Adherence to heart rate training zones in an exercise training program in adults with coronary artery disease

Objectives: To investigate the effect of exercise intensity on functional capacity in individuals with coronary artery disease, assess adherence to the heart rate training zone (HRTZ), and relationship between trained intensity and functional capacity. Methods: Retrospective study led with medical records of 54 outpatients with coronary artery disease in a public hospital. The prescribed intensity started at 50 ­60% of heart rate reserve, increasing monthly to 70 ­80% by the third month. Spearman's test was used to assess the correlation between improvement in distance in the incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT), exercise intensity, and rating of perceived exertion (Borg­RPE). Adherence was classified as 'below' when HRTZ was not achieved in any phase of the program, 'intermediate' when HR was within the HRTZ for one or two months, and 'above' when HR was at or higher than HRTZ two months. Improvement was tested with t-test and one-way ANOVA. Results: 51.9% of participants had an increase in ISWT of ≥70 m (p < 0.0001). In at least one month, 50.9% trained below HRTZ. Trained intensity did not go below 8.6% of the prescribed minimal threshold of HRTZ. Changes in ISWT were not significantly correlated with exercise intensity (p = 0.87) or Borg­RPE (p = 0.16). Conclusion: While a significant increase in functional capacity was found, considerable heterogeneity in changes were observed. This may, in part, be related to adherence to HRTZ with progressive exercise intensity and to the variability in exercise volume incardiovascular rehabilitation programs.

Protocolos de diagnóstico acelerado basados en troponina de alta sensibilidad en el diagnóstico del dolor torácico: una revisión sistemática / Accelerated Diagnostic Protocols Based on High-Sensitivity Troponin in the Diagnosis of Thoracic Pain: A Systematic Review

RESUMEN Introducción: Los protocolos de diagnóstico acelerado de dolor torácico, con el avance de la troponina de alta sensibilidad, permiten identificar a los pacientes que ingresan al servicio de urgencias con dolor torácico de bajo riesgo para un evento cardiovascular adverso mayor, que podrían ser dados de alta de forma temprana y segura, con ahorro de tiempo y recursos. Objetivo: Evaluar ensayos clínicos que utilicen protocolos de diagnóstico acelerado basados en troponina de alta sensibilidad. Material y métodos: se realizó una búsqueda de ensayos clínicos aleatorizados que evaluaran protocolos de diagnóstico acelerado basados en troponina de alta sensibilidad en los servicios de urgencias, en las bases de datos MEDLINE/Ovid, Cochrane y EMBASE utilizando los criterios de evaluación del manual Cochrane y la estrategia PRISMA Resultados: Tras una tamización de 3509 estudios se incluyeron 5 ensayos clínicos que incluyeron 1513 pacientes; se identificaron 409 (27%) altas tempranas, el 91% para el protocolo 0/3 h ESC, 72% para el 0/1 h, 48% para el EDACS, 40% para el HEART, 19 y 32% para ADAPT y 8 y 18% para el cuidado usual. El valor predictivo negativo fue alto, en un rango de 99,1 al 100% La duración media de la estancia hospitalaria fue más baja para los protocolos 0/1 h y 0/3 h ESC, con 4,6 y 5,6 horas respectivamente. Conclusiones: Los protocolos de diagnóstico acelerado en dolor torácico que implementan el uso de troponina de alta sensibilidad permiten lograr alta proporción de altas tempranas con baja tasa de eventos cardiovasculares mayores, con disminución del tiempo de estancia y recursos consumidos.

ABSTRACT Background: Accelerated diagnostic protocols for chest pain, with the advancement of high-sensitivity troponin, make it possible to identify patients admitted to the emergency department with chest pain and low risk for a major adverse cardiovascular event, who could be discharged immediately, early and safely, saving time and resources. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess clinical trials using accelerated diagnostic protocols based on high-sensitivity troponin. Methods: A search of randomized clinical trials evaluating accelerated diagnostic protocols based on high-sensitivity troponin in emergency services was carried out in MEDLINE/Ovid, Cochrane and EMBASE database, using the assessment criteria of the Cochrane manual and the PRISMA strategy. Results: After screening 3509 studies, 5 clinical trials, including 1513 patients, were analyzed. Early discharges were identified in 409 (27%) of patients, in 91% of cases for ESC 0/3-h protocols, 72% for 0/1-h, 48% for EDACS, 40% for HEART, 19% and 32% for ADAPT and 8% and 18% for standard care protocols. The negative predictive value was high, in the 99.1-100% range. Mean length of hospital stay was lower for the 0/1-h and ESC 0/3-h protocols, with 4.6 and 5.6 hours, respectively. Conclusions: Accelerated diagnostic protocols in chest pain using high-sensitivity troponin allow a higher proportion of early discharges with a low rate of major cardiovascular events, with reduction in length of hospital stay and resources used.

Aterectomía rotacional complicada en una paciente anciana con enfermedad coronaria multivaso. Reporte de caso

La aterectomía rotacional es un procedimiento específico utilizado para el manejo de lesiones coronarias complejas, especialmente cuando existe calcificación de las arterias coronarias (CAC). Esta técnica fue muy utilizada hasta la última década del siglo pasado; actualmente, aunque es poco usada, juega un papel importante en pacientes que podrían ser candidatos a revascularización quirúrgica pero que, por diferentes patologías ―como la enfermedad ateromatosa difusa, en la que se requieren estents largos, reestenosis in-stent, lesiones ostiales calcificadas y oclusiones totales crónicas―, se rechaza la opción quirúrgica. La aterectomía rotacional es un método que utiliza una fresa recubierta de diamante para reducir el volumen de las placas ateroescleróticas y la calcificación de los vasos. Este dispositivo dispersa la placa en microfragmentos, con lo que se consigue un aumento del diámetro luminal. Estos fragmentos, que tienen un diámetro mínimo, pasan predominantemente a la circulación capilar y luego son absorbidos por el sistema reticuloendotelial. Dentro de las complicaciones de esta técnica destacan la disección arterial, el atrapamiento del dispositivo, la bradicardia y la microperforación de arterias coronarias. Esta última puede ser corregida con el uso de trombina, de grasa subcutánea o de perlas. Este artículo reporta el caso de una paciente anciana con enfermedad coronaria multivaso asociada a calcificación extensa de todas las arterias coronarias, por una historia de radioterapia recibida en años anteriores por cáncer de mama y que, al no ser candidata a terapia quirúrgica por cirugía cardiovascular, requirió manejo con aterectomía rotacional que se vio complicada por microperforación de una arteria coronaria, pero que posteriormente evolucionó de manera satisfactoria.

Rotational atherectomy is a specific procedure for managing complex coronary artery lesions, especially when there is coronary artery calcification (CAC). This technique was widely used until the last decade of the 20th century; however, although it is rarely used, it currently plays an important role in patients who could be candidates for surgical revascularization but reject surgeries due to different pathologies-such as diffuse atheromatous disease requiring long stents, in-stent restenosis, calcified ostial lesions and chronic total occlusions. Rotational atherectomy is a method that uses a diamond-coated burr to reduce the volume of atherosclerotic plaques and calcification of vessels. This device breaks up plaque into microfragments, leading to an increase in lumen diameter. These fragments, which have a tiny diameter, pass predominantly into the capillary circulation and are then absorbed by the reticuloendothelial system. Among the complications of this technique are arterial dissection, device entrapment, bradycardia and microperforation of coronary arteries. The latter can be corrected with the use of thrombin, subcutaneous fat or beads. This article reports the case of an elderly female patient with multivessel coronary artery disease associated with extensive calcification of all the coronary arteries secondary to radiotherapy received in previous years for breast cancer. The patient, not being a candidate for cardiovascular surgery, required a rotational atherectomy that resulted in a microperforation of a coronary artery but with good subsequent progress.

Delta of Egypt Atrial Fibrillation Registry Phase Two

Background: Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent cardiac arrhythmia found in clinical practice. The assessed frequency of AF in adults is between 2% and 4%, with greater incidence and frequency rates in developed nations [1,2]. AF prevalence increases with advancing age, and with some cardiac and non-cardiac disorders, also it may exist in the absence of any conditions [2]. We aimed to determine case characteristics, practice patterns, management strategies and outcomes of atrial fibrillation in the delta area of Egypt. Methods: This registry-based cross-sectional study included 1000 atrial fibrillation patients (with any AF patterns) who were allowed to enter ER in cardiac centers and hospitals in middle Delta of Egypt from April 2020 to March 2021. Results: 267 patients (26.7%) were unstable. Heart failure, hypertension, and coronary disease were still prevalent comorbidities in our AF dataset, where hypertension accounts for over 50% of all AF cases. Rheumatic valvular heart disorder was a major underlying disease for the development of AF, still about 25.5% by echocardiography. Lone AF still high 20.6%. CHA2DS2VASc score ?2 is 83.5%. A high proportion of cases were treated with pharmaceuticals for rate control nearly 52.7% of the cases and nearly 30.3% of the cases were given pharmacological medications for the cardioversion to the sinus rhythm and a small proportion of the cases were given electrical cardioversion nearly 7%. Conclusions: Coronary disease, hypertension, and heart failure were still usual comorbidities in AF. Rheumatic valvular heart disease is still about 25.5% of the total registry. Amiodarone is the most prevalent antiarrhythmic medications (AAD) used. lone AF still high 20.6%. minimal use of novel oral anticoagulant (OAC).

Home-based Virtual Reality Exercise Program During the Maintenance Stage of Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Background: Home-based virtual reality technology may become an alternative to cardiac rehabilitation. Objectives: To evaluate the effects of a specific, home-based exercise program, performed either through a virtual reality (Kinect) or a conventional format (booklet) in the maintenance stage of cardiac rehabilitation for six months on functional muscle strength of the lower limbs, physical activity and exercise tolerance. Methodology: This is a randomized clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT02753829) with individuals with coronary artery disease from a hospital in Porto, Portugal, randomly allocated to an experimental group "1" (EG1; n = 11), submitted to a virtual reality exercise program (Kinect); an experimental group "2" (EG2; n = 11), submitted to an exercise program described in a booklet (conventional format); or a control group (CG) (n=11), submitted to routine care. Parameters of functional muscle strength of the lower limbs (sit-to-stand test), physical activity (accelerometer) and exercise tolerance (stress test) were assessed and compared between the groups. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied, with 95% with a significance level of 0.05. Results: Significant improvements in functional muscle strength of the lower limbs were observed in EG1 compared to EG2, at three months (19.5 ± 7.7 versus 11.9 ± 4.7, p = 0.042), and at six months (23.0 ± 7.7 versus 14.6 ± 4.6, p = 0.027) of intervention. Conclusions: The program did not demonstrate superior results, in relation to the control group and among the different formats, in physical activity and effort tolerance. In relation to the functional muscle strength of the lower limbs, the virtual reality format showed significantly better results when compared to the conventional format only.

Left Main Total Chronic Occlusion in a Patient with Colorectal Cancer: A Case Report of a Rare and Severe Localization of Coronary Artery Disease

The aim of this case report is to draw attention at the potential severity of presentation of these associated pathologies. Prevention through early screening of colorectal cancer in patients with coronary artery disease and vice versa is the guarantee of a better management of the two pathologies. Cardiovascular disease and cancer are the two leading causes of death worldwide. Emerging evidence suggests associations between cardiovascular disease and several cancers, including colorectal cancer. Many cases have reported severe coronary artery disease (CAD) in association with colorectal cancer including triple vessel disease. To the best of our knowledge this is the first case reporting a total occlusion of the left main coronary artery in such patients. We report the case of a 52 years old woman presented to our cath lab for severe angina (Class III of the Canadian classification) and impairment of left ventricle function. Six months before the patient was diagnosed with a metastatic colorectal cancer. Coronary angiography showed absence of anterograde opacification of the left coronary system. Selective right coronary artery angiography showed a retrograde filling of the left coronary system by collaterals issued from proximal and distal dominant right coronary artery. Several studies have reported the association between colorectal neoplasm and CAD but Isolated left main coronary artery disease is extremely uncommon. Patients with left main coronary artery disease have always a grim prognosis and without prompt revascularization 60% will die after 5 years while survivors live with severe angina; heart failure or both.

The Effectiveness of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Patients with Left Ventricular Dysfunction

ABSTRACT Introduction: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) remains a surgical challenge and is still controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of CABG in patients with LVD. Methods: This retrospective study included a total of 160 consecutive patients (133 males, 27 females, mean age 62.1±10.12 years [range 37 to 86 years]) who had a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 45% determined by echocardiography and underwent elective isolated CABG between September 2013 and December 2018. Preoperative echocardiographic data, such as ejection fraction, left ventricular (LV) end-systolic diameter, and LV end-diastolic diameter, were collected and evaluated. Preoperatively, 85 (53.13%) patients were in New York Heart Association functional class III or IV and the mean LVEF was 38.65±5.72% (range 20 to 45). Results: The overall hospital mortality was 5% (eight patients). Late follow-up was obtained in 152 (90%) cases (median follow-up time was 56,5 [3-87] months postoperatively). During follow-up, mortality developed in 11.3% (16 patients). Mean LVEF increased significantly from 38.78±5.59% before surgery to 43.29±8.46% after surgery (P<0.01). Mean late survival, freedom from coronary reintervention, and congestive heart failure rates were 86.3±3.3%, 88.7±3.9%, and 89.4±3.1%, respectively. Conclusion: In patients with LVD, CABG can be performed with low postoperative morbidity and mortality rates. Patients with LVD could benefit from coronary bypass surgery regarding postoperative LV systolic function and higher quality of life.

Diminuição dos Níveis Séricos do Receptor Solúvel da Oncostatina M (sOSMR) e Glicoproteína 130 (sgp130) em Pacientes com Doença Arterial Coronariana / Decreased Serum Levels of Soluble Oncostatin M Receptor (sOSMR) and Glycoprotein 130 (sgp130) in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Resumo Fundamento A oncostatina M (OSM) é uma citocina pleiotrópica que, após lesão arterial, demonstra ser expressa rapidamente. Objetivos Correlacionar os níveis séricos da OSM, do receptor solúvel de oncostatina M (sOSMR) e da fração solúvel de glicoproteína 130 (sgp130) em pacientes com doença arterial coronariana (DAC) a parâmetros clínicos. Métodos Os níveis de sOSMR e sgp130 foram avaliados por ELISA, enquanto os de OSM foram avaliados por Western Blot, em pacientes com SCC (n=100), pacientes com SCA (n=70) e 64 voluntários do grupo de controle sem manifestações clínicas da doença. Valores de p <0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados Pacientes com DAC exibiram níveis significativamente mais baixos de sOSMR e sgp130 e níveis mais altos de OSM em comparação ao grupo de controle (ambos p <0,0001). A análise clínica mostrou níveis mais baixos de sOSMR em homens ([OR] = 2,05, p = 0,026), jovens (OR = 1,68, p = 0,0272), hipertensos (OR = 2,19, p = 0,041), fumantes (OR = 2,19, p = 0,017), pacientes que não apresentavam dislipidemia (OR = 2,32, p = 0,013), pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio [IAM] (OR = 3,01, p = 0,001) e pacientes não tratados com estatina (OR = 1,95, p = 0,031), antiplaquetário (OR = 2,46, p = 0,005), inibidores dos canais de cálcio (OR = 3,15, p = 0,028) e antidiabéticos (OR = 2,97, p = 0,005). Os níveis de sOSMR também foram correlacionados a sexo, idade, hipertensão e uso de medicamentos na análise multivariada. Conclusões Nossos dados sugerem que o aumento dos níveis séricos de OSM e a diminuição dos níveis de sOSMR e sGP130 em pacientes com injúria cardíaca podem desempenhar um papel importante no mecanismo fisiopatológico da doença. Além disso, níveis mais baixos de sOSMR foram associados a sexo, idade, hipertensão e uso de medicamentos.

Abstract Background Oncostatin M (OSM) is a pleiotropic cytokine which, after arterial injury, has proven to be to be rapidly expressed. Objectives To correlate the serum levels of OSM, soluble OSM receptor (sOSMR), and soluble fraction of glycoprotein 130 (sgp130) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) with clinical parameters. Methods Levels of sOSMR and sgp130 were evaluated by ELISA and OSM by Western Blot, in patients with CCS (n=100), patients with ACS (n=70), and 64 control volunteers without clinical manifestations of the disease. P-values < 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Results CAD patients exhibited significantly lower levels of sOSMR and sgp130 and higher levels of OSM when compared to the controls (both p < 0.0001). Clinical analysis displayed, lower levels of sOSMR in men ([OR] = 2.05, p = 0.026), youth (OR = 1.68, p = 0.0272), hypertensives (OR = 2.19, p = 0.041), smokers (OR = 2.19, p = 0.017), patients that did not present dyslipidemia (OR = 2.32, p = 0.013), patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction [AMI] (OR = 3.01, p = 0.001) and patients not treated with statin (OR = 1.95, p = 0.031), antiplatelet agent (OR = 2.46, p = 0.005), inhibitors of calcium channels (OR = 3.15, p = 0.028), and antidiabetic drugs (OR = 2.97, p = 0.005). The levels of sOSMR were also correlated with gender, age, hypertension, and use of medications in multivariate analysis. Conclusions Our data suggest that the enhanced serum levels of OSM, and decreased levels of sOSMR and sGP130 in patients with cardiac injury may play an important role in the pathophysiological mechanism of the disease. Furthermore, lower levels of sOSMR were associated with gender, age, hypertension, and the use of medications.

Efeitos da intervenção terapêutica de enfermagem em pacientes com doença cardíaca coronária / Efectos de la intervención terapéutica de enfermería en pacientes con enfermedad arterial coronaria / Effects of nursing intervention therapy on patients with coronary heart disease

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar os efeitos da intervenção terapêutica de enfermagem baseada no modelo de trajetória da doença crônica na ansiedade e na qualidade de vida de pacientes com doença cardíaca coronária (DCC). Métodos Um total de 118 pacientes com DCC admitidos entre fevereiro de 2019 e fevereiro de 2021 foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em grupos controle e observação (n = 59). O grupo controle recebeu intervenção de enfermagem de rotina, enquanto o grupo observação recebeu intervenção com base no modelo de trajetória da doença crônica. Os sintomas clínicos, a escala de autoavaliação de ansiedade (SAS), a qualidade de vida (QV) e as pontuações de autoeficácia foram comparados. As taxas de incidência de complicações foram comparadas. A análise de regressão linear multivariada foi realizada para o efeito mediador da autoeficácia na relação entre ansiedade e QV. Um modelo de equação estrutural foi construído e validado. Resultados Após a intervenção, os sintomas clínicos e a pontuação da SAS diminuíram significativamente em ambos os grupos, especialmente no grupo observação (P<0,05). As pontuações de QV e autoeficácia aumentaram significativamente em ambos os grupos, particularmente no grupo de observação (P<0,05). A pontuação de autoeficácia correlacionou-se negativamente com a pontuação SAS e positivamente com a pontuação QV. Houve correlação negativa entre a pontuação SAS e a pontuação QV (P<0,05). O modelo de autoeficácia, ansiedade e QV apresentou boa adequação, e o efeito mediador da autoeficácia na relação entre ansiedade e QV foi de 0,896. A taxa de incidência de complicações foi significativamente menor no grupo observação do que no grupo controle (P <0,05). Conclusão A intervenção de enfermagem baseada no modelo de trajetória da doença crônica alivia significativamente a ansiedade, melhora a QV e aumenta a pontuação de autoeficácia de pacientes com DCC. A autoeficácia é um mediador da relação entre ansiedade e QV.

Resumen Objetivo Evaluar los efectos de la intervención terapéutica de enfermería con base en el modelo de trayectoria de la enfermedad crónica en la ansiedad y en la calidad de vida de pacientes con enfermedad arterial coronaria (EAC). Métodos Un total de 118 pacientes con EAC admitidos entre febrero de 2019 y febrero de 2021 fueron distribuidos aleatoriamente en grupos control y observación (n = 59). El grupo control recibió intervención de enfermería de rutina, mientras el grupo observación recibió intervención con base en el modelo de trayectoria de la enfermedad crónica. Se compararon los síntomas clínicos, la escala de autoevaluación de ansiedad (EAA), la calidad de vida (CV) y el puntaje de autoeficacia. Se compararon las tasas de incidencia de complicaciones. El análisis de regresión lineal multivariado se realizó para el efecto mediador de la autoeficacia en la relación entre ansiedad y CV. Se elaboró y validó un modelo de ecuación estructural. Resultados Después de la intervención, los síntomas clínicos y el puntuaje de la EAA disminuyeron de forma considerable en ambos grupos, especialmente en el grupo observación (P<0,05). Los puntajes de CV y de autoeficacia aumentaron considerablemente en ambos grupos, particularmente en el grupo de observación (P<0,05). El puntaje de autoeficacia se correlacionó negativamente con el puntaje EAA y positivamente con el puntaje CV. Hubo una correlación negativa entre el puntaje EAA y el puntaje CV (P<0,05). El modelo de autoeficacia, ansiedad y CV presentó una buena adecuación y el efecto mediador de la autoeficacia en la relación entre ansiedad y CV fue de 0,896. La tasa de incidencia de complicaciones fue considerablemente inferior en el grupo observación que en el grupo control (P <0,05). Conclusión La intervención de enfermería con base en el modelo de trayectoria de la enfermedad crónica alivia de forma considerable la ansiedad, mejora la CV y aumenta el puntaje de autoeficacia de pacientes con EAC. La autoeficacia es un mediador de la relación entre ansiedad y CV.

Abstract Objective We aimed to assess the effects of nursing intervention therapy based on chronic disease trajectory model on anxiety and quality of life (QOL) of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods A total of 118 CHD patients admitted from February 2019 to February 2021 were randomly assigned into control and observation groups (n=59). Control group was given routine nursing intervention, while observation group was given intervention based on chronic disease trajectory model. Clinical symptom, self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), QOL and self-efficacy scores were compared. Incidence rates of complications were compared. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed for the mediating effect of self-efficacy on relationship between anxiety and QOL. A structural equation model was constructed and verified. Results After intervention, clinical symptom and SAS scores significantly declined in both groups, especially in observation group (P<0.05). QOL and self-efficacy scores rose significantly in both groups, particularly in observation group (P<0.05). Self-efficacy score was negatively correlated with SAS score and positively correlated with QOL score, and there was a negative correlation between SAS score and QOL score (P<0.05). The model of self-efficacy, anxiety and QOL had good fitness, and the mediating effect of self-efficacy on relationship between anxiety and QOL was 0.896. The incidence rate of complications was significantly lower in observation group than in control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Nursing intervention based on chronic disease trajectory model significantly relieves the anxiety, improves QOL, and increases the self-efficacy score of CHD patients. Self-efficacy is a mediator for the relationship between anxiety and QOL.

Evaluation of application effect of two-way referral service in the referral and treatment of coronary disease / 中华健康管理学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effect of two-way referral service in referral and treatment of patients with coronary disease.Methods:A non-randomized controlled study was used, 80 patients with coronary disease who were referred to the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University through the fast referral channel, also called green referral channel (GRC) of telemedicine service mode from January 2021 to January 2022 were selected as the GRC referral group. A propensity score was used to match 110 patients from the same period with coronary disease who were referred to this hospital through conventional medical channels and had similar basic conditions such as age, gender, region and medical insurance type as the conventional referral group. The differences in disease severity, referral time, hospitalization cost and other indicators were compared using t-test, χ2 test and nonparametric test between the two groups, and the satisfaction of the GRC referral group was investigated. Results:The proportion of patients with heart function grade Ⅲ (NYHA grading), heart failure, atrial fibrillation and interventional therapy in the GRC referral group was significantly higher than conventional referral group (all P<0.05). The total referral time and bed waiting time of patients in the GRC referral group were significantly shorter than conventional referral group [14.16 (9.62, 25.61) vs 34.39 (28.51, 49.68) h, 2.13 (0.83, 6.64) vs 24.58 (20.27, 27.68) h] ( Z=8.465, 9.172, all P<0.001). The hospitalization cost, surgical treatment cost and material cost in GRC referral group were significantly higher than conventional referral group [24 755 (11 559, 56 521) vs 14 700 (9 375, 29 534) CNY, 6 013 (2 096, 8 256) vs 2 562 (2 044, 6 154) CNY, 12 093 (1 267, 35 689) vs 1 329 (826, 16 125) CNY] ( Z=2.814, 2.917, 3.353, all P<0.05), and the diagnosis cost was significantly lower than conventional referral group [4 878 (3 628, 6 847) vs 5 719 (4 228, 7 639) CNY] ( Z=2.323, P<0.05). In the GRC referral group, the satisfaction rates with referral process, visit time and patient experience were all above 90%. Conclusion:Two-way referral service based on telemedicine has a good application effect in the referral and treatment of patients with coronary disease.

Value of SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging and coronary flow reserve combined with coronary artery calcium score in the diagnosis of obstructive coronary artery disease / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Objective:To study the value of myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) and coronary flow reserve (CFR) combined with coronary artery calcium score (CACS) in the diagnosis of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD).Methods:From January 2019 to December 2020, 96 confirmed or suspective CAD patients (65 males, 31 females; age: 30-81 years) who completed rest/stress MPI, CFR and CACS defection in Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Coronary angiography (CAG) was used as the diagnostic standard to calculate the sensitivity and accuracy of MPI, CFR and MPI/CFR combined with CACS in the diagnosis of CAD. The χ2 test was used to compare the diagnostic efficiency of different methods. Results:The diagnostic sensitivity of MPI was 76.06%(54/71), and the accuracy was 75.00%(72/96), while the sensitivity increased to 97.18%(69/71; χ2=13.67, P<0.001) and the accuracy increased to 87.50%(84/96; χ2=4.92, P=0.020) with significant differences after combined with CACS. The sensitivity and accuracy of CFR were 91.55%(65/71)and 87.50%(84/96), which increased to 97.18%(69/71; χ2=2.12, P=0.137) and 89.58%(86/96; χ2=0.21, P=0.411) with no significant differences after combined with CACS. The sensitivity of MPI in the diagnosis of three-vessel CAD was 70.00%(21/30), which increased to 100%(30/30; χ2=7.75, P=0.004) after combined with CACS; while the sensitivity of MPI combined with CACS in the diagnosis of single-vessel and double-vessel CAD were not significantly improved ( χ2 values: 3.29, 1.51, P values: 0.114, 0.416). Conclusion:The combination of MPI and CACS can significantly improve the diagnostic efficiency of CAD, contributed by the improvement of the diagnostic sensitivity in three-vessel disease; whereas the diagnostic efficiency of CFR for CAD is not significantly improved after combined with CACS.

Establishment of the normal reference values of left ventricular function parameters evaluated by CZT SPECT stress gated myocardial perfusion imaging in low-likelihood of stable coronary artery disease / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Objective:To establish the normal reference value of left ventricular function parameters by cadmium-zinc-tellurium (CZT) SPECT stress gated myocardial perfusion imaging (G-MPI) in low-likelihood of stable coronary artery disease (SCAD).Methods:From March 2022 to August 2022, 348 consecutive SCAD patients (146 males, 202 females, age (58±10) years) who underwent exercise or pharmacological stress G-MPI (CZT SPECT) in Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University were retrospectively recruited. Left ventricular end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were acquired using quantitative gated SPECT (QGS) analysis. EDV and ESV were corrected by body surface area (BSA) to obtain EDV index (EDVI) and ESV index (ESVI), respectively. Independent-sample t test, one-way analysis of variance and Mann-Whitney U test were used for data analysis. The influences of EDV, ESV, EDVI, ESVI and LVEF were analyzed by multiple regressions for linear models. Results:There were 314 patients with low-likelihood of SCAD (128 males, 186 females, age (58±10) years) and 34 normal controls (18 males, 16 females, age (55±10) years). There were no significant differences of basic clinical characteristics and left ventricular function parameters in different genders between 2 groups ( z values: from -1.74 to -0.02, t values: from -1.16 to 1.17, all P>0.05). Using the 95% CI as the cut-off value for left ventricular function parameters in patients with a low-likelihood of SCAD, the upper limits of EDV, ESV, EDVI and ESVI in females and males were 84 and 111 ml, 30 and 44 ml, 47 and 54 ml/m 2, 17 and 21 ml/m 2, respectively, and the lower limit of LVEF in females and males were 58% and 55%, respectively. In the low-likelihood of SCAD group, the EDV ((58±13) vs (77±17) ml) and ESV ((16±7) vs (26±9) ml) of females were smaller than those of males ( t values: 10.65, 10.35, both P<0.001), while LVEF of females was higher than that of males ((72±7)% vs (67±6)%; t=-6.23, P<0.001). However, there were no significant differences in left ventricular function parameters among different age groups with the same gender ( F values: 0.12-2.19, all P>0.05). Based on multiple regression for linear models, the primary predictors of EDV, ESV and LVEF were gender and weight ( β values: from -0.380 to 0.358, all P<0.05). Conclusions:Normal reference values of left ventricular function parameters are established by CZT SPECT stress G-MPI in low-likelihood of SCAD patients. Left ventricular EDV and ESV of females are smaller than those of males, while LVEF of females is higher than that of males. The influence of gender on left ventricular function parameters should be considered in clinical practice.

Relationship between coronary flow reserve by CZT SPECT and invasive coronary fractional flow reserve and its potential clinical value / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Objective:To evaluate the relationship between regional coronary flow reserve (CFR) obtained from cadmium-zinc-telluride SPECT(CZT SPECT) myocardial functional perfusion imaging (MFPI) and invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR) measured during coronary angiography (CAG) and its clinical value in guiding coronary interventions.Methods:Forty-two patients (30 males, 12 females, age (63.3±9.8) years) who completed CZT SPECT MFPI in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from June 2022 to September 2022 and underwent CAG within 3 months were included retrospectively. The concordance of CFR and FFR for diagnosing myocardial ischemia (CFR<2.0 and FFR<0.8) was calculated at the vascular level. The diagnostic efficacy of coronary stenosis≥70% for decreased myocardial blood flow (CFR<2.0) was calculated. Kappa test was used to analyze the data. Results:A total of 126 major coronary arteries were identified in 42 patients, of which 30(23.8%) had a CFR<2.0 by CZT SPECT and 33(26.2%) had stenosis≥70% in CAG. A total of 32 coronary vessels were performed with MFPI CFR and FFR measurements, of which 6 were both decreased and 21 were both normal, so the concordance rate was 84.4%(27/32)( Kappa=0.612, P<0.001). Among 33 coronary vessels with stenosis≥70%, 13 were with CFR≥2.0. Among 30 coronary vessels with CFR<2.0, 10 were with stenosis<70%. When using stenosis≥70% to diagnose CFR decreasing, the sensitivity was 66.7%(20/30), specificity was 86.5%(83/96), positive predictive value was 60.6%(20/33), negative predictive value was 89.2%(83/93), and accuracy was 81.7%(103/126). Conclusions:The concordance between CFR and FFR for the diagnosis of myocardial ischemia is good. Nearly 1/3 of the coronary arteries with decreased CFR have stenosis<70%, whereas nearly 40% of the coronary arteries with stenosis≥70% are not result in myocardial ischemia. Regional CFR determined by CZT SPECT may have potentially significant clinical value in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease and decision-making of coronary intervention.

Diagnostic value of ATP stress myocardial perfusion imaging in detecting coronary artery disease with quantitative coronary angiography as the gold standard / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Objective:To assess the diagnostic value of ATP stress myocardial perfusion imaging(MPI) in detecting coronary heart disease (CAD) with quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) as the gold standard.Methods:A total of 95 consecutive patients (65 males, 30 females, age (56.2±8.5) years) who underwent ATP stress/rest MPI and coronary angiography (CAG) within one month in Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from May 2018 to December 2018 were enrolled prospectively. The adverse reactions of ATP stress test were observed. Semi-quantitative analysis was performed on MPI results, and the summed stress score (SSS), summed rest score (SRS) and summed difference score (SDS) were obtained. Quantitative analysis was performed on CAG images, and the degree of QCA coronary artery stenosis was analyzed. Using QCA as the gold standard, the diagnostic efficiency of ATP stress MPI was calculated. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to analyzed the relationship between SSS and the degree of QCA coronary artery stenosis.Results:In 95 cases, the incidence of adverse reactions in ATP stress test was 73.7%(70/95), which could be relieved automatically after drug withdrawal. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of ATP stress MPI in diagnosing coronary artery stenosis ≥50% were 45.3%(24/53), 81.0%(34/42), 75.0%(24/32), 54.0%(34/63) and 61.1%(58/95) respectively, which were 15/16, 78.5%(62/79), 46.9%(15/32), 98.4%(62/63), and 81.1%(77/95) respectively in diagnosing coronary artery stenosis ≥70%. There was moderate correlation between SSS and the degree of QCA coronary artery stenosis ( r=0.418, P=0.017). Conclusion:ATP stress MPI has a clinical value in the diagnosis of myocardial ischemia in CAD.

Optimizing the risk stratification of coronary CT angiography for non-obstructive coronary artery disease based on cluster analysis / 中华放射学杂志

Objective:To explore the risk stratification value of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) in patients with non-obstructive coronary artery disease based on cluster analysis and to identify the high-risk population of cardiovascular adverse events in patients.Methods:Prospective consecutive patients with suspected coronary artery disease who underwent CCTA examination and were confirmed as non-obstructive coronary heart disease were enrolled in the General Hospital of Chinese PLA from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2017. The clinical characteristics and CCTA diagnosis information of patients were collected, and then follow-up was performed to obtain adverse cardiovascular events. Firstly, the cluster analysis based on CCTA information divided the patients into different groups. Then, the risk of adverse cardiovascular events was compared between different groups. Finally, segment involvement score (SIS) score, Leiden score, SIS score combined with clinical characteristics, Leiden score combined with clinical characteristics, and cluster information combined with clinical characteristics were used to stratify the population, and the concordance index-time curve and net reclassification improvement (NRI) index were described to compare the risk stratification ability of the five different models.Results:A total of 3 402 patients with non-obstructive coronary artery disease were included in the study, of whom 104 had adverse cardiovascular events during the follow-up period. Cluster analysis based on CCTA information classified patients into 3 different groups. There were statistically significant differences in clinical characteristics, CCTA information, and survival outcomes between groups ( P<0.05). The results of the concordance index-time curve showed that the risk stratification ability of CCTA cluster information combined with clinical characteristics was better than the current SIS score, Leiden score, SIS score combined with clinical characteristics, Leiden score combined with clinical characteristics. At the 1-year and 2-year time cutoffs, cluster information combined with clinical characteristics showed a positive increase in INR compared with the first four models (INR was 0.248 and 0.293, 0.316 and 0.293, 0.147 and 0.003, 0.192 and 0.007, respectively). Conclusion:CCTA based on cluster analysis has a good risk stratification value for patients with non-obstructive coronary artery disease and is helpful for individualized intervention.

Application of transversus abdominis plane block combined with sevoflurane in laparoscopic cholecystectomy for patients with coronary heart disease / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To investigate the application value of ultrasound guided transversus abdominis plane block (TAP) combined with sevoflurane inhalation general anesthesia in patients with coronary heart disease undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Methods:A total of 90 patients with coronary heart disease who received laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the Third Hospital of Changsha from April 2021 to December 2021 were selected. The patients were randomly divided into observation group (47 cases) and control group (43 cases). The observation group was given ultrasound guided TAP combined with sevoflurane inhalation general anesthesia; The control group was given conventional general anesthesia. The heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and pulse oxygen saturation (SpO 2) of the two groups were observed before anesthesia (T 1), at the time of skin resection (T 2), at the time of gallbladder separation (T 3) and at the time of skin suture (T 4). The recovery time, operation time, anesthesia time and postoperative Visual Analogue Scale(VAS) score at 2, 6, 12 and 24 h were recorded. The levels of serum creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), myocardial troponin (cTnI), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) before and after operation were detected, and the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events in the two groups were observed. Results:The MAP and HR in T 2, T 3 and T 4 were higher than those in T 1 in the control group (all P<0.05); The MAP and HR at T 2, T 3 and T 4 in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (all P<0.05); There was no significant difference in operation time and anesthesia time between the observation group and the control group (all P>0.05); The recovery time of observation group was significantly earlier than that of control group ( P<0.05). The CK, CK-MB and cTnI in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group at 24 h after surgery (all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in SOD and MDA between the observation group and the control group at 24 h after surgery (all P<0.05). The VAS score of the observation group were lower than those of the control group at 2 h, 6h, 12 h and 24 h after surgery (all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative adverse cardiovascular events between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:TAP combined with sevoflurane inhalation general anesthesia has good application value in laparoscopic cholecystectomy in elderly patients, which can improve the anesthesia effect and the quality of recovery, and significantly reduce the myocardial injury of patients.

Research progress of soluble growth stimulating gene 2 protein in cardiovascular disease / 中国基层医药

Growth stimulating gene 2 (ST2) protein is a member of the interleukin-1 receptor family. It is mainly divided into a soluble secreted form sST2 and a transmembrane form ST2L. sST2 is a decoy receptor that competitively binds to interleukin-33 to block the interleukin-33/ST2L signaling pathway, worsening myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis, and ventricular dysfunction. Measuring sST2 is of important value for diagnosis and/or prognosis evaluation of cardiovascular diseases. This paper mainly reviews the research progress in the relationship between cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure, coronary heart disease, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, acute aortic dissection, and pulmonary hypertension, and sST2.

Predictive value of dynamic electrocardiography for myocardial ischemia and arrhythmia in patients with coronary heart disease / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the predictive value of dynamic electrocardiography (ECG) for myocardial ischemia and arrhythmia in patients with coronary heart disease.Methods:A total of 87 patients with coronary heart disease who received treatment in Wenling Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2020 to January 2022 were included in this study. These patients were divided into a conventional ECG group (group A, n = 40) and a dynamic ECG group (group B, n = 47) according to different examination methods. The detection rate of myocardial ischemia in the two groups was determined. The diagnostic efficacy of routine ECG and dynamic ECG for myocardial ischemia was analyzed according to the results of coronary angiography. The detection rate of arrhythmia was determined in each group. Patient satisfaction was compared between the two groups. Results:There was no significant difference in the total detection rate of myocardial ischemia between the two groups ( P = 0.154). The detection rate of asymptomatic myocardial ischemia in group B [25% (25/47)] was significantly higher than that in group A [10% (10/40), χ2 = 5.24, P = 0.020). According to the results of coronary angiography, the detection rates of myocardial ischemia in group A and group B were 68% (27/40) and 87% (41/47), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of group B in diagnosing myocardial ischemia were 80% (33/41), [67% (4/6), and 74% (35/47), respectively, all of which were significantly higher than 74% (20/27), [46% (6/13), 68% (27/40) in group A ( χ2 = 8.03, 5.89, 5.03, P = 0.003, 0.012, 0.005). The detection rates of premature ventricular contraction in bi-triplet rhythm, frequent paired premature atrial contraction in bi-triplet rhythm, right bundle-branch block, atrioventricular block, supraventricular tachycardia in group B were significantly higher compared with group A ( χ2 = 10.78, P = 0.001). According to the results of coronary angiography, the detection rates of arrhythmia in groups A and B were 65% (26/40) and 79% (37/47), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of diagnosing arrhythmia in coronary heart disease in group B were 86% (32/37), 40% (4/10), and 81% (38/47), respectively. The sensitivity and accuracy of diagnosing arrhythmia in coronary heart disease in group B were significantly higher than those in group A [58% (15/26), 55% (22/40), χ2 = 7.30, 4.90, P = 0.005, 0.010). Patient satisfaction in group B [87% (41/47)] was significantly higher than that in group A [65% (26/40), χ2 = 6.24, P = 0.044]. Conclusion:Compared with conventional ECG detection, dynamic ECG has substantially higher detection and diagnosis rates of myocardial ischemia and arrhythmia, as well as a higher patient satisfaction rate, in patients with coronary heart disease, in particular in those with asymptomatic myocardial ischemia.