Heart surgery over two decades: what we have learned about results and changing risks.

OBJECTIVES: Using the cardiac surgery database is of high importance in referral centers and can lead to a better quality of care for patients. Tehran Heart Center (THC) is a cardiovascular referral center that was inaugurated in 2001. In this report, we aimed to present the third report of trends in patients' cardiovascular risk factors and surgical procedures from 2002 to 2021 that have been gathered for all THC patients. METHODS: This serial cross-sectional study was conducted at Tehran Heart Center from 2002 to 2021. All patients undergoing cardiac surgeries were eligible to enter the study (N = 63,974). Those with miscellaneous types of surgeries were excluded (N = 9556). The distribution of cardiac surgeries (including isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), isolated valve, and CABG + valve surgeries) and their respective in-hospital mortality were recorded. Furthermore, 20-year trends in the prevalence of various cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) among the following groups were evaluated: a) isolated CABG, b) aortic valve replacement/repair for aortic stenosis (AS/AVR/r), and c) isolated other valve surgeries (IVS). RESULTS: A total of 54,418 patients (male: 70.7%, age: 62.7 ± 10.8 years) comprised the final study population, with 84.5% prevalence of isolated CABG. Overall, the AS/AVR/r group was in between the CABG and IVS groups concerning CVRFs distribution. Excluding some exceptions for the AS/AVR/r group (in which the small sample size (N = 909) precluded observing a clear trend), all studied CVRFs demonstrated an overall rising trend from 2002 to 2021 in all three groups. Regarding in-hospital mortality, the highest rate was recorded as 4.0% in 2020, while the lowest rate was 2.0% in 2001. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated CABG remained the most frequent procedure in THC. Notable, increasing trends in CVRFs were observed during this 20-year period and across various types of cardiac surgeries, which highlights the clinical and policy-making implications of our findings.

Comparison of machine-learning models for the prediction of 1-year adverse outcomes of patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, and primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the preferred treatment option. HYPOTHESIS: Machine learning (ML) models have the potential to predict adverse clinical outcomes in STEMI patients treated with primary PCI. However, the comparative performance of different ML models for this purpose is unclear. METHODS: This study used a retrospective registry-based design to recruit consecutive hospitalized patients diagnosed with acute STEMI and treated with primary PCI from 2011 to 2019, at Tehran Heart Center, Tehran, Iran. Four ML models, namely Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM), Distributed Random Forest (DRF), Logistic Regression (LR), and Deep Learning (DL), were used to predict major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) during 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 4514 patients (3498 men and 1016 women) were enrolled, with MACE occurring in 610 (13.5%) subjects during follow-up. The mean age of the population was 62.1 years, and the MACE group was significantly older than the non-MACE group (66.2 vs. 61.5 years, p < .001). The learning process utilized 70% (n = 3160) of the total population, and the remaining 30% (n = 1354) served as the testing data set. DRF and GBM models demonstrated the best performance in predicting MACE, with an area under the curve of 0.92 and 0.91, respectively. CONCLUSION: ML-based models, such as DRF and GBM, can effectively identify high-risk STEMI patients for adverse events during follow-up. These models can be useful for personalized treatment strategies, ultimately improving clinical outcomes and reducing the burden of disease.

Effect of diet low in advanced glycation end products on appetite, body composition, and brown adipose tissue markers in patients with coronary artery disease treated with angioplasty: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Recent changes in dietary habits have resulted in increased intake of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which are known to have a predominant contribution to the pathogenesis and complications of coronary artery disease (CAD). AGEs are also thought to induce weight gain by affecting appetite, energy expenditure, and brown adipose tissue (BAT). Here, we investigated whether the restriction of dietary AGEs could affect appetite, body composition, anthropometric indices, and BAT-derived markers in CAD patients treated with angioplasty. Materials and Methods: Forty-two stented CAD patients were randomly allocated into two groups that received either a low-AGEs or a control diet for 12 weeks. At baseline and postintervention, fasting blood samples were analyzed for total AGEs, nesfatin-1, and BAT-derived markers (fibroblast growth factor 21 and neuregulin 4). Subjective appetite ratings and body composition were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and bioelectric impedance analysis. Anthropometric indices, including fat mass index (FMI), abdominal volume index (AVI), and body adiposity index (BAI), were calculated through the relevant formula. Results: Restricting dietary AGEs for 12 weeks could cause a significant reduction in weight, FMI, AVI, and BAI (P < 0.05) compared to the comparison group. In addition, VAS data analyses indicated a significant decrease in the sense of hunger and prospective food intake (P < 0.05) in the intervention group compared to the comparison group. No significant difference was seen in the measured biochemical markers between the two groups. Conclusion: This study indicated that the low-AGEs diet could decrease appetite, weight, and anthropometric indices in stented CAD patients.

Opium as a risk factor for early-onset coronary artery disease: Results from the Milano-Iran (MIran) study.

The spreading of opium use poses new health related concerns. In some areas of Asia its use is believed to protect from cardiovascular disorders, such as coronary artery disease (CAD). However, whether opium use has an association with CAD is unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between non-medical opium use and CAD. We set up a case-control analysis, i.e., the Milano-Iran (MIran) study by enrolling consecutive young patients who underwent a coronary angiography at the Tehran Heart Center, between 2004 and 2011. Incident cases with CAD were contrasted with controls for opium use. Relative risks were calculated in terms of odds ratios (ORs) by logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, cigarette smoking, body mass index, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, and diabetes. Interaction analyses were performed between opium and major cardiovascular risk factors. 1011 patients with CAD (mean age 43.6 years) and 2002 controls (mean age 54.3 years) were included in the study. Habitual opium users had a 3.8-fold increased risk of CAD (95%CI 2.4-6.2) compared with non-users. The association was strongest for men, with a fully adjusted OR of 5.5 (95%CI 3.0-9.9). No interaction was observed for the combination of opium addiction and hypertension, or diabetes, but an excess in risk was found in opium users with hyperlipidaemia (OR 16.8, 95%CI 8.9-31.7, expected OR 12.2), suggesting supra-additive interaction. In conclusion, despite common beliefs, we showed that non-medical opium use is associated with an increased risk of CAD, even when other cardiovascular risk factors are taken into account.

Comparison of Angiographic and Clinical Outcomes After Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction Between Patients With and Without Concomitant COVID-19 Infection.

OBJECTIVE: COVID-19 infection can involve the cardiovascular system and worsen the prognosis of the patients. This study aimed to investigate the adverse effects of COVID-19 on angiographic and clinical outcomes of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute ST-elevation MI and compare results with those patients without COVID-19 disease. METHODS: The study was a retrospective observational cohort, in which patients presented with ST-elevation MI from February 2020 to April 2021, treated with primary PCI were divided into 2 groups based on the COVID-19 infection. Then, the procedural and angiographic indices and also clinical outcomes were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: A total of 1150 patients were enrolled in the study. Those with established COVID-19 infection had worse baseline thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow grade and also were at higher risk for worse procedural outcomes such as lower thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count, myocardial blush grade, and slow-flow coronary disease, after the primary PCI. Additionally, the presence of COVID-19 at the time of primary PCI was related to a significantly higher duration of hospitalization and in-hospital mortality. Given the potential impact of other factors on outcomes, analysis for all of the primary endpoints was done again after adjustment of these factors and the results were the same as before, suggesting the independent effect of COVID-19 infection. CONCLUSIONS: The concomitant COVID-19 infection in the patients undergoing primary PCI is associated with significantly worse angiographic, procedural and clinical outcomes. Surprisingly, this finding is regardless of patients' baseline risk factors and demographical characteristics.

Impact of Baseline Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Using CKD-EPI Equation on Long-term Prognosis of STEMI Patients: A Matter of Small Increments!

BACKGROUND: Baseline biomarkers including glomerular filtration rate (GFR) guide the management of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). GFR is a tool for prediction of adverse outcomes in these patients. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine the prognostic utility of estimated GFR using Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration in a cohort of STEMI patients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort was designed among 5953 patients with STEMI. Primary endpoint of the study was major adverse cardiovascular events. GFR was classified into 3 categories delineated as C1 (<60 mL/min), C2 (60-90), and C3 (≥ 90). RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 60.38 ± 5.54 years and men constituted 78.8% of the study participants. After a median of 22 months, Multivariate Cox-regression demonstrated that hazards of major averse cardiovascular event, all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and nonfatal myocardial infarction were significantly lower for subjects in C3 as compared with those in C1. Corresponding hazard ratios (HRs) for mentioned outcomes regarding C3 versus C1 were (95% confidence interval) were (HR = 0.852 [0.656-0.975]; P = 0.035), (HR = 0.425 [0.250-0.725]; P = 0.002), (HR = 0.425 [0.242-0.749]; P = 0.003), and (0.885 [0.742-0.949]; P = 0.003), respectively. Normal GFR was also associated with declined in-hospital mortality with HR of C3 versus C1: 0.299 (0.178-0.504; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Baseline GFR via Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration is associated with long-term cardiovascular outcomes following STEMI.

Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, and Control of Hypertension among Adult Residents of Tehran: The Tehran Cohort Study.

Background: High levels of blood pressure (BP) remain undetected and poorly controlled in large segments of the population leading to an enormous burden in terms of disease and mortality. Objective: We aimed to assess the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in Tehran. Methods: We used the data of 8,296 adults aged ≥35 years from the Tehran Cohort Study who were enrolled between May 2016 and February 2019. Hypertension was defined as systolic BP ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg, self-report, and/or current antihypertensive medication use. The age- and sex-weighted prevalence of hypertension and high normal BP was calculated using the 2016 national census. Furthermore, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension were analyzed. Results: The mean age of the participants was 53.8 ±12.75 years, and 54.0% were women. The weighted prevalence of hypertension and high normal BP were 36.5% and 12.2%, respectively. Among hypertensive individuals, 68.2% were aware of hypertension, 53.3% were receiving medication, and 40.4% had adequate BP control. The awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension were significantly higher in women (72.2% vs. 63.4% [P < 0.001], 55.1% vs 51.1% [P = 0.020], and 42.7% vs. 37.7% [P = 0.004], respectively) and this gap considerably increased with advancing age. Hypertension was more prevalent in northern Tehran but with a better treatment rate and control in the same regions. Conclusion: Despite the high prevalence of hypertension in the adult population of Tehran, the rates of awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension are unsatisfactory and demand comprehensive strategies to improve this situation, especially in younger men.

Predictors of in-hospital mortality in diabetic patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: There have been little data about the additive effects of coronary risk factors on mortality in diabetic patients presenting with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). This study aimed to evaluate the predictors of mortality in diabetic patients presenting with NSTEMI. All patients admitted to Tehran Heart Center (THC) with a confirmed diagnosis of NSTEMI and a history of diabetes mellitus (DM) type 2 between September 2003 and April 2017 were included. Clinical characteristics and paraclinical data such as lipid profiles, creatinine, hemoglobin, and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) were evaluated in these patients to predict in-hospital mortality. The approach for model calibration was a logistic regression with the backward elimination method. RESULTS: Of a total of 9158 patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, 3133 had diabetes mellitus type 2 and met our criteria to enter the final analysis. In the multivariable analysis, age, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and a severely reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) significantly increased the rate of in-hospital mortality, whereas mildly and moderately reduced left ventricular ejection fraction did not increase the rate of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Age, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and severely reduced LVEF (< 30%) independently increased in-hospital mortality in our diabetic patients with a confirmed diagnosis of NSTEMI. Severely reduced LVEF had the strongest relationship with in-hospital mortality, whereas the mean HbA1C level and the type of DM management exerted no significant effect on in-hospital mortality.

Sex difference in the risk factor distributions and outcomes after coronary artery bypass graft surgery in the young population.

OBJECTIVES: Coronary artery disease is becoming a major health concern in the young population. Male and female patients may experience different journeys after coronary artery disease events. We aimed to evaluate risk factors and compare outcomes between young male and female patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). METHODS: In this registry-based large sample size study, patients undergoing isolated CABG at a young age (premature isolated CABG) between 2007 and 2016 were included and followed up until 2020. Premature was defined as women and men younger than 55 years old. The main end points of the study were 7-year all-cause mortality and 7-year major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs). RESULTS: Of a total of 24 428 patients who underwent CABG, 7217 patients (men-to-women ratio ≈4:1) with premature isolated CABG were included. The median follow-up duration was 78.5 months (75.2-81.6 months). The prevalence rates of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and obesity were significantly higher in women than in men (58.3% vs 28.6%, 64.2% vs 38.5%, 69.7% vs 55.3% and 44.7 vs 23.9, respectively; all Ps < 0.05). The risk factor burden (mean of the risk factor count per year) was also higher among the female population. Diabetes mellitus was the common mortality predictor between men and women. In the subgroup analysis (interaction analysis in the adjusted model), hypertensive females had a higher rate of MACCE and a higher rate of mortality than hypertensive males; however, this difference was not significant in the non-hypertensive population. Opium addiction was a strong predictor of MACCE and all-cause mortality among men. Female patients had a higher rate of 7-year MACCE (hazard ratio, 1.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-1.51) and a higher rate of 7-year all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 1.23; 95% confidence interval, 0.98-1.53). CONCLUSIONS: The risk factor profile and predictors of outcomes were different between our female and male patients. Women carried a higher risk of events and mortality after CABG at a young age.

The No-reflow Phenomenon: Is it Predictable by Demographic factors and Routine Laboratory Data?

BACKGROUND: The coronary no-reflow phenomenon is an adverse complication of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) which significantly worsens the outcome and survival. In this study, we have evaluated the correlation of no-reflow phenomenon with demographic, biochemical and anatomical factors. METHODS: We included 306 patients (193 male) with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who undergone primary PCI in our center. Demographic factors, as well as biochemistry test results were obtained. Also, the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) grade and TIMI frame count (TFC) was measured. The correlation of no-reflow phenomenon with demographic, biochemical and anatomical factors was analyzed. RESULTS: Patients with a mean age of 56.41 ± 11.8 years were divided into two groups depending on the TIMI score (Group 1 or Normal flow and Group 2 or No-reflow). Symptom-to-procedure time, door-to-procedure time, serum creatinine level, hs-CRP level, and Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) were significantly higher among group 2. TFC had negative significant correlation with male gender, and positive significant correlation with age, diabetes mellitus, hs-CRP level, WBC count, and NLR. Age of more than 62.5 years and serum creatinine level of more than 0.89 mg/dL can optimally predict the no reflow phenomena. CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, it seems that female gender, older ages, DM, multi-vessel involvement, delayed reperfusion, and increased NLR can predict the risk of no-reflow after primary PCI in the setting of Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Prognostic implications of calculated Apo-lipoprotein B in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention: Outcome is tied to lower cut-points.

BACKGROUND: Debates still surround using lipoproteins including Apo-B in risk assessment, management, and prognosis of patients with coronary artery disease. During an acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, Apo-B might help to achieve incremental prognostic information. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the potential prognostic utility of calculated Apo-B in a cohort of patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted enrolling 2,259 patients with a diagnosis of acute STEMI who underwent primary PCI. Apo-B was obtained using a valid equation based on initial lipid measurements. High Apo-B was defined as a level of 65 or higher. Primary endpoint of the study was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). RESULTS: Mean age of the participants was 59.54 years and 77.9% of them were male. After a Median follow up of 15 (6.2) months, high Apo-B was associated with MACE and the OR (95% CI) was 3.02 (1.07-8.47), p = .036. Odds ratios for prediction of MACE pertaining to LVEF, and smoking were 0.97 (p = .044), and 1.07 (p = .033), respectively. However, High Apo-B was not able to predict suboptimal TIMI flow. Accordingly, the Odds ratio was 0.56 (0.17-1.87), p = 0.349. The power of High LDL-C and Non-HDLC for prediction of MACE were assessed in distinct models. Attained odds ratios were [2.40 (0.90-6.36), p = .077] and [1.80 (0.75-4.35), p = 0.191], respectively. CONCLUSION: Calculated Apo-B appears to be a simple tool applicable for prediction of cardiovascular events in patients with STEMI superior to both Non-HDLC and LDL-C.

Predicting the outcome in confirmed COVID-19 patients with coronary artery disease: a key role for the first chest computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: Serial chest computed tomography (CT) scans are used to detect coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia and monitor the disease course. This study investigates relationship between total severity score by first chest CT and the outcome of coronavirus COVID-19 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). RESULTS: A total of 48 patients with a history of CAD (mean age=60.83±3.06 years, 75% male) with positive real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction for COVID-19 were included. Outcome was defined as acute respiratory distress syndrome or death. The unadjusted and adjusted effects of the CT score on the outcome were reported through odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Outcome occurred in 17 (35.5%) patients (8 deaths). The CT score was directly and significantly correlated with the outcome in the univariate analysis (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.12-1.70; P=0.003) and remained significant after adjustment for diabetes, hypertension, body mass index, and serum level of highly sensitive C-reactive protein (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.11-2.05; P=0.009). Outcome rate was 24.1% in patients with a CT score <2.5, whereas it was 8.3% in patients with a CT score>2.5. CONCLUSIONS: The first chest CT score could be a robust predictor of adverse events in confirmed COVID-19 patients with coronary artery disease.

Tehran cohort study (TeCS) on cardiovascular diseases, injury, and mental health: Design, methods, and recruitment data.

Cardiovascular disease, mental health, and injury are among the top health issues globally. In Tehran Cohort Study, we aimed to determine the prevalence, incidence, and trend of cardiovascular diseases, psychiatric symptoms, injury, and risk factors in Tehran households. We enrolled 4215 households in the recruitment phase from March 2016 to March 2019. Demographic characteristics, past medical history, medications, and familial history of the participants were collected. Rose angina pectoris, general health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28), and injury questionnaires were completed. Fasting blood samples were collected to measure routine biochemistry and store samples in the biobank. Anthropometric and physiological measurements and electrocardiograms were performed. The participants are followed every three years for up to 12 years. In total, 8296 individuals participated in the cardiovascular section, 10247 completed the GHQ-28, and 4167 households completed the injury questionnaire. The mean age of the participants was 48.2 (16.41), and 46.5% were male. 64.3% of recruited individuals had no symptoms of psychiatric disorders, and 3729 (89.5%) households did not have any severe injury requiring treatment. The participants' diversity and their invaluable data will help us provide a general picture of the current prevalence and incidence of the main study objectives.

Opium and cardiovascular health: A devil or an angel?

Opioids have the highest rate of illicit drug consumption after cannabis worldwide. Opium, after tobacco, is still the most commonly abused substance in the Middle East. In addition to the ease of availability, one reason for the high consumption of opium in Asian countries might be a traditional belief among Eastern people and even medical staff that opium may have ameliorating effects on cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) as well as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Over the last decade, many studies have been performed on humans and animals to evaluate the interplay between opium consumption and stable coronary artery disease, acute coronary syndromes, and atherosclerosis. In this review, we conclude that opium consumption should be considered a risk factor for CVDs. Healthy individuals, as well as cardiac and diabetic patients, should be informed and educated about the hazardous effects of opium consumption on cardiovascular and other chronic diseases.

Prosthetic heart valves and the COVID-19 pandemic era: What should we be concerned about?

BACKGROUND: The disturbance in the international normalized ratio (INR) in patients receiving warfarin therapy is of concern. We aimed to evaluate coagulation features in hospitalized patients under warfarin treatment for prosthetic heart valves during the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia pandemic. METHODS: Between 20 February and 28 March 2020, 10 patients (7 males) who were under warfarin therapy for prosthetic heart valves were hospitalized after a diagnosis of COVID-19 in Tehran Heart Center, Tehran, Iran. The clinical, paraclinical, and in-hospital outcomes were described. The patients were followed for 4 weeks. RESULTS: The median age was 62 years. All the patients received antiviral treatment, either lopinavir/ritonavir or oseltamivir. The serum level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein ranged between 0.24 and 15.24 mg/dL. Alanine aminotransaminase was normal in all the patients except for two, with levels 1.6 and 4.2 times above normal values. The INR increased in all the patients. One (10%) patient died in the hospital. No bleeding, ischemic, or thrombotic events occurred during the hospital stay and within the 4-week follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Antiviral therapy in patients with COVID-19 with prosthetic heart valves might be an issue responsible for an uncontrolled INR. Liver injury may happen in a minority of patients. Bridging in these patients during the antiviral treatment might be required and because of significant INR fluctuations, it might be safer to prescribe antiviral treatment in an inpatient setting.

The association of statins for secondary prevention with progression to diabetes in patients with prediabetic state after coronary artery bypass graft surgery: A retrospective cohort study.

AIM: Despite proven benefits of statins for secondary prevention of coronary artery diseases, their diabetogenic effect is still controversial. We aimed to examine the occurrence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in prediabetic patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: The retrospective cohort population comprised of post-CABG patients who were prediabetic at the time of surgery and were taking statins. Patients were categorized into the high- and low-intensity statin regimens according to the commonly used dose during the follow-up. Moreover, we calculated the cumulative dose (milligrams*days) by taking into account that patients were on different doses of statins during different periods of time. We observed patients for occurrence of T2DM or major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) as a composite of death, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, and hospitalization for unstable angina or heart failure. RESULTS: We studied 819 patients for a median of 37.8 months after CABG. T2DM occurred in 8.1% (n = 66). The rate of T2DM development was not different between the high- and low-intensity groups (P = 0.715) and also according to the cumulative dose (P = 0.962). Furthermore, we found no association (P = 0.938) even after adjustment for confounders including age, sex, body mass index, alcohol use, history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia, and family history of T2DM. Moreover, high- rather than low-intensity statin regimen was correlated with a lower occurrence of MACE (P = 0.027), even after adjustment for confounders (P = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: In prediabetic post-CABG patients, treatment with statins was not associated with the development of T2DM and reduced occurrence of MACE after 37 months.

The impact of a dedicated coronavirus disease 2019 primary angioplasty protocol on time components related to ST­segment elevation myocardial infarction management in a 24/7 primary percutaneous coronary intervention-capable hospital.

BACKGROUND: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) as the treatment of choice for ST­segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) should be rapidly performed. It is necessary to use preventive strategies during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID­19) outbreak, which is an ongoing global concern. However, critical times in STEMI management may be influenced by the implementation of infection control protocols. AIMS: We aimed to investigate the impact of our dedicated COVID­19 PPCI protocol on time components related to STEMI care and catheterization laboratory personnel safety. A subendpoint analysis to compare patient outcomes at a median time of 70 days during the pandemic with those of patients treated in the preceding year was another objective of our study. METHODS: Patients with STEMI who underwent PPCI were included in this study. Chest computed tomography (CT) and real­time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (rRT­PCR) tests were performed in patients suspected of having COVID­19. A total of 178 patients admitted between February 29 and April 30, 2020 were compared with 146 patients admitted between March 1 and April 30, 2019. RESULTS: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection was confirmed by rRT­PCR in 7 cases. In 6 out of 7 patients, CT was indicative of COVID­19. There were no differences between the study groups regarding critical time intervals for reperfusion in STEMI. The 70­day mortality rate before and during the pandemic was 2.73% and 4.49%, respectively (P = 0.4). CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of the dedicated COVID­19 PPCI protocol in patients with STEMI allowed us to achieve similar target times for reperfusion, short­term clinical outcomes, and staff safety as in the prepandemic era.

Twelve-Year History of STEMI Management in Tehran Heart Center: Concomitant Reduction of In-Hospital Mortality and Hospitalization Length.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular-related death remains the major cause of mortality in Iran despite significant improvements in its care. In the present study, we report the in-hospital mortality, hospitalization length, and treatment methods for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in Tehran Heart Center (THC). METHODS: Records pertaining to patients with STEMI from March 2006 to March 2017 were extracted from the databases of THC. Besides a description of temporal trends, multivariable regression analysis was used to find factors associated with in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: During the study period, 8,295 patients were admitted with STEMI with a mean age of 60.4 ± 12.5 years. Men accounted for 77.5% of the study population. Hospitalization length declined from 8.4 to 5.2 days, and in-hospital mortality was reduced from 8.0% to 3.9% (both P values < 0.001). In a multivariable model adjusted for age, sex, conventional cardiac risk factors, prior cardiac history, and indices of event severity, primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (OR: 0.280, 95% CI: 0.186 to 0.512; P<0.001), coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery (OR: 0.482, 95% CI: 0.220 to 0.903; P=0.025), and rescue or facilitated PCI (OR: 0.420, 95% CI: 0.071 to 0.812; P=0.001) were all associated with reduced in-hospital mortality in comparison with medical treatment. Furthermore, primary PCI was a crucial protective factor against prolonged length of hospital stay (OR: 0.307, 95% CI: 0.266 to 0.594; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: In-hospital mortality and hospitalization length were almost halved during the study period, and primary PCI has now replaced thrombolysis in the management of STEMI.

A pseudoaneurysm of the left atrium as a rare source of coronary artery embolization.

A 67 years old woman with history of surgical Mitral valve replacement underwent transoesophageal echocardiography for evaluation of mild dyspnoea. It revealed a large narrow-necked outpouching from medial portion of the inferior wall of the left atrium (LA) that was extended to the interatrial septum. A diagnosis of the LA pseudoaneurysm was made. It contained a fresh clot. Five days later, the patient presented with an acute inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Coronary angiography revealed an occluded right coronary artery at its distal part by a large thrombus. Thromboaspiration was done and resulted in restoration of a Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction Score (TIMI) flow 3 without underlying stenosis.

Effect of persistent opium consumption after surgery on the long-term outcomes of surgical revascularisation.

BACKGROUND: A wrong traditional belief persists among people that opium consumption beneficially affects cardiovascular disease and its risk factors. However, no evidence exists regarding the effect of opium consumption or cessation on the long-term risk of major adverse cardio-cerebrovascular events after coronary artery bypass grafting. We therefore aimed to evaluate the effect of persistent opium consumption after surgery on the long-term outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting. METHODS: The study population consisted of 28,691 patients (20,924 men, mean age 60.9 years), who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting between 2007 and 2016 at our centre. The patients were stratified into three groups according to the status of opium consumption: never opium consumers (n = 23,619), persistent postoperative opium consumers (n = 3636) and enduring postoperative opium withdrawal (n = 1436). Study endpoints were 5-year mortality and 5-year major adverse cardio-cerebrovascular events, comprising all-cause mortality, acute coronary syndrome, cerebrovascular accident and revascularisation. RESULTS: After surgery, 3636 patients continued opium consumption, while 1436 patients persistently avoided opium use. The multivariable survival analysis demonstrated that persistent post-coronary artery bypass grafting opium consumption increased 5-year mortality and 5-year major adverse cardio-cerebrovascular events by 28% (hazard ratio (HR) 1.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06-1.54; P = 0.009) and 25% (HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.13-1.40; P < 0.0001), respectively. It also increased the 5-year risk of acute coronary syndrome by 34% (sub-distribution HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.16-1.55; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The present data suggest that persistent post-coronary artery bypass grafting opium consumption may significantly increase mortality, major adverse cardio-cerebrovascular events and acute coronary syndrome in the long term. Future studies are needed to confirm our findings.