ABSTRACT
Background: Previous studies have linked cardiovascular risk factors during midlife to cognitive function in later life. However, few studies have looked at the association between cardiac function, brain structure, and cognitive function and even less have included diverse middle-aged populations. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine associations between cardiac and brain structure and function in a multiethnic cohort of middle-aged adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in participants of the Dallas Heart Study phase 2 (N = 1,919; 46% Black participants). Left ventricular (LV) mass, LV ejection fraction, LV concentricity, and peak systolic strain (LV Ecc) were assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. White matter hyperintensities (WMH) volume was measured by fluid attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment was used to measure cognitive functioning. Associations between cardiac and brain measures were determined using multivariable linear regression after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors, education level, and physical activity. Results: LV ejection fraction was associated with total Montreal Cognitive Assessment score (ß = 0.06 [95% CI: 0.003-0.12], P = 0.042) and LV Ecc was associated with WMH volume (ß = 0.08 [95% CI: 0.01-0.14], P = 0.025) in the overall cohort without significant interaction by race/ethnicity. Higher LV mass and concentricity were associated with larger WMH volume in the overall cohort (ß = 0.13 [95% CI: 0.03-0.23], P = 0.008 and 0.10 [95% CI: 0.03-0.17], P = 0.005). These associations were more predominant in Black than White participants (ß = 0.17 [95% CI: 0.04-0.30] vs ß = -0.009 [95% CI: -0.16 to 0.14], P = 0.036 and ß = 0.22 [95% CI: 0.13-0.32] vs ß = -0.11 [95% CI: -0.21 to -0.01], P < 0.0001, for LV mass and concentricity, respectively). Conclusions: Subclinical cardiac dysfunction indicated by LVEF was associated with lower cognitive function. Moreover, LV mass and concentric remodeling were associated with higher WMH burden, particularly among Black individuals.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have implicated therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), by measuring serum or urine drug levels, as a highly reliable technique for detecting medication non-adherence but the attitudes of patients and physicians toward TDM have not been evaluated previously. Accordingly, we solicited input from patients with uncontrolled hypertension and their physicians about their views on TDM. DESIGN: Prospective analysis of responses to a set of questions during semistructured interviews. SETTING: Outpatient clinics in an integrated health system which provides care for a low-income, uninsured population. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with uncontrolled hypertension with either systolic blood pressure of at least 130 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure of at least 80 mm Hg despite antihypertensive drugs and providers in the general cardiology and internal medicine clinics. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Attitudes towards TDM and the potential impact on physician-patient relationship. RESULTS: We interviewed 11 patients and 10 providers and discussed the findings with 13 community advisory panel (CAP) members. Of the patients interviewed, 91% (10 of 11) and all 10 providers thought TDM was a good idea and should be used regularly to better understand the reasons for poorly controlled hypertension. However, 63% (7 of 11) of patients and 20% of providers expressed reservations that TDM could negatively impact the physician-patient relationship. Despite some concerns, the majority of patients, providers and CAP members believed that if test results are communicated without blaming patients, the potential benefits of TDM in identifying suboptimal adherence and eliciting barriers to adherence outweighed the risks. CONCLUSION: The idea of TDM is well accepted by patients and their providers. TDM information if delivered in a non-judgmental manner, to encourage an honest conversation between patients and physicians, has the potential to reduce patient-physician communication obstacles and to identify barriers to adherence which, when overcome, can improve health outcomes.
