Prevalence of carotid artery calcification detected by different dental imaging techniques and their relationship with cardiovascular risk factors, age and gender.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis and its secondary diseases display a major threat to patient's health. Sequelae, like carotid artery calcification (CAC), usually develop over decades and remain asymptomatic for a long time, making preventive measures to reduce mortality and morbidity extremely important. Through panoramic radiography (PR) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), dentists may have helpful tools in aiding the holistic care of patients. In this context, the correlation of atherosclerotic risk factors and CAC development have not yet been sufficiently investigated. Thus, the aim of this observational radiological study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of PR compared with CBCT for the detection of CAC in patients older than 60 years. The radiological findings were correlated with gender, age, and cardiac risk factors. METHODS: PRs and CBCTs of N = 607 patients were used for the qualitative analysis and compared. Basic patient information such as age, gender, body mass index (BMI), smoking history as well as patient's detailed medical history, including heart disease and cardiovascular risk factors such as hypercholesterolemia, arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus type II were documented and their relation to CAC provided by radiological data was estimated in the form of odds ratios (OR), which were calculated using logistic regression models. Proportions of CAC in different risk groups were compared using Fisher's exact test, the significance level was set to α ≤ 0.05. The interrater reliability of two physicians was estimated using Cohen's kappa. RESULTS: With an accuracy of 90.6%, a sensitivity of 67.5% and a specificity of 99.5% compared to CBCT, PR was a reliable method for the diagnosis of CAC. The overall detection rate for CAC was 27.8% across all age groups. Age (OR: 1.351; p = 0.021), the male sex (OR: 1.645; p = 0.006), arterial hypertension (OR: 2.217; p = < 0.001), heart disease (OR: 1.675; p = 0.006), hypercholesterolemia (OR: 1.904; p = 0.003) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR: 2.016; p = 0.036) were statistically significant risk factors. When correlated, neither history of stroke nor nicotine abuse showed any statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the capabilities of PR in the diagnosis of CAC, dentists can play a vital role in the early diagnosis of vascular disease. Awareness should therefore be raised among dentists regarding the detection of CAC in patients over 60 years of age, with a particular focus on those with arterial hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia.

Hallazgos por ecografía Doppler arterial oftálmica en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica avanzada / Ophthalmic Arterial Doppler Ultrasound Findings in Patients with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease

Objetivo: Determinar los hallazgos por ecografía Doppler arterial oftálmica en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica avanzada. Métodos: Se efectuó un estudio observacional descriptivo y transversal con 212 órbitas de 106 pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica avanzada (estadios 4 y 5 en tratamiento dialítico). Por interrogatorio y examen físico se identificaron los factores de riesgo aterosclerótico. Además, se realizó ultrasonido orbitario y Doppler carotídeo, y solo en caso de resultar normales, se procedió a evaluar mediante ecografía Doppler las arterias oftálmicas. Resultados: Predominaron los pacientes mayores de 50 años, el sexo masculino, el color mestizo de piel y los normopesos; mientras que la hipertensión arterial, el tabaquismo y la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 fueron los factores de riesgo aterosclerótico mayoritarios. En todos los enfermos renales crónicos se demostró un incremento de la velocidad del flujo y de la resistencia vascular a nivel de las arterias oftálmicas, en tanto los casos con hipertensión arterial y diabetes mellitus tipo 2, así como los hipertensos exclusivos, mostraron los valores hemodinámicos más elevados. Conclusiones: La evaluación de las arterias oftálmicas mediante ecografía Doppler permite hacer un estudio y seguimiento más integral de los pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica avanzada(AU)

Objective: To determine ophthalmic arterial Doppler ultrasound findings in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional observational study was carried out with 212 orbits of 106 patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (stages 4 and 5 in dialysis treatment). Atherosclerotic risk factors were identified by interrogation and physical examination. In addition, orbital ultrasound and carotid Doppler were performed, and only if they were normal, the ophthalmic arteries were evaluated by Doppler ultrasound. Results: Patients older than 50 years, male sex, mestizo skin color and normal weight predominated, while arterial hypertension, smoking and type 2 diabetes mellitus were the main atherosclerotic risk factors. An increase in flow velocity and vascular resistance at the level of the ophthalmic arteries was demonstrated in all chronic renal patients, while cases with arterial hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as exclusive hypertensives, showed the highest hemodynamic values. Conclusions: The evaluation of the ophthalmic arteries by Doppler ultrasound allows a more comprehensive study and follow-up of patients with advanced chronic kidney disease(AU)

Genetic variations in OLR1 gene associated with PCOS and atherosclerotic risk factors.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy in women of reproductive age. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 (OLR1) gene variations with the susceptibility of PCOS and to examine the relationship between the frequencies of OLR1 gene variations and atherosclerotic risk factors. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples collected from 49 patients with PCOS and 43 healthy controls. The variants in the OLR1 gene were identified using next-generation sequencing (NGS). Heterozygous rs11053646 (K167N), rs11611438, rs11611453, and rs35688880 genotype frequencies were significantly higher in the PCOS group than that of control group. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs34163097 minor A allele increased the PCOS risk by ∼10-fold (p = 0.03). SNPs rs11053646, rs11611438, rs11611453, rs34163097, and rs35688880 were positively correlated with body mass index (BMI). The logistic regression model (area under the curve: 0.770, p = 0.000) further revealed a combination of 2-h plasma glucose (PG-2 h), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), and rs11053646 as predictors of PCOS phenotype. This is the first study reporting the NGS data of OLR1 gene variants which might be associated with the pathogenesis of PCOS and several atherosclerotic risk factors, particularly higher BMI and DHEAS. To fully understand the genetic basis of PCOS and the contribution of OLR1 gene variants to PCOS pathogenesis, additional large-scale studies are warranted.

Prognostic Value of Ankle-Brachial Index in Prediction of Cardiovascular Events in an Asian Population with Multiple Atherosclerotic Risk Factors.

We aimed to evaluate the incremental prognostic value after incorporation of the ankle-brachial index (ABI) into the 10-year pool cohort equation (PCE) risk model in patients with multiple risk factors (MRFs). A total of 4332 MRFs patients were divided into 2 groups as ABI ≤.9 or >.9. The primary outcome was hard cardiovascular events (hCVE: including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or ischemic stroke) over a median follow-up of 36 months. The Cox proportional hazards survival model, C-statistic, and net reclassification indices (NRI) were used. The occurrence of the primary outcome in the ABI ≤.9 group (3.7%) was significantly greater than in the ABI > .9 group (1.3%), P < .001. ABI is an independent predictor of hCVE in addition to the variables in the standard risk model (age, gender, and smoking status). ABI modestly improved the C-index when added to the PCE risk model (PCE .70 vs ABI+PCE .74). The addition of ABI to the PCE risk model did not significantly improve the classification of patients (NRI -.029; 95% CI: -.215 to .130). Despite ABI being one of the independent predictors of hCVE, integration of ABI into the PCE model did not improve the efficacy of risk reclassification in patients with MRFs.

microRNAs Associated with Carotid Plaque Development and Vulnerability: The Clinician's Perspective.

Ischemic stroke (IS) related to atherosclerosis of large arteries is one of the leading causes of mortality and disability in developed countries. Atherosclerotic internal carotid artery stenosis (ICAS) contributes to 20% of all cerebral ischemia cases. Nowadays, atherosclerosis prevention and treatment measures aim at controlling the atherosclerosis risk factors, or at the interventional (surgical or endovascular) management of mature occlusive lesions. There is a definite lack of the established circulating biomarkers which, once modulated, could prevent development of atherosclerosis, and consequently prevent the carotid-artery-related IS. Recent studies emphasize that microRNA (miRNA) are the emerging particles that could potentially play a pivotal role in this approach. There are some research studies on the association between the expression of small non-coding microRNAs with a carotid plaque development and vulnerability. However, the data remain inconsistent. In addition, all major studies on carotid atherosclerotic plaque were conducted on cell culture or animal models; very few were conducted on humans, whereas the accumulating evidence demonstrates that it cannot be automatically extrapolated to processes in humans. Therefore, this paper aims to review the current knowledge on how miRNA participate in the process of carotid plaque formation and rupture, as well as stroke occurrence. We discuss potential target miRNA that could be used as a prognostic or therapeutic tool.

Hallazgos de retinopatía diabética por ecografía Doppler arterial oftálmico en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 / Findings of Diabetic Retinopathy by Ophthalmic Arterial Doppler Ultrasound in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Objetivo: Determinar los hallazgos de retinopatía diabética por ecografía doppler arterial oftálmico en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Métodos: Se efectuó un estudio observacional descriptivo y transversal en 200 órbitas de 100 pacientes diabéticos, a los que se les realizó fondo de ojo para diagnóstico y gradación de la retinopatía diabética. Por interrogatorio y examen físico se determinó el tiempo de diagnóstico de la diabetes y la presencia o ausencia de obesidad. Además, se les hizo ultrasonido orbitario y Doppler carotídeo, y solo en caso de resultar normales, se procedió a evaluar mediante ecografía doppler a las arterias oftálmicas. Resultados: Predominaron los diabéticos entre 40 y 60 años, el sexo masculino, los casos sin retinopatía diabética, y el grupo de más de 10 años de diagnóstico de la diabetes. Se demostró una disminución de la velocidad del flujo y un incremento de la resistencia vascular a nivel de las arterias oftálmicas, en tanto se evidenció asociación significativa de estos parámetros hemodinámicos con el envejecimiento, la presencia o ausencia de obesidad, el tiempo de diagnóstico de la diabetes y la severidad de la retinopatía diabética. Sin embargo, no se encontró asociación significativa con el sexo. Conclusiones: La valoración mediante ecografía doppler de las arterias oftálmicas, haría más completo el estudio y seguimiento de los pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2(AU)

Purpose: To determine the findings of diabetic retinopathy by ophthalmic arterial Doppler ultrasound in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional observational study was carried out in 200 orbits of 100 diabetic patients, who underwent fundus examination for diagnosis and grading of diabetic retinopathy. The time of diagnosis of diabetes and the presence or absence of obesity were determined by interrogation and physical examination. In addition, orbital ultrasound and carotid Doppler were performed, and only if they were normal, the ophthalmic arteries were evaluated by Doppler ultrasound. Results: Diabetic patients between 40 and 60 years of age, from the male gender, cases without diabetic retinopathy, and the group with more than 10 years of diagnosed diabetes predominated. A decrease in flow velocity and an increase in vascular resistance at the level of the ophthalmic arteries were demonstrated, while a significant association of these hemodynamic parameters with aging, presence or absence of obesity, time of diagnosis of diabetes and severity of diabetic retinopathy was evidenced. However, no significant association was found as to gender. Conclusions: Doppler ultrasound assessment of the ophthalmic arteries would make the study and follow-up of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus more complete(AU)

Hallazgos de la ecografía Doppler arterial oftálmica en pacientes con hipertensión arterial primaria / Ophthalmic Arterial Doppler Ultrasound Findings in Patients with Primary Arterial Hypertension

Objetivo: Determinar los hallazgos por ecografía Doppler arterial oftálmica en pacientes con hipertensión arterial primaria. Métodos: Se efectuó un estudio observacional descriptivo y transversal con 202 órbitas de 101 pacientes hipertensos, a los que se les realizó fondo de ojo para diagnóstico y gradación de la retinopatía hipertensiva. Por interrogatorio y examen físico se identificaron como factores de riesgo aterosclerótico el consumo excesivo de alcohol y la obesidad. Además, se les hizo ultrasonido orbitario y Doppler carotídeo, y solo en caso de resultar normales, se procedió a evaluar mediante ecografía Doppler las arterias oftálmicas. Resultados: Predominaron los hipertensos entre 40 y 60 años de edad, el sexo masculino, el color mestizo de piel, los casos sin retinopatía hipertensiva, y el grupo entre 10 y 20 años de diagnosticada la hipertensión. Se demostró un incremento de la velocidad del flujo y de la resistencia vascular a nivel de las arterias oftálmicas. En tanto, se evidenció asociación significativa de estos parámetros hemodinámicos con el envejecimiento y el tiempo de diagnóstico de la hipertensión. Sin embargo, no se comprobó asociación significativa con el sexo, el color de la piel, y la presencia o ausencia de obesidad, consumo excesivo de alcohol, y retinopatía hipertensiva independientemente de su gravedad. Conclusiones: La evaluación de las arterias oftálmicas mediante ecografía Doppler permite hacer un estudio y seguimiento más integral de los pacientes con hipertensión arterial primaria(AU)

Objective: To determine ophthalmic arterial Doppler ultrasound findings in patients with primary arterial hypertension. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional observational study was carried out with 202 orbits of 101 hypertensive patients, who underwent fundus examination for diagnosis and grading of hypertensive retinopathy. By interrogation and physical examination, excessive alcohol consumption and obesity were identified as atherosclerotic risk factors. In addition, orbital ultrasound and carotid Doppler were performed, and only if they were normal, the ophthalmic arteries were evaluated using Doppler ultrasound. Results: Hypertensive patients between 40 and 60 years of age, male, mixed skin color, cases without hypertensive retinopathy, and the group between 10 and 20 years after hypertension diagnosis predominated. An increase in flow velocity and vascular resistance at the level of the ophthalmic arteries was demonstrated. Meanwhile, a significant association of these hemodynamic parameters with aging and time of diagnosis of hypertension was evidenced. However, no significant association was found with gender, skin color, and the presence or absence of obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, and hypertensive retinopathy regardless of its severity. Conclusions: Evaluation of the ophthalmic arteries using Doppler ultrasound allows a more comprehensive study and follow-up of patients with primary arterial hypertension(AU)

Buerger Disease: Pathological Changes in Elderly Patients.

Reports of vascular lesion changes in elderly Buerger disease patients are rare. Patients are expected to continue to have typical Buerger disease even after the age of 50. However, after 50, when patients suffer from atherosclerotic risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or hyperlipidemia, what kind of changes will occur? We will report on 3 cases of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or hyper lipidemia after or around 50 years of age. As a result, atherosclerosis was present in the iliac or aortic regions in the remaining thromboangiitis lesions below the groin area. (This is secondary publication from the J Jpn Coll Angiol 2021; 61: 107-113.).

The Role of Physical Activity and Exercise in Preventive Cardiology.

The cardiovascular epidemiologist, Jeremy Morris, called physical activity "the best bargain in public health," but few clinicians use exercise and physical activity in their practice. Clinicians should routinely inquire about physical activity and recommend that patients achieve the minimal levels recommended by the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Clinician should avoid unnecessary testing that discourages patients from an active lifestyle. Patients after myocardial infarction, cardiac surgery, or the diagnosis of heart failure or claudication should be referred to an exercise-based cardiac rehab program. Physical activity and exercise training may be a clinical bargain, but as all medicines must be used to be effective.

Association of traditional risk factors with carotid intima-media thickness and carotid plaque in asymptomatic individuals with a family history of premature cardiovascular disease.

The use of imaging to detect subclinical atherosclerosis helps to inform decision-making in people classified as having intermediate risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study sought to use carotid plaque as an alternative to carotid intima media thickness (cIMT). Carotid ultrasound for assessment of cIMT and plaque was obtained in 1031 people (53 years, 61% female) with a family history of atherosclerotic CVD. The association of baseline characteristics and standard atherosclerotic risk factors (RFs) were sought with abnormal cIMT and plaque. The strongest association of plaque was a history of hypertension (odds ratio [OR] 1.87 (1.02-3.42), followed by age (OR 1.08 [95% CI 1.02-1.13]). For cIMT, the strongest association was smoking history (OR 1.57 [1.13-2.19]). The area under the receiver operator curve for the presence of plaque was 0.74 (95% CI 0.68-0.81, p < 0.001) and 0.65 (95% CI 0.61-0.70, p < 0.001) for cIMT elevation. Isolated elevation of cIMT (n = 178) was associated with increased total cholesterol, body mass index (BMI) and systolic blood pressure (SBP). Plaque only (n = 29) was associated with hypertension, male sex and older age. The presence of both markers abnormal (n = 22) was associated with a history of smoking. The absence of either abnormal cIMT or plaque (n = 773), was inversely associated with current or past smoking, SBP and BMI. Abnormalities in carotid vessels are present in a minority of intermediate risk patients with familial premature disease. The associations with RFs differ and are more closely associated with plaque.

Glaucoma primario de ángulo abierto y factores de riesgo aterosclerótico: hallazgos por eco-Doppler orbitario / Primary open angle glaucoma and atherosclerotic risk factors: orbital echo-Doppler findings

Objetivo: Determinar los hallazgos por eco-Doppler orbitario en pacientes con glaucoma primario de ángulo abierto según factores de riesgo aterosclerótico. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo y transversal en 300 órbitas de 150 pacientes con diagnóstico de glaucoma primario de ángulo abierto. A todos los casos se les realizó tonometría de contorno dinámico y tomografía de coherencia óptica. Se identificaron mediante interrogatorio y por el laboratorio clínico los factores de riesgo aterosclerótico: hipertensión arterial, tabaquismo, diabetes mellitus tipo 2, dislipidemia, obesidad y consumo excesivo de alcohol. Se les realizó ultrasonido orbitario y Doppler carotídeo, y solo en caso de resultar normales se procedió a evaluar mediante eco-Doppler las arterias oftálmica, central de la retina y ciliares posteriores temporales. Resultados: La edad media de los sujetos estudiados fue de 62,3 años. El 55,3 por ciento correspondió al sexo femenino y el 47,3 por ciento al color blanco de la piel. El número de factores de riesgo mostró una correlación lineal moderada, positiva y significativa con el índice de resistencia, mientras que con las velocidades dicha correlación resultó ser negativa. Todos los factores de riesgo expresaron efectos dañinos sobre la hemodinámica del flujo ocular, la presión intraocular y el grosor de las capas de fibras neurorretinianas temporales. Tras ajustar para la edad, esta negativa influencia continuó siendo relevante en la mayoría de los casos. Conclusiones: Los aspectos vasculares del glaucoma deben integrarse a la práctica clínica de esta afección, lo que ayudará a que el enfoque sea más completo, y redundará en un mejor pronóstico de la enfermedad(AU)

Objective: Determine the orbital echo-Doppler findings in patients with primary open angle glaucoma according to atherosclerotic risk factors. Methods: A cross-sectional observational descriptive study was conducted of 300 orbits of 150 patients diagnosed with primary open angle glaucoma. All the cases underwent dynamic contour tonometry and optical coherence tomography. Interrogation and clinical laboratory testing led to identification of the following atherosclerotic risk factors: arterial hypertension, smoking, diabetes mellitus type 2, dyslipidemia, obesity and excessive alcohol consumption. Orbital and carotid Doppler ultrasounds were performed, and only if they were normal they would be followed by echo-Doppler evaluation of the ophthalmic, central retinal and posterior temporal ciliary arteries. Results: Mean age of the study subjects was 62.3 years. 55.3 percent were female and 47.3 percent had white skin. The number of risk factors showed a moderate, positive and significant linear correlation with the resistive index, and a negative correlation with the velocities. All the risk factors expressed harmful effects on ocular flow hemodynamics, intraocular pressure and the thickness of temporal neuroretinal fibers. After adjusting for age, this negative influence continued to be relevant in most cases. Conclusions: The vascular aspects of glaucoma should be incorporated into the clinical management of this condition. This will make the approach more thorough and help achieve a better diagnosis(AU)

Complicaciones posoperatorias en la fase temprana de la endarterectomía carotídea / Postoperative complication in the early stage of carotid endarterectomy

Introducción: La enfermedad carotídea es una de las formas de presentación de la enfermedad cerebrovascular, que se encuentra entre las principales causas de morbi-mortalidad y de invalidez en el mundo. La endarterectomía carotídea resulta el tratamiento quirúrgico por excelencia. Objetivo: Caracterizar las complicaciones posoperatorias en la fase temprana de la endarterctomia carotídea en un período de cinco años. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo de corte transversal en 35 pacientes ingresados en el Instituto de Angiología, que fueron operados mediante endarterectomía carotídea por presentar enfermedad carotídea. Se analizaron las variables sociodemográficas, clínicas y quirúrgicas. Se utilizó la estadística descriptiva e inferencial. Resultados: Hubo un predominio del sexo masculino (72,2 por ciento) y de los mayores de 60 años. Las comorbilidades más frecuentes fueron la hipertensión arterial (94,4 por ciento), el tabaquismo (77,8 por ciento) y la enfermedad arterial periférica (61,1 por ciento). El 50 por ciento de todos los pacientes presentó complicaciones en la fase temprana de la cirugía sin mortalidad; la más frecuente resultó el hematoma de la herida (44,4 por ciento), que estuvo presente en el 50 por ciento de las endarterectomías convencionales. Los operados con anestesia general presentaron mayor número de complicaciones, excepto el hematoma, que se observó más en el empleo de anestesia loco-regional. El ictus posoperatorio ocurrió en pacientes con anestesia general. Conclusiones: Las características de las complicaciones posoperatorias en la fase temprana de la endarterectomía carotídea identificadas se asociaron con los tipos de endarterectomía y anestesia, y las comorbilidades(AU)

Introduction: Carotid disease is one of the onset manifestations of cerebrovascular disease, which is among the main causes of morbidity, mortality and disability worldwide. Carotid endarterectomy is the gold standard surgical treatment. Objective: To characterize postoperative complications in the early phase of carotid endarterectomy. Methods: A descriptive and retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out with 35 patients admitted to the Institute of Angiology and who underwent carotid endarterectomy due to carotid disease. Sociodemographic, clinical and surgical variables were analyzed. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Results: There was a predominance of males (72.2 perecnt) and of patients aged more than 60 years. The most frequent comorbidities were arterial hypertension (94.4 percent), smoking (77.8 percent), and peripheral arterial disease (61.1 percent). 50 percent of all patients presented complications in the early phase of surgery and without mortality; the most frequent was wound hematoma (44.4 percent), accounting for 50 percent of conventional endarterectomies. Those operated on with general anesthesia presented a greater number of complications, except for hematoma, observed more in the use of local-regional anesthesia. Postoperative stroke occurred in patients under general anesthesia. Conclusions: The characteristics of postoperative complications identified in the early phase of carotid endarterectomy were associated with the types of endarterectomy, anesthesia, and comorbidities(AU)

Breakfast skipping is associated with persistently increased arterial stiffness in patients with type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: While certain lifestyle habits may be associated with arterial stiffness, there is limited literature investigating the relationship between lifestyle habits and longitudinal changes in arterial stiffness in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This is an exploratory study to determine whether lifestyle habits, in addition to conventional atherosclerotic risk factors, are associated with increased arterial stiffness. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The study participants comprised 734 Japanese outpatients with T2DM and no history of apparent cardiovascular diseases. Lifestyle habits were analyzed using self-reported questionnaires, and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was measured at baseline, and at years 2 and 5. A multivariable linear mixed-effects model was used to determine the predictive value of lifestyle habits and possible atherosclerotic risk factors for longitudinal change in baPWV. RESULTS: Over 5 years of follow-up, baPWV values significantly increased. In a multivariable linear mixed-effects model that adjusted for age and gender, a low frequency of breakfast intake was significantly associated with persistently high baPWV, independently of other lifestyle habits. Furthermore, in a multivariable linear mixed-effects model that included both lifestyle habits and possible atherosclerotic risk factors, a low frequency of breakfast intake remained the only independent predictive factor for persistently high baPWV. Subjects who ate breakfast less frequently tended to have additional unhealthy lifestyle habits and atherosclerotic risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Our analyses suggest that breakfast skipping is an independent lifestyle habit that is associated with persistently increased arterial stiffness in patients with T2DM. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: UMIN000010932.

Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity in healthy Japanese adolescents: reference values for the assessment of arterial stiffness and cardiovascular risk profiles.

Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) has been used as a simple and convenient method of evaluating arterial stiffness and is considered useful for screening subclinical vascular damage in primary care settings and in large populations. The aim of this study was to determine the reference values of baPWV in adolescents based on age and sex to evaluate and classify vascular abnormalities in this age population. Noninvasive baPWV measurements using an oscillometric device were carried out in 5936 participants aged 12-18 years who had no history of syndromic obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, or renal disease. Of these, we extracted data from 4524 healthy adolescents free from atherosclerotic risk factors and constructed sex-specific reference percentiles normalized to age using the LMS method. The baPWV increased with age and was significantly higher in males than in females. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that age, body mass index, and blood pressure were the major determinants of baPWV for both males and females. Among a sample of 3825 adolescents, including individuals with risk factors, the prevalence of central obesity, raised blood pressure, raised triglycerides, reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and impaired fasting glycemia significantly increased along with the standardized baPWV z-score level. In addition, there was a graded nature regarding the association between the baPWV z-score and the clustering number of the metabolic syndrome components. These results suggest that the proposed reference values of baPWV could help classify vascular abnormalities of adolescents caused by the presence of risk factors and thereby contribute to determining individuals with cardiovascular risk in this age population.

Efficacy of a multi-component intervention to promote physical activity among Latino adults: A randomized controlled trial.

Physical inactivity is highly prevalent in Latinos. Use of smartphone technology may improve physical activity (PA) among Latino adults. We sought to determine the efficacy of a multi-component intervention to promote PA among Latino adults. We conducted a 3-month, 2-arm randomized trial among Latino adults with one or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). We adapted a scripted, counseling approach into text messages and combined this intervention with brief motivational interviewing delivered by telephone. We compared this intervention to a control group. Both groups received a handout on the benefits of PA. During the baseline visit, participants completed a validated medical history survey as well as an assessment of quality of life and exercise behaviors. The primary outcome was change at three months in mean steps per week. We enrolled 69 patients, 35 in the intervention arm and 34 in the control arm. The mean age of the cohort was 58.7 years (SD 6.82). At baseline, mean steps per week were 65,218.2 (SD 25420.8) for intervention participants compared to 71,581.26 (SD 26118.07) for control participants, P = 0.36. At 3 months, the change in mean steps per week was 31,184.6 (SD 26121.52) for participants randomized to the intervention compared to 15,370.9 (SD 22247.84) for those randomized to control, P = 0.045. Among Latino adults with one or more risk factors for CVD, there was an increase in mean steps per week among those randomized to an intervention, involving the use of smartphones, versus control. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://clinicaltrials.gov/StudyNCT02622282.

Aortic Plaque Distribution, and Association between Aortic Plaque and Atherosclerotic Risk Factors: An Aortic Angioscopy Study.

AIM: Knowledge of subclinical plaque morphology and plaque distribution in the aorta in vivo remains unclear. This study aimed to increase the body of knowledge in this area. METHODS: We enrolled 37 consecutive patients with stable angina pectoris patients who underwent non-obstructive angioscopy for both the coronary artery and aorta immediately after percutaneous coronary intervention. We evaluated the presence of aortic plaques and the distribution of plaque instability. Patients were allocated into two groups according to the number of vulnerable plaques in whole aorta (a low [0-11] and high [≥ 12] group). We evaluated the relationships between the two groups in terms of cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTS: Aortic plaques were identified using non-obstructive angioscopy in all patients, and the greatest number of plaques was found at the infrarenal abdominal aorta (IAA) (the aortic arch, the descending thoracic aorta, the suprarenal abdominal aorta, the IAA, and common iliac artery; 65%, 76%, 65%, 95%, and 49%, respectively; p＜0.001). The maximum yellow grade, and the number of intense yellow plaques, ruptured plaques, and thrombi were highest at the IAA (p＜0.001). The prevalence of diabetes mellitus and peripheral arterial disease was higher in the high vulnerable plaque group (83.3% vs. 40.0%, p=0.010, 50.0% vs. 8.0%, p=0.005, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Aortic atherosclerosis was the most severe at the IAA, and aortic plaque vulnerability and distribution were associated with the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and peripheral artery disease in patients with stable angina pectoris. Non-obstructive angioscopy may identify patients at high risk of future aortic events.

Association between Prescription and Control Status of Dyslipidemia and Hypertension among Japanese Patients with Diabetes.

AIMS: The proper management of atherosclerotic risk factors (ARFs) and attainment of target levels (TLs) for ARFs are crucial in preventing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). In this study, utilizing data from the "Specific Health Check and Guidance in Japan," which was conducted from 2008 to 2011, we examined TL attainment status of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and blood pressure (BP) and prescription status of dyslipidemia and hypertension in patients with diabetes undergoing medical treatment, and analyzed the factors that affected prescription status. METHODS: Subjects receiving medical treatment for diabetes were selected from the database. Subjects were classified by prescription status for dyslipidemia and hypertension, and TL attainment status was assessed for each ARF. RESULTS: The percentage of subjects who did not attain TLs and were not under medication was higher for LDL-C than for BP. The un-prescribed rates among non-TL-attained subjects were 60%-75% for LDL-C, and around 30%-40% for BP. The un-prescribed rates to those who were qualified for prescription therapy were also higher for LDL-C than for BP. Logistic regression analyses revealed that the subjects who were prescribed for dyslipidemia had the following characteristics compared with the un-prescribed non-TL-attained subjects: older age, higher body mass index, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, previous heart or cerebrovascular disease, and higher medication rate for other ARFs. CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed that, in Japan, the adequate prescription rate for dyslipidemia was lower than that for hypertension in patients with diabetes, suggesting the proper prescription therapy for dyslipidemia should be pursued to further prevent ASCVD.

Predictive Factors of Postoperative Blood Pressure Abnormalities Following a Minor-to-Moderate Surgery.

Myocardial ischemic events after non-cardiac surgery is still a serious problem, especially in older, high-risk patients. However, the prevalence and risk factors of blood pressure (BP) abnormalities, which may possibly lead to myocardial ischemic attack, have not been reported. Our aim is to elucidate predictive factors of postoperative BP abnormalities following a minor-to-moderate surgery, employing preoperative left ventricular diastolic function. Patients who underwent cardiac echocardiogram examination and received oral and maxillofacial surgery under general anesthesia were enrolled. The echocardiographic parameters of diastolic function were compared between patients who had postoperative BP abnormalities (hypertension-systolic blood pressure [SBP] ≥ 170 mmHg-or hypotension-SBP < 80 mmHg-episode) that required therapeutic interventions until 7 days after surgery and those who had no BP abnormalities. Of the 173 patients analyzed, 25 (14.4%) had BP abnormalities. BP abnormalities patients were older, having a larger proportion of diabetes mellitus, lower E/A ratio and e', and larger E/e' and left atrial dimension than those without BP abnormalities. Subanalyses revealed that the independent risk factors responsible for hypertension episodes (14 patients) were the mean e' (odd ratio [OR]: 0.434; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.229-0.824), diabetes mellitus (OR: 5.018; 95% CI: 1.030-24.436), SBP at hospitalization (OR: 1.099; 95% CI: 1.036-1.165), and operation time (hour; OR: 1.326; 95%CI: 1.109-1.586), while hypotension episodes (11 patients) were associated solely with operation time (OR: 1.206; 95% CI: 1.046-1.391). In conclusion, left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, increased insulin resistance, boosted SBP at hospitalization, and prolonged operation should be taken into consideration as risk factors of postoperative BP abnormalities, especially hypertension, following minor-to-moderate surgery.

Recovery of Endothelial Function after Minor-to-Moderate Surgery Is Impaired by Diabetes Mellitus, Obesity, Hyperuricemia and Sevoflurane-Based Anesthesia.

Endothelial dysfunction is observed in several cardiovascular diseases, where endothelium-dependent vasodilation is impaired by oxidative stress. However, the time course of endothelial function during the perioperative period of a minor-to-moderate surgery, and the effects of atherosclerotic risk factors and employed general anesthetics on recovery of endothelial function, are unknown. Endothelial function of 30 patients was evaluated as the reactive hyperemia index (RHI) of reactive hyperemia peripheral arterial tonometry. RHI was measured on day before surgery (control), immediately after surgery (Day 0), day after surgery (Day 1), and day 4 after surgery (Day 4) in patients with no functional limitations who were scheduled for oral and maxillofacial surgery of around 3 hours. Sevoflurane- or propofol-based anesthesia supplemented with an opioid analgesic remifentanil was employed. The control RHI was 2.26 ± 0.64. The RHI significantly decreased to the lowest level on Day 0 (1.52 ± 0.28), recovered on Day 1 (2.07 ± 0.58), and improved further on Day 4 (2.55 ± 0.83). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that recovery of the RHI from Day 0 to Day 4 was impaired by diabetes mellitus (P = 0.0313), obesity (BMI ≥ 25; P = 0.0166), hyperuricemia (uric acid ≥ 6.0 mg/dL; P = 0.0416) and sevoflurane-based anesthesia (P = 0.0308). These findings suggest that endothelial function as evaluated by the RHI is severely suppressed on the day of a minor-to-moderate surgery, and that it improves until the 4th postoperative day on average. Recovery of endothelial function is impaired by diabetes mellitus, obesity, hyperuricemia, and sevoflurane-based anesthesia.

Atherosclerotic vascular diseases have really the same risk factors? Comparison between large abdominal aortic aneurysm and obstructive non-coronary arterial disease.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there are differences among clinical conditions and traditional atherosclerotic risk factors between patients with large abdominal aortic aneurysm and those with occlusive non-coronary arterial disease. Methods We clinically examined 519 patients with asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm and 672 with severe obstructive arterial diseases before surgical repair. Results In patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm, we identified a clear predominance of males ( p < 0.001), more alcohol consumers ( p < 0.05), higher values of diastolic blood pressure ( p < 0.05), higher values of serum creatinine ( p < 0.005), more hyperuricemic patients ( p < 0.005) and less diabetics ( p < 0.001). In patients with occlusive atherosclerotic vasculopathies, we observed more smokers ( p < 0.05), higher systolic blood pressure and more hypertensives ( p < 0.05 respectively) and a prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia ( p < 0.05). Conclusions Patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm were mostly males with diastolic hypertension, impaired renal function and less diabetics, while patients with occlusive arteriopathy were more smokers, hypertensives and more hypertriglyceridemics.