Undercover Peripheral Arterial Disease

Peripheral arterial disease is a frequently underdiagnosed disease that can severely affect the quality of life. We present a clinical case of a 62-year-old smoker post-menopause woman with a mild stroke. Further investigation revealed a severe disseminated arterial disease. Due to multidisciplinary and timely interventions, peripheral ischemia was prevented successfully. In fact, this patient had polyvascular disease. Despite its worst prognosis than either coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, or peripheral arterial disease alone, polyvascular disease is still underdiagnosed. Atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk should be regarded as multisystemic and managed as such in multidisciplinary teams. A proper and timely intervention is essential to diminish its morbidity and mortality.

CYP2C19 *2/*2 Genotype is a Risk Factor for Multi-Site Arteriosclerosis: A Hospital-Based Cohort Study

Background

Vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis usually affect multiple organs. Genetic factors have a certain proportion in the risk factors of atherosclerosis. The purpose was to investigate the relationship of cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) polymorphisms with multi-site atherosclerosis.

Methods

The study included 410 patients with single-site atherosclerosis and 529 patients with multi-site atherosclerosis. The relationship between CYP2C19 rs4244285 and rs4986893 polymorphisms and single-site atherosclerosis and multi-site atherosclerosis was analyzed.

Results

The proportion of CYP2C19 rs4244285 A allele (35.9% vs 29.9%, P=0.007) and rs4986893 G allele (97.7% vs 94.8%, P=0.001) in multi-site atherosclerosis group was significantly higher than that in single-site atherosclerosis group. The distribution of CYP2C19 genotypes was significantly different between the two groups (P=0.002). The results of univariate logistic regression indicated that CYP2C19 *1/*3 genotype (*1/*3 vs *1/*1: odds ratio (OR) 0.456, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.231-0.902, P=0.024) may decrease risk of multi-site atherosclerosis, while *2/*2 genotype (*2/*2 vs *1/*1: OR 1.780, 95% CI: 1.100-2.880, P=0.019) may increase risk of multi-site atherosclerosis. Multivariate logistic regression (adjusted for gender, age, smoking, drinking, hypertension, and diabetes) indicated that CYP2C19 *1/*3 genotype (*1/*3 vs *1/*1: OR 0.459, 95% CI: 0.231-0.909, P=0.026) may be an independent protective factor for multi-site atherosclerosis, while *2/*2 genotype (*2/*2 vs *1/*1: OR 1.767, 95% CI: 1.091-2.864, P=0.021) may be an independent risk factor for multi-site atherosclerosis.

Conclusion

CYP2C19 *1/*3 genotype may be an independent protective factor for multi-site atherosclerosis, while *2/*2 genotype may be an independent risk factor for multi-site atherosclerosis.

Dual Antiplatelet Therapy or Antiplatelet Plus Anticoagulant Therapy in Patients with Peripheral and Chronic Coronary Artery Disease: An Updated Review

Despite evidence-based therapies, patients presenting with atherosclerosis involving more than one vascular bed, such as those with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and concomitant coronary artery disease (CAD), constitute a particularly vulnerable group characterized by enhanced residual long-term risk for major adverse cardiac events (MACE), as well as major adverse limb events (MALE). The latter are progressively emerging as a difficult outcome to target, being correlated with increased mortality. Antithrombotic therapy is the mainstay of secondary prevention in both patients with PAD or CAD; however, the optimal intensity of such therapy is still a topic of debate, particularly in the post-acute and long-term setting. Recent well-powered randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have provided data in favor of a more intense antithrombotic therapy, such as prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor or a therapy with aspirin combined with an anticoagulant drug. Both approaches increase bleeding and selection of patients is a key issue. The aim of this review is, therefore, to discuss and summarize the most up-to-date available evidence for different strategies of anti-thrombotic therapies in patients with chronic PAD and CAD, particularly focusing on studies enrolling patients with both types of atherosclerotic disease and comparing a higher- versus a lower-intensity antithrombotic strategy. The final objective is to identify the optimal tailored approach in this setting, to achieve the greatest cardiovascular benefit and improve precision medicine.

Prognostic Role of Polyvascular Involvement in Patients with Symptomatic Peripheral Artery Disease

Background: Statin therapy is recommended for patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). However, PAD patients with polyvascular (PV) extent remain threatened by an increased residual cardiovascular (CV) risk. Purpose: To investigate the association of prescribed statin therapy and mortality in PAD patients with or without PV extent. Methods: A single-center retrospective longitudinal observational study originating from a consecutive registry with 1380 symptomatic PAD patients over a mean observational time of 60 ± 32 months. The association of atherosclerotic extent and statin use (PAD, plus one additional region (CAD or CeVD, [+1 V]), +2 vascular regions (+CAD and CeVD [+2 V]) with the risk of all-cause mortality was evaluated using Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for potential confounding factors. Results: The mean age of the study's participants was 72.0 ± 11.7 years, with 36% being female. PAD patients with PV extent [+1 V] and [+2 V] were older and suffered from diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia more often; they, too, had more severely impaired kidney function (all p < 0.0001) compared to patients with PAD only. PAD patients with PV [+1 V] and [+2 V] received better statin medication and reached the recommended LDL-C target compared to PAD-only patients (p < 0.001). Despite better statin treatment, the rate of all-cause mortality was higher in PV patients than in PAD-only patients (PAD only: 13%; [+1 V]: 22%; [+2 V]: 35%; p < 0.0001). Conclusion: PV patients receive better statin therapy than PAD-only patients but nevertheless still have higher mortality rates. Future studies are needed to explore whether more aggressive LDL-lowering treatment for PAD patients may be translated into better prognosis.

Polyvascular Disease and the Incidence of Cancer in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

INTRODUCTION

Based on the possible relation of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease to the development of cancer, we examined whether polyvascular disease, as a surrogate marker of the severity of atherosclerosis, is associated with the incidence of cancer in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

METHODS

A total of 8,856 patients with CAD between January 2009 and July 2014 were eligible for this observational study. Two cohorts were established based on the presence or absence of polyvascular disease (i.e., polyvascular disease and CAD only) and tracked for the incidence of cancer and all causes of death. Polyvascular disease was defined when accompanied by diagnosed aortic and/or peripheral arterial disease or other arterial diseases at enrollment.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up of 1,095 d, the incidence of cancer was markedly higher in the cohort of 716 patients with polyvascular disease than in the cohort of 8,140 patients with CAD only (8.8% vs. 4.9%, P = 0.0001). A large difference in the incidence of cancer was also found in accordance with a number of the coexisting vascular disease with CAD. With the adjustment of shared common risks, polyvascular disease was an independent contributor to the incidence of cancer (hazard ratio, 1.362; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.029-1.774). In a total of 548 patients (6.2% of participants) died during follow-up, and all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortalities were all higher in the cohort with polyvascular disease than in the cohort with CAD only.

CONCLUSION

The presence of polyvascular disease may be associated with the incidence of cancer in patients with CAD, implying a pivotal role of the severity of atherosclerosis in cancer development (ClinicalTrials.gov. number: NCT04198896).

Characterization of Polyvascular Disease in Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Its Association With Circulating Lipoprotein(a) Levels

Background Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) more likely exhibits extensive atherosclerotic disease at multiple vascular beds. Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is an atherogenic lipoprotein that elevates HeFH-related atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risks. Whether circulating Lp(a) level associates with polyvascular propagation of atherosclerosis in subjects with HeFH remains uncertain. Methods and Results The current study analyzed 370 subjects with clinically diagnosed HeFH who received evaluation of systemic arteries. Polyvascular disease (polyVD) was defined as more than 2 coexisting atherosclerosis conditions including coronary artery disease, carotid stenosis, or peripheral artery disease. Clinical characteristics and lipid features were analyzed in subjects with HeFH and polyVD; 5.7% of patients with HeFH (21/370) had polyVD. They were more likely to have a clustering of risk factors, tendon (P<0.001) and skin xanthomas (P=0.004), and corneal arcus (P=0.026). Furthermore, an elevated Lp(a) level (P=0.006) and a greater frequency of Lp(a) level ≥50 mg/dL (P<0.001) were observed in subjects with HeFH and polyVD. On multivariable analysis adjusting risk factors and lipid-lowering agents, Lp(a) ≥50 mg/dL (odds ratio [OR], 5.66 [95% CI, 1.68-19.0], P=0.005), age, and family history of premature coronary artery disease independently predicted polyVD in subjects with HeFH. Of note, the prevalence of polyVD rose to 33.3% in patients with HeFH and age >58 years old, family history of premature coronary artery disease, and Lp(a) ≥50 mg/dL (OR, 10.3 [95% CI, 3.12-33.4], P<0.001). Conclusions An increased level of circulating Lp(a) levels predicted concomitance of polyVD in patients with HeFH. The current findings suggest subjects with HeFH and Lp(a) ≥50 mg/dL as a high-risk category who require meticulous screening of systemic vascular beds.

Epidemiology of heart failure hospitalization in patients with stable atherothrombotic disease: Insights from the TRA 2°P-TIMI 50 trial

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF) is a growing public health problem and ischemic heart disease is an important risk factor. Understanding the epidemiology of HF in patients with atherosclerosis may help identify subgroups at greater risk who have the potential to derive greater benefit from preventive strategies.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The TRA 2°P-TIMI 50 trial randomized 26,449 patients with stable atherosclerosis to the antiplatelet agent vorapaxar versus placebo. Hospitalization for HF (HHF) endpoints were adjudicated from serious adverse events by blinded structured review using established definitions. HHF incidence was estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Independent predictors of HHF risk were identified using multivariable logistic regression. The effect of vorapaxar on HHF risk was explored using Cox regression. The estimated incidence of HHF at 3 years was 1.6%. Independent predictors of HHF included prior HF (adjusted odds ratio [adj-OR]: 8.31; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.56-10.54), age (adj-OR [per 10 years]: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.47-1.89), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM; adj-OR: 2.55; 95% CI: 2.01-3.24), polyvascular disease (two-territory disease, adj-OR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.46-2.44; three-territory disease, adj-OR: 2.68; 95% CI: 1.94-3.70), chronic kidney disease (CKD; adj-OR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.30-2.11), body mass index (BMI; adj-OR [per 5 kg/m² ]: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.03-1.27), prior myocardial infarction (MI) (adj-OR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.03-1.78), and hypertension (adj-OR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.02-2.04). Patients who experienced HHF during follow-up had higher rates of subsequent rehospitalization and death. Vorapaxar did not modify the risk of HHF.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with stable atherosclerosis, prior HF, age, T2DM, polyvascular disease, CKD, BMI, prior MI, and hypertension are important predictors of HHF risk.

Polyvascular disease, pulse pressure and mortality

Background: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), coronary artery disease (CAD) and carotid stenosis (CS) are robust predictors of mortality. The value of individual vascular beds in polyvascular disease (PVD) to predict mortality in patients with atherosclerotic burden is not clear. Therefore, we have examined the predictive value of PAD, CAD and CS in patients at intermediate to high risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease. Patients and methods: In our retrospective observational study we analyzed baseline data from the Ludwigshafen Risk and Cardiovascular Health (LURIC) study, a monocentric cohort study of 3316 patients referred to coronary angiography. Results: As the number of atherosclerotic vascular beds increased, the hazard ratios (HRs) for both all-cause mortality and CV mortality significantly increased in a multivariate analysis after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, diabetes mellitus and estimated glomerular filtration rate, with HRs of 1.36 (95%CI: 1.11-1.68), 2.56 (95%CI: 2.01-3.26), 2.84 (95%CI: 1.93-4.17) and 1.56 (95%CI: 1.19-2.06), 2.70 (95%CI: 1.97-3.72), 3.50 (95%CI: 2.19-5.62), respectively. The combination of PAD with either CAD or CS was associated with higher HRs for all-cause (HR 2.81 and 7.53, respectively) and CV (HRs 2.80 and 6.03, respectively) mortality compared with the combination of CAD and CS (HRs 1.94 and 2.43, respectively). The presence of PVD was associated with higher age, systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure (PP; a marker of vascular stiffness), former smoking and inversely with lower eGFR. Conclusions: We show that as the number of atherosclerotic vascular beds increases, all-cause and CV mortality rates increase in parallel. Simultaneous prevalence of PAD is associated with significantly higher all-cause and CV mortality rates compared with CS coexistence. Furthermore, increasing atherosclerotic load may contribute to vascular stiffness and impaired renal function.

Total Cardiovascular and Limb Events and the Impact of Polyvascular Disease in Chronic Symptomatic Peripheral Artery Disease

Background

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is associated with heightened risk for major adverse cardiovascular and limb events, but data on the burden of risk for total (first and potentially subsequent) events, and the association with polyvascular disease, are limited. This post hoc analysis of the EUCLID (Examining Use of Ticagrelor in Peripheral Artery Disease) trial evaluated total cardiovascular and limb events among patients with symptomatic PAD, overall and by number of symptomatic vascular territories.

Methods and Results

In the EUCLID trial, patients with symptomatic PAD (lower extremity revascularization >30 days before randomization or ankle‐brachial index ≤0.80) were randomized to treatment with ticagrelor or clopidogrel. Relative effects on total events (cardiovascular death; nonfatal myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke; acute limb ischemia, unstable angina, and transient ischemic attack requiring hospitalization; coronary, carotid, and peripheral revascularization procedures; and amputation for symptomatic PAD) were summarized by hazard ratios (HRs), whereas absolute risks were estimated by incidence rates and mean cumulative functions. Among 13 885 randomized patients, 7600 total cardiovascular and limb events occurred during a median 2.7 years of follow‐up, translating to 60.0 and 62.5 events per 100 patients through 3 years for the ticagrelor and clopidogrel groups, respectively (HR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.89–1.03; P=0.27). Among 1393 patients with disease in 3 vascular territories, event accrual rates through 3 years for the ticagrelor and clopidogrel groups were 87.3 and 97.7 events per 100 patients, respectively. Absolute risk reductions for ticagrelor relative to clopidogrel at 3 years were −0.2, 6.7, and 10.3 events per 100 patients for 1, 2, and 3 affected vascular territories, respectively (P_interaction=0.09).

Conclusions

Patients with symptomatic PAD have nearly double the number of total events than first events, with rates reflecting the number of affected vascular territories. These findings highlight the clinical relevance of quantifying disease burden in terms of total events and the need for long‐term preventive treatments in high‐risk patient populations.

Registration

URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/; Unique identifier: NCT01732822.

Elevated Serum Cystatin C and Decreased Cathepsin S/Cystatin C Ratio Are Associated with Severe Peripheral Arterial Disease and Polyvascular Involvement

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is frequently associated with atherosclerotic manifestations of the carotids and coronaries. Polyvascular involvement and low ankle−brachial index predict major cardiovascular events and high mortality. Cathepsin S (Cat S) promotes the inflammatory pathways of the arterial wall, while Cystatin C (Cys C) functions as its inhibitor; therefore, Cys C was proposed to be a biomarker of progression in PAD. In a single-center observational study, we investigated the correlations of serum Cys C and Cat S/Cys C ratio in a group of 90 PAD patients, predominantly with polyvascular involvement. Cys C and Cat S/Cys C were associated with ankle−brachial index (ABI) scores <0.4 in univariate and multiple regression models. Furthermore, both markers correlated positively with the plasma Von Willebrand Factor Antigen (VWF: Ag) and Von Willebrand Factor collagen-binding activity (VWF: CB). In addition, Cat S/Cys C was significantly decreased, whereas Cys C increased in subjects with three-bed atherosclerotic involvement. According to our results, high serum Cys C and low Cat S/Cys C ratios may indicate severe peripheral arterial disease and polyvascular atherosclerotic involvement.

Associations Between Polyvascular Disease and Stroke Recurrence in Patients With Lacunar Stroke

Background and purpose: This study aimed to examine the association of polyvascular disease and clinical outcomes in patients with lacunar stroke.

Methods: Data of patients with recent lacunar stroke were collected from The Third China National Stroke Registry. Polyvascular disease is defined as the existence of atherosclerosis across two or more vascular beds. For the present study, polyvascular disease patients were grouped as follows: coronary heart disease (CHD) and lacunar stroke, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and lacunar stroke, and CHD/PAD and lacunar stroke. The major clinical outcome was recurrence, and the secondary clinical outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). A Cox proportional multivariable hazards regression model was applied to estimate the association between polyvascular disease and outcomes.

Results: Among 3,165 patients with recent lacunar stroke, CHD was present in 375 (11.8%) and peripheral arterial disease in 168 (5.3%). The hazard ratio (HR) for stroke recurrence was 0.98 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65–1.46; p = 0.91) for patients with CHD and lacunar stroke, 1.07 (95% CI, 0.61–1.87; p = 0.82) for patients with PAD and lacunar stroke, and 0.95 (95% CI, 0.66–1.35; p = 0.75) for patients with CHD/PAD and lacunar stroke compared with patients with isolated lacunar stroke. The HR for MACEs was 1.01 (95% CI, 0.69–1.49; p = 0.94) for patients with CHD and lacunar stroke, 1.11 (95% CI, 0.65–1.90; p = 0.71) for patients with PAD and lacunar stroke, and 0.99 (95% CI, 0.70–1.40; p = 0.95) for patients with CHD/PAD and lacunar stroke.

Conclusion: Polyvascular disease is not associated with recurrence of stroke and MACEs in patients with recent lacunar stroke at 1 year.

Impact of polyvascular disease with and without co-existent kidney dysfunction on cardiovascular outcomes in diabetes: A post hoc analysis of EMPA-REG OUTCOME

AIM

To determine the relationship between polyvascular disease and risk of hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) and cardiovascular (CV) death in the EMPA-REG OUTCOME population, and the relationship of kidney dysfunction co-existent with polyvascular disease on CV/heart failure (HF) outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic CV (ASCVD) received empagliflozin 10, 25 mg or placebo. Post hoc, subgroups were analyzed by one versus two or more vascular beds, and the estimated glomerular filtration rate ([eGFR] < vs. ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m² ) at baseline. The empagliflozin arms were pooled. Time to CV death, HHF, CV death (excluding fatal stroke) or HHF, all-cause mortality (ACM) and 3-point major adverse CV events (3P-MACE) were assessed using multivariable Cox regression models.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics (N = 6959) within subgroups were balanced between treatment groups. In the placebo group, two or more versus one vascular bed increased HHF risk (1.59 [95% confidence interval 1.02, 2.49]), CV death (2.17 [1.52, 3.09]), CV death/HHF (1.79 [1.32, 2.43]), ACM (1.95 [1.44, 2.64]) and 3P-MACE (1.76 [1.36, 2.27]). Hazard ratios for those with polyvascular disease/kidney dysfunction (vs. 1 vascular bed/eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m² ) were HHF 2.80 (1.46, 5.36), CV death 3.10 (1.87, 5.13), CV death/HHF 2.71 (1.74, 4.23), ACM 2.59 (1.67, 4.02) and 3P-MACE 2.62 (1.82, 3.77). Empagliflozin reduced the risk of all outcomes across subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

Polyvascular disease with/without kidney dysfunction markedly increases the risk of HF/CV events. Empagliflozin consistently reduces risk, regardless of vascular bed and kidney function status.

Association of Polyvascular Disease and Elevated Interleukin-6 With Outcomes in Acute Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack

Background: Polyvascular disease (PolyVD) and interleukin (IL)-6 are associated with poor outcomes in patients with stroke respectively. However, whether combined PolyVD and elevated IL-6 levels would increase the risk of poor outcomes of stroke patients is yet unclear.

Methods: Data were obtained from the Third China National Stroke Registry (CNSR-III). PolyVD was defined as acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA) with coronary artery disease (CAD) and/or peripheral artery disease (PAD). Patients were divided into four groups according to the combination of vascular beds number (non-PolyVD or PolyVD) and IL-6 levels (IL-6 < 2.64 pg/mL or IL-6 ≥ 2.64 pg/mL). The primary outcome was a recurrent stroke at 1-year follow-up. Cox proportional hazard models were employed to identify the association of the combined effect of PolyVD and IL-6 with the prognosis of patients.

Results: A total of 10,773 patients with IL-6 levels and 1-year follow-up were included. The cumulative incidence of recurrent stroke was 9.87% during the 1-year follow-up. Compared to non-PolyVD and IL-6<2.64 pg/mL patients, patients had non-PolyVD with IL-6 ≥ 2.64 pg/mL (HR 1.245 95%CI 1.072–1.446; P < 0.001) and PolyVD with IL-6 <2.64 pg/mL (HR 1.251 95%CI 1.002–1.563; P = 0.04) were associated with an increased risk of recurrent stroke during 1-year follow-up. Likewise, patients with PolyVD and IL-6 ≥ 2.64 pg/mL (HR 1.290; 95% CI 1.058–1.572; P = 0.01) had the highest risk of recurrent stroke at 1-year follow-up among groups.

Conclusion: PolyVD and elevated IL-6 levels are both associated with poor outcomes in patients with AIS or TIA. Moreover, the combination of them increases the efficiency of stroke risk stratification compared with when used alone. More attention and intensive treatment should be given to those patients with both PolyVD and elevated IL-6 levels.

Risk Factors for Polyvascular Involvement in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Background

Atherosclerosis in >1 vascular bed (ie, polyvascular disease), often a feature of peripheral artery disease (PAD), is associated with high morbidity and mortality. We sought to identify risk factors for polyvascular involvement in patients with PAD.

Methods and Results

We performed 2‐sample Mendelian randomization using an inverse‐variance‐weighted approach, to assess 60 exposures including size and lipid content of atherogenic lipoproteins, blood pressure, glycated hemoglobin, and smoking as causal mediators for polyvascular disease in patients with PAD. Genetic instruments for these exposures were obtained from prior genome‐wide association studies. Patients with PAD were from the Mayo Vascular Disease Biorepository, and polyvascular disease (ie, concomitant coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and/or abdominal aortic aneurysm) was ascertained by validated phenotyping algorithms. Of 3279 patients with PAD, 61% had polyvascular disease. Genetically predicted levels of the lipid content and/or particle measures of very small and small size very low‐density lipoprotein, intermediate‐density lipoprotein, and large low‐density lipoprotein were associated with polyvascular disease: odds ratios (OR) of 1.80 (95% CI, 1.23–2.61), 1.70 (95% CI, 1.17–2.61), and 1.40 (95% CI, 1.09–1.80) per 1 SD increase in genetically determined levels, respectively. Both genetically predicted diastolic and systolic blood pressure were associated with polyvascular disease; OR per 10 mm Hg genetic increase in diastolic and systolic blood pressure were 1.66 (95% CI, 1.19–2.33) and 1.31 (95% CI, 1.07–1.60), respectively.

Conclusions

Lifetime exposure to increased lipid content and levels of very small and small very low‐density lipoprotein, intermediate‐density lipoprotein, and large low‐density lipoprotein particles as well as elevated blood pressure are associated with polyvascular involvement in patients with PAD. Reduction in levels of such exposures may limit progression of atherosclerosis in patients with PAD.

Prognostic significance of polyvascular disease in heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction

The prognostic significance of systemic atherothrombosis in heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relation between the presence of polyvascular disease (PVD) and cardiovascular outcomes in HFpEF patients.A total of 510 consecutive HFpEF patients were prospectively observed for up to 1500 days or until occurrence of cardiovascular events. PVD was defined as ≥2 coexistence of coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, and cerebrovascular disease.Overall, 124 cardiovascular events were observed during follow-up (median: 1430 days). Kaplan-Meier curve showed HFpEF with PVD (n = 84) experienced more cardiovascular events than did those without PVD patients (44.0% vs 20.4%, log-rank: P < .001). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis with significant factors from univariate analysis showed the presence of PVD (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.875, 95% [CI]: 1.894-4.365, P < .001), previous HF hospitalization (HR: 1.578, 95% CI: 1.031-2.414, P = .036), hemoglobin (HR: 0.889, 95% CI: 0.805-0.983, P = .021), serum sodium (HR: 0.946, 95% CI 0.896-1.000, P = .048), ln-BNP (per 1.0, HR: 1.255, 95% CI: 1.055-1.494, P = .010), and E/e' (HR: 1.047, 95% CI: 1.020-1.075, P < .001) significantly predicted future cardiovascular events. Multivariable Cox hazard analysis with 4 established factors (age, BNP, diabetes mellitus, and previous HF hospitalization) from the I-PRESERVE (Irbesartan in HFpEF) study showed PVD was independently associated with cardiovascular events in HFpEF patients (HR: 2.562, 95% CI: 1.715-3.827, P < .001).The presence of PVD is significantly associated with cardiovascular events in HFpEF, suggesting the importance of screening PVD in HFpEF.

[Pharmacological neuroprotection for intracerebral hemorrhages in patients with polyvascular disease]

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy of pharmacological neuroprotection with protein, peptide and metabolic drugs as a part of basic intensive therapy for intracerebral hemorrhages in patients with polyvascular disease (PolyVD).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-eight male patients with PolyVD referred to surgical treatment of intracerebral hemorrhages, who were on mechanical ventilation and received basic intensive care, were included in a single center prospective observational study. All patients were assigned either to routine daily i/v infusions of 10 ml cytoflavin in 0.9% sodium chloride solution for 10 days (n=12) or 0,2 mg daily of cellex subcutaneously (n=16). Central hemodynamics, intracranial pressure, and continuous indicators of the linear velocity of blood circulation were assessed. All patients underwent SOFA scoring. The markers of brain damage, including protein S-100-β (ng/l), antioxidant enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) U/gr/Hb), glutathione peroxidase (U/gr/Hb) in the systemic circulation and jugular vein on the lesion side were determined. The length of stay in the intensive care unit and the number of nights were calculated. Mortality was assessed in both groups.

RESULTS

Intracranial hypertension in both groups tended to subnormal parameters by 3-5 days. Vasospasm was reduced more rapidly (by the 3rd day) in the cytoflavin group compared to the cellex group (174 [152; 189] vs. 205 [182; 219], respectively). The latter demonstrated the less extent of cerebral damage according to S100 protein concentration. A comparative analysis showed that the antioxidant activity was significantly higher in the cytoflavin group. The cellex group demonstrated a pronounced trend towards the regression of neurological deficit on the NIHSS (p=0,025). The number of fatal outcomes and nights spent in the ICU were similar in both groups. The in-hospital stay was insignificantly shorter in the cellex group.

CONCLUSION

It is recommended to add both antioxidant and neuropeptide pharmacological neuroprotectors in the routine intensive therapy for treating intracerebral hematomas in patients with PolyVD after surgical management.

Low Walking Impairment Questionnaire score after a recent myocardial infarction identifies patients with polyvascular disease

Objectives

To evaluate whether the Walking Impairment Questionnaire score could identify patients with polyvascular disease in a population with recent myocardial infarction and their association with cardiovascular events during two-year follow-up.

Design

A prospective observational study.

Setting

Patients admitted to the acute coronary care unit, the Department of Cardiology, Uppsala University Hospital.

Participants

Patients admitted with acute Non-STEMI- or STEMI-elevation myocardial infarction.

Main outcome measures

The Walking Impairment Questionnaire, developed as a self-administered instrument to assess walking distance, speed, and stair climbing in patients with peripheral artery disease, predicts future cardiovascular events and mortality. Two hundred and sixty-three patients with recent myocardial infarction answered Walking Impairment Questionnaire. Polyvascular disease was defined as abnormal findings in the coronary- and carotid arteries and an abnormal ankle–brachial index. The calculated score for each of all three categories were divided into quartiles with the lowest score in first quartile.

Results

The lowest (worst) quartile in all three Walking Impairment Questionnaire categories was associated with polyvascular disease, fully adjusted; distance, odds ratio (OR) 5.4 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.8–16.1); speed, OR 7.4 (95% CI 1.5–36.5); stair climbing, OR 8.4 (95% CI 1.0–73.6). In stair climbing score, patients with the lowest (worst) score had a higher risk for the composite cardiovascular endpoint compared to the highest (best) score; hazard ratio 5.3 (95% CI 1.5–19.0). The adherence to medical treatment was high (between 81.7% and 99.2%).

Conclusions

The Walking Impairment Questionnaire is a simple tool to identify myocardial infarction patients with more widespread atherosclerotic disease and although well treated medically, stair climbing predicts cardiovascular events.

The impact of polyvascular disease on long-term outcome in percutaneous coronary intervention patients

BACKGROUND

Previous studies demonstrated the prognostic importance of concomitant polyvascular disease in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the significance of the number of diseased vascular territories and subclinical disease is unknown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The number of diseased vascular territories was evaluated in 2299 percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) patients. Vascular disease was defined by documented atherosclerotic disease, either diagnosed in the medical history (clinical) or at the standardized cardiovascular screening (subclinical). The following territories were evaluated: cerebrovascular disease, peripheral arterial disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm and vascular renal disease. The outcome measures were all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality and a composite cardiovascular endpoint (myocardial infarction, stroke, cardiovascular mortality). Patients with monovascular disease (CAD) served as the reference category. Hazard ratios (HRs) were adjusted for baseline characteristics.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was 7.3 years. The HRs (95% confidence interval) for patients with two diseased territories compared to monovascular disease were for all-cause mortality 1.60 (1.14-2.25), cardiovascular mortality 2.13 (1.29-3.50) and the combined cardiovascular endpoint 1.66 (1.20-2.31). Moreover, the HRs (95% confidence intervals) for patients with more than two diseased territories compared to monovascular disease were for all-cause mortality 3.81 (2.45-5.92), cardiovascular mortality 4.40 (2.32-8.35) and the combined cardiovascular endpoint 2.75 (1.69-4.47). The HRs of patients with subclinical disease were comparable to the HRs of patients with clinical disease.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients undergoing PCI, the presence of subclinical and clinical polyvascular disease is associated with an increased long-term mortality and morbidity. Moreover, the outcome is highly influenced by the number of diseased territories.

Effect of vascular burden as measured by vascular indexes upon vascular dementia: a matched case-control study

Background

Vascular dementia (VaD) is a challenging illness that affects the lives of older adults and caregivers. It is unclear how multiple vascular risk factor exposures (polyvascular disease) affect VaD.

Purpose

To determine the relationship between multiple vascular risk exposures, as counted on an index in cases with VaD, compared with healthy age-/gender-matched controls.

Methods

This was a matched case-control study of subjects living in Olmsted County, MN with documented VaD. Controls were selected by gender and age within 3 years from those who did not have dementia. The exposures included a total index (eleven exposure factors) added together, along with indexes for cerebrovascular disease (two exposures), cardiovascular disease (four exposures), vascular disease (three exposures), and lifestyle (two exposures). Analysis used matched conditional univariable logistic regression for each index.

Results

A total of 1736 potential subjects were identified, and 205 subjects were diagnosed with VaD. There was a significant association of the total score index with an odds ratio of 1.45 (95% confidence interval 1.21–1.74). The cerebrovascular index was also associated with VaD with an odds ratio of 12.18 (95% confidence interval 6.29–23.61). The cardiovascular and vascular indexes were also associated with VaD status. The lifestyle index was not associated with VaD.

Conclusion

The cumulative role of multiple vascular risk factors or diseases increased the risk of VaD, as noted by the total vascular index. The lifestyle index did not reveal any significant differences. Further work is required for evaluation of these indexes.