Cardiology (all articles)
The global burden of metabolic disease: data from 2000 to 2019
13 Mar, 2023 | 14:39h | UTCThe global burden of metabolic disease: Data from 2000 to 2019 – Cell Metabolism (free for a limited period)
WHO urges countries to implement comprehensive sodium reduction policies to combat cardiovascular disease
10 Mar, 2023 | 14:43h | UTCSummary:
A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) has shown that the world needs to catch up to achieve its global target of reducing sodium intake by 30% by 2025. The report highlights that only 5% of WHO member states have mandatory and comprehensive sodium reduction policies.
Sodium, found in table salt and other condiments, increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and premature death when eaten in excess. Implementing highly cost-effective sodium reduction policies could save an estimated seven million lives globally by 2030.
WHO suggests a number of policies, such as reducing the amount of sodium in food products, introducing front-of-pack labeling, launching mass media campaigns, and enforcing public policies related to food service and sales.
The report urges member states to implement sodium intake reduction policies without delay, and calls on food manufacturers to set ambitious targets for sodium reduction in their products.
Article: WHO global report on sodium intake reduction – World Health Organization
News Release: Massive efforts needed to reduce salt intake and protect lives – World Health Organization
Related:
Adding salt to foods and hazard of premature mortality – European Heart Journal
New WHO benchmarks help countries reduce salt intake and save lives – World Health Organization
WHO global sodium benchmarks for different food categories – World Health Organization
Commentary on Twitter
Eating too much salt is one of the top risk factors for heart disease, stroke, and death.
WHO’s first global report on sodium intake reduction shows only 5% of WHO Member States are protected by mandatory and comprehensive sodium reduction policies👉https://t.co/hiocdiXUiy pic.twitter.com/NXSv0oe7fn
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) March 9, 2023
RCT | Treat-to-target strategy is noninferior to high-intensity statin therapy in patients with coronary artery disease
10 Mar, 2023 | 14:44h | UTCSummary: This randomized, multicenter, noninferiority trial in South Korea enrolled 4,400 patients with known coronary artery disease. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a treat-to-target group and a high-intensity statin group.
The treat-to-target group received moderate or high-intensity statins and titrated their medication to achieve an LDL-C goal of 50-70 mg/dL, while the high-intensity statin group received rosuvastatin 20 mg or atorvastatin 40 mg. The primary endpoint was a 3-year composite of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or coronary revascularization.
The study found that the primary endpoint occurred in 8.1% of the treat-to-target group and 8.7% of the high-intensity statin group, indicating that the treat-to-target strategy was noninferior to the high-intensity statin strategy.
Overall, the results of this study indicate that a treat-to-target strategy could be an appropriate substitute for high-intensity statin therapy in patients with coronary artery disease. This approach enables a personalized treatment plan that accounts for variations in individual drug response to statin therapy.
Article: Treat-to-Target or High-Intensity Statin in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial – JAMA (free for a limited period)
Commentaries:
Not all patients with coronary artery disease require high intensity statins – MedicalResearch.com
Commentary on Twitter
Among patients with coronary artery disease, a treat-to-target LDL-C strategy was noninferior to a high-intensity statin strategy for major clinical outcomes. https://t.co/Orv8IeF4Gv #ACC23 #WCCardio pic.twitter.com/NVEEJfQYfJ
— JAMA (@JAMA_current) March 6, 2023
Recommendations for cardiac point-of-care ultrasound in children
10 Mar, 2023 | 14:35h | UTC
Cohort Study | Effect of prosthesis-patient mismatch on long-term clinical outcomes after bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement
10 Mar, 2023 | 14:32h | UTCSummary: The study examined the impact of prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) on long-term clinical outcomes following bioprosthetic surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). The observational cohort study analyzed data from 16,423 patients who underwent bioprosthetic SAVR in Sweden from 2003 to 2018.
Results showed that increasing grades of PPM were associated with higher long-term mortality and heart failure hospitalization. Severe PPM was linked to an increased risk of heart failure, but moderate PPM did not have significant clinical significance. The study also found that PPM was not associated with aortic valve reintervention. The incidence of moderate and severe PPM has decreased in Sweden since 2013 but remained common.
Cohort Study | Depression and poor mental health linked to premature CVD and suboptimal CVH in young adults
10 Mar, 2023 | 14:14h | UTC
Commentary on Twitter
A new analysis of #BRFSS data from >600K young adults finds double the odds of #CVD in people with depression. #AHAJournals @GarimaVSharmaMD https://t.co/ZFzTTnUs95 pic.twitter.com/gvIAqbg47H
— JAHA (@JAHA_AHA) January 31, 2023
WHO Meta-Analysis | Saturated fat and trans-fat intakes and their replacement with other macronutrients
9 Mar, 2023 | 14:24h | UTC
Commentary on Twitter
Saturated fat and trans-fat intakes
and their replacement with other
macronutrients
published on behalf @WHO https://t.co/fNXmKwWOMQ pic.twitter.com/0Qi8PNqyqq— Lukas Schwingshackl (@LSchwingshackl) March 6, 2023
Pregnancy complications linked to long-term mortality in a racially diverse cohort
10 Mar, 2023 | 14:01h | UTCPregnancy Complications and Long-Term Mortality in a Diverse Cohort – Circulation
Related:
Severity of obstructive coronary artery stenosis after pre-eclampsia – Heart
Crossover RCT | Atrial pacing to increase exercise HR did not improve performance in HFpEF patients with chronotropic incompetence
9 Mar, 2023 | 14:22h | UTCSummary: The RAPID-HF randomized clinical trial investigated whether implanting and programming a pacemaker for rate-adaptive atrial pacing would improve exercise performance in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and chronotropic incompetence.
The study involved 29 patients with symptomatic HFpEF and chronotropic incompetence who underwent pacemaker implantation for the study and then were randomized to atrial rate responsive pacing or no pacing for four weeks, followed by a four-week washout period and then crossover for an additional four weeks.
The study found that atrial pacing increased early and peak exercise heart rate, but there was no improvement in exercise performance or quality of life. Despite a higher exercise heart rate, there was no increase in exercise cardiac output due to a decrease in stroke volume. Moreover, pacemaker implantation was associated with adverse events.
Article: Rate-Adaptive Atrial Pacing for Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: The RAPID-HF Randomized Clinical Trial – JAMA (free for a limited period)
Editorial: Rate-Adaptive Pacing for Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction – JAMA (free for a limited period)
Commentaries:
RAPID-HF: Rate-Adaptive Pacing Doesn’t Help in HFpEF – TCTMD
Atrial Pacing for HFpEF Shows Lack of Benefit on Exercise Capacity – HCP Live
Commentary on Twitter
In patients with HFpEF and inadequate response of heart rate to exertion (chronotropic incompetence), implantation of a pacemaker to enhance exercise heart rate did not improve exercise capacity, symptoms, or exercise cardiac output. https://t.co/odBbeuuCPO #ACC23 #WCCardio
— JAMA (@JAMA_current) March 5, 2023
Consensus bundle on cardiac conditions in obstetric care
9 Mar, 2023 | 14:14h | UTC
M-A | Opioids for breathlessness in heart failure have no significant benefits and increase adverse effects
9 Mar, 2023 | 14:11h | UTCSummary: The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of opioids in treating breathlessness in patients with heart failure and to evaluate their adverse effects. The authors conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and included eight studies with 271 patients.
The results showed that opioids did not provide significant benefits in managing breathlessness in advanced HF and significantly increased the risk of adverse events such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
The authors suggest that opioids should be considered only as a last resort when other interventions have failed or in emergency situations.
Article: Effect of opioids for breathlessness in heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis – Heart
RCT | Bempedoic acid shows modest reduction in cardiovascular events for statin-intolerant patients
8 Mar, 2023 | 14:39h | UTCSummary:
Bempedoic acid is an ATP citrate lyase inhibitor that reduces LDL cholesterol levels and is associated with a low incidence of muscle-related adverse events. The study enrolled 13,970 patients at increased cardiovascular risk, with 6,992 randomized to bempedoic acid and 6,978 randomized to placebo, with a median duration of follow-up of 40.6 months.
The study found that bempedoic acid was associated with a statistically significant 13% reduction in the primary endpoint of major adverse cardiovascular events, which included death from cardiovascular causes, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or coronary revascularization. However, the absolute risk reduction of events was modest, at 1.6% over nearly four years.
The study also reported higher incidences of gout and cholelithiasis with bempedoic acid compared to placebo, as well as small increases in serum creatinine, uric acid, and hepatic-enzyme levels.
Article: Bempedoic Acid and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Statin-Intolerant Patients – New England Journal of Medicine (link to abstract – $ for full-text)
Commentaries:
CLEAR Positives and Cautions With Bempedoic Acid for Statin Intolerance – Medscape (recommended reading – free registration required)
Cardiovascular Outcomes After “Statin-Intolerant” Patients Take Bempedoic Acid – NEJM Journal Watch (free for a limited period)
Commentary on Twitter
Bempedoic acid showed a modest absolute reduction in CV outcomes, relative to placebo, in patients “unable or unwilling” to take a statin. https://t.co/hQUfvFwz68 #ACC23 @hmkyale @NEJM #CardioTwitter pic.twitter.com/YMoNsce8MI
— NEJM Journal Watch (@JWatch) March 7, 2023
M-A | Non-occupational physical activity and risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and mortality outcomes
8 Mar, 2023 | 14:33h | UTCSummary:
The study aimed to determine the association between non-occupational physical activity and chronic disease and mortality outcomes in the general adult population. The systematic review and meta-analysis included 196 articles covering 94 cohorts and over 30 million participants.
The results showed that higher activity levels were associated with a lower risk of all outcomes. The strongest associations were observed for all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality, with weaker associations for cancer incidence.
The study also found that appreciable population health benefits could be gained from increasing physical activity levels of people who are inactive to just half the current health recommendations; doing that could prevent one in 10 premature deaths.
The findings support the current physical activity recommendations and suggest that even small increases in non-occupational physical activity in inactive adults can provide substantial protection against chronic disease outcomes.
It’s worth noting, however, that this study has the usual limitations of observational studies since all the included studies are cohort studies. Therefore, the results are subject to residual confounding, meaning that other factors not measured or accounted for in the studies could influence the observed associations.
News Releases:
1 in 10 early deaths averted if everyone met physical activity targets – BMJ Newsroom
Consensus Paper | Pain management and opioid stewardship in adult cardiac surgery
8 Mar, 2023 | 14:22h | UTC
ESC 0/1-hour algorithm unable to safely exclude 30-day cardiac death or MI in patients with known coronary artery disease, study finds
8 Mar, 2023 | 14:12h | UTCSummary:
The study aimed to determine if the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 0/1-hour algorithm using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) could achieve a negative predictive value of 99% or higher for 30-day cardiac death or myocardial infarction (MI) among emergency department patients with chest pain and known coronary artery disease (CAD).
The study included 1430 adults, and the algorithm had a negative predictive value of 96.6% for 30-day cardiac death or MI among patients with known CAD, suggesting that the algorithm may not be able to safely exclude 30-day cardiac death or MI in these patients.
These findings suggest that clinicians should be cautious when using the ESC 0/1-hour hs-cTnT algorithm in patients with known CAD.
Article: Performance of the European Society of Cardiology 0/1-Hour Algorithm With High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T Among Patients With Known Coronary Artery Disease – JAMA Cardiology (link to abstract – $ for full-text)
Related:
Performance of the European Society of Cardiology 0/1-Hour, 0/2-Hour, and 0/3-Hour Algorithms for Rapid Triage of Acute Myocardial Infarction: An International Collaborative Meta-analysis – Annals of Internal Medicine (link to abstract – $ for full-text)
Commentary on Twitter
In this diagnostic study of 1430 adults, the high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-cTnT) ESC 0/1-hour algorithm had a negative predictive value of 96.6% for 30-day cardiac death or MI among patients with known coronary artery disease. https://t.co/FnILIazEnU
— JAMA Cardiology (@JAMACardio) March 1, 2023
#ACC23 – Single-arm study | Pulsed field ablation shows promise for the treatment of atrial fibrillation
8 Mar, 2023 | 14:08h | UTCCommentaries:
PULSED AF ‘Strengthens the Case’ for Pulsed-Field Ablation in AF – TCTMD
#ACC23 – RCT | Intravascular imaging–guided vs. angiography-guided complex PCI
7 Mar, 2023 | 13:20h | UTCIntravascular Imaging–Guided or Angiography-Guided Complex PCI – New England Journal of Medicine (link to abstract – $ for full-text)
Commentary on Twitter
In RENOVATE-COMPLEX-PCI, a randomized trial of imaging-guided or angiography-guided PCI for complex coronary lesion revascularization procedures, imaging-guided PCI led to a lower risk of target-vessel failure than angiography-guided PCI. https://t.co/GaE2cthB5t #ACC23/#WCCardio pic.twitter.com/EB1qb9dY21
— NEJM (@NEJM) March 5, 2023
Myocarditis or pericarditis events after BNT162b2 vaccination in individuals aged 12 to 17 years in Ontario, Canada
7 Mar, 2023 | 13:13h | UTCSummary:
A population-based cohort study was conducted to estimate the incidence of reported myocarditis or pericarditis after BNT162b2 vaccination in adolescents aged 12 to 17 years in Ontario, Canada, and to describe the clinical information associated with these events. The study analyzed data from 1.65 million doses of BNT162b2 vaccinations administered between December 14, 2020, and November 21, 2021.
According to the study, 77 adolescents were reported to have developed myocarditis or pericarditis after receiving the vaccine, and there was a greater occurrence of these events among those aged 16 to 17 years compared to those aged 12 to 15 years. Additionally, adolescents with shorter intervals between vaccine doses had a higher incidence of myocarditis or pericarditis.
Most cases of myocarditis and pericarditis were mild, and the adolescents required either no treatment or were treated conservatively with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
M-A | Long-term consumption of 10 food groups and cardiovascular mortality
7 Mar, 2023 | 12:58h | UTCSummary:
This systematic review and meta-analysis of 22 prospective cohort studies evaluated the association between the consumption of 10 food groups and cardiovascular mortality.
The researchers found that a long-term high intake of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and nuts was associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality, while a high intake of red/processed meat was associated with increased risk. On the other hand, the consumption of dairy products and legumes did not show a significant association with cardiovascular risk.
The researchers acknowledge the limitations of observational studies and the need for further research on the long-term effects of specific food groups on cardiovascular mortality.
#ACC23 – RCT | Transcatheter repair for patients with tricuspid regurgitation
6 Mar, 2023 | 14:29h | UTCTranscatheter Repair for Patients with Tricuspid Regurgitation – New England Journal of Medicine (link to abstract – $ for full-text)
Commentaries:
The TRILUMINATE Transcatheter Tricuspid Repair Trial: Positive but No Benefit? – Medscape (recommended reading – free registration required)
TRILUMINATE Pivotal: TEER With the TriClip Benefits Patients With Severe TR – TCTMD
Commentary on Twitter
In the TRILUMINATE trial, patients with tricuspid regurgitation who were treated with transcatheter edge-to-edge repair had more favorable clinical outcomes at 1 year than did patients who received medical therapy. Full trial results: https://t.co/ZWObb9Xl6T #ACC23/#WCCardio pic.twitter.com/O2E9QSumpQ
— NEJM (@NEJM) March 4, 2023
#ACC23 – RCT | Five-year follow-up after transcatheter repair of secondary mitral regurgitation
6 Mar, 2023 | 14:28h | UTCFive-Year Follow-up after Transcatheter Repair of Secondary Mitral Regurgitation – New England Journal of Medicine (link to abstract – $ for full-text)
Commentaries:
COAPT at 5 Years: MitraClip Still Ahead, but Deaths and Crossovers Cast Shadows – TCTMD
Commentary on Twitter
Transcatheter repair of secondary mitral regurgitation for heart failure was associated with a lower rate of hospitalization for heart failure and lower all-cause mortality than medical therapy at 5 years of follow-up.
Full COAPT trial: https://t.co/rcJ6RQEMAX #ACC23/#WCCardio pic.twitter.com/sM8R50oaBq
— NEJM (@NEJM) March 5, 2023
Cluster RCT | Effectiveness of a non-physician community health-care provider-led intensive BP intervention vs. usual care on CVD
6 Mar, 2023 | 14:20h | UTCSummary:
The study evaluated the effectiveness of a non-physician community health-care provider-led intensive blood pressure intervention on cardiovascular disease compared to usual care. The trial randomly assigned 326 villages to the intervention or usual care, and recruited individuals aged at least 40 years with hypertension. Trained non-physician community health-care providers initiated and titrated antihypertensive medications according to a simple stepped-care protocol and delivered health coaching for patients in the intervention group during the 36-month follow-up.
The study found that the intervention effectively reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause death. There was a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (23.1 mm Hg) and diastolic blood pressure (9.9 mm Hg) in the intervention group compared to the usual care group, with an increased risk of hypotension in the intervention group.
Article: Effectiveness of a non-physician community health-care provider-led intensive blood pressure intervention versus usual care on cardiovascular disease (CRHCP): an open-label, blinded-endpoint, cluster-randomised trial – The Lancet (link to abstract – $ for full-text)
Related:
Cohort Study: Impact of Community Based Screening for Hypertension in Older Adults
Randomized Trial: Community-Based Interventions to Improve Cardiovascular Risk in High-Risk Patients
Cluster-Randomized Trial of Blood-Pressure Reduction in Black Barbershops
M-A | Early vs. delayed coronary angiography after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest without ST-segment elevation
6 Mar, 2023 | 14:12h | UTCSummary:
This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluated the efficacy and safety of early vs. delayed coronary angiography following an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in patients without ST elevation on the ECG.
The review included six trials with 1,590 patients and found that early angiography probably has no effect on mortality, survival with good neurologic outcomes, and ICU length of stay, indicating that the procedure should not be routinely recommended for these patients.
Related:
Emergency vs Delayed Coronary Angiogram in Survivors of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: Results of the Randomized, Multicentric EMERGE Trial – JAMA Cardiology (link to abstract – $ for full-text)
Study shows sudden cardiac arrest during sports activity is rare among older adults
3 Mar, 2023 | 13:38h | UTCSudden Cardiac Arrest During Sports Activity in Older Adults – Journal of the American College of Cardiology (link to abstract – $ for full-text)
Commentaries:
Sports-related sudden cardiac arrest is rare in older adults – Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Risk of Sports-Related Sudden Cardiac Arrest Low in Older Adults – TCTMD
M-A | Thromboprophylaxis in patients with Fontan circulation
2 Mar, 2023 | 12:57h | UTCThromboprophylaxis in Patients With Fontan Circulation – Journal of the American College of Cardiology (link to abstract – $ for full-text)
Commentary: Thromboprophylaxis in Patients With Fontan Circulation – American College of Cardiology
Commentary from the author on Twitter (thread – click for more)
🔥Hot off the press🔥Read our new paper about #Thromboprophylaxis in patients with #Fontan #circulation just published in @JACCJournals@ACCinTouch.
Article link: https://t.co/eeu6kT7PDH— Jef Van den Eynde (@JefVandenEynde) January 23, 2023