Women-Focused Cardiac Rehabilitation Delivery Around the World and Program Enablers to Support Broader Implementation.

Background: Women are less likely than men to use cardiac rehabilitation (CR); thus, women-focused (W-F) CR was developed. Implementation of W-F CR globally was investigated, as well as barriers and enablers to its delivery. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a survey was administered to CR programs via Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) from May to July, 2023. Potential respondents were identified via the International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation's network. Results: A total of 223 responses were received from 52 of 111 countries (46.8% country response rate) in the world that have any CR, across all 6 World Health Organization regions. Thirty-three programs (14.8%) from 30 countries reported offering any W-F programming. Programs commonly did offer elements preferred by women and recommended, namely, the following: patient choice of session time (n = 151; 70.6%); invitations for informal care providers and/or partners to attend sessions (n = 121; 57.1%); CR staff that have expertise in women and heart diseases (n = 112; 53.3%); separate changerooms for women (n = 38; 52.8%); and discussion of CR referral with patients (n = 112; 52.1%). Main barriers to delivery of W-F exercise were physical resources (n = 33; 14.8%), space (n = 30; 13.5%), and staff time (n = 26; 11.7%) and expertise (n = 33; 10.3%). Main barriers to delivery of W-F education were human resources (n = 114; 51.1%), educational resources (n = 26; 11.7%), and expertise in the content (n = 74; 33.2%). Enablers of W-F education delivery were availability of materials, in multiple modalities, as well as educated staff and financial resources. Conclusions: Despite the benefits, W-F CR is not commonly offered globally. Considering the barriers and enablers identified, the International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation is developing resources to expand delivery.

Contexte: Les femmes étant moins susceptibles que les hommes d'avoir recours à la réadaptation cardiaque (RC), il convient d'élaborer des programmes de RC qui sont mieux adaptés à leurs besoins. Le recours à de tels programmes dans le monde a fait l'objet d'une étude, laquelle portait également sur les obstacles à leur prestation et les facteurs qui les favorisent. Méthodologie: Dans cette étude transversale, un sondage a été mené auprès de programmes de RC via la REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture) de mai à juillet 2023. Les participants potentiels au sondage ont été sélectionnés par le réseau de l'International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation. Résultats: Au total, 223 réponses ont été reçues de 52 pays sur 111 qui ont un programme de RC (taux de réponse des pays de 46,8 %), dans les 6 régions de l'Organisation mondiale de la Santé. Selon les résultats, trente-trois programmes (14,8 %) de 30 pays offrent des services axés sur les femmes. Les programmes offraient habituellement des éléments privilégiés par les femmes et recommandaient notamment des séances au moment choisi par les patientes (n = 151; 70,6 %); la possibilité de se faire accompagner par un aidant naturel et/ou un(e) partenaire (n = 121; 57,1 %); du personnel de RC possédant une expertise auprès des femmes et en matière de maladies cardiaques (n = 112; 53,3 %); des vestiaires réservés aux femmes (n = 38; 52,8 %); et une discussion avec les patientes sur leur orientation vers des spécialistes en RC (n = 112; 52,1 %). Les principaux obstacles à la prestation de services pour les femmes étaient les ressources physiques (n = 33; 14,8 %), l'espace (n = 30; 13,5 %) ainsi que la disponibilité du personnel (n = 26; 11,7 %) et son expertise (n = 33; 10,3 %). Les principaux obstacles à l'éducation destinée aux femmes étaient les ressources humaines (n = 114; 51,1 %), les ressources éducatives (n = 26; 11,7 %) et l'expertise liée au contenu (n = 74; 33,2 %). Les facteurs qui favorisent l'éducation destinée aux femmes étaient la disponibilité du matériel, sous plusieurs formes, de même que le personnel formé et les ressources financières. Conclusions: En dépit des bienfaits, la RC axée sur les femmes n'est pas couramment offerte dans le monde. En tenant compte des obstacles et des facteurs favorisant la prestation des services cités, l'International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation s'affaire à concevoir des ressources pour élargir la portée des programmes destinés aux femmes.

Development and Evaluation of the International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (ICCPR) Program Certification for Low-Resource Settings.

Background: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a proven model of secondary prevention, but new sites, providing quality care, are needed in low-resource settings. This study (1) described the development of International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation's (ICCPR) Program Certification and (2a) tested its implementation, considering (b) appropriateness of quality standards for these settings. Methods: The Steering Committee finalized 13 standards, requiring 70% be met. They are assessed initially through International CR Registry (ICRR) program survey and patient data; if Certification appears possible, a two-hour virtual site assessment is arranged to corroborate. Standard operating procedures for Assessor training were developed. A multi-method pilot study was then undertaken with a quantitative (description of quality indicators) and qualitative (focus groups on MS Teams) component. ICRR sites with post-program data by April 2022 were invited to participate. Two team members independently analyzed focus group transcripts, using a deductive-thematic approach with NVIVO. Results: Five CR programs from the Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asian and American regions participated. Upon application, with some data cleaning, initially four programs were eligible to proceed to virtual site assessment. Ultimately, all five programs were certified, each meeting a minimum of 12/13 standards (peak MET increase and program completion rate were not met by some centres). Four themes resulted from the two focus groups of 13 site data stewards: motivation and benefits (eg, international recognition, additional program resources), logistics (eg, communication, cost, site visit process), the standards and their assessment (eg, balance of rigor and feasibility), and suggestions for improvement (eg, website). Conclusion: ICCPR's Program Certification has been demonstrated to be feasible, rigorous, and acceptable. Standards are attainable in low-resource settings. Certified programs reap benefits including additional resources. This first international Certification is suitable for low-resource settings, to complement that from the American and European CR Societies.

The burden of ischemic heart disease and the epidemiologic transition in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: 1990-2019.

It has been estimated that in the next decade, IHD prevalence, DALYs and deaths will increase more significantly in EMR than in any other region of the world. This study aims to provide a comprehensive description of the trends in the burden of ischemic heart disease (IHD) across the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) from 1990 to 2019. Data on IHD prevalence, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), mortality, DALYs attributable to risk factors, healthcare access and quality index (HAQ), and universal health coverage (UHC) were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database for EMR countries. The data were stratified based on the social demographic index (SDI). Information on cardiac rehabilitation was obtained from publications by the International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (ICCPR), and additional country-specific data were obtained through advanced search methods. Age standardization was performed using the direct method, applying the estimated age structure of the global population from 2019. Uncertainty intervals were calculated through 1000 iterations, and the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles were derived from these calculations. The age-standardized prevalence of IHD in the EMR increased from 5.0% to 5.5% between 1990 and 2019, while it decreased at the global level. In the EMR, the age-standardized rates of IHD mortality and DALYs decreased by 11.4% and 15.4%, respectively, during the study period, although both rates remained higher than the global rates. The burden of IHD was found to be higher in males compared to females. Bahrain exhibited the highest decrease in age-standardized prevalence (-3.7%), mortality (-65.0%), and DALYs (-69.1%) rates among the EMR countries. Conversely, Oman experienced the highest increase in prevalence (14.5%), while Pakistan had the greatest increase in mortality (30.0%) and DALYs (32.0%) rates. The top three risk factors contributing to IHD DALYs in the EMR in 2019 were high systolic blood pressure, high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and particulate matter pollution. The trend analysis over the 29-year period (1990-2019) revealed that high fasting plasma glucose (64.0%) and high body mass index (23.4%) exhibited increasing trends as attributed risk factors for IHD DALYs in the EMR. Our findings indicate an increasing trend in the prevalence of IHD and a decrease in mortality and DALYs in the EMR. These results emphasize the need for well-planned prevention and treatment strategies to address the risk factors associated with IHD. It is crucial for the countries in this region to prioritize the development and implementation of programs focused on health promotion, education, prevention, and medical care.

Trends in the burden and determinants of hypertensive heart disease in the Eastern Mediterranean region, 1990-2019: an analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

Background: Hypertensive heart disease (HHD), one of the end-organ damage consequences of hypertension, is an important public health issue worldwide. Data on the HHD burden in the Eastern Mediterranean region (EMR) are scarce. We aimed to investigate the burden of HHD in the EMR, its member countries, and globally from 1990 to 2019. Methods: We used 2019 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) data to report the HHD age-standardised prevalence, disability adjusted life years (DALYs), years of life lost (YLLs), and mortality, as well as HHD risk factors attribution percent with their 95% uncertainty interval (UI). Global data are reported alongside EMR data, and its 22 respective countries. We compared the burden of HHD by socio-demographic index (SDI), sex, age groups, and countries. Findings: The age-standardised prevalence rate (per 100,000 population) of HHD was higher in the EMR (281.7; 95% UI: 204.5-383.4) in 2019, compared with the global prevalence (233.8; 95% UI: 170.5-312.9). The EMR age-standardised DALYs (per 100,000 population) for HHD in 2019 was 561.9 (361.0-704.1), compared with 268.2 (204.6-298.1) at the global level. There was an increase in HHD prevalence, reduction in mortality, and DALYs between 1990 and 2019 (4.01%, -7.6%, and -6.5%, respectively) in EMR. Among EMR countries, the highest versus lowest rates of age-standardised prevalence, mortality, and DALYs in 2019 [estimate (95% UI)] were in Jordan [561.62 (417.9-747.6)] versus Saudi Arabia [94.9 (69.5-129.0)]; Afghanistan [74.5 (23.7-112.3)] versus Saudi Arabia [4.3 (3.3-5.9)]; and Afghanistan [1374.1 (467.2-2020.7)] versus Qatar [87.11 (64.40-114.29)], respectively. Interpretation: HHD remains a significant problem in the EMR, with a higher burden than global levels. Serious efforts toward high-quality management and prevention are strongly recommended. Based on this study, our recommendation for the EMR is to adopt effective preventive strategies. For example, promoting healthy dietary patterns and prompt screening for undiagnosed HTN in public places, promoting regular blood pressure measurements at home, and creating community awareness about early detection of HTN. Funding: None.

Pilot testing of the International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation Registry.

The International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation developed an International Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) Registry (ICRR) to support CR programs in low-resource settings to optimize care provision and patient outcomes. This study assessed implementation of the ICRR, site data steward experience with on-boarding and data entry, and patient acceptability. Multimethod observational pilot involves (I) analysis of ICRR data from three centers (Iran, Pakistan, and Qatar) from inception to May 2022, (II) focus group with on-boarded site data stewards (also from Mexico and India), and (III) semistructured interviews with participating patients. Five hundred sixty-seven patients were entered. Based on volumes at each program, 85.6% of patients were entered in ICRR. 99.3% patients approached consented to participate. The average time to enter data at pre- and follow-up assessments by source was 6.8-12.6 min. Of 22 variables preprogram, completion was 89.5%. Among patients with any follow-up data, of four program-reported variables, completion was 99.0% in program completers and 51.5% in none; of 10 patient-reported variables, completion was 97.0% in program completers and 84.8% in none. The proportion of patients with any follow-up data was 84.8% in program completers, with 43.6% of noncompleters having any data entered other than completion status. Twelve data stewards participated in the focus group. Main themes were valuable on-boarding process, data entry, process of engaging patients, and benefits of participation. Thirteen patients were interviewed. Themes were good understanding of the registry, positive experience providing data, and value of lay summary and eagerness for annual assessment. Feasibility and data quality of ICRR were demonstrated.

Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Validation of the Arabic Version of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Barriers Scale (CRBS-A) with Strategies to Mitigate Barriers.

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) utilization is low, particularly in Arabic-speaking countries. This study aimed to translate and psychometrically validate the CR Barriers Scale in Arabic (CRBS-A), as well as strategies to mitigate them. The CRBS was translated by two bilingual health professionals independently, followed by back-translation. Next, 19 healthcare providers, followed by 19 patients rated the face and content validity (CV) of the pre-final versions, providing input to improve cross-cultural applicability. Then, 207 patients from Saudi Arabia and Jordan completed the CRBS-A, and factor structure, internal consistency, construct, and criterion validity were assessed. Helpfulness of mitigation strategies was also assessed. For experts, item and scale CV indices were 0.8-1.0 and 0.9, respectively. For patients, item clarity and mitigation helpfulness scores were 4.5 ± 0.1 and 4.3 ± 0.1/5, respectively. Minor edits were made. For the test of structural validity, four factors were extracted: time conflicts/lack of perceived need and excuses; preference to self-manage; logistical problems; and health system issues and comorbidities. Total CRBS-A α was 0.90. Construct validity was supported by a trend for an association of total CRBS with financial insecurity regarding healthcare. Total CRBS-A scores were significantly lower in patients who were referred to CR (2.8 ± 0.6) vs. those who were not (3.6 ± 0.8), confirming criterion validity (p = 0.04). Mitigation strategies were considered very helpful (mean = 4.2 ± 0.8/5). The CRBS-A is reliable and valid. It can support identification of top barriers to CR participation at multiple levels, and then strategies for mitigating them can be implemented.

Availability and nature of cardiac rehabilitation by province in Iran: A 2018 update of ICCPR's global audit.

Background: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is scantly available in Iran, although it is the cost-benefit strategy in cardiac patients, It has not been established how CR is delivered within Iran. This study aimed to determine: (a) availability, density and unmet need for CR, and (b) nature of CR services in Iran by province. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional sub-study of the global CR audit, program availability was determined through cardiovascular networks. An online survey was then disseminated to these programs in June 2016-2017 which assessed capacity and characteristics; a paper-based survey was disseminated in 2018 to nonresponding and any new programs. CR density and need was computed based on annual incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in each province. Results: Of the 31 provinces, 12 (38.7%) had CR services. There were 30 programs nationally, all in capital cities; of these, programs in 9 (75.0%) provinces, specifically 22 (73.3%) programs, participated. The national CR density is 1 spot per 7 incident AMI patients/year. Unmet need is greatest in Khuzestan, Tehran and west Azerbaijan, with 44,816 more spots needed/year. Most programs assessed cardiovascular risk factors, and offered comprehensive services, delivered by a multi-disciplinary team, comprised chiefly of nurses, dietitians and cardiologists. Median dose is 14 sessions/program in supervised programs. A third of programs offered home-based services. Conclusion: Where programs do exist in IRAN, they are generally delivered in accordance with guidelines. Therefore, we must increase capacity in CR services in all provinces to improve secondary prevention services.

Changes in the burden and underlying causes of heart failure in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, 1990-2019: An analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

Background: The burden of heart failure (HF) is high globally, but information on its burden in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) is limited. This study provides a systematic analysis of the burden and underlying causes of HF in the EMR, including at the country level, between 1990 and 2019. Methods: We used the 2019 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) data for estimates of prevalence, years lived with disability (YLDs), and underlying causes of HF in the EMR. Age-standardised prevalence, YLDs, and underlying causes of HF were compared by 5-year age groups (considering 15 years old and more), sex (male and female), and countries. Findings: In contrast with the decreasing trend of HF burden globally, EMR showed an increasing trend. Globally, the HF age-standardised prevalence and YLDs decreased by 7.06% (95% UI: -7.22%, -6.9%) and 6.82% (95% UI: -6.98%, -6.66%) respectively, from 1990 to 2019. The HF age-standardised prevalence and YLDs in the EMR in 2019 were 706.43 (95% UI: 558.22-887.87) and 63.46 (95% UI: 39.82-92.59) per 100,000 persons, representing an increase of 8.07% (95% UI: 7.9%, 8.24%) and 8.79% (95% UI: 8.61%, 8.97%) from 1990, respectively. Amongst EMR countries, the age-standardised prevalence and YLDs were highest in Kuwait, while Pakistan consistently had the lowest HF burden. The dramatic increase of the age-standardised prevalence and YLDs were seen in Oman (28.79%; 95% UI: 28.51%, 29.07% and 29.56%; 95% UI: 29.28%, 29.84%), while Bahrain witnessed a reduction over the period shown (-9.66%; 95% UI: -9.84%, -9.48% and-9.14%; 95% UI: -9.32%, -8.96%). There were significant country-specific differences in trends of HF burden from 1990 to 2019. Males had relatively higher rates than females in all age groups. Among all causes of HF in 2019, ischemic heart disease accounted for the highest age-standardised prevalence and YLDs, followed by hypertensive heart disease. Interpretation: The burden of HF in the EMR was higher than the global, with increasing age-standardised prevalence and YLDs in countries of the region. A more comprehensive approach is needed to prevent underlying causes and improve medical care to control the burden of HF in the region. Funding: None.

COVID-19 effect on patients with noncommunicable diseases: A narrative review.

Background and Aims: On March 11, 2020, the WHO has declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, affecting our day-to-day lives. Physical distancing and lockdown made significant obstacles to populations, particularly healthcare systems. Most healthcare workers were reallocated to COVID-19 facilities. Noncommunicable disease patients were given low priority and are at a higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection, which disrupted the treatment and disease management of these patients. This review aimed to assess the effect of COVID-19 on different types of noncommunicable diseases and the severity it may cause to patients. Methods: We have conducted a review of the literature on COVID-19 and noncommunicable diseases from December 2019 until January 2022. The search was done in PubMed and Cochrane for relevant articles using variety of searching terms. Data for study variables were extracted. At the end of the selection process, 46 papers were selected for inclusion in the literature review. Result: The result from this review found that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the efficiency of the patient's treatment indirectly by either delaying or canceling sessions, which solidified the need to rely more on telemedicine, virtual visits, and in-home visits to improve patient education and minimize the risk of exposure to the patients. The major and most common types of noncommunicable diseases are known to be related to the severe outcomes of COVID-19 infection. It is strongly recommended to prioritize these patients for vaccinations against COVID-19 to provide them with the protection that will neutralize the risk imposed by their comorbidities. Conclusion: We recommend conducting more studies with larger population samples to further understand the role of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in this pandemic. However, this pandemic has also affected the efficiency of NCDs treatment indirectly by delaying or canceling sessions and others.

Qualitative study measuring the usability of the International Cardiac Rehabilitation Registry.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a comprehensive model of secondary preventive care. There is a wide variety in implementation characteristics globally, and hence quality control is paramount. Thus, the International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation was urged to develop a CR registry. The purpose of this study was to test the perceived usability of the International Cardiac Rehabilitation Registry (ICRR) to optimise it. DESIGN: This was a qualitative study, comprising virtual usability tests using a think-aloud method to elicit feedback on the ICRR, while end-users were entering patient data, followed by semistructured interviews. SETTING: Ultimately, 12 tests were conducted with CR staff (67% female) in low-resource settings from a variety of disciplines in all regions of the world but Europe before saturation was achieved. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE: Participants completed the System Usability Scale. Interviews were transcribed verbatim except to preserve anonymity, and coded using NVIVO by two researchers independently. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 informed analysis. RESULTS: The ICRR was established as easy to use, relevant, efficient, with easy learnability, operability, perceived usefulness, positive perceptions of output quality and high end-user satisfaction. System usability was 83.75, or 'excellent' and rated 'A'. Four major themes were deduced from the interviews: (1) ease of approvals, adoption and implementation; (2) benefits for programmes, (3) variables and their definitions, as well as (4) patient report and follow-up assessment. Based on participant observation and utterances, suggestions for changes to the ICRR were implemented, including to the programme survey, on-boarding processes, navigational instructions, inclusion of programme logos, direction on handling unavailable data and optimising data completeness, as well as policies for authorship and programme certification. CONCLUSIONS: With usability of the ICRR optimised, pilot testing shall ensue.

Knowledge and Perception of and Attitude toward a Premarital Screening Program in Qatar: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Premarital screening (PMS) is a primary preventive measure to decrease the incidence of certain genetic disorders and sexually transmitted diseases. This study aimed to explore the knowledge and perception of and the attitude toward PMS and predictors of knowledge and attitude. A cross-sectional study was conducted among Qatar University students using an online survey. Multivariable regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with PMS knowledge and attitude. A total of 476 students participated in the study; 424 (89.1%) were females; two-thirds were 18-21 years old. Only 100 participants had heard about PMS. Knowledge of PMS was significantly associated with females, students enrolled in a health-related college, and non-consanguineous marriage of a participant's parents. The majority of the participants agreed that genetic diseases are psychological and economic burdens. For attitude, only 178 participants were willing to cancel marriages, given incompatible PMS results. The following factors were positively associated with attitude: PMS knowledge, enrollment in a health-related college, and the belief that PMS does not interfere with destiny. Our study findings revealed that despite the mandatory PMS in Qatar, the study participants, future couples, had low knowledge about the program. Therefore, strategies to increase awareness of PMS should be considered toward improving its outcomes.

Development of the International Cardiac Rehabilitation Registry Including Variable Selection and Definition Process.

Introduction: The International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (ICCPR) is developing a registry (ICRR) specifically for low-resource settings, where the burden of cardiovascular diseases is greatest and the need for program development highest. Herein we describe the development process, including the variable selection process. Method: Following a literature search on registry best practices, a stepwise model for ICRR development was identified. Then, based on recommendations by Core Outcome Set-STAndards for Development (COS-STAD), we underwent a process to identify variables. All available CR registries were contacted to request their data dictionaries, reviewed CR quality indicators and guideline recommendations, and searched for common data elements and core outcome sets; 35 unique variables (including patient-reported outcomes) were selected for potential inclusion. Twenty-one purposively-identified stakeholders and experts agreed to serve on a Delphi panel. Panelists rated the variables in an online survey, and suggested potential additional variables; A webcall was held to reach consensus on which to include/exclude. Next, panelists provided input to finalize each variable definition, and rated which associated indicators should be used for benchmarking in registry dashboards and a patient lay summary; a second consensus call was held. A 1-month public comment period ensued. Results: First, registry objectives and governance were approved by ICCPR, including data quality and access policies. The protocol was developed, for public posting. For variable selection, the overall mean rating was 6.1 ± 0.3/7; 12 were excluded, some of which were moved to a program survey, and others were revised. Two variables were added in an annual follow-up, resulting in 13 program and 16 patient-reported variables. Legal advice was sought to finalize ICRR agreements. Ethics approvals were obtained. Usability testing is now being initiated. Conclusion: It is hoped this will serve to harmonize CR assessment internationally and enable quality improvement in CR delivery in low-resource settings.

Does Opium Consumption Have Shared Impact on Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer?

Although atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and cancer are seemingly different types of disease, they have multiple shared underlying mechanisms and lifestyle-related risk factors like smoking, unhealthy diet, excessive alcohol consumption, and inadequate physical activity. Opium abuse is prevalent in developing countries, especially the Middle East region and many Asian countries. Besides recreational purposes, many people use opium based on a traditional belief that opium consumption may confer protection against heart attack and improve the control of the risk factors of ASCVD such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. However, scientific reports indicate an increased risk of ASCVD and poor control of ASCVD risk factors among opium abusers compared with nonusers. Moreover, there is accumulating evidence that opium consumption exerts potential carcinogenic effects and increases the risk of developing various types of cancer. We conducted a review of the literature to review the current evidence on the relationship between opium consumption and ASCVD as well as various kinds of cancer. In addition, we will discuss the potential shared pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying the association between opium abuse and both ASCVD and cancer.

Developing a Complex Understanding of Physical Activity in Cardiometabolic Disease from Low-to-Middle-Income Countries-A Qualitative Systematic Review with Meta-Synthesis.

Physical activity behaviour is complex, particularly in low-resource settings, while existing behavioural models of physical activity behaviour are often linear and deterministic. The objective of this review was to (i) synthesise the wide scope of factors that affect physical activity and thereby (ii) underpin the complexity of physical activity in low-resource settings through a qualitative meta-synthesis of studies conducted among patients with cardiometabolic disease living in low-to-middle income countries (LMIC). A total of 41 studies were included from 1200 unique citations (up to 15 March 2021). Using a hybrid form of content analysis, unique factors (n = 208) that inform physical activity were identified, and, through qualitative meta-synthesis, these codes were aggregated into categories (n = 61) and synthesised findings (n = 26). An additional five findings were added through deliberation within the review team. Collectively, the 31 synthesised findings highlight the complexity of physical activity behaviour, and the connectedness between person, social context, healthcare system, and built and natural environment. Existing behavioural and ecological models are inadequate in fully understanding physical activity participation in patients with cardiometabolic disease living in LMIC. Future research, building on complexity science and systems thinking, is needed to identify key mechanisms of action applicable to the local context.

Evaluation of Qatar's First Cardiac Rehabilitation Program: A Brief Report.

Background: There are few studies on the impact of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), where the burden of risk factors and context is somewhat different from Western countries where much of the evidence is derived. Objective: To evaluate patient engagement in, and outcomes associated with, participation in Qatar's first and only CR program, from inception. Methods: This was a retrospective, observational study of patients referred to Heart Hospital's CR program from January 2013-September, 2018. The program offered 3 sessions/week over 6-12 weeks, depending on patient risk. An initial assessment was performed, and outcomes (i.e., functional capacity, risk factors, and psychosocial well-being (quality of life [SF-36] and depressive symptoms) were re-assessed post-program in those who did not drop-out. Session attendance was recorded. Results: 682 patients enrolled; they attended 77.6% of prescribed sessions; 554 (81.2%) completed the program and post-assessment. Improvements in functional capacity were statistically and clinically meaningful (METs 9.3 ± 3.3 pre and 11.1 ± 3.7 post; p < 0.001). There were significant improvements in body mass index (28.7 ± 5.2 kg/m2 pre and 28.2 ± 5.4 post; p < 0.001), waist circumference (102.8 ± 13.0 cm pre and 101.8 ± 13.2 post; p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein (LDL 1.9 ± 0.9 mmol/L pre and 1.6 ± 0.8 post; p = < 0.001), total cholesterol (3.6 ± 1.1 mmol/L pre and 3.3 ± 0.8 post; p < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (SBP 128.5 ± 17.7 mmHg pre and 123.7 ± 14.8 post; p < 0.001), hemoglobin A1c (6.8 ± 1.6% pre and 6.5 ± 1.3 post; p < 0.001) and depressive symptoms (Cardiac Depression Scale score 78.3 ± 23.9 pre and 66.3 ± 21.3 post; p < 0.001). Improvements on 7 of the 8 quality of life domains were also observed (all p < .05; e.g., physical functioning 68.2 ± 24.0 pre and 74.9 ± 24.4 post). Conclusion: The new Qatari CR program is very engaging to patients, and resulted in clinically significant risk factors (LDL, SBP, and cholesterol) as well as functional capacity and health-related quality of life improvements, which likely translate to reduced morbidity and mortality.

Rapid Exclusion of COVID Infection With the Artificial Intelligence Electrocardiogram.

OBJECTIVE: To rapidly exclude severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection using artificial intelligence applied to the electrocardiogram (ECG). METHODS: A global, volunteer consortium from 4 continents identified patients with ECGs obtained around the time of polymerase chain reaction-confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis and age- and sex-matched controls from the same sites. Clinical characteristics, polymerase chain reaction results, and raw electrocardiographic data were collected. A convolutional neural network was trained using 26,153 ECGs (33.2% COVID positive), validated with 3826 ECGs (33.3% positive), and tested on 7870 ECGs not included in other sets (32.7% positive). Performance under different prevalence values was tested by adding control ECGs from a single high-volume site. RESULTS: The area under the curve for detection of acute COVID-19 infection in the test group was 0.767 (95% CI, 0.756 to 0.778; sensitivity, 98%; specificity, 10%; positive predictive value, 37%; negative predictive value, 91%). To more accurately reflect a real-world population, 50,905 normal controls were added to adjust the COVID prevalence to approximately 5% (2657/58,555), resulting in an area under the curve of 0.780 (95% CI, 0.771 to 0.790) with a specificity of 12.1% and a negative predictive value of 99.2%. CONCLUSION: Infection with SARS-CoV-2 results in electrocardiographic changes that permit the artificial intelligence-enhanced ECG to be used as a rapid screening test with a high negative predictive value (99.2%). This may permit the development of electrocardiography-based tools to rapidly screen individuals for pandemic control.

Cardiac rehabilitation availability and characteristics in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Global Comparison.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to establish availability and characteristics of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), where cardiovascular disease is highly prevalent. METHODS: In this cross-sectional sub-analysis focusing on the 35 LAC countries, local cardiovascular societies identified CR programs globally. An online survey was administered to identified programs, assessing capacity and characteristics. CR need was computed relative to ischemic heart disease (IHD) incidence from the Global Burden of Disease study. RESULTS: ≥1 CR program was identified in 24 LAC countries (68.5% availability; median = 3 programs/country). Data were collected in 20/24 countries (83.3%); 139/255 programs responded (54.5%), and compared to responses from 1082 programs in 111 countries. LAC density was 1 CR spot per 24 IHD patients/year (vs 18 globally). Greatest need was observed in Brazil, Dominican Republic and Mexico (all with >150,000 spots needed/year). In 62.8% (vs 37.2% globally P < .001) of CR programs, patients pay out-of-pocket for some or all of CR. CR teams were comprised of a mean of 5.0 ± 2.3 staff (vs 6.0 ± 2.8 globally; P < .001); Social workers, dietitians, kinesiologists, and nurses were significantly less common on CR teams than globally. Median number of core components offered was 8 (vs 9 globally; P < .001). Median dose of CR was 36 sessions (vs 24 globally; P < .001). Only 27 (20.9%) programs offered alternative CR models (vs 31.1% globally; P < .01). CONCLUSION: In LAC countries, there is very limited CR capacity in relation to need. CR dose is high, but comprehensiveness low, which could be rectified with a more multidisciplinary team.

Availability and delivery of cardiac rehabilitation in South-East Asia: How does it compare globally?

Background: The aims of this study were to establish cardiac rehabilitation (CR) availability and density, as well as the nature of programs in South-East Asian Region (SEAR) countries, and to compare this with other regions globally. Methods: In 2016/2017, the International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation engaged cardiac associations to facilitate program identification globally. An online survey was administered to identify programs using REDCap, assessing capacity and characteristics. CR density was computed using Global Burden of Disease study annual ischemic heart disease (IHD) incidence estimates. The program audit was updated in 2020. Results: CR was available in 6/11 (54.5%) SEAR countries. Data were collected in 5 countries (83.3% country response); 32/69 (68.1% response rate from 2016/2017) programs completed the survey. These data were compared to 1082 (32.1%) programs in 93/111 (83.3%) countries with CR. Across SEAR countries, there was only one CR spot per 283 IHD patients (vs. 12 globally), with an unmet regional need of 4,258,968 spots annually. Most programs were in tertiary care centers (n = 25, 78.1%; vs. 46.1% globally, P < 0.001). Most were funded privately (n = 17, 56.7%; vs. 17.9%, P < 0.001), and 22 (73.3%) patients were paying out of pocket (vs. 36.2% globally; P < 0.001). The mean number of staff on the multidisciplinary teams was 5.5 ± 3.0 (vs. 5.9 ± 2.8 globally P = 0.268), offering 8.6 ± 1.7/11 core components (consistent with other countries) over 16.8 ± 12.6 h (vs. 36.2 ± 53.3 globally, P = 0.01). Conclusion: Funded CR capacity must be augmented in SEAR. Where available, services were consistent with guidelines, and other regions of the globe, despite programs being shorter than other regions.