Performance of the ATRIA Bleeding Score in Predicting the Risk of In-Hospital Bleeding in Patients with ST-Elevation or Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

ABSTRACT Introduction: A clear assessment of the bleeding risk score in patients presenting with myocardial infarction (MI) is crucial because of its impact on prognosis. The Anticoagulation and Risk Factors in Atrial Fibrillation (ATRIA score is a validated risk score to predict bleeding risk in atrial fibrillation (AF), but its predictive value in predicting bleeding after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or non-STEMI (NSTEMI) patients receiving antithrombotic therapy is unknown. Our aim was to investigate the predictive performance of the ATRIA bleeding score in STEMI and NSTEMI patients in comparison to the CRUSADE (Can Rapid risk stratification of Unstable angina patients Suppress ADverse outcomes with Early implementation of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines) and ACUITY-HORIZONS (Acute Catheterization and Urgent Intervention Triage strategY-Harmonizing Outcomes with Revascularization and Stents in Acute Myocardial Infarction) bleeding scores. Methods: A total of 830 consecutive STEMI and NSTEMI patients who underwent PCI were evaluated retrospectively. The ATRIA, CRUSADE, and ACUITY-HORIZONS risk scores of the patients were calculated. Discrimination of the three risk models was evaluated using C-statistics. Results: Major bleeding occurred in 52 (6.3%) of 830 patients during hospitalization. Bleeding scores were significantly higher in the bleeding patients than in non-bleeding patients (all P<0.001). The discriminatory ability of the ATRIA, CRUSADE, and ACUITY-HORIZONS bleeding scores for bleeding events was similar (C-statistics 0.810, 0.832, and 0.909, respectively). The good predictive value of all three scores for predicting the risk of bleeding was observed in NSTEMI and STEMI patients as well (C-statistics: 0.820, 0.793, and 0.921 and 0.809, 0.854, and 0.905, respectively). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the ATRIA bleeding score is a useful risk score for predicting major in-hospital bleeding in MI patients. This good predictive value was also present in STEMI and NSTEMI patient subgroups.

Performance of the ATRIA Bleeding Score in Predicting the Risk of In-Hospital Bleeding in Patients with ST-Elevation or Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

INTRODUCTION: A clear assessment of the bleeding risk score in patients presenting with myocardial infarction (MI) is crucial because of its impact on prognosis. The Anticoagulation and Risk Factors in Atrial Fibrillation (ATRIA score is a validated risk score to predict bleeding risk in atrial fibrillation (AF), but its predictive value in predicting bleeding after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or non-STEMI (NSTEMI) patients receiving antithrombotic therapy is unknown. Our aim was to investigate the predictive performance of the ATRIA bleeding score in STEMI and NSTEMI patients in comparison to the CRUSADE (Can Rapid risk stratification of Unstable angina patients Suppress ADverse outcomes with Early implementation of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines) and ACUITY-HORIZONS (Acute Catheterization and Urgent Intervention Triage strategY-Harmonizing Outcomes with Revascularization and Stents in Acute Myocardial Infarction) bleeding scores. METHODS: A total of 830 consecutive STEMI and NSTEMI patients who underwent PCI were evaluated retrospectively. The ATRIA, CRUSADE, and ACUITY-HORIZONS risk scores of the patients were calculated. Discrimination of the three risk models was evaluated using C-statistics. RESULTS: Major bleeding occurred in 52 (6.3%) of 830 patients during hospitalization. Bleeding scores were significantly higher in the bleeding patients than in non-bleeding patients (all P<0.001). The discriminatory ability of the ATRIA, CRUSADE, and ACUITY-HORIZONS bleeding scores for bleeding events was similar (C-statistics 0.810, 0.832, and 0.909, respectively). The good predictive value of all three scores for predicting the risk of bleeding was observed in NSTEMI and STEMI patients as well (C-statistics: 0.820, 0.793, and 0.921 and 0.809, 0.854, and 0.905, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the ATRIA bleeding score is a useful risk score for predicting major in-hospital bleeding in MI patients. This good predictive value was also present in STEMI and NSTEMI patient subgroups.

The Role of Systemic Immune Inflammation Index for Predicting Saphenous Vein Graft Disease in Patients with Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

As inflammation plays a significant role in the development of coronary artery disease, we hypothesized that there may be a relation between the systemic immune inflammation index (SII) and saphenous vein graft disease (SVGD). The study population consisted of 716 consecutive patients who underwent elective coronary angiography (CAG) >1 year after bypass grafting. The patients were divided into 2 groups depending on the extent of SVG patency. SII value was significantly higher in the SVGD(+) group compared with the SVGD(-) group (P < .001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, SII (P < .001, odds ratio (OR) = 3.27, 95% CI = 1.94-5.65) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (P < .001, OR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.59-3.11) were found to be independent predictors of SVGD. An SII value of >935 (x103/ml) has 89.2% sensitivity and 70.6% specificity for the prediction of the SVGD, and an NLR value of >4.15 has 54.6% sensitivity and 68.5% specificity for the prediction of the SVGD. The AUC of SII was found to be greater than the AUC of NLR (P = .002), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) (P = .009), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) (P = .013), MPV (P = .011), and C-reactive protein (CRP) (P = .034) in predicting SVGD. In conclusion, we demonstrated that SII, which is among the new inflammation indexes, is a more reliable predictor in determining SVGD than the NLR, PLR, and LMR.

Radioprotective Effect of Nigella Sativa Oil on Heart Tissues of Rats Exposed to Irradition

Abstract Background Various studies are ongoing related to the radioprotective agents. Herbal preparations are currently becoming popular because of their beneficial effects with fewer side effects compared to the synthetic/semi-synthetic medicines, and Nigella sativa oil (NSO) is only one of them. Objective To investigate NSO for its antioxidant effects on the heart tissue of rats exposed to ionizing radiation (IR). Methods Thirty six male albino Wistar rats, divided into four groups, were designated to group I (IR plus NSO group) that received both 5 Gray of gamma IR to total cranium and NSO; group II (IR alone group) that received IR plus saline, group III (control group of NSO) that received saline and did not receive NSO or IR; group IV (control group) that received only sham IR. Alterations in Total antioxidant status (TAS) and Total oxidant status (TOS), Oxidative stres index (OSI), Sulhydryl group (SH), Lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH), Paraoxonase (PON) levels, Arylesterase (ARE) and Ceruloplasmin (CER) activities in homogenized heart tissue of rats were measured by biochemical methods. Results In heart tissue of the rats in the IR alone group (group II) LOOH, TOS and OSI levels were found to be higher, ARE activity and TAS level were found to be lower than all of the other groups (p < 0.01). These results also support that IR increases oxidative stress and NSO's protective effect. Conclusion NSO would reduce the oxidative damage in the irradiated heart tissue in the experimental rat model.

Plasma atherogenic indices are independent predictors of slow coronary flow.

BACKGROUND: Although the pathophysiology of coronary slow flow (CSF) has not been fully elucidated, emerging data increasingly support potential role for subclinical diffuse atherosclerosis in the etiology of CSF. We aimed to investigate relationship between atherogenic indices and CSF. METHODS: 130 patients with CSF diagnosed according to Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI)-frame count (TFC) method and 130 controls who had normal coronary flow (NCF) were included in this retrospective study. Atherogenic indices (atherogenic index of plasma [AIP], Castelli risk indices I and II [CRI-I and II]) were calculated using conventional lipid parameters. RESULTS: The logistic regression analyses demonstrated that AIP (OR, 5.463; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.357-21.991; p = 0.017) and CRI-II (OR, 1.624; 95% CI, 1.138-2.319; p = 0.008) were independent predictors of CSF. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the optimal cutoff value to predict the occurrence of CSF was 0.66 for AIP (sensitivity, 59%; specificity, 73%; area under curve [AUC], 0.695; p < 0.001) and 3.27 for CRI-II (sensitivity, 60%; specificity, 79%; AUC, 0.726; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: AIP and CRI-II levels were independent predictors of CSF. Prospective studies in larger cohorts of patients may elucidate the role of atherogenic dyslipidemia in the pathophysiology of CSF.

Geriatric nutritional risk index is a predictor of recurrent percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Aim To investigate the relationship between malnutrition and follow-up cardiovascular (CV) events in non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).Material and methods A retrospective study was performed on 298 patients with NSTEMI. The baseline geriatric nutritionalrisk index (GNRI) was calculated at the first visit. The patients were divided into three groups accordingto the GNRI: >98, no-risk; 92 to ≤98, low risk; 82 to <92, moderate to high (MTH) risk. The studyendpoint was a composite of follow-up CV events, including all-cause mortality, non-valvular atrialfibrillation (NVAF), hospitalizations, and need for repeat percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Results Follow-up data showed that MTH risk group had significantly higher incidence of repeat PCI and all-cause mortality compared to other groups (p<0.001). However, follow-up hospitalizations and NVAFwere similar between groups (p>0.05). The mean GNRI was 84.6 in patients needing repeat PCI and99.8 in patients who did not require repeat PCI (p<0.001). Kaplan Meier survival analysis showed thatpatients with MTH risk had significantly poorer survival (p<0.001). According to multivariate Coxregression analysis, theMTH risk group (hazard ratio=5.372) was associated with increased mortality.Conclusion GNRI value may have a potential role for the prediction of repeat PCI in patients with NSTEMI.

Associação entre os Níveis Séricos de Elabela e Oclusão Total Crônica em Pacientes com Angina Pectoris Estável / Association Between Serum Elabela Levels and Chronic Totally Occlusion in Patients with Stable Angina Pectoris

Resumo Fundamento: Os efeitos benéficos do elabela no sistema cardiovascular foram demonstrados em estudos. Objetivo: Comparar os níveis séricos de elabela de pacientes com oclusão total crônica (OTC) com pacientes controle com artérias coronárias normais e investigar se há correlação com o desenvolvimento colateral. Métodos: Estudo transversal e prospectivo. O estudo incluiu cinquenta pacientes (28,0% mulheres, idade média 61,6±7,3 anos) com OTC em pelo menos um vaso coronário e 50 pacientes (38% mulheres, idade média 60,7±6,38 anos) com artérias coronárias normais. Os pacientes do grupo OTC foram divididos em dois grupos: Rentrop 0-1, composto por pacientes com fraco desenvolvimento colateral e Rentrop 2-3, composto por pacientes com bom desenvolvimento colateral. Além da idade, sexo, características demográficas e exames laboratoriais de rotina dos pacientes, foram medidos os níveis de elabela. Resultados: As características demográficas e os valores laboratoriais mostraram-se semelhantes em ambos os grupos. Ao passo que o nível médio de NT-proBNP e troponina estava maior no grupo OTC, o nível médio de elabela estava menor (p<0,05 para todos). Na análise de regressão multivariada, os níveis de NT-proBNP e elabela foram considerados preditores independentes para OTC. Além disso, o nível de elabela apresentou-se estatisticamente maior em pacientes do grupo Rentrop 2-3 em comparação com os pacientes do grupo Rentrop 0-1 (p<0,05). Conclusões: Em nosso estudo, mostramos que o nível médio de elabela estava baixo em pacientes com OTC em comparação com pacientes normais. Além disso, constatamos que o nível de elabela é inferior em pacientes com desenvolvimento colateral fraco em comparação com pacientes com bom desenvolvimento colateral. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

Abstract Background: The beneficial effects of Elabela on the cardiovascular system have been shown in studies. Objective: To compare serum Elabela levels of chronic total occlusion (CTO) patients with control patients with normal coronary arteries, and to investigate whether there is a correlation with collateral development. Methods: The study was planned cross-sectionally and prospectively. Fifty patients (28.0% female, mean age 61.6±7.3years) with CTO in at least one coronary vessel and 50 patients (38% female, mean age 60,7±6.38 years) with normal coronary arteries were included in the study. Patients in the CTO group were divided into two groups as Rentrop 0-1, those with weak collateral development, and Rentrop 2-3 with good collateral development. In addition to the age, sex, demographic characteristics and routine laboratory tests of the patients, Elabela levels were measured. Results: Demographic characteristics and laboratory values were similar in both groups. While the mean NT-proBNP and troponin were higher in the CTO group, the Elabela mean was lower (p <0.05 for all). In the multivariate regression analysis, NT-proBNP and Elabela levels were found to be independent predictors for CTO. Also, Elabela level was found to be statistically higher in Rentrop class 2-3 patients compared to Rentrop class 0-1 patients (p<0.05). Conclusion: In our study, we showed that the average Elabela level was low in CTO patients compared to normal patients. In addition, we found the level of Elabela to be lower in patients with weak collateral development compared to patients with good collateral development. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

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

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

Association Between Serum Elabela Levels and Chronic Totally Occlusion in Patients with Stable Angina Pectoris. / Associação entre os Níveis Séricos de Elabela e Oclusão Total Crônica em Pacientes com Angina Pectoris Estável.

BACKGROUND: The beneficial effects of Elabela on the cardiovascular system have been shown in studies. OBJECTIVE: To compare serum Elabela levels of chronic total occlusion (CTO) patients with control patients with normal coronary arteries, and to investigate whether there is a correlation with collateral development. METHODS: The study was planned cross-sectionally and prospectively. Fifty patients (28.0% female, mean age 61.6±7.3years) with CTO in at least one coronary vessel and 50 patients (38% female, mean age 60,7±6.38 years) with normal coronary arteries were included in the study. Patients in the CTO group were divided into two groups as Rentrop 0-1, those with weak collateral development, and Rentrop 2-3 with good collateral development. In addition to the age, sex, demographic characteristics and routine laboratory tests of the patients, Elabela levels were measured. RESULTS: Demographic characteristics and laboratory values were similar in both groups. While the mean NT-proBNP and troponin were higher in the CTO group, the Elabela mean was lower (p <0.05 for all). In the multivariate regression analysis, NT-proBNP and Elabela levels were found to be independent predictors for CTO. Also, Elabela level was found to be statistically higher in Rentrop class 2-3 patients compared to Rentrop class 0-1 patients (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In our study, we showed that the average Elabela level was low in CTO patients compared to normal patients. In addition, we found the level of Elabela to be lower in patients with weak collateral development compared to patients with good collateral development. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0).

FUNDAMENTO: Os efeitos benéficos do elabela no sistema cardiovascular foram demonstrados em estudos. OBJETIVO: Comparar os níveis séricos de elabela de pacientes com oclusão total crônica (OTC) com pacientes controle com artérias coronárias normais e investigar se há correlação com o desenvolvimento colateral. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal e prospectivo. O estudo incluiu cinquenta pacientes (28,0% mulheres, idade média 61,6±7,3 anos) com OTC em pelo menos um vaso coronário e 50 pacientes (38% mulheres, idade média 60,7±6,38 anos) com artérias coronárias normais. Os pacientes do grupo OTC foram divididos em dois grupos: Rentrop 0­1, composto por pacientes com fraco desenvolvimento colateral e Rentrop 2­3, composto por pacientes com bom desenvolvimento colateral. Além da idade, sexo, características demográficas e exames laboratoriais de rotina dos pacientes, foram medidos os níveis de elabela. RESULTADOS: As características demográficas e os valores laboratoriais mostraram-se semelhantes em ambos os grupos. Ao passo que o nível médio de NT-proBNP e troponina estava maior no grupo OTC, o nível médio de elabela estava menor (p<0,05 para todos). Na análise de regressão multivariada, os níveis de NT-proBNP e elabela foram considerados preditores independentes para OTC. Além disso, o nível de elabela apresentou-se estatisticamente maior em pacientes do grupo Rentrop 2­3 em comparação com os pacientes do grupo Rentrop 0­1 (p<0,05). CONCLUSÕES: Em nosso estudo, mostramos que o nível médio de elabela estava baixo em pacientes com OTC em comparação com pacientes normais. Além disso, constatamos que o nível de elabela é inferior em pacientes com desenvolvimento colateral fraco em comparação com pacientes com bom desenvolvimento colateral. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0).

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

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

Elabela as a novel marker: Well-correlated with WIfI amputation risk score in lower extremity arterial disease patients.

OBJECTIVE: Worldwide, over 200 million people are diagnosed with lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD). LEAD significantly increases the risk of death and amputation of the lower limb. A new classification system (WIfI) has been proposed to initially assess all patients with ischemic rest pain or wounds and also predicts 1-year amputation risk. Elabela is a bioactive peptide and a part of the apelinergic system, which has beneficial effects on body fluid homeostasis and cardiovascular health. We aimed to investigate serum Elabela levels in LEAD. METHODS: A total of 119 subjects were enrolled in this cross-sectional study, 60 of whom were in the LEAD group and 59 in the control group. All participants underwent physical examination and routine biochemical tests, including serum Elabela levels. Additionally, the LEAD group was divided into subgroups according to the Rutherford classification, ankle-brachial index (ABI) values, and WIfI risk scores. RESULTS: Serum low-density lipoprotein, Elabela, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) levels were statistically higher in the LEAD group (p=0.002, p<0.001, and p<0.001, respectively). In the Rutherford classification, as the stage increased, Elabela and Hs-CRP levels increased similarly (p<0.001). Elabela levels were statistically found to be positively correlated with Hs-CRP and WIfI amputation score but negatively correlated with ABI (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Serum Elabela level, which is known to be increased in inflammatory processes, has the potential in predicting low extremity arterial obstruction and WIfI amputation risk in LEAD patients.

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

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

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

Effects of eight weeks exercise training on serum levels of adropin in male volleyball players.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of an eight week exercise program on the lipid profile in serum, serum levels of adropin, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in male volleyball players. METHODS: Sixteen healthy male volleyball players participated in this study. Subjects performed eight weeks of aerobic and resistance training, and body mass index (BMI), body fat ratio, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), adropin, SBP, and DBP values were measured at the start (untrained) and end (trained) of training. Non-HDL-C was calculated by subtracting HDL-C from TC. RESULTS: Body fat percentage and BMI values decreased significantly after eight weeks of exercise training. There was a statistically significant decrease in the post-test values of LDL-C, TG, non-HDL-C, and DBP compared to pre-test measurements. There was a significant increase in the trained levels of adropin and HDL-C compared to untrained levels. Pearson's correlation analyses revealed a negative and significant relationship between changes in DBP and adropin levels before and after exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Eight weeks of exercise training decreased LDL-C, TG, non-HDL-C, and DBP and an increased serum levels of adropin in male volleyball players.

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

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

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

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

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

Effect of new oral anticoagulants on platelet indices in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients.

New-generation oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are now preferred as a first-line treatment in the management of atrial fibrillation for prevention of thromboembolic complications. Mean platelet volume (MPV), one of the indicators of increased platelet activity, is also associated with an increased stroke risk in atrial fibrillation patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in MPV, platelet distribution width (PDW) and plateletcrit following use of NOACs. The study included 116 patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation without previous NOAC use. Complete blood counts, biochemical analyses and echocardiography were performed for all patients. No significant differences were observed in MPV or other platelet indices at 6 months compared to baseline. Our results indicate that MPV and other platelet indices are not affected by NOAC use in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients.

Intraocular pressure predicts premature coronary atherosclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between intraocular pressure (IOP) and premature atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (PACAD) by comparing central corneal thicknesses (CCTs) measurements. METHODS: One hundred-eighty-six subjects were enrolled in this cross-sectional study, 100 in the PACAD group and 86 in the control group. All participants underwent a physical examination and routine biochemical tests. Ophthalmological examinations, including IOP and CCTs measurements, were performed for each subject. Additionally, pulse wave velocity measurements were obtained and recorded. RESULTS: Participants with PACAD showed significantly higher IOP values than those without atherosclerosis (p = 0.001), and there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of CCT (p = 0.343). Also, pulse wave velocity (PWV) values were statistically significantly higher in the PACAD group (p = 0.001). High IOP was not significantly associated with metabolic syndrome parameters (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A relationship was found between PACAD and IOP, but CCTs were not associated with PACAD. The IOP measurement is affected by CCT; therefore, CCT is used to correct IOP values. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report a positive relationship between PACAD and IOP based on CCTs measurements.

Intraocular pressure predicts premature coronary atherosclerosis

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between intraocular pressure (IOP) and premature atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (PACAD) by comparing central corneal thicknesses (CCTs) measurements. METHODS: One hundred-eighty-six subjects were enrolled in this cross-sectional study, 100 in the PACAD group and 86 in the control group. All participants underwent a physical examination and routine biochemical tests. Ophthalmological examinations, including IOP and CCTs measurements, were performed for each subject. Additionally, pulse wave velocity measurements were obtained and recorded. RESULTS: Participants with PACAD showed significantly higher IOP values than those without atherosclerosis (p = 0.001), and there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of CCT (p = 0.343). Also, pulse wave velocity (PWV) values were statistically significantly higher in the PACAD group (p = 0.001). High IOP was not significantly associated with metabolic syndrome parameters (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A relationship was found between PACAD and IOP, but CCTs were not associated with PACAD. The IOP measurement is affected by CCT; therefore, CCT is used to correct IOP values. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report a positive relationship between PACAD and IOP based on CCTs measurements.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo é investigar a associação entre a pressão intra-ocular (PIO) e a doença aterosclerótica arterial coronariana prematura (DAACP) compar ando as medidas das espessuras corneanas centrais (ECCs). MÉTODOS: Cento e oitenta e seis indivíduos foram incluídos no presente estudo transversal, 100 no grupo DAACP e 86 no grupo de controle. Todos os participantes foram submetidos a um exame físico e exames bioquímicos de rotina. Exames oftalmológicos, incluindo PIO e medições das ECCs, foram realizados em cada participante. Além disso, medições de velocidade da onda de pulso foram obtidas e registradas. RESULTADOS: Os participantes com DAACP apresentaram valores de PIO significativamente maiores do que os daqueles sem aterosclerose (p = 0,001) e não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos em relação ECC (p = 0,343). Além disso, os valores das velocidades da onda de pulso (VOP) foram estatisticamente significativamente maiores no grupo DAACP (p = 0,001). Um valor elevado de PIO não estava significativamente associado com os parâmetros de síndrome metabólica (p > 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Encontramos uma relação entre DAACP e PIO, mas as ECCs não estavam associadas com DAACP. A medição da PIO é afetada pela ECC; portanto, a ECC é utilizada para corrigir os valores da PIO. Até onde sabemos, este é o primeiro estudo a relatar uma relação positiva entre DAACP e a PIO com base em medições da ECC.

Impact of Atherogenic Indexes in Saphenous Vein Graft Stenosis. / Impacto dos Índices Aterogênicos em Estenose do Enxerto de Veia Safena.

BACKGROUND: Saphenous vein grafts (SVG) are frequently used in patients that have undergone coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between atherogenic indexes and SVG stenosis. METHODS: Altogether, 534 patients (27.7% women, mean age 65±8.4 years) that underwent CABG and elective coronary angiography were included in the study. Patients with at least one SVG stenosis ≥50% were allocated to the stenosis group SVG (+) (n=259) and patients without stenosis were categorized as SVG (-) (n=275). Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and atherogenic coefficient (AC) were calculated from the patients' routine lipid parameters. The level of significance was p<0.05. RESULTS: The number of patients with a history of hypertension (HT), diabetes mellitus (DM), stroke, and heart failure was significantly higher in the SVG (+) group than in the SVG (-) group. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C were significantly higher and HDL-C was lower in the SVG (+) group than in the SVG (-) group. AIP (p<0.001) and AC (p<0.001) were significantly higher in the SVG (+) group than in the SVG (-) group. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis show that both AIP and AC were better than HDL-C, LDL-C and non-HDL-C at predicting SVG stenosis. In the multivariate analysis, history of DM, HT, stroke, heart failure (HF), number of saphenous grafts, HDL-C, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, AIP and AC were found to be independent risk factors for SVG stenosis. CONCLUSION: AIP and AC were independent predictors of SVG stenosis. Moreover, both AIP and AC have better performance in predicting SVG stenosis than LDL-C, HDL-C and non-HDL-C. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(3):538-544).

FUNDAMENTO: Os enxertos de veias safenas (EVS) são frequentemente usados em pacientes submetidos a cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio (CRM). OBJETIVOS: Avaliar as relações entre índices aterogênicos e estenose de EVS. Métodos: No total, 534 pacientes (27,7% mulheres, com idade média de 65±8,4 anos) submetidos a CRM e angiografia coronariana eletiva foram incluídos no estudo. Pacientes com pelo menos uma estenose EVS ≥50% foram alocados ao grupo estenose EVS (+) (n=259) e pacientes sem estenose foram classificados como EVS (-) (n=275). O índice aterogênico plasmático (IAP) e o coeficiente aterogênico (CA) foram calculados a partir dos parâmetros lipídicos de rotina dos pacientes. A significância foi estabelecida no nível p<0,05. RESULTADOS: O número de pacientes com histórico de hipertensão (HT), diabetes mellitus (DM), acidente vascular cerebral e insuficiência cardíaca (IC) se mostrou significativamente maior no grupo EVS (+) do que no grupo EVS (-). O colesterol total, triglicerídeos e colesterol LDL mostraram-se significativamente mais altos e o colesterol HDL mostrou-se menor no grupo EVS (+) do que no grupo EVS (-). IAP (p<0,001) e CA (p<0,001) apresentaram-se significativamente mais altos no grupo EVS (+) do que no grupo EVS (-). A análise ROC mostra que tanto o IAP quanto o CA mostraram-se melhores que o colesterol HDL, colesterol LDL e colesterol não HDL na predição de estenose de EVS. Na análise multivariada, histórico de DM, HT, acidente vascular cerebral, IC, número de enxertos de safena, colesterol HDL, colesterol LDL, colesterol não HDL, IAP e CA foram fatores de risco independentes para estenose de EVS. CONCLUSÃO: O IAP e o CA foram preditores independentes de estenose de EVS. Além disso, tanto o IAP quanto o CA têm melhor desempenho na predição de estenose de EVS do que o colesterol LDL, colesterol HDL e colesterol não HDL. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(3):538-544).

Impacto dos Índices Aterogênicos em Estenose do Enxerto de Veia Safena / Impact of Atherogenic Indexes in Saphenous Vein Graft Stenosis

Resumo Fundamento Os enxertos de veias safenas (EVS) são frequentemente usados em pacientes submetidos a cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio (CRM). Objetivos Avaliar as relações entre índices aterogênicos e estenose de EVS. Métodos: No total, 534 pacientes (27,7% mulheres, com idade média de 65±8,4 anos) submetidos a CRM e angiografia coronariana eletiva foram incluídos no estudo. Pacientes com pelo menos uma estenose EVS ≥50% foram alocados ao grupo estenose EVS (+) (n=259) e pacientes sem estenose foram classificados como EVS (-) (n=275). O índice aterogênico plasmático (IAP) e o coeficiente aterogênico (CA) foram calculados a partir dos parâmetros lipídicos de rotina dos pacientes. A significância foi estabelecida no nível p<0,05. Resultados O número de pacientes com histórico de hipertensão (HT), diabetes mellitus (DM), acidente vascular cerebral e insuficiência cardíaca (IC) se mostrou significativamente maior no grupo EVS (+) do que no grupo EVS (-). O colesterol total, triglicerídeos e colesterol LDL mostraram-se significativamente mais altos e o colesterol HDL mostrou-se menor no grupo EVS (+) do que no grupo EVS (-). IAP (p<0,001) e CA (p<0,001) apresentaram-se significativamente mais altos no grupo EVS (+) do que no grupo EVS (-). A análise ROC mostra que tanto o IAP quanto o CA mostraram-se melhores que o colesterol HDL, colesterol LDL e colesterol não HDL na predição de estenose de EVS. Na análise multivariada, histórico de DM, HT, acidente vascular cerebral, IC, número de enxertos de safena, colesterol HDL, colesterol LDL, colesterol não HDL, IAP e CA foram fatores de risco independentes para estenose de EVS. Conclusão O IAP e o CA foram preditores independentes de estenose de EVS. Além disso, tanto o IAP quanto o CA têm melhor desempenho na predição de estenose de EVS do que o colesterol LDL, colesterol HDL e colesterol não HDL. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(3):538-544)

Abstract Background Saphenous vein grafts (SVG) are frequently used in patients that have undergone coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between atherogenic indexes and SVG stenosis. Methods Altogether, 534 patients (27.7% women, mean age 65±8.4 years) that underwent CABG and elective coronary angiography were included in the study. Patients with at least one SVG stenosis ≥50% were allocated to the stenosis group SVG (+) (n=259) and patients without stenosis were categorized as SVG (-) (n=275). Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and atherogenic coefficient (AC) were calculated from the patients' routine lipid parameters. The level of significance was p<0.05. Results The number of patients with a history of hypertension (HT), diabetes mellitus (DM), stroke, and heart failure was significantly higher in the SVG (+) group than in the SVG (-) group. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C were significantly higher and HDL-C was lower in the SVG (+) group than in the SVG (-) group. AIP (p<0.001) and AC (p<0.001) were significantly higher in the SVG (+) group than in the SVG (-) group. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis show that both AIP and AC were better than HDL-C, LDL-C and non-HDL-C at predicting SVG stenosis. In the multivariate analysis, history of DM, HT, stroke, heart failure (HF), number of saphenous grafts, HDL-C, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, AIP and AC were found to be independent risk factors for SVG stenosis. Conclusion AIP and AC were independent predictors of SVG stenosis. Moreover, both AIP and AC have better performance in predicting SVG stenosis than LDL-C, HDL-C and non-HDL-C. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(3):538-544)