Relationship between blood viscosity and thrombus burden in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Increased whole blood viscosity (WBV) is associated with increased infarct area, impaired microvascular circulation and mortality in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). OBJECTIVES: We aimed to analyze the association between the WBV and thrombus burden (TB) in STEMI patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 167 STEMI patients who received primary percutaneous coronary intervention. WBV values were assessed using hematocrit and total protein values, and low shear rate(LSR) and high shear rate(HSR) were calculated. Angiographic TB was assessed according to the definition of the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) study group. The cases were dichotomized into low TB (grade 1-3) (n = 87) and high TB (grade 4-5) (n = 80) groups. RESULTS: The mean HSR and LSR values of the high TB group were significantly increased compared to the low TB group (p < 0.001, for each). In ROC analysis,for prediction of TB, a cut-off value of 3.83 WBV for HSR had a 71% sensitivity and a 60.7% specificity, and a cut-off value of 21 WBV for LSR had a 70% sensitivity and 59.9% specificity (p < 0.001,for each). Multivariate regression analysis showed that both HSR (OR = 2.408;p=0.020) and LSR (OR = 1.055;p=0.021) were independent predictors for high TB. CONCLUSION: Increased WBV was an independent predictor for the presence of high TB in patients with STEMI.

Awareness and Knowledge of Pneumococcal Vaccination in Cardiology Outpatient Clinics and the Impact of Physicians' Recommendations on Vaccination Rates.

AIM: We aimed to evaluate the awareness of pneumococcal vaccination (PCV13, PPSV23) in general cardiology outpatient clinics and impact of physicians' recommendations on vaccination rates. METHODS: This was a multicenter, observational, prospective cohort study. Patients over the age of 18 from 40 hospitals in different regions of Turkey who applied to the cardiology outpatient clinic between September 2022 and August 2021 participated. The vaccination rates were calculated within three months of follow-up from the admitting of the patient to cardiology clinics. RESULTS: The 403 (18.2%) patients with previous pneumococcal vaccination were excluded from the study. The mean age of study population (n = 1808) was 61.9 ± 12.1 years and 55.4% were male. The 58.7% had coronary artery disease, hypertension (74.1%) was the most common risk factor, and 32.7% of the patients had never been vaccinated although they had information about vaccination before. The main differences between vaccinated and unvaccinated patients were related to education level and ejection fraction. The physicians' recommendations were positively correlated with vaccination intention and behavior in our participants. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed a significant correlation between vaccination and female sex [OR = 1.55 (95% CI = 1.25-1.92), p < 0.001], higher education level [OR = 1.49 (95% CI = 1.15-1.92), p = 0.002] patients' knowledge [OR = 1.93 (95% CI = 1.56-2.40), p < 0.001], and their physician's recommendation [OR = 5.12 (95% CI = 1.92-13.68), p = 0.001]. CONCLUSION: To increase adult immunization rates, especially among those with or at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), it is essential to understand each of these factors. Even if during COVID-19 pandemic, there is an increased awareness about vaccination, the vaccine acceptance level is not enough, still. Further studies and interventions are needed to improve public vaccination rates.

Systemic Immune Inflammation Index is a Novel Marker in Predicting the Presence and Severity of Isolated Coronary Artery Ectasia. / O Índice de Inflamação Imune Sistêmica é um Novo Marcador na Previsão da Presença e Gravidade aa Ectasia Coronariana Isolada.

BACKGROUND: The underlying pathology of isolated coronary artery ectasia (CE) has not been fully elucidated. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine the relationship between the systemic immune inflammation index (Sii), which corresponds to the multiplying of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the platelet counts, and isolated CE. METHOD: The retrospective study population included 200 patients with isolated CE, 200 consecutive with obstructive coronary artery disease, and 200 consecutive with a normal coronary artery angiogram. A 2-sided p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Sii, NLR, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte-to-high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) were significantly higher in the CE group compared with the other groups (all p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, Sii (p<0.001, OR = 1.005, 95% CI =1.004-1.005) was found to be an independent predictor of isolated CE. In Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analysis, Sii had a higher Area Under the Curve than NLR, PLR, and MHR. Sii value of >517.35 has 79% sensitivity, 76% specificity for the prediction of the CE [AUC: 0.832, (p<0.001)]. Sii had a significant correlation with the number of ectatic coronary arteries and Markis classification (r:0.214 p=0.002; r:-0.195, p=0.006, respectively). CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that Sii was significantly associated with isolated CE presence and anatomical severity.

FUNDAMENTO: A patologia subjacente da ectasia da artéria coronária (EC) isolada não foi totalmente elucidada. OBJETIVO: Nosso objetivo foi examinar a relação entre o índice de inflamação imune sistêmica (Sii), que corresponde à multiplicação da razão neutrófilos-linfócitos (RNL) e as contagens de plaquetas, e EC isolada. MÉTODO: A população do estudo retrospectivo incluiu 200 pacientes com EC isolada, 200 consecutivos com doença arterial coronariana obstrutiva e 200 consecutivos com angiografia coronária normal. Um valor de p bicaudal <0,05 foi considerado significativo. RESULTADOS: Sii, RNL, razão plaqueta-linfócito (RPL) e razão monócito-colesterol de lipoproteína de alta densidade (MHR) foram significativamente maiores no grupo EC em comparação com os outros grupos (todos p<0,001). Na análise multivariada, Sii (p<0,001, OR = 1,005, IC 95% =1,004-1,005) foi considerado um preditor independente de EC isolada. Na análise da curva Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC), Sii teve uma área sob a curva maior em comparação com RNL, RPL e MHR. O valor de Sii >517,35 tem 79% de sensibilidade, 76% de especificidade para a predição do EC [AUC: 0,832, (p<0,001)]. Sii teve correlação significativa com o número de artérias coronárias ectásicas e classificação de Markis (r: 0,214 p=0,002; r:-0,195, p=0,006, respectivamente). CONCLUSÃO: Até onde sabemos, este é o primeiro estudo em que Sii foi significativamente associado à presença isolada de EC e gravidade anatômica.

O Índice de Inflamação Imune Sistêmica é um Novo Marcador na Previsão da Presença e Gravidade aa Ectasia Coronariana Isolada / Systemic Immune Inflammation Index is a Novel Marker in Predicting the Presence and Severity of Isolated Coronary Artery Ectasia

Resumo Fundamento A patologia subjacente da ectasia da artéria coronária (EC) isolada não foi totalmente elucidada. Objetivo Nosso objetivo foi examinar a relação entre o índice de inflamação imune sistêmica (Sıı), que corresponde à multiplicação da razão neutrófilos-linfócitos (RNL) e as contagens de plaquetas, e EC isolada. Método A população do estudo retrospectivo incluiu 200 pacientes com EC isolada, 200 consecutivos com doença arterial coronariana obstrutiva e 200 consecutivos com angiografia coronária normal. Um valor de p bicaudal <0,05 foi considerado significativo. Resultados Sıı, RNL, razão plaqueta-linfócito (RPL) e razão monócito-colesterol de lipoproteína de alta densidade (MHR) foram significativamente maiores no grupo EC em comparação com os outros grupos (todos p<0,001). Na análise multivariada, Sıı (p<0,001, OR = 1,005, IC 95% =1,004-1,005) foi considerado um preditor independente de EC isolada. Na análise da curva Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC), Sıı teve uma área sob a curva maior em comparação com RNL, RPL e MHR. O valor de Sıı >517,35 tem 79% de sensibilidade, 76% de especificidade para a predição do EC [AUC: 0,832, (p<0,001)]. Sıı teve correlação significativa com o número de artérias coronárias ectásicas e classificação de Markis (r: 0,214 p=0,002; r:-0,195, p=0,006, respectivamente). Conclusão Até onde sabemos, este é o primeiro estudo em que Sıı foi significativamente associado à presença isolada de EC e gravidade anatômica.

Abstract Background The underlying pathology of isolated coronary artery ectasia (CE) has not been fully elucidated. Objective We aimed to examine the relationship between the systemic immune inflammation index (Sıı), which corresponds to the multiplying of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the platelet counts, and isolated CE. Method The retrospective study population included 200 patients with isolated CE, 200 consecutive with obstructive coronary artery disease, and 200 consecutive with a normal coronary artery angiogram. A 2-sided p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results Sıı, NLR, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte-to-high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) were significantly higher in the CE group compared with the other groups (all p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, Sıı (p<0.001, OR = 1.005, 95% CI =1.004-1.005) was found to be an independent predictor of isolated CE. In Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analysis, Sıı had a higher Area Under the Curve than NLR, PLR, and MHR. Sıı value of >517.35 has 79% sensitivity, 76% specificity for the prediction of the CE [AUC: 0.832, (p<0.001)]. Sıı had a significant correlation with the number of ectatic coronary arteries and Markis classification (r:0.214 p=0.002; r:-0.195, p=0.006, respectively). Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that Sıı was significantly associated with isolated CE presence and anatomical severity.

Association between Circulating Omentin-1 Levels and Aortic Valve Sclerosis.

Background: Aortic valve sclerosis (AVS) is characterized by thickening of the valve leaflets accompanied by increased echogenicity and calcification without significant limitations in valve movements. Omentin-1 is a glycoprotein of the adiponectin family released from visceral adipose tissue, and it can be used as a biomarker of atherosclerosis, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. No studies have demonstrated any relationship between AVS and omentin-1 in the literature. We aimed to explore the association of serum omentin-1 levels with AVS. Methods: Eighty-six patients with AVS and 92 age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled into the study. The baseline clinical characteristics of the patients were recorded. Conventional 2-dimensional echocardiography was performed. Omentin-1 levels were measured. Results: The mean omentin-1 level was significantly lower in the AVS (+) group compared to the control group (78.16 ± 44.95 vs. 163.57 ± 59.84 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Omentin-1 [odds ratio (OR) = 3.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.88-5.39, p < 0.001,] and LDL-C (OR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.33-2.16, p = 0.015) were found to be independent predictors of AVS in multivariate logistic regression analysis. An omentin-1 level of < 92.45 ng/mL had 90.5% sensitivity and 71.4% specificity for the prediction of AVS (area under curve: 0.697, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our results indicated that a lower omentin-1 level was associated with an increased risk of AVS. We suggest that omentin-1 could be used as a treatment target as well as to predict AVS.

A New Score for Determining Thrombus Burden in STEMI Patients: The MAPH Score.

AIM: to investigate whether the MAPH score, which is a new score that combines blood viscosity biomarkers such as mean platelet volume (MPV), total protein and hematocrit, can be used to predict thrombus burden in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. METHODS: A total of 473 consecutive patients with STEMI were included in the study. Intracoronary tirofiban/abciximab infusion was applied to patients with thrombus load ≥3 and these patients (n = 71) were defined as the patient group with high thrombus load. MPV, age, hematocrit and total protein values of the patients were recorded. High shear rate (HSR) and low shear rate (LSR) were calculated from total protein and hematocrit values. Cut-off values were determined for high thrombus load by using Youden index, and score was determined as 0 or 1 according to cut-offs. The sum of the scores was calculated as the MAPH score. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients included in the study was 59.6 ± 12.6 (n = 354 male, 74.8%). There was no difference between the groups in terms of gender, HT and DM (P = .127, P = .402 and P = .576, respectively). In the group with high thrombus load; total protein, MPV and hematocrit values were higher (P < .001, P = .001 and P = .03, respectively). Comparison of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that the MAPH score had better performance in predicting higher thrombus load than both other self-containing parameters and HSR and LSR. CONCLUSION: The MAPH score may be a new score that can be used to determine thrombus burden in STEMI patients.

The ATRIA and Modified-ATRIA Scores in Evaluating the Risk of No-Reflow in Patients With STEMI Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

The no-reflow (NR) phenomenon is frequently encountered in acute coronary syndrome. We evaluated the association between anticoagulation and risk factors in atrial fibrillation (ATRIA) and modified ATRIA risk scores and NR in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Consecutive patients (n = 551) who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention between December 2019 and June 2020 due to STEMI were included. The mean age of the patients was 60.5 ± 10.8 years (n = 369, 67% male). The ATRIA and modified anticoagulation and risk factors in atrial fibrillation-hyperlipidemia, smoking, male (m-ATRIA-HS) scores were calculated. The NR group had higher frequency of diabetes mellitus (DM), serum creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) levels, and corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count (cTFC) (P = .002, P = .006, and P < .001, respectively). In regression analysis, ATRIA, m-ATRIA-HS, thrombus grade, and cTFC were independent predictors of NR. Age, higher CK-MB, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and DM were the other predictors for NR. Pairwise comparison of receiver operating characteristics curve analysis showed that the m-ATRIA-HS (>2, area under curve [AUC]: 0.715) has better performance than ATRIA score (>1, AUC: 0.656), with a P < .022 and z statistics 2.279. In conclusion, ATRIA, especially the m-ATRIA-HS, can be used to evaluate NR risk in STEMI.

Glasgow prognostic score as a marker of mortality after TAVI

Abstract Introduction: The Glasgow prognostic score (GPS) reflects host systemic inflammatory response and has been reported to be significant as a prognostic indicator in cancer-bearing patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of GPS in outcomes of patients with severe aortic stenosis who were treated with transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Methods: The study population consisted of 79 patients who underwent TAVI due to severe aortic stenosis between January 2018 and March 2019 in our clinic. Echocardiographic and laboratory data were recorded before the procedure and GPS was scored as 0, 1, or 2, based on serum albumin and C-reactive protein levels. European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II scoring system was used for risk stratification. The primary endpoints of the study were postoperative in-hospital mortality, hospitalization due to cardiac causes, or mortality within a year. Results: The 79 patients were classified into two groups according to outcomes. Fifteen patients (19%) reached the primary endpoints at one year of follow-up. Compared to the patients who did not reach the endpoints, these 15 patients were not different in terms of age, preoperative mean gradient, and ejection fraction (P>0.05 for all). GPS was the only laboratory parameter with statistically significant difference between the groups (P=0.008) and multivariate analysis showed that GPS was independent predictor of primary endpoints (P=0.012, odds ratio 4.51, 95% confidence interval 1.39-14.60). Conclusion: GPS is an easy, noninvasive laboratory test which may be used as a predictive biomarker for outcomes in patients undergoing TAVI.

Relationship between CANLPH score and in-hospital mortality in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

Aim: To evaluate the CANLPH score in in-hospital mortality after coronary artery bypass grafting. Materials & methods: The 999 patients were included in this retrospective cohort study. Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein/albumin ratio and platelet/hemoglobin ratio were determined and the CANLPH score was calculated as the sum score of 0 or 1 by the cutoff in each ratio. Results: Twenty-five patients who reached the primary end point were defined as the mortality group and the remaining as the nonmortality group. The CANLPH score was noninferior to the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II in receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis with difference between AUC: 0.0162, standard error (SE): 0.0394, z statistics: 0.682 and p = 0.494. Conclusion: The CANLPH score may be more appropriate in assessing the risk of in-hospital mortality after coronary artery bypass grafting.

Lay abstract Mortality, morbidity and complications of coronary artery disease depend largely on inflammatory processes. The CANLPH score, a combination of three different ratios, can better determine inflammation. We aimed to evaluate the CANLPH score in in-hospital mortality after coronary artery bypass grafting. The 999 patients were classified into two groups according to the primary end point. Twenty-five patients (2.5%) who reached the primary end point were defined as the mortality group and the remaining 974 patients as the nonmortality group. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/hemoglobin ratio and the CANLPH score were independent predictors of primary end point after coronary artery bypass grafting. The CANLPH score may be more appropriate than neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein/albumin ratio and platelet/hemoglobin ratio in assessing the risk of in-hospital mortality after coronary artery bypass grafting.

The ATRIA score is superior to the m-CHA2DS2-Vasc score in predicting in-hospital mortality in COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a health and social problem all over the world. Most of the deaths occur from embolism and thrombus formation. We aimed to compare the predictive value of the anticoagulation and risk factors in atrial fibrillation (ATRIA) and m-CHA2DS2-Vasc scores in in-hospital mortality in COVID-19. METHODS: Three-hundred and ninety-four patients who were hospitalized due to COVID-19 between 10 June 2020 and 10 September 2020 were included. Three-hundred and sixty patients who survived were defined as the non-mortality group and the remaining 34 whose hospitalizations resulted in death were defined as the mortality group. The anticoagulation and risk factors in atrial fibrillation and m-CHA2DS2-Vasc scores of the patients were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 394 patients, mean age 66.2±9.7 (221 male [56.1%]) were included in this retrospective study. The median values of the anticoagulation and risk factors in atrial fibrillation and m-CHA2DS2-Vasc scores were different between the groups (p<0.000 for both). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that both the m-CHA2DS2-Vasc and anticoagulation and risk factors in atrial fibrillation scores were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality (p=0.024, 95%CI 1.039-1.704 for anticoagulation and risk factors in atrial fibrillation and p=0.043, 95%CI 1.012-2.088 for m-CHA2DS2-Vasc). In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the anticoagulation and risk factors in atrial fibrillation score was superior to the m-CHA2DS2-Vasc score with an AUC 0.774 and SE:0.037, and p<0.001. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, we showed that the anticoagulation and risk factors in atrial fibrillation and m-CHA2DS2-Vasc scores can be used as predictors of thrombosis and mortality in COVID-19 patients. In addition, the predictive value of the anticoagulation and risk factors in atrial fibrillation score was higher than that of m-CHA2DS2-Vasc. The use of the anticoagulation and risk factors in atrial fibrillation score to assess high-risk patients in COVID-19 may be recommended.

Predictive role of Frontal QRS-T angle and Selvester QRS Score in determining angiographic slow flow phenomenon following percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction.

AIM: Slow flow (SF) that develops after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is significantly associated with poor prognosis in Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (Non-STEMI) patients. Increased Selvester QRS score and Frontal QRS-T angle [f(QRS-T)] are related to adverse cardiovascular outcomes. We aimed to investigate the predictive role of the Selvester QRS score and f(QRS-T) for the development of post-PCI SF in patients with Non-STEMI. METHOD AND RESULTS: In a retrospective study, 210 patients with Non-STEMI were divided into two groups as SF (29) and Non-SF (181) according to their TIMI coronary flow grade. For all patients the Selvester QRS score and f(QRS-T) were calculated from automatic electrocardiography (ECG) reports. The mean age of the study population was 63 (55-75) years and 102 (68.6%) of patients were male. The Selvester QRS score and f(QRS-T) were higher in the SF group than in the Non-SF group [(5[3-8], 3[2-5]); (67° [42°-88°], 39° [24°-59°]), respectively, all p <0.01]. In a logistic regression analysis, the Selvester QRS score (OR = 4,862; 95% (CI) = 1,131-20,904, p =0.03) and f(QRS-T) (OR = 5,489; 95% (CI)= 11,433-21,034, p =0.01) were found independent predictors of post-PCI SF in Non-STEMI patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to assess the diagnostic values of the Selvester QRS score [86% sensitivity; 44% specificity; cut off 2; (AUC, 0.693)] and f(QRS-T) [62% sensitivity; 73% specificity; cut off 58°; (AUC, 0.778)]. CONCLUSION: The Selvester QRS score and f(QRS-T), both easy-to-calculate ECG parameters, are predictors of post-PCI SF in Non-STEMI patients.

Glasgow Prognostic Score as a Marker of Mortality after TAVI.

INTRODUCTION: The Glasgow prognostic score (GPS) reflects host systemic inflammatory response and has been reported to be significant as a prognostic indicator in cancer-bearing patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of GPS in outcomes of patients with severe aortic stenosis who were treated with transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). METHODS: The study population consisted of 79 patients who underwent TAVI due to severe aortic stenosis between January 2018 and March 2019 in our clinic. Echocardiographic and laboratory data were recorded before the procedure and GPS was scored as 0, 1, or 2, based on serum albumin and C-reactive protein levels. European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II scoring system was used for risk stratification. The primary endpoints of the study were postoperative in-hospital mortality, hospitalization due to cardiac causes, or mortality within a year. RESULTS: The 79 patients were classified into two groups according to outcomes. Fifteen patients (19%) reached the primary endpoints at one year of follow-up. Compared to the patients who did not reach the endpoints, these 15 patients were not different in terms of age, preoperative mean gradient, and ejection fraction (P>0.05 for all). GPS was the only laboratory parameter with statistically significant difference between the groups (P=0.008) and multivariate analysis showed that GPS was independent predictor of primary endpoints (P=0.012, odds ratio 4.51, 95% confidence interval 1.39-14.60). CONCLUSION: GPS is an easy, noninvasive laboratory test which may be used as a predictive biomarker for outcomes in patients undergoing TAVI.

Slow Flow Phenomenon Impairs the Prognosis of Coronary Artery Ectasia as Well as Coronary Atherosclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is one of the uncommon cardiovascular disorders and its prognosis is still debated. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to review long-term follow-up data in patients with CAE and to evaluate the prognosis of CAE patients with coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP). METHODS: This study had a prospective design and 143 patients with CAE were included. The angiographic and demographic characteristics were reviewed in detail. The patients were categorized, based on concomitant coronary artery stenosis detected by angiography, as CCAE group (n=87, ≥30% luminal stenosis) and ICAE group (n=56, <30% luminal stenosis) and also categorized by the coronary flow as CSFP group (n=51) and normal flow coronary ectasia - NCEA group (n=92). All patients were re-evaluated at 6-month intervals. Followup data, cardiovascular (CV) mortality, hospitalization and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were collected. The level of statistical significance was set at 5%. RESULTS: Patients were followed up for an average of 56.9±7.4 months. During the follow-up, statistically significant differences were found in hospitalization, CV mortality and MACE between the CCAE and ICAE groups (P=0.038, P=0.003, P=0.001, respectively). The CSFP and NCEA groups were also compared. There was a statistical difference with respect to hospitalization between the CFSP and NCEA groups (P=0.001), but no difference was observed in terms of MACE and CV mortality (P=0.793 and P=0.279). CONCLUSION: CSFP accompanying CAE may be a predictor of hospitalization. Significant atherosclerotic plaques coexisting with CAE may be predictive for MACE.

Assessment of the relationship among breast milk intake, birth pattern, antibiotic use in infancy, and premature atherosclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have shown cesarean section (C-section) and antibiotic use in the infantile period lead to chronic diseases in later life. It is also known that breastfeeding, which forms the basal system of immunity, is a protector in neonates. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between breastfeeding, antibiotic use, C-section, and premature atherosclerosis. METHODS: A total of 100 patients who underwent coronary angiography and had stenosis in at least 1 epicardial vessel and 100 controls with normal coronaries were included in the study. In addition to traditional risk factors, type of delivery, breast milk intake and duration, and antibiotic use and frequency were evaluated for each participant. Lipid profile was added to the study procedure. Angiographic images of the study groups were examined to calculate the Gensini score. RESULTS: Smoking, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and family history were different between the groups. In the control group, 3 were born via C-section, whereas 26 were born via C-section in the atherosclerosis group (p<0.001). Breast milk intake and duration was also significantly higher in the control group (p=0.018). Antibiotic use was less in the control group, but there was no statistically significant difference (p=0.099). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and C-section were predictors of atherosclerosis (p=0.036, p=0.001, and p=0.003, respectively). In receiver operating characteristics curve analysis, the ability of C-section to predict premature atherosclerosis was superior to diabetes but not to smoking (area under curve, 0.607; p=0.023). CONCLUSION: Mode of delivery and breast milk intake should be evaluated and considered among the risk factors of premature atherosclerosis.

Slow Flow Phenomenon Impairs the Prognosis of Coronary Artery Ectasia as Well as Coronary Atherosclerosis

Abstract Introduction: Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is one of the uncommon cardiovascular disorders and its prognosis is still debated. Objective: We aimed to review long-term follow-up data in patients with CAE and to evaluate the prognosis of CAE patients with coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP). Methods: This study had a prospective design and 143 patients with CAE were included. The angiographic and demographic characteristics were reviewed in detail. The patients were categorized, based on concomitant coronary artery stenosis detected by angiography, as CCAE group (n=87, ≥30% luminal stenosis) and ICAE group (n=56, <30% luminal stenosis) and also categorized by the coronary flow as CSFP group (n=51) and normal flow coronary ectasia - NCEA group (n=92). All patients were re-evaluated at 6-month intervals. Follow-up data, cardiovascular (CV) mortality, hospitalization and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were collected. The level of statistical significance was set at 5%. Results: Patients were followed up for an average of 56.9±7.4 months. During the follow-up, statistically significant differences were found in hospitalization, CV mortality and MACE between the CCAE and ICAE groups (P=0.038, P=0.003, P=0.001, respectively). The CSFP and NCEA groups were also compared. There was a statistical difference with respect to hospitalization between the CFSP and NCEA groups (P=0.001), but no difference was observed in terms of MACE and CV mortality (P=0.793 and P=0.279). Conclusion: CSFP accompanying CAE may be a predictor of hospitalization. Significant atherosclerotic plaques coexisting with CAE may be predictive for MACE.

Impaired left atrial strain in the presence of interatrial block in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most common chronic diseases, and is a risk factor for atrial cardiomyopathy. Interatrial block (IAB), as a predictor of AF, is correlated with the extent of LA fibrosis in the process of atrial cardiomyopathy. We have not encountered any study evaluating LA and LV functions with 3D-STE in the presence of IAB in the T2DM patients. The purpose of the present study was to compare the LA and LV myocardial functions in patients with T2DM with and without IAB by 3D-STE. A total of 175 consecutive patients with T2DM who were examined at outpatient clinics were enrolled in the study (85 patients with IAB and 90 patients without IAB). Surface 12-lead standard electrocardiograms (ECGs) were recorded. Clinical characteristics and laboratory values of the patients were obtained. Conventional 2D echocardiographic and 3D-STE analyses were performed. The mean age of the patients was 59 ± 8.7 years, and 112 (64%) of the patients were female. The LAS-r and LAS-active were significantly decreased in the IAB (+) group than in the IAB (-) group. Statistically significant strong negative linear correlations were observed between P-wave duration and 3D-LA strain values. Our results indicate that there is an impairment in LA myocardial dynamics in the presence of IAB in T2DM patients. According to these findings, we can say that it will be useful to evaluate the LA functions at the preclinical stage in the presence of IAB in patients with T2DM, when considering ischemic cardiovascular and cerebral events.

Increased Pulmonary Arterial Stiffness and Impaired Right Ventricle-Pulmonary Artery Coupling In PCOS. / Aumento da Rigidez Arterial Pulmonar e Comprometimento do Acoplamento Ventrículo Direito-Artéria Pulmonar na SOP.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine-metabolic disease in women in reproductive age, and occurs in one of 10 women. The disease includes menstrual irregularity and excess of male hormones and is the most common cause of female infertility. Dyspnea is a frequent symptom and is often thought to be due to obesity, and whether it is due to cardiac dysfunction is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate right ventricle-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) coupling and pulmonary arterial stiffness in patients with PCOS. METHODS: 44 PCOS patients and 60 controls were included; venous blood samples were taken for laboratory tests and 2-D, m-mode and tissue doppler transthoracic echocardiography were performed for all the participants. P<0,05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: When compared to the control group, PCOS patients had higher pulmonary artery stiffness values (p=0,001), which were positively correlated with HOMA-IR (r=0,545 and p<0,001). RV-PA coupling was also impaired in 34% of the study patients. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary artery stiffness is increased and RV-PA coupling is impaired in patients with PCOS. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(4):806-811).

FUNDAMENTO: A síndrome dos ovários policísticos (SOP) é a doença endócrino-metabólica mais comum em mulheres em idade reprodutiva, e ocorre em uma a cada 10 mulheres. A doença inclui irregularidade menstrual e excesso de hormônios masculinos e é a causa mais comum de infertilidade em mulheres. A dispneia é um sintoma frequente e muitas vezes acredita-se que seja decorrente da obesidade, mas não se sabe se é decorrente de disfunção cardíaca. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o acoplamento ventrículo-arterial (VDAP) e a rigidez arterial pulmonar em pacientes com SOP. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos 44 pacientes com SOP e 60 controles; amostras de sangue venoso foram coletadas para exames laboratoriais e ecocardiograma transtorácico 2-D, Modo-M e com Doppler tecidual foram realizados em todos os participantes. Um valor de p<0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. RESULTADOS: Quando comparadas ao grupo controle, as pacientes com SOP apresentaram valores maiores de rigidez da artéria pulmonar (p = 0,001), que se correlacionaram positivamente com o índice HOMA-IR (r = 0,545 e p <0,001). O acoplamento VDAP também estava comprometido em 34% dos pacientes do estudo. CONCLUSÃO: A rigidez da artéria pulmonar está aumentada e o acoplamento VDAP está comprometido em pacientes com SOP. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(4):806-811).

Aumento da Rigidez Arterial Pulmonar e Comprometimento do Acoplamento Ventrículo Direito-Artéria Pulmonar na SOP / Increased Pulmonary Arterial Stiffness and Impaired Right Ventricle-Pulmonary Artery Coupling In PCOS

Resumo Fundamento: A síndrome dos ovários policísticos (SOP) é a doença endócrino-metabólica mais comum em mulheres em idade reprodutiva, e ocorre em uma a cada 10 mulheres. A doença inclui irregularidade menstrual e excesso de hormônios masculinos e é a causa mais comum de infertilidade em mulheres. A dispneia é um sintoma frequente e muitas vezes acredita-se que seja decorrente da obesidade, mas não se sabe se é decorrente de disfunção cardíaca. Objetivo: Avaliar o acoplamento ventrículo-arterial (VDAP) e a rigidez arterial pulmonar em pacientes com SOP. Métodos: Foram incluídos 44 pacientes com SOP e 60 controles; amostras de sangue venoso foram coletadas para exames laboratoriais e ecocardiograma transtorácico 2-D, Modo-M e com Doppler tecidual foram realizados em todos os participantes. Um valor de p<0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados: Quando comparadas ao grupo controle, as pacientes com SOP apresentaram valores maiores de rigidez da artéria pulmonar (p = 0,001), que se correlacionaram positivamente com o índice HOMA-IR (r = 0,545 e p <0,001). O acoplamento VDAP também estava comprometido em 34% dos pacientes do estudo. Conclusão: A rigidez da artéria pulmonar está aumentada e o acoplamento VDAP está comprometido em pacientes com SOP. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(4):806-811)

Abstract Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine-metabolic disease in women in reproductive age, and occurs in one of 10 women. The disease includes menstrual irregularity and excess of male hormones and is the most common cause of female infertility. Dyspnea is a frequent symptom and is often thought to be due to obesity, and whether it is due to cardiac dysfunction is unknown. Objective: To evaluate right ventricle-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) coupling and pulmonary arterial stiffness in patients with PCOS. Methods: 44 PCOS patients and 60 controls were included; venous blood samples were taken for laboratory tests and 2-D, m-mode and tissue doppler transthoracic echocardiography were performed for all the participants. P<0,05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: When compared to the control group, PCOS patients had higher pulmonary artery stiffness values (p=0,001), which were positively correlated with HOMA-IR (r=0,545 and p<0,001). RV-PA coupling was also impaired in 34% of the study patients. Conclusion: Pulmonary artery stiffness is increased and RV-PA coupling is impaired in patients with PCOS. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(4):806-811)

Comparison of the ATRIA, CHA2DS2-VASc, and Modified Scores ATRIA-HSV, CHA2DS2-VASc-HS, for the Prediction of Coronary Artery Disease Severity.

Many parameters included in the Anticoagulation and Risk Factors in Atrial Fibrillation (ATRIA) and CHA2DS2-VASc (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 years, diabetes mellitus, stroke, vascular disease, age 65-74 years, sex category) scores also predict coronary artery disease (CAD). We modified the ATRIA score (ATRIA-HSV) by adding hyperlipidemia, smoking, and vascular disease and also male sex instead of female. We evaluated whether the CHA2DS2-VASc, CHA2DS2-VASc-HS, ATRIA, and ATRIA-HSV scores predict severe CAD. Consecutive patients with coronary angiography were prospectively included. A ≥50% stenosis in ≥1epicardial coronary artery (CA) was defined as severe CAD. Patient with normal CA (n = 210) were defined as group 1, with <50% CA stenosis (n = 178) as group 2, and with ≥50% stenosis (n = 297) as group 3. The mean ATRIA, ATRIA-HSV, CHA2DS2-VASc, and CHA2DS2VASc-HS scores increased from group 1 to group 3. A correlation was found between the Synergy between PCI with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery score and ATRIA (r = 0.570), ATRIA-HSV (r = 0.614), CHA2DS2-VASc (r = 0.428), and CHA2DS2-VASc-HS (r = 0.500) scores (Ps < .005). Pairwise comparisons of receiver operating characteristics curves showed that ATRIA-HSV (>3 area under curve [AUC]: 0.874) and ATRIA (>3, AUC: 0.854) have a better performance than CHA2DS2-VASc (>1, AUC: 0.746) and CHA2DS2-VASc-HS (>2, AUC: 0.769). In conclusion, the ATRIA and ATRIA-HSV scores are simple and may be useful to predict severe CAD.