Adherence to Current Dyslipidemia Guideline in Patients Utilizing Statins According to Risk Groups and Gender Differences: The AIZANOI Study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the adherence to the current European Society of Cardiology dyslipidemia guidelines, the ratio of reaching target values according to risk groups, and the reasons for not reaching LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) goals in patients on already statin therapy in a cardiology outpatient population. METHODS: The AIZANOI study is a multi-center, cross-sectional observational study including conducted in 9 cardiology centers between August 1, 2021, and November 1, 2021. RESULTS: A total of 1225 patients (mean age 62 ± 11 years, 366 female) who were already on statin therapy for at least 3 months were included. More than half (58.2%) of the patients were using high-intensity statin regimens. Only 26.2% of patients had target LDL-C level according to their risk score. Despite 58.4% of very high-risk patients and 44.4% of high-risk patients have been using a high-intensity statin regimen, only 24.5% of very-high-risk patients and only 34.9% of high-risk patients have reached guideline-recommended LDL-C levels. Most prevalent reason for not using target dose statin was physician preference (physician inertia) (40.3%). CONCLUSION: The AIZANOI study showed that we achieved a target LDL-C level in only 26.2% of patients using statin therapy. Although 58.4% of patients with a very high SCORE risk and 44.4% of patients with a high SCORE risk were using a target dose statin regimen, we were only able to achieve guideline-recommended LDL-C levels in 24.5% and 34.9% of them, respectively, in cardiology outpatients clinics. Physician inertia is one of the major factors in non-adherence to guidelines. These findings highlight that combination therapy is needed in most of the patients.

Trends in heart failure between 2016 and 2022 in Türkiye (TRends-HF): a nationwide retrospective cohort study of 85 million individuals across entire population of all ages.

Background: Data on the burden of heart failure (HF) outside western countries are limited, but available data suggest it may present differently in other countries. The aim of this study was to examine the incidence, prevalence, and survival rates of HF in Türkiye, with a specific focus on how these rates vary according to age, sex, comorbidities, and socioeconomic status (SES). Methods: We harnessed the extensive National Electronic Database of the Turkish Ministry of Health, covering Turkey's entire population from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2022, to identify 2,722,151 cases of HF and their associated comorbidities using ICD-10 codes. Analyzing the primary endpoint of all-cause mortality, our study utilized anonymized data to examine patient demographics, comorbidities, socioeconomic status, and survival patterns, employing statistical techniques to delve into relationships and trends. The data were segmented by gender, socioeconomic status, and age, involving cross-tabulations and statistical metrics to explore connections, odds ratios, and survival rates. Findings: The estimated prevalence of HF was 2.114% in Türkiye at the end of 2022, with an annual incidence ranging between 3.00 and 6.06 per 1000 person years. Females were older than males (69.8 ± 13.9 years vs. 66.8 ± 13.9 years, respectively). The most common comorbidities were congenital heart diseases and anemia under the age of 20, and hypertension and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in the adult population. Only 23.6% (643,159/2,722,151) of patients were treated with any triple guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) and 3.6% (96,751/2,722,151) of patients were on quadruple GDMT. The survival rates for patients with HF at 1, 5, and 7 years were 83.3% (95% CI: 83.2-83.3), 61.5% (95% CI: 61.4-61.6), and 57.7% (95% CI: 57.6-57.8) among females, and 82.1% (95% CI: 82.0-82.2), 58.2% (95% CI: 58.1-58.3), and 54.2% (95% CI: 54.0-54.3) among males. Despite a tendency for an increase from the highest to the lowest SES, the prevalence of HF and mortality were paradoxically lowest in the lowest SES region. Interpretation: The prevalence, incidence, and survival rates of HF in Türkiye were comparable to western countries, despite the notable difference of HF onset occurring 8-10 years earlier in the Turkish population. Drug usage statistics indicate there is a need for effective strategies to improve treatment with GDMT. Funding: None.

The effect of urgent blood pressure reduction on left atrial strain in patients with hypertensive attack : Blood pressure lowering affects LA strain.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial (LA) strain is a robust measure of LA function and is a useful parameter to assess left ventricular filling pressure. While initially considered as a "load-independent" parameter of LA function, later studies have found that acute changes in LA preload may affect LA reservoir and contractile strains. Acute alterations in blood pressure (BP) induces a change in left ventricular (LV) filling pressure without imposing a volume load, thus providing an opportunity to assess the effects of the change in LA afterload on LA mechanics. This study aims to understand the effect of acute BP changes on LA strain. METHODS: A total of 40 patients admitted to the emergency department with hypertensive urgency were included. All patients underwent a comprehensive echocardiographic examination including measurement of LA reservoir, conduit and contractile strains. A repeat set of measurements were obtained after BP lowering. RESULTS: Average drop in mean BP following intervention was 18.1 ± 5.4%. LV end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes, as well as maximum and minimum LA volumes were decreased significantly after BP reduction. The absolute increases in reservoir and contractile strains were 2.3 ± 4.7% (7.9% ± 13.8% relative to baseline) and 2.5 ± 3.3% (13.5 ± 19.0% relative to baseline), respectively, with both changes being statistically significant (p = 0.003 for reservoir and p < 0.001 for contractile strains). There were no significant changes in conduit strain after BP intervention (p = 0.79). The change in both LA reservoir and contractile strains were more evident in those with a previous diagnosis of hypertension and those with a smaller degree of change in mean BP after intervention. CONCLUSION: In patients with an acute hypertension, lowering BP leads to an acute improvement in LA reservoir and contractile strains. Thus, acute changes in systemic BP should be considered when LA mechanics are evaluated.

Assessment of Right Ventricular Systolic Function with 3-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Isolated Mild Mitral Stenosis.

BACKGROUND: In rheumatic severe mitral stenosis, right ventricular mechanics deteriorate with the increasing severity of mitral stenosis. Therefore, we aimed to investigate right ventricular mechanics in patients with mild mitral stenosis using 3-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography. METHODS: In total, 40 patients with mild mitral stenosis and 36 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were included. Conventional echocardiographic examination was performed and 3-dimensional data sets were acquired for strain analysis. Besides conventional echocardiographic parameters, right ventricular volume and function and 3-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography-derived right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain were compared between patients with mild mitral stenosis and healthy controls. RESULTS: Although 3-dimensional right ventricular volumes and ejection fraction were similar between the groups, 3-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography-derived right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain was significantly lower in patients with mild mitral stenosis than in controls (25.57 ± 4.39% vs. 27.90 ± 4.71%, P =.028). Significant correlations were observed between right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain and mitral valve area and estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (r = 0.597, P <.001; r = -0.508, P =.003, respectively). Another significant positive correlation was observed between planimetric mitral valve area and 3-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography-derived right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (r = 0.597, P <.001). CONCLUSION: The degree of severity of mild mitral stenosis in terms of mitral valve area can help in the early detection of subclinical right ventricular systolic function impairment which can be easily detected by 3-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography. Right ventricular contractile performance could decrease even in mild mitral stenosis.

The association between the configuration of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and right atrial contractile strain.

BACKGROUND: In the descending arm of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), there is notch formation that corresponds to the contractile phase of the atrial strain curve. Theoretically, this notch formation stands for atrial contraction. AIMS: We aim to characterize notch formation on TAPSE, predictors of its existence, and its relationship with the right ventricle and right atrial strain (RAS) parameters. METHODS: Retrospectively selected 240 patients were investigated for the determinants of notch formation on TAPSE and the relationship between RAS and TAPSE. RAS was analyzed using 2D speckle tracking in a dedicated mode for atrial analysis and reported separately for the reservoir, conduit, and contractile phases. RESULTS: 71.7% ( n = 172) of patients had notch formation on TAPSE and 70.4% (n = 169) had a normal value of right atrial contractile strain (RASct). Most patients with notch formation also had preserved RASct (95.9%; P <0.001). In multivariable analysis, RASct (odds ratio [OR], 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13-1.77; P = 0.020) remained significant with notch formation. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis demonstrated that a RASct of -19% was a cut-off for the presence of notch formation. ROC area was 0.897 (95% CI 0.844-0.951; P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The changes in TAPSE configuration reflect the changes in the atrial contractile phase. The descending arm of TAPSE indicates RASct as to whether it is preserved or not. Notch formation persists if RASct is above -19%. So, an easier, more applicable, and more effortless tool, TAPSE, can be used as an indicator of the atrial contractile phase by its configuration in daily routine.

Alterations in right ventricular mechanics in patients with Behcet's disease.

Manifest myocardial involvement is somewhat rare in patients with Behcet's disease (BD), although echocardiographic studies suggest that subclinical alterations in left ventricular (LV) contractility is rather common. Data on right ventricular (RV) involvement in BD is rather scarce. This study aims to determine whether RV systolic performance is affected in BD patients, and to understand the clinical and echocardiographic correlates of RV contractility in these patients. Forty-five patients who fulfilled criteria for BD and 45 age and gender matched controls were enrolled. All participants underwent a comprehensive echocardiographic examination, including deformation imaging, to characterize RV mechanics. Conventional morphologic and echocardiographic indicators of RV morphology and function were not different between groups, but RV apical strain and RV free wall strain (FWS) were significantly lower in BD patients as compared to the controls (P < 0.001 and P = 0.02, respectively). The only significant correlates of FWS were tricuspid regurgitation velocity and related indices in healthy controls, while FWS correlated with LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), morphologic measures of left and right atria and ventricles, and with conventional measures of right ventricular contractility. The relationship between FWS and GLS remained statistically significant after adjusting for other clinical and echocardiographic parameters (ß = 0.379, P = 0.01). In patients with BD, there is a subclinical alteration in RV contractility and the degree of alteration in the RV systolic performance paralleled that of LV. Thus, present results support the presence of RV involvement in these patients.

Dynamic Change of Left Ventricular Mechanics in Patients with Acute Myocarditis with Preserved Left Ventricular Systolic Function: A 2-Year Follow-up Study.

OBJECTIVE: Acute myocarditis mimics acute coronary syndrome due to its clinical course and presentation. This study aimed to evaluate left ventricular longitudinal and circumferential functions during the acute phase and late phase of acute myocarditis with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction using 2-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography. METHODS: Forty-one consecutive acute myocarditis patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction confirmed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging underwent 2-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography within the first week of hospital admission. Findings were compared with age and sex-matched 40 healthy controls. Left ventricular mechanics of the study group were reevaluated by 2-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography during follow- up (23.85 ± 6.65 months later). RESULTS: Myocardial lesions with late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging were mostly localized in the subepicardial layer (91.40%) and commonly observed in the inferolateral wall (42.94%). Consistent with the cardiac magnetic resonance imaging findings, 2-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography showed the localization of the involved myocardial segments with prominent impairment in global longitudinal peak systolic strain and global circumferential strain of the inferolateral wall of the left ventricle. In the acute phase, global longitudinal peak systolic strain (-17.32 ± 2.02 vs -20.59 ± 2.38) and global circumferential strain (-22.33 ± 2.27 vs -24.85 ± 3.19) were found to be lower in patients with acute myocarditis compared to healthy controls (both P < .001). While global circumferential strain was improved in the late phase compared with the acute phase (from -22.28 ± 2.32 to -22.90 ± 2.65; P = .003). Global longitudinal peak systolic strain was not significantly changed during follow-up (from -17.30 ± 2.09 to -17.62 ± 2.19; P = .072). CONCLUSION: Subtle left ventricular systolic function impairment can be detected by the 2-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography technique in patients with acute myocarditis with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction and improvement in circumferential function could be observed during follow-up.

The Mean Corrected TIMI Frame Count Could Predict Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Coronary Slow-Flow Phenomenon.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between the mean corrected thrombolysis in myocardial frame count and major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with the coronary slow-flow phenomenon. METHODS: A total of 98 patients with coronary slow-flow phenomenon who met inclusion cri- teria from 2015 to 2020 were retrospectively included in the analysis. The patients were ranked according to their mean corrected thrombolysis in myocardial frame count values and were divided into quartiles based on those. Group 1 consisted of patients who had a mean corrected thrombolysis in myocardial frame count value >36.68 (third quartile), while group 2 consisted of patients who had a mean corrected thrombolysis in myocardial frame count value ≤36.68 (first quartile+second quartile). Mortality and non-fatal cardiovascular complications were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Mean follow-up duration was 3.93 ± 1.50 years. Recurrent chest pain and major adverse cardiovascular events increased in group 1 compared to group 2 (P ≤ .001, P ≤ .001, respectively). Hypertension (odds ratio 2.627, P=.033), hyperlipidemia (odds ratio 2.469, P = .028) and mean corrected thrombolysis in myocardial frame count (odds ratio 1.106, P = .002) were independent predictors of recurrent chest pain according to Cox regression analysis. Although older age (odds ratio 1.125, P=.011), hypertension (odds ratio 6.081, P=.026), hyperlipidemia (odds ratio 12.308, P = 0.019), and mean corrected thrombolysis in myocardial frame count (odds ratio 1.476, P = .001) were found to be significantly related with major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with coronary slow-flow phenomenon, only mean corrected thrombolysis in myocardial frame count (odds ratio 1.161, P = .021) was an indepen- dent predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events in Cox regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Higher mean corrected thrombolysis in myocardial frame count could predict major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with the coronary slow-flow phenomenon.

Which is the best for the warfarin monitoring: Following up by fixed or variable physician?

Objective: Warfarin therapy has some difficulties in terms of close monitoring and dosage. This study aims to evaluate the effect of same-fixed versus different-variable physician-based monitoring of warfarin therapy on treatment quality and clinical end-points. Methods: A total of 625 consecutive patients requiring warfarin treatment were enrolled at seven centers. INR values of the patients measured at each visit and registered to hospital database were recorded. Time in therapeutic range (TTR) was calculated using linear interpolation method (Rosendaal's method). A TTR value of ≥65% was considered as effective warfarin treatment. If a patient was evaluated by the same-fixed physician at each INR visit, was categorized into the same-physician (SP) group. In contrast, if a patient was evaluated by different-variable physicians at each INR visit, was categorized into variable physician (VP) group. Enrolled patients were followed up for bleeding and embolic events. Results: One hundred and fifty-six patients (24.9%) were followed by SP group, 469 (75.1%) patients were followed by VP group. Median TTR value of the VP group was lower than that of SP group (56.2% vs. 65.1%, respectively, p=0.009). During median 25.5 months (9-36) of follow-up, minor bleeding, major bleeding and cerebral embolic event rates were higher in VP group compared to SP group (p<0.001, p=0.023, p<0.001, respectively). In multivariate analysis, INR monitoring by VP group was found to be an independent predictor of increased risk of bleeding events (OR 2.55, 95% CI 1.64-3.96, p<0.001) and embolism (OR 3.42, 95% CI 1.66-7.04, p=0.001). Conclusion: INR monitoring by same physician was associated with better TTR and lower rates of adverse events during follow-up. Hence, it is worth encouraging an SP-based outpatient follow-up system at least for where warfarin therapy is the only choice.

Frontal QRS-T angle may predict reverse dipping pattern in masked hypertensives.

AIMS: The frontal QRS-T (fQRST) angle is associated with worse cardiovascular outcome. The study aimed to assess the effect of reverse dipping pattern on f(QRST) angle in newly diagnosed masked hypertensive (MH) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Newly diagnosed 244 consecutive MH patients were included. According to dipping pattern, patients were grouped into three: dipper (n = 114), non-dipper (n = 106), and reverse dipper (n = 24) patterns. The f(QRST) angle, QT and corrected QT interval, and QT dispersion were measured from the 12-lead surface electrocardiogram and compared between groups. RESULTS: Of all, 51.2% (n = 125) were male. No gender difference was observed. Reverse dipper MH group had a significantly higher f(QRST) angle than the non-dipper and dipper MH groups (77.9 ± 8.6 vs. 32.4 ± 18.8 and 26.0 ± 18.5, respectively, p < .001). The cutoff value for f(QRST) angle of 51 predicts reverse dipping pattern (AUC: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.77-0.90; p < .001), with a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 78%. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that f(QRST) angle is gradually increased starting from the dipper, non-dipper to reverse dipper masked hypertensives. The f(QRST) angle appears as an easy marker for the detection and risk stratification of hypertensive patients.

Heart rate variability and cardiac autonomic functions in post-COVID period.

BACKGROUND: The heart rate variability (HRV) is a non-invasive, objective and validated method for the assessment of autonomic nervous system. Although acute manifestations of COVID-19 were widely researched, long-term sequela of COVID-19 are still unknown. This study aimed to analyze autonomic function using HRV indices in the post-COVID period that may have a potential to enlighten symptoms of COVID long-haulers. METHODS: The 24-h ambulatory electrocardiography (ECG) recordings obtained >12 weeks after the diagnosis of COVID-19 were compared with age-gender-matched healthy controls. Patients who used drugs or had comorbidities that affect HRV and who were hospitalized with severe COVID-19 were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Time domain indices of HRV analysis (standard deviation of normal RR intervals in 24 h (SDNN 24 h) and root mean square of successive RR interval differences (RMSSD)) were significantly higher in post-COVID patients (p < 0.05 for all). Among frequency domain indices, high frequency and low frequency/high frequency ratio was significantly higher in post-COVID patients (p = 0.037 and p = 0.010, respectively). SDNN >60 ms [36 (60.0%) vs. 12 (36.4%), p = 0.028)] and RMSSD >40 ms [31 (51.7%) vs. 7 (21.2%), p = 0.003)] were more prevalent in post-COVID patients. Logistic regression models were created to evaluate parasympathetic overtone in terms of SDNN >60 ms and RMSSD >40 ms. After covariate adjustment, post-COVID patients were more likely to have SDNN >60 msn (OR: 2.4, 95% CI:1.2-12.8) and RMSSD >40 ms (OR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.4-9.2). CONCLUSION: This study revealed parasympathetic overtone and increased HRV in patients with history of COVID-19. This may explain the unresolved orthostatic symptoms occurring in post-COVID period which may be associated with autonomic imbalance.

Time in therapeutic range values of patients using warfarin and factors that influence time in therapeutic range.

OBJECTIVE: The time in therapeutic range (TTR) of international normalized ratio (INR) is essential for the safety and efficacy of warfarin treatment. In this study, we aimed to determine TTR and the factors that affect TTR in patients using warfarin. METHODS: Patients taking warfarin for valvular and nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) or prosthetic heart valves who were admitted to our cardiology outpatient clinic were enrolled. TTR was calculated using the linear interpolation method. The patients were analyzed according to warfarin indications and TTR efficiency (TTR ≥60%). Weekly warfarin dose, the duration of warfarin use, the frequency of INR visits per year, and the awareness of patients regarding target INR were noted. RESULTS: The TTR of 248 patients (aged 57.21±12.45 years, 33.1% male) was 55.92±27.84%, and 48.0% patients exhibited efficient TTR. Clinical and demographic characteristics (age, sex, socioeconomic status, and comorbidities) exerted no effect on TTR and TTR efficiency. The frequency of INR visits per year was 10.02±3.80. TTR was related to the frequency of annual INR visits (r=0.131, p=0.039). Only one-third (30.2%) of patients were aware of their target INR. The literacy of the patients and duration of warfarin use exerted a positive effect on awareness (p=0.011 and p=0.024, respectively). CONCLUSION: The findings of our study demonstrated that TTR and TTR efficiency were low and not associated with the characteristics of patients or indications. Unfortunately, in patients with valvular AF and prosthetic valves, warfarin is the sole drug that can be used. Thus, awareness and knowledge regarding target INR are essential to overcome poor anticoagulation monitoring with frequent INR visits.

Predictive value of the age, creatinine and ejection fraction score in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention with bail-out tirofiban therapy.

INTRODUCTION: In patients who have undergone interventional cardiac procedures, the risk of bleeding is higher than in patients who received conservative treatment due to multiple medications and comorbidities. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of the age, creatinine and ejection fraction (ACEF) score for predicting bleeding events and to compare short- and long-term clinical outcomes according to the ACEF score in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) with bail-out tirofiban therapy (BOTT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 2,543 patients were included and divided into three groups according to the following ACEF score tertiles: T1 (ACEFlow ≤ 1.033), T2 (1.033 < ACEFmid ≤ 1.371), and T3 (ACEFhigh > 1.371). The main outcomes measured were the incidence rates of relevant bleeding events and mortality within 30 days and 3 years after the procedure. RESULTS: A total of 73 (2.9%) patients had Bleeding Academic Research Consortium bleeding events of grades 3, 4 or 5 and 104 (4%) patients died in a 30-day period. The ACEF score was effective at predicting 30-day bleeding (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC): 0.658, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.579-0.737; p < 0.001), 30-day mortality (AUC = 0.701, 95% CI: 0.649-0.753; p < 0.001) and 3-year mortality (AUC = 0.778, 95% CI: 0.748-0.807; p < 0.001) events. Considering the ACEF score tertiles, T3 patients presented greater 30-day bleeding (1.6%, 2.8% and 4.1%; odds ratio (OR) = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.37-4.80), 30-day mortality (1.7%, 3.5% and 7.1%; OR = 4.53, 95% CI: 2.51-8.18) and 3-year mortality (6.4%, 11% and 19.8%; hazard ratio = 3.56, 95% CI: 2.58-4.91) risks. CONCLUSIONS: The ACEF score is a user-friendly tool with excellent predictive value for bleeding events and mortality in patients undergoing pPCI with BOTT.

Differences in clinical and echocardiographic variables and mortality predictors among older patients with pulmonary embolism.

BACKGROUND: An increase in short-term mortality can be found among older patients with hemodynamically stable acute pulmonary embolism (APE) who have signs of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. AIMS: This study was designed to assess whether any difference exists among clinical, laboratory, electrocardiography and echocardiography parameters between older and younger patients diagnosed with APE. METHODS: The study sample included a total of 635 patients with confirmed APE who were divided into two groups of older (65 years and older) and younger (younger than 65 years) individuals. Comparisons were performed between these groups in terms of clinical, predisposing factors and laboratory, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic parameters. RESULTS: Analyses of 295 (46.4%) older and 340 (53.6%) younger patients diagnosed with APE were performed. Female sex, Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index score and baseline creatinine levels were higher in the older group. Also, the frequency of atrial fibrillation, RV outflow tract parasternal long-axis proximal diameter, RV end-diastolic diameter (RV-EDD) basal (apical four-chamber) and RV systolic pressure were significantly greater in older patients with APE. A total of 30 (4.7%) deaths were observed during the in-hospital period [21 (7.1%) older vs 9 (2.6%) younger patients; p < 0.01]. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, age, white blood cell count (WBC), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), RV-EDD basal and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) of less than 16 mm were found to be independently associated with in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: Older patients might experience greater rates of RV dilatation, RV dysfunction and atrial fibrillation during APE. In addition to age; elevated WBC, low LVEF, increased RV-EDD basal and TAPSE of less than 16 mm were independent predictors of mortality among study population.

Mean platelet volume/platelet count ratio as a predictor of stent thrombosis in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Despite the important role of some haematological parameters in tendency to thrombosis is known, their relationship with long-term stent thrombosis (ST) remains unclear. AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the association between the mean platelet volume (MPV) to platelet count (PC) ratio and long-term ST and mortality in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated successfully by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study, according to their baseline MPV/PC ratios, 3667 consecutive STEMI patients undergoing pPCI were divided into three groups: tertile 1 (T1) (n = 1222, 0.357 ≥ MPV/PC ≥ 0.043), tertile 2 (T2) (n = 1222, 0.033 < MPV/PC < 0.043) and tertile 3 (T3) (n = 1223, 0.009 ≤ MPV/PC ≤ 0.032). Patients were followed up with for 5 years, focusing on ST and all-cause mortality outcomes. RESULTS: Patients with T1 displayed a greater 5-year ST rate, including a 2.76-fold greater (95% confidence interval 1.68-10.33) rate than that of patients with T3, who had the lowest rates and were used as the reference group. Meanwhile, the 5-year mortality rate was similarly higher among patients with T1 by 1.72 times (95% confidence interval 1.33-2.22) relative to that among patients with T3. These significant relationships persisted even after adjustment for all confounders. CONCLUSION: We found that higher MPV/PC ratios were associated with long-term ST and mortality. The MPV/PC ratio may constitute both a rapid and an easily obtainable parameter for identifying reliably high-risk patients who have undergone pPCI.

Usefulness of novel Martin/Hopkins and Sampson equations over Friedewald equation in cardiology outpatients: A CVSCORE-TR substudy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The Friedewald equation (LDL-Cf) is known to produce inaccurate estimations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) when triglycerides are high (>400 mg/dL) or LDL-C is low (<70 mg/dL). The Martin/Hopkins (LDL-Cmh) and Sampson (LDL-Cs) equations were developed to overcome these limitations, but few data are available to assess whether these equations offer incremental usefulness over LDL-Cf. Our aim was to understand whether there was any incremental usefulness of novel equations on decisions regarding patient management. METHODS: Four thousand one hundred and ninety-six cardiology patients who were included in a multicentre registry database were analysed. Each patient was assigned to a cardiovascular risk class using the SCORE (Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation) algorithm, and relevant European guidelines were used to assess LDL-C targets. RESULTS: Compared with LDL-Cmh and LDL-Cs, LDL-Cf was able to correctly identify 96.9%-98.08% of patients as within or outside the LDL-C target, respectively, and 1.95%-2.8% of patients were falsely identified as being within the LDL-C target. Kappa coefficients for agreement between LDL-Cf vs LDL-Cmh and LDL-Cf vs LDL-Cs were 0.868 and 0.918 (P < .001). For patients not on cholesterol-lowering drugs, the decision to initiate treatment would be different in 1.2%-1.8% of cases if LDL-Cs or LDL-Cmh were used, respectively. For those already on cholesterol-lowering drugs, decisions regarding treatment intensification would be different in 1.5%-2.4% of cases if LDL-Cs or LDL-Cmh were used. CONCLUSIONS: In most cardiology outpatients, the Friedewald equation has excellent agreement with the novel Martin/Hopkins and Sampson equations, and treatment decisions should not change in most patients.

Cardiovascular risk unawareness is common in individuals admitting to cardiology outpatient clinics in Turkey: the CVSCORE-TR study.

OBJECTIVES: Cardiovascular "risk" is an abstract concept that is frequently misunderstood by the general public. However, correct estimation of one's own cardiovascular risk is important as risk unawareness is associated with noncompliance with interventions aimed to reduce risk burden. Knowing the prevalence and factors linked with an increased probability of risk unawareness are therefore important to develop strategies aimed to increase risk awareness. Aims. To study prevalence of risk unawareness and to understand risk markers associated with risk underestimation and overestimation. Design. A total of 1716 participants were enrolled to the study in 33 centers across Turkey. Relevant demographic and clinical data were collected by direct interview. Cardiovascular risk of the participants was calculated using SCORE risk charts. Results. Ten-year risk for a fatal cardiovascular event was calculated as low in 633 (36.8%), intermediate in 513 (29.9%) and high-very high in 570 (33.2%) participants, respectively. According to these findings, 34.6% (n = 593) of the participants estimated their risk correctly, whereas 22.7% (n = 390) of the participants overestimated and 42.7% (n = 733) of the participants underestimated their risk. Male gender was the sole factor that was associated with an increased risk of underestimation, while having hypertension, significant valve disease or atrial fibrillation was associated with increased odds for risk overestimation. Conclusions. Only one-thirds of the sample was aware of their calculated risk for cardiovascular mortality and risk underestimation was the most common mode of risk unawareness, prompting concerns on the possible impact of the latter on adherence to the strategies aimed to reduce cardiovascular risk.