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Current Problems in Cardiology Feb 2024Bempedoic acid (BA) has shown significant progress in reducing cholesterol levels and is relatively free from the many side effects encountered with the use of other... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Bempedoic acid (BA) has shown significant progress in reducing cholesterol levels and is relatively free from the many side effects encountered with the use of other hyperlipidemic drugs such as statins. However, its efficacy in patients with statin intolerance is controversial with inconsistent results among studies.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
An electronic literature search was performed using various databases such as Medline, Google Scholar, and the International Registry of Clinical Trials. The primary endpoint was the change in LDL-C levels. The secondary endpoints included changes in HDL-C, non-HDL-C, triglycerides (TG), clinical outcomes such as MACE, all-cause mortality (ACM), cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), and additional safety outcomes. The least-square mean (LSM) percent change for assessing changes in lipid parameter levels from the baseline and the risk ratio (RR) were used for the evaluation of binary endpoints, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed for all the outcomes.
RESULTS
Our analysis included 5 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a total of 18,848 participants. BA showed a significant reduction in LDL-C [LSM difference in %: -25.24; 95 % CI: -30.79 to -19.69; p < 0.00001], total cholesterol [LSM difference in %:-21.28; 95 % CI:-30.58 to-11.98; p < 0.00001], non-HDL-C [LSM difference in %: -23.27; 95 % Cl: -29.80 to -16.73 p < 0.00001], and HDL-C [LSM difference in %:-3.37, 95 % CI:-3.73 to-3.01, p < 0.00001] compared to placebo. In terms of clinical efficacy, BA was associated with a lower risk of coronary revascularization [RR:0.81; 95 % CI:0.66 to 0.99; p = 0.04], hospitalization for unstable angina [RR:0.67; 95 % CI:0.50 to 0.88; p = 0.005], and myocardial infarction [RR:0.76; 95 % CI:0.66 to 0.88;p = 0.0004]. No significant difference was observed in MACE [RR:0.81; p = 0.15], ACM [RR:0.86; p = 0.46], cardiovascular-related mortality [RR:0.79; p = 0.44], and stroke [RR:0.83; p = 0.08] between the two groups. In terms of safety efficacy, the risk for myalgia was significantly lower in BA-treated patients than in placebo [RR:0.80; p = 0.0002], while the risk for gout [RR:1.46; p < 0.0001] and hyperuricemia [RR:1.93; p < 0.00001] was higher for BA than for placebo. The risks for other adverse effects, such as neurocognitive disorder, nasopharyngitis urinary tract infection, upper respiratory infection, muscular disorder, and worsening hyperglycemia/DM were comparable between the two groups.
CONCLUSION
Our analysis demonstrated that BA significantly reduced the levels of LDL-C, total cholesterol, non-HDL-C, HDL-C, ApoB, and hs-CRP compared with the placebo group. Additionally, patients who received BA had a lower likelihood of coronary revascularization and hospitalization due to unstable angina, MI, and myalgia. Further large-scale RCTs are required to generate more robust evidence.
Topics: Humans; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Cholesterol, LDL; Myalgia; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Myocardial Infarction; Angina, Unstable
PubMed: 38043880
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.102236 -
Current Problems in Cardiology Feb 2024Clinical guidelines recommend statin use in patients with a vast array of cardiovascular disturbances. However, there is insufficient evidence regarding the concomitant... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Clinical guidelines recommend statin use in patients with a vast array of cardiovascular disturbances. However, there is insufficient evidence regarding the concomitant use of omega-3 fatty acids in addition to statins. This meta-analysis aims to uncover the complete effects of this combination therapy on cardiovascular outcomes, lipid biomarkers, inflammatory markers, and plaque markers.
METHODS
A detailed literature search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane, and MEDLINE databases, and all the relevant studies found up to September 2023 were included. The primary outcomes assessed in this meta-analysis was 1) Composite of fatal and non-fatal myocardial infarction, 2) Composite of fatal and non-fatal stroke, 3) Coronary revascularization, 4) Death due to cardiovascular causes, 5) MACE (Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events), 6) Unstable angina, 7) Hospitalization due to unstable angina, 8) and lipid volume index. Secondary outcomes included lipid markers, hsCRP, EPA levels, and EPA/AA ratio.
RESULTS
14 RCTs were included, featuring a total of 40,991 patients. Patients receiving the omega-3 + statin regimen were associated with a statistically significant decrease in the incidence of MI, MACE, unstable angina, hospitalization due to unstable angina, Total cholesterol levels, triglycerides, hsCRP, and lipid volume index in comparison to their counterparts receiving placebo + statin (P < 0.05). In contrast, our analysis found no statistically significant difference in the incidence of fatal and non-fatal stroke, coronary revascularization, and cardiovascular mortality.
CONCLUSION
Our research reinforces that all patients, regardless of their cardiovascular health, may benefit from adding omega-3 fatty acids to their statin therapy.
Topics: Humans; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Cardiovascular Diseases; C-Reactive Protein; Myocardial Infarction; Stroke; Angina, Unstable
PubMed: 38040215
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.102245 -
Scandinavian Cardiovascular Journal :... Dec 2023Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is an effective and noninvasive treatment for patients with refractory angina and chronic heart failure. However, previous... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is an effective and noninvasive treatment for patients with refractory angina and chronic heart failure. However, previous studies evaluating the influence of EECP on endothelial function showed inconsistent results. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of EECP on endothelial function measured by brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD).
DESIGN
PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wanfang databases were searched for randomized controlled trials comparing the influence of EECP versus usual care on FMD in adult population. A random-effects model incorporating the potential influence of heterogeneity was used to pool the results.
RESULTS
Nineteen studies with 1647 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with usual care or conventional therapy, additional treatment with EECP for 3-7 weeks was associated with a significantly improved FMD (mean difference []: 1.96%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.57-2.36, < 0.001, = 52%). Subgroup analysis showed consistent results in patients with coronary artery disease and in patients with other diseases ( for subgroup difference = 0.21). Results of meta-regression analysis showed that the mean baseline FMD level was positively correlated with the influence of EECP on FMD (coefficient = 0.42, < 0.001). Results of subgroup analysis suggested that the increment of FMD following EECP was larger in patients with baseline FMD ≥ 5% (: 2.69, 95% CI: 2.27-3.10, < 0.001; = 15%) compared to those with baseline FMD < 5% (: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.13-1.85, < 0.001; = 0%; for subgroup difference < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
EECP may be effective in improving endothelial function measured by FMD.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Vasodilation; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Angina Pectoris; Coronary Artery Disease; Counterpulsation
PubMed: 37876280
DOI: 10.1080/14017431.2023.2273223 -
Medicine Oct 2023This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of Tongxinluo capsule (TXLC) in combination with conventional therapies for treating stable angina pectoris (SAP)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of Tongxinluo capsule (TXLC) in combination with conventional therapies for treating stable angina pectoris (SAP) through a comprehensive meta-analysis and systematic review.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic search of the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL databases for randomized controlled trials investigating the use of TXLC as adjuvant therapy for SAP published up to June 2023. The Cochrane Handbook was used to evaluate the risk of bias. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4.1, and publication bias was assessed using Begg test and Egger test in the Stata SE 12.0 software. GRADEpro was used to assess the quality of the evidence.
RESULTS
This meta-analysis included 26 randomized controlled trials with a total of 2352 patients. TXLC co-administration demonstrated significant reduction in angina attack frequency (mean difference (MD) -0.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.97 to -0.84, P < .00001) and duration (MD -1.71, 95% CI -2.24 to -1.19, P < .00001), decreased use of nitroglycerin tablets (MD -6.28, 95% CI -7.16 to -5.41, P < .00001), lowered C-reactive protein (MD -1.19, 95% CI -1.35 to -1.03, P < .00001) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (MD -0.68, 95% CI -0.86 to -0.51, P < .00001). TXLC co-administration did not increase gastrointestinal reactions (RR 1.17, 95% CI 0.38 to 3.57, P = .78). The Begg test and Egger test results indicated no publication bias. The evidence quality was rated as very low for frequency of angina attack, duration of angina attack, and nitroglycerin usage, and low for C-reactive protein, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and gastrointestinal reaction events.
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis supports TXLC as a beneficial adjunct treatment for SAP.
Topics: Humans; Angina, Stable; Nitroglycerin; C-Reactive Protein; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Lipoproteins, LDL; Cholesterol
PubMed: 37832041
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000035405 -
PloS One 2023To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of Sodium tanshinone ⅡA sulfonate injection (STS) in the treatment of unstable angina pectoris (UAP). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of Sodium tanshinone ⅡA sulfonate injection (STS) in the treatment of unstable angina pectoris (UAP).
METHODS
CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, CBM, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase were searched by computer. The research covers the clinical randomized controlled trials of STS in the treatment of unstable angina pectoris published from the establishment of the library to January 31, 2023. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data and evaluated the risk of research bias, and then conducted meta-analysis with RevMan5.3 software.
RESULTS
A total of 37 randomized controlled trials were included, involving 3926 patients in total. Meta analysis results showed that, compared with conventional western medicine alone, STS combined with conventional western medicine could reduce the frequency (SMD = -2.61, 95%CI[-4.27, -0.96], P = 0.002) and duration (SMD = -4.01, 95%CI[-6.18, -1.84], P = 0.0003) of angina pectoris, improve ECG efficacy (OR = 3.61, 95%CI[2.79, 4.68], P<0.00001) and clinical symptom efficacy (OR = 4.02, 95%CI[3.32, 4.87], P<0.00001), reduce TG(SMD = -0.60, 95%CI[-1.04, -0.16], P = 0.008), TC(SMD = -3.86, 95%CI[-6.37, -1.34], P = 0.003), and LDL-C(SMD = -1.54, 95%CI[-2.67, -0.42], P = 0.007), decrease plasma viscosity(SMD = -1.02, 95%CI[-1.58, -0.47], P<0.0003), whole blood low shear viscosity(SMD = -0.85, 95%CI[-1.21, -0.49], P<0.00001), whole blood high shear viscosity(SMD = -0.82, 95%CI[-1.44, -0.20], P = 0.009), and erythrocyte aggregation index(SMD = -1.00, 95%CI[-1.75, -0.25], P = 0.009), and bring down CRP(SMD = -1.39, 95%CI[-1.91, -0.86], P<0.00001). The incidence of adverse reactions in the treatment group was higher than that in the control group (OR = 2.26, 95%CI[1.06, 4.85], P = 0.04). Neither of the two groups suffered from abnormal liver and kidney function during the study process.
CONCLUSION
STS combined with routine treatment has a definite clinical efficacy and certain safety in the treatment of UAP, but it needs to be further confirmed by high-quality and low-bias randomized controlled trials in the future.
Topics: Humans; Phenanthrenes; Angina, Unstable; Medicine; Angina Pectoris
PubMed: 37651454
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290841 -
The American Journal of Cardiology Oct 2023Sacubitril-valsartan is an angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) associated with a decreased risk of death and hospitalization for selected patients with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Sacubitril-valsartan is an angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) associated with a decreased risk of death and hospitalization for selected patients with heart failure (HF). However, its association with improved atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events remains unclear. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the association of ARNI with ASCVD events in patients with HF. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov for studies comparing ARNIs with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in terms of myocardial infarction, stroke, angina pectoris, peripheral artery disease, and the composite end point in patients with HF. A total of 8 randomized controlled trials were included, with 17,541 patients assigned to either the ARNI (8,764 patients) or ACEi/ARB (8,777 patients) groups. The incidence of composite end point (risk ratio [RR] 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.93 to 1.13, p = 0.63), myocardial infarction (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.30, p = 0.85), angina pectoris (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.17, p = 0.70), and stroke (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.16, p = 0.93) were not statistically different between the ARNI and ACEi/ARB groups. However, ARNI was associated with a higher incidence of peripheral artery disease (RR 1.63, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.52, p = 0.03). In conclusion, this meta-analysis found no association between ARNI therapy and improved ASCVD events in patients with HF.
Topics: Humans; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; Neprilysin; Cardiovascular Diseases; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Atherosclerosis; Antihypertensive Agents; Peripheral Arterial Disease; Angina Pectoris; Myocardial Infarction; Stroke; Heart Failure; Antiviral Agents
PubMed: 37619492
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2023.07.154 -
Cardiovascular Revascularization... Feb 2024There is limited data comparing Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) versus the usual Standard of care (SOC) in patients with suspected stable coronary artery... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
There is limited data comparing Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) versus the usual Standard of care (SOC) in patients with suspected stable coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare CCTA versus SOC in patients with stable CAD.
METHODS
We searched multiple databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing CCTA with SOC, which included various functional testing approaches for evaluating stable CAD. We used a random-effects model to calculate risk ratios (RRs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). Outcomes included all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), hospitalization for unstable angina (UA), invasive angiography, revascularization, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
RESULTS
We identified 6 RCTs with 19,881 patients with stable CAD, of which 9995 underwent CCTA, and 9886 underwent SOC. There were no significant differences between CCTA and SOC in terms of all-cause mortality (RR: 0.91; 95 % CI: 0.70-1.19; p = 0.50), MI (RR: 0.78; 95 % CI: 0.58-1.05; p = 0.11), hospitalizations for UA (RR: 1.20; 95 % CI: 0.95-1.51;p = 0.12), invasive angiography (RR: 0.71; 95 % CI: 0.32-1.61; p = 0.42), revascularization (RR:1.25; 95 % CI: 0.83-1.89; p = 0.29), PCI (RR: 1.20; 95 % CI: 0.78-1.85; p = 0.40), and CABG rates (RR: 0.89; 95 % CI: 0.530-1.49; p = 0.65).
CONCLUSION
In patients with stable CAD, CCTA is associated with similar outcomes compared to the usual Standard of care. Given its potential to quickly rule out severe obstructive disease, its ability to provide non-invasive physiology and identify non-obstructive CAD with plaque information makes it an attractive addition to the available armamentarium to evaluate chest pain.
Topics: Humans; Computed Tomography Angiography; Angina, Stable; Coronary Angiography; Standard of Care; Coronary Artery Disease; Myocardial Infarction; Angina, Unstable
PubMed: 37541837
DOI: 10.1016/j.carrev.2023.07.019 -
Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy Feb 2024Coronary vasomotor dysfunction embraces two specific clinical entities: coronary (micro)vascular spasm and microvascular dysfunction. The clinical manifestations of... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Coronary vasomotor dysfunction embraces two specific clinical entities: coronary (micro)vascular spasm and microvascular dysfunction. The clinical manifestations of these entities are respectively called vasospastic angina (VSA) and microvascular angina (MVA). Over the years, these diseases have become more and more prominent and several studies aimed to investigate the best diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Patients with coronary vasomotor disorders are often undertreated due to the absence of evidence-based guidelines. The purpose of this overview is to illustrate the various therapeutic options available for the optimized management of these patients.
METHODS
A Medline search of full-text articles published in English from 1980 to April 2022 was performed. The main analyzed aspects of vasomotor disorders were treatment options. We also performed research on "Clinicaltrial.gov" for ongoing trials.
CONCLUSION
Coronary (micro)vascular spasm and microvascular dysfunction are clinical entities characterized by high prevalence and clinical representation. Several therapeutic strategies, both innovative and established, are available to optimize treatment and improve the quality of life of these patients.
Topics: Humans; Coronary Vessels; Quality of Life; Microvascular Angina; Coronary Disease; Spasm; Coronary Angiography
PubMed: 35678926
DOI: 10.1007/s10557-022-07351-x