Migraine or any headaches and white matter hyperintensities and their progression in women and men

BACKGROUND

Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have been conducted to investigate the association between migraine and any headache and white matter hyperintensities (WMH). However, studies are inconsistent regarding the strength of the association and its clinical significance. The aim of our study was to investigate the association between headache and its subtypes (migraine with aura (MigA+), migraine without aura (MigA-), non-migraine headache (nonMigHA)) and WMH and its course in the population-based 1000BRAINS study using state-of-the-art imaging techniques and migraine classification according to modified international classification of headache disorders.

METHODS

Data from 1062 participants (45% women, 60.9 ± 13.0 years) with ever or never headache (neverHA) and complete quantitative (WMH volume) and qualitative (Fazekas classification) WMH data at first imaging and after 3.7 ± 0.7 years (393 participants) were analyzed. The sex-specific association between headache and its subtypes and WMH volume and its change was evaluated by linear regression, between headache and its subtypes and Fazekas score high vs. low (2-3 vs. 0-1) by log-binomial regression, adjusted for confounders.

RESULTS

The lifetime prevalence of headache was 77.5% (10.5% MigA+, 26.9% MigA-, 40.1% nonMigHA). The median WMH volume was 4005 (IQR: 2454-6880) mm3 in women and 4812 (2842-8445) mm3 in men. Women with any headaches (all headache types combined) had a 1.23 [1.04; 1.45]-fold higher WMH volume than women who reported never having had a headache. There was no indication of higher Fazekas grading or more WMH progression in women with migraine or any headaches. Men with migraine or any headaches did not have more WMH or WMH progression compared to men without migraine or men who never had headache.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated no increased occurrence or progression of WMH in participants with mgiraine. But, our results provide some evidence of greater WMH volume in women with headache of any type including migraine. The underlying pathomechanisms and the reasons why this was not shown in men are unclear and require further research.

Prediction of future cardiovascular events by Framingham, SCORE and asCVD risk scores is less accurate in HIV-positive individuals from the HIV-HEART Study compared with the general population

OBJECTIVES

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) occur more often in people living with HIV (PLWH) than in the general population. It has been reported that CVD risk scores developed for the general population underestimate the CVD risk in PLWH. Performances of the Framingham Risk Score (FRS), the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) and the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (asCVD) risk score in PLWH were compared with the general population to quantify score-specific differences in risk prediction.

METHODS

HIV-positive outpatients from the HIV-HEART (HIVH) study (n = 567) were compared with participants from the population-based Heinz Nixdorf Recall (HNR) study (n ~ 4440) both recruited from the German Ruhr area. During a follow-up time of around 5 years, the associations between the FRS and incident CVD and peripheral artery disease (CVD_pAD), SCORE and coronary heart disease (CHD), and asCVD and incident CVD were examined using logistic regression. Score performances were assessed by comparing the areas under the curve (AUCs).

RESULTS

The mean ages were 52.9 ± 6.7 and 59.1 ± 7.7 years in the HIVH and HNR studies, respectively. There were fewer incident CVD events in the HNR study than in the HIVH study (CVD_pAD: 3.9% vs. 12.1%; CHD: 2.1% vs. 7.8%; CVD: 3.5% vs. 9.9%). Age- and sex-adjusted CVD risk was greater with increasing FRS, SCORE and asCVD in both cohorts, but the scores performed more accurately in the HNR than in HIVH study (AUCs FRS: 0.71 vs. 0.65; SCORE: 0.70 vs. 0.62; asCVD: 0.74 vs. 0.62).

CONCLUSIONS

Associations between risk scores and future CVD were observed in both cohorts, but the score performances were less reliable in PLWH than in the general population.

Additive prognostic value of vascular aging and coronary artery calcium for all-cause mortality in the Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study

Background

Vascular aging, defined by aortic pulse wave velocity (aoPWV), as well as coronary artery calcium (CaC), are emerging risk predictors.

Purpose

To investigate the prognostic role of functional (vascular aging) and structural (CaC) arterial parameters in individuals without established cardiovascular disease.

Methods

We utilized our recently established population-based reference values for healthy (HVA), normal (NVA) and early (EVA) vascular aging in the poipulation-based Heinz Nixdorf Recall (HNR) study. HVA was the lowest, and EVA the highest age- and sex-specific decile of estimated aoPWV, derived from radial waveforms with a validated regression formula. CaC was measured with electron beam computed tomography (Agatston-score). The additive prognostic value of both parameters for all-cause mortality was tested, using Kaplan Meier curves and Cox Regression models. The latter included age, sex, diastolic blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes as covariates.

Results

We included 1805 participants (976 women), mean age was 68.2 years (range 55–85), mean blood pressure 129/76 mm Hg. 64.7% were hypertensives, 17.0% diabetics. The percentage of participants with CaC = 0 was 44.8, 40.6, amd 33.5 in HVA, NVA, and EVA, respectively. During a mean follow up of 4.7 years, 67 participants died. Mortality was 0% / 2.2%, 1.8% / 4.8%, 3.5% / 7.1% in participants with HVA: CaC 0 / >0, NVA: CaC 0 / >0, EVA: CAC 0 / >0, respectively (p=0.003, log rank test) – Figure. In Cox regression analysis, vascular aging (HR for HVA: 0.18, CI 0.04–0.73, and HR for NVA: 0.48, CI 0.27–0.88; both compared to EVA), CaC, as well as age (directly related) and diastolic blood pressure (inversely related) were independently associated with all-cause mortality.

Conclusion

Aortic stiffness, expressed as vascular aging, as well as coronary artery calcium, provide additive and independent prognostic information regarding all-cause mortality in a middle-aged and elderly primary -prevention population.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Heinz Nixdorf Foundation, German Ministry of Education and Science (BMBF)

Psoriasis, cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic disorders: sex-specific findings of a population-based study

BACKGROUND

Scientific evidence suggests an association between psoriasis and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. However, there are hardly any sex-specific results from population-based studies reporting the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with psoriasis and point estimates of the association between psoriasis and cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.

OBJECTIVE

Aims are to evaluate the sex-specific prevalence of psoriasis and cardiovascular risk factors, and to estimate sex-specific associations between psoriasis and diabetes type 2 (DM) and metabolic syndrome (MetS).

METHODS

We used data of 3723 participants (45-75 years, 54.1% women) without coronary heart disease and missing data (psoriasis, DM, MetS) from the Heinz Nixdorf Recall study. Standardized information on health outcomes and risk factors was assessed. We performed descriptive statistics and multiple regression analyses to calculate prevalence rate ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

RESULTS

The prevalence of psoriasis was 3.8% (n = 143), with no differences between sex. We observed more often metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors in women with psoriasis compared to women without psoriasis. Interestingly, in men, this pattern was partly reversed. Multiple regression analyses revealed distinctly elevated PRs for DM for both women and men with psoriasis (fully adjusted PR: 2.43; 95% CI: 1.17-5.07, resp. 2.09; 1.16-3.76). Regarding the MetS, the results were inconsistent, showing a positive association between psoriasis and MetS in women (1.84; 1.14-2.98), but a negative association in men, even though with a wide 95% CI (0.69; 0.42-1.12).

CONCLUSION

The results of our cross-sectional, population-based analysis show a distinct association between psoriasis and DM, whereas for the MetS the results contrasted between men and women, translating in women with MetS showing a higher and in men a lower chance to be psoriatic. Our results emphasize the urgent need for sex-specific research, studying the effects of psoriasis on metabolic disorders as well as effective sex tailored prevention measures.

Associations of metabolically healthy obesity with prevalence and progression of coronary artery calcification: Results from the Heinz Nixdorf Recall Cohort Study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

There is controversy on the potentially benign nature of metabolically healthy obesity (MHO), i.e., obese persons with few or no metabolic abnormalities. So far, associations between MHO and coronary artery calcification (CAC), a measure of subclinical atherosclerosis, have mainly been studied cross-sectionally in Asian populations. We assessed cross-sectional and longitudinal MHO CAC associations in a Caucasian population.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In the Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study, a population-based cohort study in Germany, CAC was assessed by electron-beam tomography at baseline and at 5-year follow-up. For cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses, we included 1585 participants free of coronary heart disease at baseline, with CAC measurements at baseline and at follow-up, and with either normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m²) or obesity (BMI ≥30.0 kg/m²) at baseline. We used four definitions of MHO. In our main analysis, we defined obese persons as metabolically healthy if they met ≤1 of the NCEP ATP III criteria for the definition of the metabolic syndrome - waist circumference was not taken into account because of collinearity with BMI. Persons with MHO had a higher prevalence of CAC than metabolically healthy normal weight (MHNW) persons (prevalence ratio = 1.59 (95% confidence interval 1.38-1.84) for the main analysis). Persons with MHO had slightly larger odds of CAC progression than persons with MHNW (odds ratios ranged from 1.17 (0.69-1.99) to 1.48 (1.02-2.13) depending on MHO definition and statistical approach).

CONCLUSION

Our analyses on MHO CAC associations add to the evidence that MHO is not a purely benign health condition.

[Therapy of cardiogenic shock : A success story of German cardiology]

In contrast to the situation in the 1960s and 1970s, the mortality risk for patients with myocardial infarction has been clearly reduced, particularly for those with myocardial infarction with cardiogenic shock (MICS). Approximately 5‑10 % of patients with a myocardial infarction are affected by a MICS and the mortality risk is between 30 % and 50 %. The primary percutaneous coronary intervention with stent implantation should be carried out as quickly as possible in order to reduce the mortality to around 20 %. This article gives an overview of the currently available options for conservative and fibrinolytic treatment of MICS, of the interventional treatment of cardiogenic shock in the era of intravenous and intracoronary infarct treatment as well as without thrombolysis. In addition, the currently available mechanical support systems and the possibilities for surveillance and monitoring of patients are presented.

[Aortic diseases : Modern diagnostic and therapeutic strategies]

Aortic diseases include not only the thoracic but also the abdominal part of the aorta. In the etiology cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, smoking and hyperlipoproteinemia play a major role, but more and more genetic diseases with familiar predisposition are being identified. Even large aneurysms remain asymptomatic as long as other organs in the neighborhood are not damaged and no acute aortic event occurs including aortic dissection, intramural hematoma, penetrating aortic ulcer, and traumatic aortic injury. Standardized algorithms allow precise and rapid diagnosis for initiating medicinal therapy or operative and/or endovascular interventions (thoracic/endovascular aortic repair, TEVAR/EVAR) in this emergency situation. Specialized aortic centers are recommended to form localized regional networks.

Association of dietary patterns with five-year degree and progression of coronary artery calcification in the Heinz Nixdorf Recall study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

As a modifiable lifestyle factor, diet is hypothesized to play an important role in the progression of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to explore associations of comprehensive dietary patterns derived by cluster analysis with degree and progression of coronary artery calcification (CAC) over five years of follow-up.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In the population-based Heinz Nixdorf Recall study, 3718 participants (45-75 years; 47.6% men) without coronary heart disease completed a food frequency questionnaire at baseline. Five distinct dietary patterns were identified using cluster analysis: "Health-conscious", "Traditional German/Less alcohol", "Mediterranean-like", "Western" and "Animal fat/Alcohol" (used as reference). CAC was measured using electron-beam computed tomography at baseline and five years later. CAC after five years was predicted based on sex- and age-specific baseline percentiles. After comparing observed and predicted CAC Scores, CAC progression was classified as slow, expected, or rapid. Compared to "Animal fat/Alcohol" diet, a "Mediterranean-like" diet was associated with a relative risk (RR) for a rapid CAC progression in both sexes (men: 0.61; 95%-confidence interval [95%-CI]: 0.41; 0.90; women: 0.59; 95%-CI: 0.45; 0.78). Furthermore, reduced RRs were observed in women with a "Health-conscious" and a "Traditional German/Less alcohol" diet (0.63; 95%-CI: 0.47; 0.84, respectively 0.69; 95%-CI: 0.52; 0.90). No association was observed for a "Western" diet for both sexes. Similar results were revealed for degree of CAC.

CONCLUSION

The study results support the hypothesis that a "Mediterranean-like" diet is associated with a lower CAC-progression and lower degree of CAC in men and women.

[Hemodynamic interplay between tricuspid valve and right ventricle]

The tricuspid valve and the right ventricle are hemodynamically closely related. Pathological changes of the valve or of the ventricle itself and also various diseases beyond that can result in a downward spiral of mutual interference, which is of prognostic importance for the patient. The development of a functional tricuspid regurgitation is of great importance. Especially with the help of 3D-echocardiography, more and more changes and mechanisms have been identified that are crucial in this process. This article provides a review of the relationship between the tricuspid valve and the right ventricle emphasizing the current knowledge of the causes, the pathophysiological concepts, the underlying structural changes and the therapeutic approaches based on this.

[Infective endocarditis : New ESC guidelines 2015]

Infective endocarditis is an endovascular infection usually caused by bacteria. Mortality rate is still approximately 20 %. To improve patients' prognosis by implementation of current diagnostic and therapeutic evidence, the European Society of Cardiology published an updated version of the guidelines for management of infective endocarditis in 2015. It strengthens the role of imaging modalities like PET/CT for detection of infectious foci when echocardiography remains negative and highlights the use of modern tests for identification of possible pathogens. New diagnostic criteria were introduced to integrate these methods for improved diagnostic sensitivity. Complicated cases should be treated in reference centers with on-site cardiac surgery. The antibiotic and early surgical management should be discussed in a multidisciplinary endocarditis team. A few years ago, the indication for endocarditis prophylaxis was limited to high-risk patients. These recommendations were confirmed in current guidelines.

[Is the introduction of innovative methods in cardiovascular diagnostics and therapy to quick?]

Andreas Grüntzig can be regarded as the pioneer of modern cardiology. Based on the previous experiences of Charles Dotter in Portland, Oregon, and after many years of preparation as a young 38-year-old physician and consultant he carried out the first percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in a 38-year-old patient in Zurich in 1977, supported by the cardiac surgeons A. Senning and M. Turina. Despite high ranking publications and early preparedness to share his experiences the development of PTCA stagnated and was met with great scepticism. The technique was new, technically difficult and aimed at aortocoronary bypass surgery, which was itself still in its infancy 10 years after the introduction in Cleveland in 1968. Even after several years only two patients per week were admitted for treatment in Zurich. In a similar way the young cardiac surgeon H.R. Andersen was a pioneer in Denmark whose ideas and own experiments with a balloon catheter-assisted aortic valve implantation were not initially taken up by the leading companies of the time and publication of the data suffered lengthy delays. It took 10 years before Prof. A. Cribier in Rouen followed up his ideas and carried out the first valve implantation again in pioneer work after many years of preparation in 2002. Again, the new method for treatment of very old and high risk patients needed many years before it was accepted. The breakthrough only became possible when this new technique began to be used in cardiac surgery after the introduction of hybrid cardiac catheter operating rooms. Despite evidence-based studies innovative methods are not subject to the same criteria throughout Europe with respect to the timely introduction of innovative and validated procedures also in consideration of reimbursement and this has become an important initiative of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).

A novel calcium scoring system accurately predicts likelihood and location of post-TAVI paravalvular leak

AIM

Sclerosis distribution, topography and morphology in aortic stenosis may have an impact on the localisation of post-procedural paravalvular leakage (PVL) following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

METHODS

Between 05/2005 and 03/2011 a total of 208 patients underwent either transapical (TA) or transvascular (TV) TAVI using the Edwards-SAPIEN(TM), or CoreValve(TM) system. Aortic cusp and annular sclerosis distribution and aortic valve sclerosis symmetry were evaluated by preoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TOE). Mild, moderate and severe PVL after TAVI (group 1, N.=117) were analysed and compared to those patients with no signs of postprocedural PVL (group 2, N.=91). Commercial available image processing and analysing software were used to evaluate all relevant calcific sections (aortic sclerosis score 0-66; symmetry score 0-5) and were matched with the localization of the PVLs.

RESULTS

A total of 117 patients (83±6 years, mean logistic EuroSCORE 20.1±12.7%) were identified with a mild-moderate PVL (TV, N.=102; TA, N.=15). Mean aortic sclerosis score was 38.7±7.6 in group 1 compared to 33.7±8.3 in group 2 (P<0.001) showing highest calcification in the non-coronary part for both groups. The mean symmetry score was 1.9±1.0 group 1 compared to 1.7±1.0 in group 2 (P=0.12). Regression analysis showed a significant relation of preoperative cusp localisation to the corresponding paravalvular leakage (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The present study shows that a aortic sclerosis score constructed by TOE enables prediction of postoperative PVL and moreover, the localisation of PVL after TAVI correlates with the corresponding preoperative amount of sclerosis for each cusp.

[New insights in pathogenesis and etiology of coronary artery disease]

In clinical practice the non-invasive diagnosis of "coronary heart disease" is based on the clinical findings, the detection of ischemia at rest or during exercise, and elevations of cardiac enzymes. However, due to the compensatory enlargement of the vessel diameter at the beginning of plaque growth, the so-called Glagov effect, early stages of plaque development are missed by the angiography. By means of coronary angiography, changes of the coronary arteries become visible only in patients with angiographically recognizable lumen narrowing compared to the reference vessel segment. Thus, early or diffuse stages of atherosclerosis cannot be detected by ECG, stress-tests or coronary angiography. This limitation explains discrepancies, like positive troponin-test and even transmural ischemia, without angiographic visible coronary lumen narrowing. Diagnostic procedures such as intravascular ultrasound, optical coherence tomography, measurements of vasomotion and computed tomography can, in contrast, detect earlier stages of coronary artery disease and thus contribute to clarification in these patients. In addition, plaque rupture and plaque-erosion lead to acute or recurrent microembolism to distal myocardium with subsequent myocardial necrosis. In patients with formerly unexplained cardiovascular events, intravascular ultrasound, optical coherence tomography, and measurements of vasomotion help to understand the underlying pathophysiology. In the report after cardiac catheterization, the term "ruled out coronary heart disease" should be replaced by "No signs of obstructive coronary heart disease" and additional testing should be performed as necessary.