Sex differences in Cardiovascular risk factors and management in a preventive Cardiology clinic at a tertiary referral center

Background@#Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in both genders worldwide. Gender differences in clinical presentation and treatment have been reported.@*Objective@#This study aims to describe and compare the cardiovascular risk factors and management strategies for primary prevention among Filipinos.@*Methods@#An analytical cross-sectional study was done on 2,082 patients at the Preventive Cardiology Clinic of a tertiary referral center in Quezon City, Philippines from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2017.@*Results@# Seventy-two percent of the patients were females with a higher mean age compared to males (57.67 + 10.50 vs 55.66 + 11.82, p 0.002). There were more women who were unemployed (75.2 vs 45.9, p<0.001). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of hypertension (68.6% vs 67.9%, p=0.542) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (19.8% vs 21.5%, p=0.437) in both genders. Beta blockers (24.1%), calcium channel blockers (22.9%) and angiotensin receptor blockers (22.1%) were the most commonly prescribed anti-hypertensive drugs. Biguanides were the most commonly prescribed glucose-lowering drug (11.3%). Compared to men, more women had dyslipidemia (51.8% vs 38.6%, p<0.001). Statins were more commonly prescribed in women (22.4 vs 18.1%, p=0.033).@*Conclusion@#There were significantly more women seen in our Preventive Cardiology clinic. Smoking and alcoholic drinking were higher in males. BMI, total cholesterol and HDL were significantly higher in females than in males.

Acute Limb Ischemia: A rare and devastating complication of infective Endocarditis

Introduction@#In contrast to embolic events to the brain, lungs and spleen which have been comprehensively discussed in literature, acute limb ischemia (ALI) due to septic embolism (SE) from infective endocarditis (IE) are uncommonly reported. There have been no reported cases of ALI as a complication of IE among Filipinos to date making this case report the first in our country@*Case Presentation@#We report two cases of communityacquired native valve endocarditis caused by streptococcus spp. and enterococcus faecalis. Both patients had large and mobile vegetations in the mitral valve and aortic valve respectively on transthoracic echocardiography. The first one developed ALI (IIa) on the R leg after the initiation of antibiotics. The second case presented with ALI (IIa) on the R leg on admission. They were given the appropriate antibiotics and received systemic anticoagulation with heparin. The first case underwent successful emergency embolectomy on the R leg but developed new-onset ALI on the L leg and refused further intervention. Embolectomy was also recommended on the second patient who also re-fused any intervention. Despite maximal medical management, both patients subsequently expired@*Conclusion@#Infective endocarditis (IE) patients are at risk to develop SE before or during the initiation of appropriate antibiotics. ALI is a life threatening extra cardiac complication of IE. Early recognition and prompt aggressive management are therefore imperative.

Congenitally absent right Coronary Artery with a Coronary Artery Fistula from the left Anterior Descending Artery to the main Pulmonary Artery: A case report

Introduction@#Single coronary artery and coronary artery fistulas are unusual findings either alone or in combination. They may be incidental findings or can present with myocardial ischemia.@*Case Presentation@#A 46-year-old male had chest pain accompanied by heart failure symptoms. He sought consult in our institution where further workups revealed that he suffered an acute coronary syndrome. He underwent diagnostic coronary angiogram which showed significant coronary artery disease. There was also a single coronary artery with a coronary artery fistula. Patient was appraised regarding surgical revascularization and repair but did not consent. He was stabilized and improved on optimal anti ischemic therapy.@*Discussion@#Electrocardiogram revealed ST elevation myocardial infarction of the anterior wall. Two dimensional echocardiogram showed depressed systolic function with an ejection fraction of 48% and multisegmental wall motion abnormalities. Coronary angiogram revealed a 70-80% stenosis of the mid portion of the left anterior descending artery. There is a fistulous vessel draining to the main pulmonary artery. The left circumflex is super dominant with an 80-90% stenosis at its termination and supplying the right coronary circulation. The right coronary artery was absent.@*Conclusion@#Coronary artery fistula in combination with a congenitally absent coronary artery is extremely rare. The presence of these abnormalities alone or in combination can exacerbate ischemia, complicate pre existing coronary artery disease and may cause ischemic cardiomyopathy. This case emphasizes the importance of integration of clinical as well as imaging modalities to diagnose this uncommon abnormality and in guiding clinicians for definitive management.

Development and validation of the Filipino Version of the Coronary Artery Disease Education Questionnaire Version 2 (FILIPINO CADE-Q II)

Introduction@#There is currently a lack of validated tools that measure knowledge level as an outcome of the educational component of cardiac rehabilitation programs in our local setting. The researchers aim to culturally adapt and validate a questionnaire that was designed to assess patients’ knowledge about coronary artery disease and participation in cardiac rehabilitation programs, the second version of the Coronary Artery Disease Education Questionnaire (CADE-Q II). @*Methods@#Qualified translators did two independent translations of the questionnaire. After back translation, the questions were reviewed and modified by a committee of experts. The final Filipino version was tested in a pilot study. For psychometric validation the tool was administered to 109 patients enrolled in a cardiac rehabilitation program. Criterion validity was assessed with regards to differences in educational attainment and patient characteristics. Spearman rank was used to correlate patient’s level of knowledge with number of sessions attended. Internal consistency was assessed by use of cronbach’s alpha.@*Results@#The final version of the questionnaire had 30 questions arranged in five domains consisting of medical condition, risk factors, exercise, nutrition, and psychosocial risk. Patients who were college graduates had significantly higher mean scores than non college graduates. The number of cardiac rehab sessions attended had a weak but statistically significant correlation with knowledge. (spearman rho 0.35, p=0.007). The overall internal consistency of the questionnaire was good (α=0.75)@*Conclusion@#The CADE-Q II questionnaire cross culturally adapted in Filipino is a valid and reliable tool which can be used to assess Filipino patients’ knowledge about their disease when participating in cardiac rehabilitation programs.