Early Cardiac Rehabilitation Improves Carotid Arterial Stiffness in Patients with Myocardial Infarction.

Background: Little is known about the effect of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on carotid arterial stiffness (CAS) in patients with myocardial infarction (MI). Patients and Methods: Rehabilitation group (B) included 90 patients with MI subjected to CR, control group (K) consisted of 30 patients with MI not participating in CR, and healthy group comprised 38 persons without cardiovascular risk factors. CAS was determined using echo-tracking before and after CR. Results: At baseline, patients with MI (B+K) presented with significantly higher mean values of CAS parameters: beta-stiffness index (7.1 vs 6.4, p = 0.004), Peterson's elastic modulus (96 kPa vs 77 kPa, p < 0.001) and PWV-beta (6.1 m/s vs 5.2 m/s, p < 0.001) than healthy persons. Age (beta: r = 0.242, p = 0.008; EP: r = 0.250, p = 0.006; PWV-beta: r = 0.224, p = 0.014) and blood pressure: SBP (EP: r = 0.388, PWV-beta: r = 0.360), DBP (AC: r = 0.225) and PP (PWV-beta: r = 0.221) correlated positively with the initial parameters of CAS. Beta-stiffness index (Rho=-0.26, p = 0.04) and PWV-beta (Rho = 0.29, p = 0.03) correlated inversely with peak exercise capacity expressed in METs. After CR, mean values of beta-stiffness index (6.2 vs 7.1, p = 0.016), EP (78 kPa vs 101 kPa, p = 0.001) and PWV-beta (5.4 m/s vs 6.2 m/s, p = 0.001) in group B were significantly lower than in group K. In group B, CAS parameters decreased significantly after CR. Univariate analysis demonstrated that the likelihood of an improvement in CAS after CR was significantly higher in patients with baseline systolic blood pressure <120 mm Hg (OR = 2.74, p = 0.009) and left ventricular ejection fraction <43% (OR = 5.05, p = 0.005). Conclusion: In patients with MI, CR exerted a beneficial effect on CAS parameters. The improvement in CAS was predicted by lower SBP and LVEF at baseline.

Influence of the Apelinergic System on Conduction Disorders in Patients after Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: There is a growing body of evidence for an important role of the apelinergic system in the modulation of cardiovascular homeostasis. The aim of our study was to (1) examine the relationship between apelin serum concentration at index myocardial infarction (MI) and atrioventricular conduction disorders (AVCDs) at 12-month follow-up, and (2) investigate the association between initial apelin concentration and the novel marker of post-MI scar (Q/QRS ratio) at follow-up. METHODS: In 84 patients with MI with complete revascularization, apelin peptide serum concentrations for apelin-13, apelin-17, elabela (ELA) and apelin receptor (APJ) were measured on day one of hospitalization; at 12-month follow-up, 54 of them underwent thorough examination that included 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG), Holter ECG monitoring and echocardiography. RESULTS: The mean age was 58.9 years. At 12-month follow-up, AVCDs were diagnosed in 21.4% of subjects, with AV first-degree block in 16.7% and sinoatrial arrest in 3.7%. ELA serum concentration at index MI correlated positively with the occurrence of AVCD (p = 0.003) and heart rate (p = 0.005) at 12-month follow-up. The apelin-13 serum concentration at index MI correlated negatively with the Q/QRS ratio. CONCLUSIONS: The apelin peptide concentration during an acute phase of MI impacts the development of AVCD and the value of Q/QRS ratio in MI survivors.

Iron Status and Short-Term Recovery after Non-Severe Acute Myocarditis: A Prospective Observational Study.

Pathomechanisms responsible for recovery from acute myocarditis (MCD) or progression to non-ischemic cardiomyopathy have not been comprehensively investigated. Iron, positioned at the crossroads of inflammation and the energy metabolism of cardiomyocytes, may contribute to the pathophysiology of inflammatory myocardial disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether systemic iron parameters are related to myocardial dysfunction in MCD patients. We prospectively enrolled 42 consecutive patients hospitalized for MCD. Their iron status and their clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic indices were assessed during hospitalization and during ambulatory visits six weeks after discharge. A control group comprising healthy volunteers was recruited. The MCD patients had higher serum ferritin and hepcidin and lower serum iron concentration and transferrin saturation (TSAT) than the healthy controls (all p < 0.01). Six weeks after discharge, the iron status of the MCD patients was already comparable to that of the control group. During hospitalization, lower serum iron and TSAT correlated with higher NT-proBNP (both p < 0.05). In-hospital lower serum iron and TSAT correlated with both a lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and worse left ventricular global longitudinal strain at follow-up visits (all p < 0.05). In conclusion, in patients with acute MCD, iron status is altered and normalizes within six weeks. Low serum iron and TSAT are related to greater in-hospital neurohormonal activation and subtle persistent left ventricular dysfunction.

The Influence of Frailty Syndrome and Dementia on the Convenience and Satisfaction with Oral Anticoagulation Treatment in Elderly Patients with Atrial Fibrillation.

Background: The impact of frailty syndrome (FS) and dementia on the convenience and satisfaction with oral anticoagulation (OAC) treatment in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients is not well-known. Aim: Assessment the impact of FS and dementia on the convenience and satisfaction with OAC treatment in 116 elderly (mean age 75.2, SD = 8.2) patients with AF. Methodology: A self-administered questionnaire was used in the study to collect basic socio-demographic and clinical data. Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI) questionnaire was used to assess the presence of FS, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) to assess cognitive impairment (CI), The Perception of Anticoagulant Treatment Questionnaire Part 2 (PACT-Q2) to assess convenience and satisfaction with OAC treatment, and the Arrhythmia-Specific Questionnaire in Tachycardia and Arrhythmia (ASTA) to assess quality of life (QoL). Results: Multivariable analysis as a significant, negative predictor of the convenience and satisfaction domain showed the occurrence of dementia (ß = −0.34; p < 0.001, ß = −0.41; p < 0.001, respectively) and prior major bleeding (ß = −0.30; p < 0.001, ß = −0.33; p < 0.001, respectively). Analysis showed a significant relationship between convenience and satisfaction and the overall result of the ASTA (r = −0.329; p < 0.001, r = −0.372; p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: Elements of geriatric syndrome, such as FS and dementia, adversely affect treatment convenience and satisfaction with OAC treatment in AF. It has been shown that better convenience and satisfaction with OAC treatment translates into better QoL. There were no differences between satisfaction and convenience and the type of OAC treatment (vitamin K antagonists (VKA) vs. novel oral anticoagulants (NOAC).

Plasma Levels of Apelinergic System Components in Patients with Chronic and Acute Coronary Syndromes-A Pilot Study.

The effects of the apelinergic system components apelin (AP) and elabela (ELA) in the regulation of human cardiovascular homeostasis, and data concerning the relationship between ELA and AP and coronary artery disease (CAD) are yet unknown. The aim of the study was the evaluation of AP, ELA and APJ-receptor levels in the plasma of patients with chronic coronary syndromes (CCS) and acute coronary syndromes (ACS). The study group consisted of 114 patients with CAD and 33 healthy controls. Patients were divided into two groups: with CCS (n = 30) and ACS (n = 84). Routine laboratory tests and plasma ELA, AP-17, AP-13 and APJ receptor levels were measured. Echocardiographic data were analyzed in all patients. Levels of AP-17 and ELA were significantly lower in CCS than in healthy controls and ACS patients. We demonstrated significant increase of levels of plasma apelinergic system peptides, especially ELA and AP-17 in ACS patients compared with healthy controls and CCS, suggestive of compensating up-regulation mechanisms. There is a relationship between circulating ELA and AP-17 levels and classical, biochemical markers of ischemia and left ventricular ejection faction as well.

Optimal medical therapy in patients with stable coronary artery disease in Poland: the ISCHEMIA trial experience.

Introduction: Optimal medical therapy (OMT) is the cornerstone of treatment for stable coronary disease with the ISCHEMIA trial showing similar outcomes using OMT with or without an initial invasive approach. Objectives: To describe OMT goal attainment in Polish ISCHEMIA participants compared with other countries. Patients and methods: Among 5179 trial participants, 333 were randomized in Poland. The median follow-up was 3.2 years. OMT targets were: not smoking, high-intensity statin therapy, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of less than 70 mg/dl, systolic blood pressure of less than 140 mm Hg, aspirin therapy, and ACEI / ARB, and ß-blocker therapy if indicated. Results: Compared with 36 other countries, at randomization, patients in Poland were older (67 [62­75] y vs 65 [58­71] y); P <⁠0.001), more often female (30% vs 22%; P = 0.002), with a longer history of angina (3 [1­9] y vs 1 [0­3] y; P <⁠0.001), and there were more cases of prior myocardial infarction (32% vs 18%; P <⁠0.01) and revascularization (PCI, 40% vs 19%; CABG, 11% vs 3%; P <⁠0.001 for both). The number of OMT goals attained increased from baseline to follow-up visits (5 [4­5] vs 6 [5­6]; P <⁠0.001) in Poland and other countries alike (P = 0.89 vs P = 0.14). In Poland, significant improvements were achieved regarding high-intensity statin therapy (27% vs 50%), LDL-C <⁠70 mg/dl (29% vs 65%), and systolic blood pressure of less than 140 mm Hg (63% vs 81%) (P <⁠0.001 for all), whereas not-smoking (89% vs 89%), aspirin (90% vs 88%), ACEI / ARB (93% vs 95%), and ß-blocker therapy (94% vs 90%) remained high. Conclusions: With regular surveillance and contemporary medical therapy, high OMT goal attainment was achievable among the participants of the ISCHEMIA trial in Poland relative to other countries. There is still room for improvement in LDL-C and blood pressure management.

Dysbiosis is one of the risk factor for stroke and cognitive impairment and potential target for treatment.

More than 50 million people have various forms of cognitive impairment basically caused by neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and cerebrovascular diseases as well as stroke. Often these conditions coexist and exacerbate one another. The damaged area in post-stroke dementia may lead to neurodegenerative lesions. Gut microbiome functions like an endocrine organ by generating bioactive metabolites that can directly or indirectly impact human physiology. An alteration in the composition and function of intestinal flora, i.e. gut dysbiosis, is implicated in neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases. Additionally, gut dysbiosis may accelerate the progression of cognitive impairment. Dysbiosis may result from obesity; metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, and sleep disorders, Lack of physical activity is associated with dysbiosis as well. These may coexist in various patterns in older people, enhancing the risk, incidence, and progression of cerebrovascular lesions, neurodegenerative disorders, and cognitive impairment, creating a vicious circle. Recently, it has been reported that several metabolites produced by gut microbiota (e.g., trimethylamine/trimethylamine N-oxide, short-chain fatty acids, secondary bile acids) may be linked to neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases. New treatment modalities, including prebiotic and probiotics, may normalize the gut microbiota composition, change the brain-gut barrier, and decrease the risk of the pathology development. Fecal microbiota transplantation, sometimes in combination with other methods, is used for remodeling and replenishing the symbiotic gut microbiome. This promising field of research is associated with basic findings of bidirectional communication between body organs and gut microbiota that creates new possibilities of pharmacological treatments of many clinical conditions. The authors present the role of gut microbiota in physiology, and the novel therapeutic targets in modulation of intestinal microbiota Personalized therapies based on their personal genome make up could offer benefits by modulating microbiota cross-talk with brain and cardiovascular system. A healthy lifestyle, including pre and probiotic nutrition is generally recommended. Prevention may also be enhanced by correcting gut dysbiosis resulting a reduced risk of post-stroke cognitive impairment including dementia.

Carotid Artery Stiffness in Metabolic Syndrome: Sex Differences.

INTRODUCTION: The effect of metabolic syndrome (MS) on carotid stiffness (CS) in the context of gender is under research. OBJECTIVE: We examined the relationship between the MS and CS in men (M) and women (W) and investigated if the impact of cardiovascular risk factors on CS is modulated by gender. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 419 subjects (mean age 54.3 years): 215 (51%) with MS (109 W and 106 M) and 204 (49%) without MS (98 W and 106 M). Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and CS parameters (beta stiffness index (beta), Peterson's elastic modulus (Ep), arterial compliance (AC) and one-point pulse wave velocity (PWV-beta)) were measured with the echo-tracking (eT) system. RESULTS: ANCOVA demonstrated that MS was associated with elevated CS indices (p = 0.003 for beta and 0.025 for PWV-beta), although further sex-specific analysis revealed that this relationship was significant only in W (p = 0.021 for beta). Age was associated with CS in both M and W, pulse pressure (PP) and body mass index turned out to be determinants of CS solely in W, while the effect of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate was more pronounced in M. MANOVA performed in subjects with MS revealed that age and diabetes mellitus type 2 were determinants of CS in both sexes, diastolic blood pressure and MAP - solely in M and systolic blood pressure, PP and waist circumference - solely in W (the relationship between the waist circumference and AC was paradoxical). CONCLUSION: The relationship between MS and CS is stronger in W than in M. In subjects with MS, various components of arterial pressure exert different sex-specific effects on CS - with the impact of the pulsative component of arterial pressure (PP) observed in W and the impact of the steady component (MAP) observed in M.

Frailty and the risk of all-cause mortality and hospitalization in chronic heart failure: a meta-analysis.

To estimate the risk of all-cause mortality and hospitalization in frail patients with chronic heart failure (HF), a systematic search and meta-analysis was carried out to identify all prospective cohort studies conducted among adults with HF where frailty was quantified and related to the primary endpoints of all-cause mortality and/or hospitalization. Twenty-nine studies reporting the link between frailty and all-cause mortality in 18 757 patients were available for the meta-analysis, along with 11 studies, with 13 525 patients, reporting the association between frailty and hospitalization. Frailty was a predictor of all-cause mortality and hospitalization with summary hazard ratios (HRs) of 1.48 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.31-1.65, P < 0.001] and 1.40 (95% CI: 1.27-1.54, P < 0.001), respectively. Summary HRs for all-cause mortality among frail inpatients undergoing ventricular assist device implantation, inpatients hospitalized for HF, and outpatients were 1.46 (95% CI: 1.18-1.73, P < 0.001), 1.58 (95% CI: 0.94-2.22, P = not significant), and 1.53 (95% CI: 1.28-1.78, P < 0.001), respectively. Summary HRs for all-cause mortality and frailty based on Fried's phenotype were 1.48 (95% CI: 1.03-1.93, P < 0.001) and 1.42 (95% CI: 1.05-1.79, P < 0.001) for inpatients and outpatients, respectively, and based on other frailty measures were 1.42 (95% CI: 1.12-1.72, P < 0.001) and 1.60 (95% CI: 1.43-1.77, P < 0.001) for inpatients and outpatients, respectively. Across clinical contexts, frailty in chronic HF is associated with an average of 48% and 40% increase in the hazard of all-cause mortality and hospitalization, respectively. The relationship between frailty and all-cause mortality is similar across clinical settings and comparing measurement using Fried's phenotype or other measures.

A curriculum for heart failure nurses: an expert opinion of the Section of Nursing and Medical Technicians and the Heart Failure Working Group of the Polish Cardiac Society.

The rates of mortality and morbidity due to heart failure (HF) are expected to significantly rise over the next 10 years owing to an ageing population and will be the highest of all rates pertaining to cardiovascular diseases. To face this rapidly progressing problem, that is, the increasing prevalence of HF and need for care of patients with this disease, an attempt was made to develop a curriculum targeted at HF nurses. The HF nurse, as a member of the therapeutic team, has to play an active role in monitoring patients' physical and mental condition, coordinating hospital care, planning intervention after discharge from the hospital, and involving the patient and / or his or her family in self­care, effective cooperation, and communication with the therapeutic team. The curriculum was conceived to complement the knowledge of HF and improve HF nurses' educational skills. The proposed model of education, based on the guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology and led by trained educators, will enable clinicians to fully implement the principles of coordinated care and properly assess the effectiveness of educational interventions in patients with HF.

Association of Sex With Severity of Coronary Artery Disease, Ischemia, and Symptom Burden in Patients With Moderate or Severe Ischemia: Secondary Analysis of the ISCHEMIA Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: While many features of stable ischemic heart disease vary by sex, differences in ischemia, coronary anatomy, and symptoms by sex have not been investigated among patients with moderate or severe ischemia. The enrolled ISCHEMIA trial cohort that underwent coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) was required to have obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) for randomization. Objective: To describe sex differences in stress testing, CCTA findings, and symptoms in ISCHEMIA trial participants. Design, Setting, and Participants: This secondary analysis of the multicenter ISCHEMIA randomized clinical trial analyzed baseline characteristics of patients with stable ischemic heart disease. Individuals were enrolled from July 2012 to January 2018 based on local reading of moderate or severe ischemia on a stress test, after which blinded CCTA was performed in most. Core laboratories reviewed stress tests and CCTAs. Participants with no obstructive CAD or with left main CAD of 50% or greater were excluded. Those who met eligibility criteria including CCTA (if performed) were randomized to a routine invasive or a conservative management strategy (N = 5179). Angina was assessed using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire. Analysis began October 1, 2018. Interventions: CCTA and angina assessment. Main Outcomes and Measures: Sex differences in stress test, CCTA findings, and symptom severity. Results: Of 8518 patients enrolled, 6256 (77%) were men. Women were more likely to have no obstructive CAD (<50% stenosis in all vessels on CCTA) (353 of 1022 [34.4%] vs 378 of 3353 [11.3%]). Of individuals who were randomized, women had more angina at baseline than men (median [interquartile range] Seattle Angina Questionnaire Angina Frequency score: 80 [70-100] vs 90 [70-100]). Women had less severe ischemia on stress imaging (383 of 919 [41.7%] vs 1361 of 2972 [45.9%] with severe ischemia; 386 of 919 [42.0%] vs 1215 of 2972 [40.9%] with moderate ischemia; and 150 of 919 [16.4%] vs 394 of 2972 [13.3%] with mild or no ischemia). Ischemia was similar by sex on exercise tolerance testing. Women had less extensive CAD on CCTA (205 of 568 women [36%] vs 1142 of 2418 men [47%] with 3-vessel disease; 184 of 568 women [32%] vs 754 of 2418 men [31%] with 2-vessel disease; and 178 of 568 women [31%] vs 519 of 2418 men [22%] with 1-vessel disease). Female sex was independently associated with greater angina frequency (odds ratio, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.13-1.76). Conclusions and Relevance: Women in the ISCHEMIA trial had more frequent angina, independent of less extensive CAD, and less severe ischemia than men. These findings reflect inherent sex differences in the complex relationships between angina, atherosclerosis, and ischemia that may have implications for testing and treatment of patients with suspected stable ischemic heart disease. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01471522.

Pol-CDRIE registry - 1-year observational data on patients hospitalized due to cardiac device-related infective endocarditis in Polish referential cardiology centres.

BACKGROUND: The rate of cardiac device-related infective endocarditis (CDRIE) is increasing worldwide, but no detailed data are available for Poland. AIMS: We aimed to evaluate clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic data of patients hospitalized due to CDRIE in 22 Polish referential cardiology centers from May 1, 2016 to May 1, 2017. METHODS: Participating cardiology departments were asked to fill in a questionnaire that included data on the number of hospitalized patients, number and types of implanted cardiac electrotherapy devices, and number of infective endocarditis cases. We also collected clinical data and data regarding the management of patients with CDRIE. RESULTS: Overall, 99 621 hospitalizations were reported. Infective endocarditis unrelated to cardiac device was the cause of 596 admissions (0.6%), and CDRIE, of 195 (0.2%). Pacemaker was implanted in 91 patients with CDRIE (47%); cardioverter­defibrillator, in 51 (26%); cardiac resynchronization therapy­defibrillator, in 48 (25%); and cardiac resynchronization therapy­pacemaker, in 5 (2.5%). The most common symptoms were malaise (62%), fever/chills (61%), cough (21%), chest pain (19.5%), and inflammation of the device pocket (5.6%). Cultures were positive in 77.5% of patients. The cardiac device was removed in 91% of patients. The percutaneous approach was most common for cardiac device removal. All patients received antibiotic therapy, and 3 patients underwent a heart valve procedure. Transesophageal echocardiography was performed in 80% of patients. The most common complication was heart failure (25% of patients). CONCLUSIONS: The clinical profile, pathogen types, and management strategies in Polish patients with CDRIE are consistent with similar data from other European countries. Transesophageal echocardiography was performed less frequently than recommended. The removal rate in the Polish population is consistent with the general rates observed for interventional treatment in patients with CDRIE.

A 64-year-old man suffering from ST-elevation myocardial infarction and severe thrombocytopenia: Procedures in the case of a patient not fitting the guidelines.

The objective of this case report is to present how the chronic condition significantly complicates life-saving procedures and influences further treatment decisions. A 64-year-old man suffering from arterial hypertension and immune thrombocytopenic purpura presented to the Emergency Department with anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction. An immediate coronary angiography was performed where critical stenosis of the proximal left anterior descending was found. It was followed by primary percutaneous intervention with bare metal stent. In first laboratory results, extremely low platelet count was found (13 × 109/L). Consulting haematologist advised the use of single antiplatelet therapy and from the second day of hospitalisation only clopidogrel was prescribed. On the sixth day of hospital stay, patient presented acute chest pain with ST elevation in anterior leads. Emergency coronary angiography confirmed acute stent thrombosis and aspiration thrombectomy was performed. It was therefore agreed to continue dual antiplatelet therapy for 4 weeks. As there are no clinical trials where patients with low platelet count are included, all therapeutic decisions must be made based on clinician's experience and experts' consensus. Both the risk of haemorrhagic complications and increased risk of thrombosis must be taken into consideration when deciding on patient's treatment.