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JACC. Cardiovascular Imaging Dec 2023The clinical value of high-risk coronary plaque characteristics (CPCs) to inform intensified medical therapy or revascularization of non-flow-limiting lesions remains... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The clinical value of high-risk coronary plaque characteristics (CPCs) to inform intensified medical therapy or revascularization of non-flow-limiting lesions remains uncertain.
OBJECTIVES
The authors performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to study the prognostic impact of CPCs on patient-level and lesion-level major cardiovascular adverse events (MACE).
METHODS
Thirty studies (21 retrospective, 9 prospective) with 30,369 patients evaluating the association of CPCs with MACE were included. CPCs included high plaque burden, low minimal lumen area, thin cap fibroatheroma, high lipid core burden index, low-attenuation plaque, spotty calcification, napkin ring sign, and positive remodeling.
RESULTS
CPCs were evaluated with the use of intracoronary modalities in 9 studies (optical coherence tomography in 4 studies, intravascular ultrasound imaging in 3 studies, and near-infrared spectroscopy intravascular ultrasound imaging in 2 studies) and by means of coronary computed tomographic angiography in 21 studies. CPCs significantly predicted patient-level and lesion-level MACE in both unadjusted and adjusted analyses. For most CPCs, accuracy for MACE was modest to good at the patient level and moderate to good at the lesion level. Plaques with more than 1 CPC had the highest accuracy for lesion-level MACE (AUC: 0.87). Because the prevalence of CPCs among plaques was low, estimated positive predictive values for lesion-level MACE were modest. Results were mostly consistent across imaging modalities and clinical presentations, and in studies with prevailing hard outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
Characterization of CPCs identifies high-risk atherosclerotic plaques that place lesions and patients at risk for future MACE, albeit with modest sensitivity and positive predictive value (Coronary Plaque Characteristics Associated With Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events Among Atherosclerotic Patients and Lesions; CRD42021251810).
Topics: Humans; Plaque, Atherosclerotic; Coronary Artery Disease; Coronary Angiography; Retrospective Studies; Prospective Studies; Coronary Vessels; Predictive Value of Tests; Ultrasonography, Interventional
PubMed: 37804276
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2023.08.006 -
European Heart Journal. Cardiovascular... Jul 2023Multiple guidelines and consensus papers have addressed the role of antithrombotic strategies in patients with established coronary artery disease (CAD). Since evidence...
Multiple guidelines and consensus papers have addressed the role of antithrombotic strategies in patients with established coronary artery disease (CAD). Since evidence and terminology continue to evolve, the authors undertook a consensus initiative to guide clinicians to select the optimal antithrombotic regimen for each patient. The aim of this document is to provide an update for clinicians on best antithrombotic strategies in patients with established CAD, classifying each treatment option in relation to the number of antithrombotic drugs irrespective of whether the traditional mechanism of action is expected to mainly inhibit platelets or coagulation cascade. With the aim to reach comprehensiveness of available evidence, we systematically reviewed and performed meta-analyses by means of both direct and indirect comparisons to inform the present consensus document.
Topics: Humans; Coronary Artery Disease; Fibrinolytic Agents; Blood Coagulation
PubMed: 37120728
DOI: 10.1093/ehjcvp/pvad032 -
Annals of Internal Medicine Jun 2023There is uncertainty about which diagnostic strategy for detecting coronary artery disease (CAD) provides better outcomes. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
There is uncertainty about which diagnostic strategy for detecting coronary artery disease (CAD) provides better outcomes.
PURPOSE
To compare the effect on clinical management and subsequent health effects of alternative diagnostic strategies for the initial assessment of suspected stable CAD.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials.
STUDY SELECTION
Randomized clinical trials comparing diagnostic strategies for CAD detection among patients with symptoms suggestive of stable CAD.
DATA EXTRACTION
Three investigators independently extracted study data.
DATA SYNTHESIS
The strongest available evidence was for 3 of the 6 comparisons: coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) versus invasive coronary angiography (ICA) (4 trials), CCTA versus exercise electrocardiography (ECG) (2 trials), and CCTA versus stress single-photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT-MPI) (5 trials). Compared with direct ICA referral, CCTA was associated with no difference in cardiovascular death and myocardial infarction (relative risk [RR], 0.84 [95% CI, 0.52 to 1.35]; low certainty) but less index ICA (RR, 0.23 [CI, 0.22 to 0.25]; high certainty) and index revascularization (RR, 0.71 [CI, 0.63 to 0.80]; moderate certainty). Moreover, CCTA was associated with a reduction in cardiovascular death and myocardial infarction compared with exercise ECG (RR, 0.66 [CI, 0.44 to 0.99]; moderate certainty) and SPECT-MPI (RR, 0.64 [CI, 0.45 to 0.90]; high certainty). However, CCTA was associated with more index revascularization (RR, 1.78 [CI, 1.33 to 2.38]; moderate certainty) but less downstream testing (RR, 0.56 [CI, 0.45 to 0.71]; very low certainty) than exercise ECG. Low-certainty evidence compared SPECT-MPI versus exercise ECG (2 trials), SPECT-MPI versus stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (1 trial), and stress echocardiography versus exercise ECG (1 trial).
LIMITATION
Most comparisons primarily rely on a single study, many studies were underpowered to detect potential differences in direct health outcomes, and individual patient data were lacking.
CONCLUSION
For the initial assessment of patients with suspected stable CAD, CCTA was associated with similar health effects to direct ICA referral, and with a health benefit compared with exercise ECG and SPECT-MPI. Further research is needed to better assess the relative performance of each diagnostic strategy.
PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE
None. (PROSPERO: CRD42022329635).
Topics: Humans; Coronary Artery Disease; Coronary Angiography; Myocardial Infarction; Computed Tomography Angiography; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Myocardial Perfusion Imaging
PubMed: 37276592
DOI: 10.7326/M23-0231 -
JAMA Internal Medicine Jun 2022Coronary artery calcium scores (CACS) are used to help assess patients' cardiovascular status and risk. However, their best use in risk assessment beyond traditional... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
Coronary artery calcium scores (CACS) are used to help assess patients' cardiovascular status and risk. However, their best use in risk assessment beyond traditional cardiovascular factors in primary prevention is uncertain.
OBJECTIVE
To find, assess, and synthesize all cohort studies that assessed the incremental gain from the addition of a CACS to a standard cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk calculator (or CVD risk factors for a standard calculator), that is, comparing CVD risk score plus CACS with CVD risk score alone.
EVIDENCE REVIEW
Eligible studies needed to be cohort studies in primary prevention populations that used 1 of the CVD risk calculators recommended by national guidelines (Framingham Risk Score, QRISK, pooled cohort equation, NZ PREDICT, NORRISK, or SCORE) and assessed and reported incremental discrimination with CACS for estimating the risk of a future cardiovascular event.
FINDINGS
From 2772 records screened, 6 eligible cohort studies were identified (with 1043 CVD events in 17 961 unique participants) from the US (n = 3), the Netherlands (n = 1), Germany (n = 1), and South Korea (n = 1). Studies varied in size from 470 to 5185 participants (range of mean [SD] ages, 50 [10] to 75.1 [7.3] years; 38.4%-59.4% were women). The C statistic for the CVD risk models without CACS ranged from 0.693 (95% CI, 0.661-0.726) to 0.80. The pooled gain in C statistic from adding CACS was 0.036 (95% CI, 0.020-0.052). Among participants classified as being at low risk by the risk score and reclassified as at intermediate or high risk by CACS, 85.5% (65 of 76) to 96.4% (349 of 362) did not have a CVD event during follow-up (range, 5.1-10.0 years). Among participants classified as being at high risk by the risk score and reclassified as being at low risk by CACS, 91.4% (202 of 221) to 99.2% (502 of 506) did not have a CVD event during follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
This systematic review and meta-analysis found that the CACS appears to add some further discrimination to the traditional CVD risk assessment equations used in these studies, which appears to be relatively consistent across studies. However, the modest gain may often be outweighed by costs, rates of incidental findings, and radiation risks. Although the CACS may have a role for refining risk assessment in selected patients, which patients would benefit remains unclear. At present, no evidence suggests that adding CACS to traditional risk scores provides clinical benefit.
Topics: Calcium; Cardiovascular Diseases; Coronary Artery Disease; Female; Heart Disease Risk Factors; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Predictive Value of Tests; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Vascular Calcification
PubMed: 35467692
DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2022.1262 -
Endocrine Mar 2023Statin intolerance is a key barrier to the effective prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Experts do not agree on what it is and how to respond... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Statin intolerance is a key barrier to the effective prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Experts do not agree on what it is and how to respond to this problem clinically.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize the range of expert recommendations about the care of patients with statin intolerance.
METHODS
Systematic review registered in PROSPERO that searched on April 1 2022 in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane, online textbooks, and specialty textbooks for expert reviews (e.g., review articles and book chapters), systematic reviews, or clinical practice guidelines published in the past 5 years without language restriction. Authors working in duplicate extracted definitions, management recommendations, and supportive evidence cited.
RESULTS
We identified 26 eligible articles, none of which described a systematic method to summarize the evidence or to develop and grade recommendations. Of these, 14 (54%) offered a definition of statin intolerance. A sequenced approach to management of statin intolerance was suggested in 24 (92%) articles describing 12 different approaches without supporting evidence of efficacy. Investigating for other causes was the most common first step. All authors suggested rechallenging after a washout period with either the same or other statin. Few considered nonlipid approaches to reducing ASCVD risk and none recommended involving patients in shared decision making.
CONCLUSION
We found substantial variability in the definition and management of statin intolerance among experts. Few focused on ASCVD risk reduction and none promoted the participation of patients in shared decision making about how to address the threat of ASCVD with or without statins.
Topics: Humans; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Cardiovascular Diseases; Atherosclerosis
PubMed: 36459335
DOI: 10.1007/s12020-022-03263-w -
Translational Stroke Research Feb 2023Intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is a major cause of ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) worldwide. The culprit of ICAD is frequently a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is a major cause of ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) worldwide. The culprit of ICAD is frequently a high-grade intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) pertaining to the infarct territory, and by then, the ICAS is described as symptomatic. A high-grade ICAS may progressively limit cerebral perfusion downstream, demanding collateral compensation. Collateral circulation refers to the pre-existing and dynamic emergence of vascular channels that maintain and compensate for a failing principal vascular route. Collaterals through the Circle of Willis and leptomeningeal circulation are of utmost importance in this regard. In this article, we first discussed the epidemiology, stroke mechanisms, contemporary therapeutics, and prognosis of symptomatic ICAD. Then, we reviewed the collateral routes in ICAS, factors associated with recruitment and development of the collaterals and diagnostic imaging modalities in assessing the origin and function of collateral circulation. We discussed the associations between collateral circulation and clinical outcomes after acute reperfusion treatment in ICAD-related ischemic strokes with or without large vessel occlusion (LVO). We also conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the associations of collateral circulation with the risk of recurrent stroke and the functional outcome in symptomatic ICAS patients on medical treatment as secondary stroke prevention. Finally, we summarized current evidence in these aspects and proposed the future directions.
Topics: Humans; Intracranial Arteriosclerosis; Stroke; Ischemic Attack, Transient; Cerebral Infarction; Prognosis; Collateral Circulation; Cerebrovascular Circulation
PubMed: 35672561
DOI: 10.1007/s12975-022-01042-3 -
Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases 2023With expanding commercial space programs, uncertainty remains about the cardiovascular effects of space environmental exposures including microgravity, confinement,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
With expanding commercial space programs, uncertainty remains about the cardiovascular effects of space environmental exposures including microgravity, confinement, isolation, space radiation, and altered bacterial virulence. Current limited data suggests additional health threats compared to Earth.
METHODS
We systematically reviewed PubMed, CENTRAL, Web of Science, EMBASE and Cochrane databases for prospective studies on spaceflight and cardiovascular outcomes. Search terms combined cardiovascular disease topics with spaceflight concepts. No date or language restrictions were imposed.
RESULTS
35 studies representing 2696 space travelers met inclusion criteria. Studies were grouped into spaceflight associations with: atherosclerosis, mortality, cardiac function, orthostatic intolerance, and arrhythmias. Atherosclerosis evidence was limited, with animal studies linking space radiation to endothelial damage, oxidative stress, and inflammation. However, human data showed no significantly increased atherosclerotic disease in astronauts. Mortality studies demonstrated lower cardiovascular mortality in astronauts compared to the general population however there was conflicting data. Cardiac function studies revealed physiologic ventricular atrophy, increased arterial stiffness, and altered blood flow distribution attributed to microgravity exposure. Effects appeared transient and reversible post-flight. Orthostatic intolerance studies found astronauts experienced altered heart rate variability, baroreflex response, and blood pressure changes post-flight. Arrhythmia studies showed increased ventricular ectopy during spaceflight, but limited data on long term flights.
CONCLUSIONS
Environmental space hazards impact the cardiovascular system through multiple mechanisms. Microgravity causes cardiac atrophy and orthostatic intolerance while space radiation may potentially accelerate atherosclerosis. Further research is needed, especially regarding long-term spaceflights.
Topics: Humans; Cardiovascular Diseases; Orthostatic Intolerance; Prospective Studies; Space Flight; Hemodynamics; Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Atherosclerosis; Atrophy
PubMed: 37531984
DOI: 10.1016/j.pcad.2023.07.009 -
JACC. Cardiovascular Interventions Oct 2023Low fractional flow reserve (FFR) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Hitherto, this assessment has been... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Low fractional flow reserve (FFR) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Hitherto, this assessment has been independent of the epicardial vessel interrogated.
OBJECTIVES
This study sought to assess the predictive capacity of post-PCI FFR for target vessel failure (TVF) stratified by coronary artery.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review and individual patient-level data meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials and observational studies with protocol-recommended post-PCI FFR assessment. The difference in post-PCI FFR between left anterior descending (LAD) and non-LAD arteries was assessed using a random-effect models meta-analysis of mean differences. TVF was defined as a composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, and clinically driven target vessel revascularization.
RESULTS
Overall, 3,336 vessels (n = 2,760 patients) with post-PCI FFR measurements were included in 9 studies. The weighted mean post-PCI FFR was 0.89 (95% CI: 0.87-0.90) and differed significantly between coronary vessels (LAD = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.85 to 0.88 vs non-LAD = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.91-0.94; P < 0.001). Post-PCI FFR was an independent predictor of TVF, with its risk increasing by 52% for every reduction of 0.10 FFR units, and this was mainly driven by TVR. The predictive capacity for TVF was poor for LAD arteries (AUC: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.47-0.58) and moderate for non-LAD arteries (AUC: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.59-0.73; LAD vs non-LAD arteries, P = 0.005).
CONCLUSIONS
The LAD is associated with a lower post-PCI FFR than non-LAD arteries, emphasizing the importance of interpreting post-PCI FFR on a vessel-specific basis. Although a higher post-PCI FFR was associated with improved prognosis, its predictive capacity for events differs between the LAD and non-LAD arteries, being poor in the LAD and moderate in the non-LAD vessels.
Topics: Humans; Coronary Artery Disease; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention; Fractional Flow Reserve, Myocardial; Coronary Angiography; Treatment Outcome; Predictive Value of Tests
PubMed: 37821185
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcin.2023.08.018 -
Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine... Sep 2022The association between serum zinc (Zn) levels and coronary artery disease (CAD) has been elucidated, but no previous meta-analysis was done to provide firm evidence.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The association between serum zinc (Zn) levels and coronary artery disease (CAD) has been elucidated, but no previous meta-analysis was done to provide firm evidence. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was aimed to investigate the possible association between serum Zn levels and CAD patients.
METHODS
Relevant studies were identified using various electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Google Scholar, and Web of Science) searching up to May 2021. The Review Manager V5.3 was used to calculate the pooled standard mean difference (SMD) with the corresponding 95 % confidence interval (CI) using the random-effects model.
RESULTS
A total of 10 studies with 614 cases (CAD patients) and 508 controls were included in this meta-analysis based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The pooled results of the meta-analysis showed that CAD patients had significantly lower levels of Zn [SMD (95 % CI): -3.76 (-5.21, -2.31), Z = 5.08, P < 0.00001; I= 98 %, P < 0.00001] compared with control subjects. The statistical evaluations of Begg's and Egger's tests indicated that there was no publication bias.
CONCLUSION
The findings of the meta-analysis suggest that relatively low levels of Zn might have a potential role in the pathogenesis of CAD. Furthermore, large-scale observational studies are highly recommended in order to fully understand the association between Zn status and CAD.
Topics: Coronary Artery Disease; Humans; Zinc
PubMed: 35709561
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2022.127018 -
Biomolecules Nov 2023Peripheral artery disease (PAD) involves atherosclerosis of the lower extremity arteries and is a major contributor to limb loss and death worldwide. Several studies... (Review)
Review
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) involves atherosclerosis of the lower extremity arteries and is a major contributor to limb loss and death worldwide. Several studies have demonstrated that interleukins (ILs) play an important role in the development and progression of PAD; however, a comprehensive literature review has not been performed. A systematic review was conducted and reported according to PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE was searched from inception to 5 December 2022, and all studies assessing the association between ILs and PAD were included. We included 17 studies from a pool of 771 unique articles. Five pro-inflammatory ILs (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-5, IL-6, and IL-8) and one pro-atherogenic IL (IL-12) were positively correlated with PAD diagnosis and progression. In contrast, two anti-inflammatory ILs (IL-4 and IL-10) were protective against PAD diagnosis and adverse limb events. Specifically, IL-6 and IL-8 were the most strongly associated with PAD and can act as potential disease biomarkers to support the identification and treatment of PAD. Ongoing work to identify and validate diagnostic/prognostic inflammatory biomarkers for PAD has the potential to assist clinicians in identifying high-risk patients for further evaluation and management which could reduce the risk of adverse cardiovascular and limb events.
Topics: Humans; Interleukin-6; Prognosis; Interleukin-8; Peripheral Arterial Disease; Atherosclerosis; Biomarkers; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38002322
DOI: 10.3390/biom13111640