Aim: Based on data from the Russian REGION-IM registry, to study the features of reperfusion therapy in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in real-life clinical practice.
Material and methods: REGION-IM is a multicenter prospective observational study. The observational period is divided into 3 stages: during the stay in the hospital and at 6 and 12 months after inclusion in the registry. The patient's records contain demographic and history data; information about the present case of MI, including the time of the first symptom onset, first contact with medical personnel, and admission to the hospital; coronary angiography (CAG) data, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) data, and information about the thrombolytic therapy (TLT).
Results: Reperfusion therapy was performed in 88.9 % of patients with STEMI. Primary PCI (pPCI) was performed in 60.6 % of patients. The median time from the onset of symptoms to pPCI was 315 minutes [195; 720]. The median time from ECG to pPCI was 110 minutes [84;150]. Isolated TLT was performed in 7.4 %, pharmaco-invasive treatment tactics were used only in 20.9 % of cases. The median time from ECG to TLT (prehospital and in-hospital) was 30 minutes [10; 59], whereas the median time from ECG to prehospital TLT was 18 minutes [10; 39], and in 63 % of patients, TLT was performed more than 10 minutes after diagnosis. PCI followed TLT in 73 % of patients.
Conclusion: The frequency of reperfusion therapy for STEMI in the Russian Federation has increased considerably in recent years. The high frequency of pPCI is noteworthy, but the timing of pPCI does not always comply with clinical guidelines. The results of this registry confirm the high demand for pharmaco-invasive strategies in real-life clinical practice. Taking into account geographical and logistical features, implementing timely myocardial reperfusion requires prehospital TLT. However, the TLT frequency in the Russian Federation is still insufficient despite its proven maximum effectiveness in the shortest possible time from the detection of acute MI.
Aim: To study the prognostic significance of inflammatory biomarkers in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and stenotic multivessel coronary atherosclerosis, with determination of the biomarker separate set that reflects subclinical inflammation and is associated with the development of cardiovascular complications during prospective observation.
Material and methods: A prospective observational study was conducted that included 80 patients with CHF and ischemic heart disease who were scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) during their current hospitalization. In addition to routine clinical laboratory tests, coagulation parameters were evaluated and the following inflammatory biomarkers were determined: neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), growth/differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23), transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Also, the calculated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (N LR) was included in the analysis. Follow-up duration was at least 12 months (median 16 [13, 22] months). Statistical analysis of the data was performed with the IBM SPSS Statistics 21 software.
Results: The study presented results of a factor analysis of 10 inflammatory biomarkers in patients who were scheduled for CABG. One of the factors identified by the analysis included the levels of NGAL and GDF-15, N LR, and the level of fibrinogen in the blood in CHF patients with stenotic coronary atherosclerosis and was significantly associated with the death rate during prospective observation. Furthermore, this association remained significant even after adjustments for age, glomerular filtration rate, severity of heart and coronary insufficiency, and the presence of diabetes mellitus.
Conclusion: In patients with CHF and stenotic coronary atherosclerosis, a set of inflammatory markers, including blood NGAL, GDF-15, N LR, and fibrinogen, can be combined into one factor reflecting subclinical inflammation. The value of this factor can be used to predict cardiovascular death in the long term after surgical myocardial revascularization.
Aim: To evaluate the contribution of traditional and additional cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) to the development of chronic ischemic heart disease (CIHD) in liver transplant recipients during the long-term postoperative period.
Material and methods: A single-center prospective cohort study was conducted. The study included 740 patients with chronic end-stage liver disease (CESLD) and cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCMP). During the observation period (5.4±2.29 years), patients were divided into two groups: liver transplant recipients (n=420) and patients with CESLD on the waiting list who did not receive a donor organ (n=320). In patients enrolled to the study upon inclusion in the waiting list, CVRFs, history, clinical and laboratory and instrumental data were studied at all stages of the hepato-cardiac continuum.
Results: During the long-term postoperative period, liver transplant recipients belonged to the group of high cardiovascular risk: over a 5-year observation period, 35.7% (n=150) of them developed metabolic syndrome (MS), 9.8% developed verified CIHD associated with MS. The incidence of traditional CVRFs was high (arterial hypertension, 88.6%; obesity, 36.6%; hypercholesterolemia, 77.8%; hypertriglyceridemia, 43.6%; reduced concentration of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, 35.4%; increased concentrations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, 66.8% and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, 51.2%; increased atherogenic index, 61.5%). During the long-term postoperative period as compared to the period when patients were on the waiting list, additional CVRFs appeared: increases in body mass index, calcium index, nitric oxide metabolites, endothelin-1, homocysteine, intercellular adhesion molecules VCAM-1 and ICAM-1, and decreases in endothelium-dependent vasodilation and glomerular filtration rate to less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. A model for the development of CIHD was created. The model uses a complex of independent risk factors and demonstrates a predictive accuracy of 84.6%.
Conclusion: The study results indicate a modification of CVRFs and a dynamic change in the cardiovascular phenotype of liver transplant recipients: progression of CCMP during their stay on the waiting list, regression of CCMP manifestations during the first 12 months after orthotopic liver transplantation, and increases in the total cardiovascular risk and likelihood of CIHD in the long-term postoperative period.
The article focuses on the prevalence of circulatory diseases, organization and implementation of new programs in the system of cardiological care services in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Currently, three key programs are functioning at the republican level: "Acute coronary syndrome", "Chronic heart failure", and "Atherosclerosis and dyslipoproteinemia". The National Scientific Cardiac Surgery Center (Astana) is the coordinator of all these programs.
Aim: To analyze the results of screening of the population older than 40 years for early detection of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in real clinical practice of family clinics in the Aral Sea region.
Material and methods: The results of screening of the population older than 40 years were analyzed for a total of 2,430 respondents from family clinics of the district (Republic of Uzbekistan, Republic of Karakalpakstan, Ellikkala district) according to the modified WHO PEN protocol. 1,020 of the respondents with blood pressure ≥140/90 mm Hg were included in the study (mean age, 57.68±8.06 years; women, 61.4%; men, 38.6%). Additionally, the following parameters were determined: salt-taste threshold using the R. Henkin method, echocardiography, ultrasonography of the brachiocephalic arteries, blood lipid spectrum, microalbuminuria, serum creatinine and uric acid. Statistical data are presented as mean±SD. The prevalence of signs in the study group was assessed using the Pearson's chi-square test, and the Pearson correlation coefficient was used.
Results: Among the patients with elevated blood pressure included in the study, 24 (2.4%) were younger than 40 years, 847 (81%) were 40-65 years old, and 169 (16.6%) were older than 65 years. Low cardiovascular risk was twice more common among women compared to men: 11.3% vs. 5.6% (χ²=8.990; p=0.003); almost 75% fewer patients with ischemic heart disease, 7.4% vs. 28.9% (χ²=14.939; p=0.0001); however, the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus was twice higher, 13.7% vs. 7.4% (χ²=9.205; p=0.002); the female group had significantly fewer cases of postinfarction cardiosclerosis (PICS) (χ²=5.313; p=0.021). Among women, there were no tobacco users or regular alcohol drinkers whereas among men these risk factors were identified in 59.4% (χ²=178.848; p=0.0001) and 35% (χ²=82.238; p=0.0001), respectively. 85.6% of the respondents had a high salt-taste threshold, 96% had left ventricular hypertrophy, 76% had microalbuminuria, 21% had proteinuria, and 92% of both men and women had a common carotid artery intima-media thickening >0.9 mm.
Conclusion: The study showed a broad prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in the population of hypertensive patients in the Aral region, a high salt-taste threshold, and significant damages to target organs, which differed from other regions of Uzbekistan. Among hypertensive men, there was a significant prevalence of tobacco and alcohol use, and a significantly more frequent detection of ischemic heart disease, PICS and hyperuricemia compared to women; in the female population, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus was significantly greater.
Aim: To develop prognostic models for arterial hypertension (AH) and atherosclerosis based on studying the totality and significance of traditional and disease-mediated risk factors (RFs) in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Material and methods: 223 female patients with RA aged 54.9±2.1 years were evaluated at the premises of the polyclinic of the Gulla Municipal Hospital #4 (Barnaul), the "Health Center", the City Rheumatology Department of the polyclinic, and the Hospital Department in 2016-2019. Statistical analysis was performed using Excel Microsoft Office 2007, Statistica 6.0 and 10.0, and SigmaPlot 12.5 software packages. Multivariate regression analysis was used for studying the attributes influencing the development of AH and atherosclerosis in RA and for constructing predictive models. ROC analysis was used to determine the quality of the developed models. Differences were considered statistically significant at p<0.05.
Results: The following RFs predominating in the onset of disease were identified: traditional (hyperglycemia, obesity, increased diastolic BP (DBP), tachycardia, dyslipidemia); disease-mediated (ESR, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor, cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies, moderate and high DAS-28 activity), and psychosocial (stress, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders). The highest RF incidence and their combinations were determined with a RA duration of more than a year: traditional (obesity, hyperglycemia, increased systolic BP (SBP)), and decreased glomerular filtration rate; and disease-mediated (prednisolone treatment). A highly sensitive model for AH screening was developed that included a combination of RFs: disease-mediated (RA duration, CRP); traditional (improper diet, low physical activity, history of early cardiovascular diseases, increased SBP and DBP, preeclampsia and/or eclampsia, early menopause, older age, dyslipidemia); psychosocial (anxiety, depression), and a high salt-taste threshold. A highly sensitive model was developed for probable prediction of multifocal atherosclerosis in RA in women. The model includes a complex of risk factors: disease-mediated (RA activity by DAS-28, CRP, fibrinogen, ESR, dose-dependent prednisolone treatment); traditional (AH, SBP, waist circumference, heart rate, early menopause, preeclampsia and/or eclampsia, age 55 years and older, dyslipidemia); and psychosocial (sleep disorders, depression).
Conclusion: Algorithms for early prevention of AH and atherosclerosis were developed with consideration of identified predictors and proposed prediction models for women with RA.
This article presents the current relevance of preventive cardiology, substantiates the increasing importance of the prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) to reduce mortality and the burden of CVD, including in the era of widespread use of modern high-tech methods and effective drug therapy for treating CVD in clinical practice. The article also addresses effectiveness of secondary prevention of CVD and approaches to its improvement. Particular attention is paid to the high importance of introducing into practice comprehensive programs for secondary prevention of CVD and cardiac rehabilitation. The principles of organizing such programs and their most important components are presented in detail.
Aim: To study the long-term effect of enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) therapy on exercise tolerance, quality of life (QoL), and indicators of the structural and functional state of the cardiovascular system in patients with stable ischemic heart disease (IHD) complicated by chronic heart failure (CHF).
Material and methods: This open randomized EXCEL study included 120 patients with verified IHD complicated by NYHA II-III functional class CHF with reduced or mid-range left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction. Patients were randomized into group 1 (n=40), optimal drug therapy (ODT) and EECP (35 hours, 2 courses per year); group 2 (n=40), ODT and EECP (35 hours, 1 course per year); and group 3 (control; n=40), ODT and placebo counterpulsation (35 h, 1 course per year). All patients underwent a 6-minute walk test (6MWT), evaluation of clinical status, QoL with the MLHFQ and SF-36 questionnaires, structural and functional state of large blood vessels and microvasculature, measurement of brain natriuretic peptide precursor (NT-proBNP), and echocardiography at baseline and after 12 months.
Results: In groups 1 and 2 after 12 months, the 6MWT distance increased statistically significantly (44.5 and 24.9%, respectively) and the following indexes improved: QoL (SF-36, MLHFQ), the condition of large blood vessels (phase shift, radial augmentation index, central aortic systolic pressure (CASP)) and microvasculature (occlusion index, percentage of perfused capillaries, percentage of capillary recovery), and the LV systolic function (from 40.6±7.5 to 47.5±10.2% and from 41.3± 6.8 to 43.9±10.3%, respectively). The proportion of patients with a >20% increase in the 6MWT at 12 months was 97.5, 72.5, and 7.7%, respectively. A statistically significant decrease in NT-proBNP was observed in all groups. In group 3, the incidence of hospitalizations for CHF and the risk of the composite endpoint were significantly higher.
Conclusion: For the 12-month study period, the effects of EECP in patients with IHD complicated by CHF included improvements in exercise tolerance, QoL, vascular and cardiac functional parameters, and a decrease in the incidence of adverse outcomes.
Aim: To determine predictors for the development of associated clinical conditions (ACC) in patients of working age with cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) in the conditions of high compliance with the treatment and healthy lifestyle (HLS).
Material and methods: The study included 364 patients with CVRFs without target organ damage and a history of ACC. Mean age was 42.24±8.08 years. Patients were examined in consistency with the Russian Society of Cardiology (RSC) 2020 guidelines for arterial hypertension and chronic heart failure. The follow-up period was 6.45±0.42 years. 350 patients completed the study, 9 patients died during the follow-up period, and 5 were lost to follow-up. Patients were divided into two groups based on the development of ACC. The first group consisted of 56 (16%) patients with verified ACC, the second group included 294 (84%) patients without ACC.
Results: Regression logistic and correlation analyses confirmed the prognostic significance for the development of ACC by 12 indicators. The risk of ACC in smokers was increased more than 7 times (odds ratio (OR) 7.44, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.42-16.21), and when type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) developed, more than 9 times (OR 9.47, 95% CI: 4.36-20.59); with chronic kidney disease (CKD), more than 6 times (OR 6.75, 95% CI: 3.41-13, 37); with a history of COVID-19 (COronaVIrus Disease 2019) pneumonia, 7 times (OR 7.11, 95% CI: 3.04-16.58); with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), 6 times (OR 6, 35, 95% CI: 3.14-12.83); with CAVI index>7.2, almost 3 times (OR 2.69, 95% CI: 1.48-4.86); with PVWcf (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity) >13 m/s, more than 5 times (OR 5.61, 95% CI: 2.79-11.28); with R-AI index (augmentation index) >1, more than 2 times (OR 2.26, 95% CI: 1.3-3.9); and with an increase in the indexed left atrial volume (ILAV) >27 ml/m2, more than 8 times (OR 8.80, 95% CI: 4.61-16.79). In the presence of polymorphisms in the form of homozygosity for the minor allele of the AGT gene (Thr174Met, rs4762), the risk of developing ACC increased 14 times (OR 14.13, 95% CI: 4.69-42.57), the APOE gene (Cys130Arg, rs429358), 11 times (OR 11.18, 95% CI: 4.18-29.93), and in the intron of the PRARα gene (rs4253778), 8 times (OR 8.11, 95% CI: 3.75-17.53).
Conclusion: The development of ACC in patients with high compliance with treatment and a healthy lifestyle is associated with smoking, type 2 diabetes and CKD, a history of COVID-19 pneumonia, LVH, increased ILAV >27 g/m2, more pronounced arterial stiffness assessed by an increase in CAVI indices >7.2, R-AI >1, and PWVcf >13 m/s; and with the presence of polymorphism of the AGT, APOE and PPARα genes in the form of homozygosity for the minor allele.