assessed by RRS and to examine its association with cardiometabolic parameters in apparently healthy middle-aged population. In addition, we aimed to test whether obesity had an independent influence on RRS. A total of 132 participants (mean age 56.2±6.73 years, 69% females) were included. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), blood pressure (BP) and biochemical parameters (fasting glucose, insulin, lipid parameters, creatinine and high sensitivity C-reactive protein) were determined. Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were calculated. Compared with females, a significantly higher number of males were in the high RRS subgroup (χ²=45.9, p<0.001). Furthermore, significantly higher fasting glucose (p=0.030), insulin, HOMA-IR, triglycerides (p<0.001 all), anthropometric parameters (e.g., BMI and WC; p=0.004 and p<0.001, respectively), and creatinine, but lower eGFR and HDL-c (p<0.001 both) were recorded in the high-risk subgroup compared with low and medium risk subgroups. In all participants, in addition to LDL-c, diastolic BP and creatinine, WC was independently positively associated with RRS (β=0.194, p=0.006; β=0.286, p=0.001; β=0.267, p=0.001; and β=0.305, p=0.019, respectively), and 40% of variation in RRS could be explained with this model. In conclusion, middle-aged population with higher WC should be screened for RRS in order to estimate CVD risk.

The systematic coronary risk evaluation (SCORE) for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Does evidence exist for its effectiveness? A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

The SCORE model predicts the ten-year risk of cardiovascular mortality but it is still unknown whether applying the SCORE in clinical practice subsequently improves cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes. The objective of this study is to assess the effect of total cardiovascular risk estimation using the SCORE in preventing serious cardiovascular events in European adults without prior CVD.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Data sources: eight bibliographical databases (2003 - August 2015), other internet sources and reference lists of articles were checked. This was supplemented by contact with the board members of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the authors of the SCORE model.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

all prospective studies in any language investigating the effect of using the SCORE on the clinical outcome (CVD death, major events and adverse outcomes) in an adult population were examined. Two reviewers assessed the studies independently (titles, abstracts, full texts). After removal of duplicates, 5,256 records were screened and 14 full text papers considered. No eligible studies were identified. An extensive literature search revealed no randomized control trial or other prospective study comparing significant clinical outcomes between groups that used the SCORE and those who did not.

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of using the SCORE (with or without subsequent intervention) on CVD death, all-cause mortality, major CVD events like myocardial infarction and stroke, as well as adverse outcomes, is still unknown. A cluster randomised controlled trial is warranted to evaluate the use of the SCORE on important outcomes.

Temporal changes in predicted risk of type 2 diabetes in Germany: findings from the German Health Interview and Examination Surveys 1997-1999 and 2008-2011

OBJECTIVE

Over time, prevalence changes in individual diabetes risk factors have been observed for Germany and other European countries. We aimed to investigate the temporal change of a summary measure of type 2 diabetes risk in Germany.

DESIGN

Comparison of data from two cross-sectional surveys that are about 12 years apart.

SETTING

Two nationwide health examination surveys representative for the non-institutionalised population aged 18-79 years in Germany.

PARTICIPANTS

The study included participants without diagnosed diabetes from the national health examination surveys in 1997-1999 (n=6457) and 2008-2011 (n=6095).

OUTCOME MEASURES

Predicted 5-year type 2 diabetes risk was calculated using the German Diabetes Risk Score (GDRS), which considers information on age, anthropometry, lifestyle factors, hypertension and family history of diabetes.

RESULTS

Between the two survey periods, the overall age- and sex-standardised predicted 5-year risk of type 2 diabetes decreased by 27% from 1.5% (95% CI 1.4% to 1.6%) to 1.1% (1.0% to 1.2%). The decrease in red meat intake and waist circumference had the highest impact on the overall decrease in diabetes risk. In stratified analyses, diabetes risk decreased among both sexes and within strata of age and body mass index. Diabetes risk also decreased among highly educated persons, but remained unchanged among persons with a middle or low educational level.

CONCLUSIONS

Monitoring type 2 diabetes risk by a summary measure such as the GDRS could essentially contribute to interpret the dynamics in diabetes epidemiology.

Impaired training-induced adaptation of blood pressure in COPD patients: implication of the muscle capillary bed

Background and aims

Targeting the early mechanisms in exercise-induced arterial hypertension (which precedes resting arterial hypertension in its natural history) may improve cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in COPD patients. Capillary rarefaction, an early event in COPD before vascular remodeling, is a potential mechanism of exercise-induced and resting arterial hypertension. Impaired training-induced capillarization was observed earlier in COPD patients; thus, this study compares the changes in blood pressure (BP) during exercise in COPD patients and matches control subjects (CSs) after a similar exercise training program, in relationship with muscle capillarization.

Methods

Resting and maximal exercise diastolic pressure (DP) and systolic pressure (SP) were recorded during a standardized cardiopulmonary exercise test, and a quadriceps muscle biopsy was performed before and after training.

Results

A total of 35 CSs and 49 COPD patients (forced expiratory volume in 1 second =54%±22% predicted) completed a 6-week rehabilitation program and improved their symptom-limited maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2SL: 25.8±6.1 mL/kg per minute vs 27.9 mL/kg per minute and 17.0±4.7 mL/kg per minute vs 18.3 mL/kg per minute; both P<0.001). The improvement in muscle capillary-to-fiber (C/F) ratio was significantly greater in CSs vs COPD patients (+11%±9% vs +23%±21%; P<0.05). Although maximal exercise BP was reduced in CSs (DP: 89±10 mmHg vs 85±9 mmHg; P<0.001/SP: 204±25 mmHg vs 196±27 mmHg; P<0.05), it did not change in COPD patients (DP: 94±14 mmHg vs 97±16 mmHg; P=0.46/SP: 202±27 mmHg vs 208±24 mmHg; P=0.13). The change in muscle C/F ratio was negatively correlated with maximal exercise SP in CSs and COPD patients (r=−0.41; P=0.02).

Conclusion

COPD patients showed impaired training-induced BP adaptation related to a change in muscle capillarization, suggesting the possibility of blunted angiogenesis.

Prevalence and Clustering of Major Cardiovascular Risk Factors in China: A Recent Cross-Sectional Survey

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the Chinese population. Although general prevalence estimates of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) are available for Chinese adults, prevalence estimates covering all adult age groups by race/ethnicity have not been reported. The aim of this study is to estimate the current prevalence and clustering of major CVRFs in Chinese adults, including a plurality of ethnic minorities.A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a nationally representative sample of 23,010 adults aged 18 years and older from 2007 to 2011. Questionnaires and physical examinations were performed, and fasting blood was collected for laboratory measurements. The prevalence of traditional CVRFs, including hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, overweight, and current smoking, were determined.The prevalence of the major CVRFs, including hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, overweight, and current smoking were 24.3%, 4.3%, 49.3%, 32.0%, and 21.7%, respectively. These risk factors were significantly associated with sex, age, region, ethnicity, and education levels. Overall, 70.3%, 40.3%, and 16.7% of Chinese adults had ≥1, ≥2, or ≥3 CVRFs, respectively. Men, northern and rural residents were more likely to have clustered CVRFs compared with women, southern and urban residents, respectively. Compared with Han residents, Hui and Mongolian residents were more likely, and Tujia and Miao residents were less likely, to have ≥1, ≥2, or ≥3 risk factors. The prevalence of Chinese women having ≥1, ≥2, or ≥3 CVRFs decreased with increasing levels of education.The prevalence and clustering of CVRFs is still high in Chinese adults ≥18 years old, especially in men and in individuals living in the northern and rural areas. Of note, there are differences in cardiovascular risk among different ethnic groups. Therefore, targeted and enhanced intervention measures are required to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and the corresponding economic burden of disease in China.