-
PloS One 2024Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Heart rate variability (HRV) represents the modulatory capacity of the autonomous... (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Heart rate variability (HRV) represents the modulatory capacity of the autonomous nervous system and influences mortality. By surveying this meta-analysis, we investigated the impact of physical activity on HRV.
METHODS
Databases, online journal libraries and clinical trial registries were searched for publications of randomized controlled and non-randomized controlled trials concerning adults with coronary artery disease (CAD)/ischemic heart disease (IHD), congestive heart failure (CHF), peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) joining an intervention group with physical activity or a control group with usual care or no intervention. Extracted time-domain and frequency-domain parameter of HRV were analyzed in a meta-analysis using a random effect model. Subgroup analyses concerning intervention type, study design and type of heart disease and sensitivity analysis were performed.
RESULTS
Significant results were obtained for RR-Interval (p = 0.05) and standard deviation of Normal-to-Normal intervals (SDNN) (p = 0.01) for short-term assessment and for the ratio of low-frequency power (LF) to high-frequency power (HF) (p = 0.05) for 24-hour assessment. Subgroup analyses also resulted significant: root-mean-square difference of successive normal R-R intervals (RMSSD) (p = 0.01), SDNN (p = 0.02) and HF (p < 0.01) concerning CHF.
CONCLUSION
We were able to demonstrate the positive impact of physical activity on HRV, especially in patients with CHF. Cardiac rehabilitation exercise programs need to be individualized to identify the most beneficial method of training for improving the prognosis of patients with CVD.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Heart Rate; Coronary Artery Disease; Myocardial Ischemia; Heart Failure; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38578755
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299793 -
Cardiovascular Diabetology Apr 2024Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) represents a novel marker in the current era of cardiovascular diseases. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate the association of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) represents a novel marker in the current era of cardiovascular diseases. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate the association of AIP with cardiovascular prognosis in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).
METHODS
PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception through 2024. The primary outcome was major cardiovascular events (MACE). The secondary outcomes included all-causes death, cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, revascularization, and no-reflow phenomenon. AIP was determined by taking the logarithm of the ratio of triglyceride (TG) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). The data analysis was represented using the risk ratio (RR) along with a 95% confidence interval (CI).
RESULTS
Sixteen studies with a total number of 20,833 patients met the eligible criteria. The pooled-analysis showed a significant increased risk of MACE in the highest AIP group compared with the lowest AIP group (RR = 1.63; 95% CI, 1.44-1.85; P < 0.001). A similar result was observed when AIP was regarded as a continuous variable (RR = 1.54; 95% CI, 1.30-1.83; P < 0.001). Besides, elevated AIP was associated with increased risk of cardiovascular death (RR = 1.79; 95% CI, 1.09-2.78; P = 0.02), MI (RR = 2.21; 95% CI, 1.55-3.13; P < 0.001), revascularization (RR = 1.62; 95% CI, 1.34-1.97; P < 0.001), no-reflow phenomenon (RR = 3.12 95% CI, 1.09-8.96; P = 0.034), and stent thrombosis (RR = 13.46; 95%CI, 1.39-129.02; P = 0.025). However, AIP was not significantly associated with the risk of all-causes death and stroke among patients with CAD.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study demonstrated that increased AIP is an independent prognostic factors in patients with CAD. Further research is warranted to elucidate the potential development of targeted interventions to modify AIP levels and improve patient outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Coronary Artery Disease; No-Reflow Phenomenon; Risk Factors; Atherosclerosis; Myocardial Infarction; Stroke
PubMed: 38566139
DOI: 10.1186/s12933-024-02198-y -
European Journal of Vascular and... Jun 2024This scoping review summarises health literacy and disease knowledge in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) or peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and the... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
This scoping review summarises health literacy and disease knowledge in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) or peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and the influencing factors.
DATA SOURCES
A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, PsychINFO, and CINAHL covering the period January 2012 to October 2022.
REVIEW METHODS
This scoping review was undertaken in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Inclusion criteria encompassed studies addressing health literacy, knowledge, perception, or awareness in patients with AAA or PAD. Two authors independently reviewed abstracts and full texts, resolving any discrepancies through discussion or by consulting a third author for consensus. All article types were included except letters, editorials, study protocols, reviews, and guidelines. No language restrictions were applied. Primary outcomes were health literacy and disease knowledge. Secondary outcomes were factors that could influence this. Quality assessment was done using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT).
RESULTS
The review included 32 articles involving a total of 5 268 patients. Four articles reported health literacy and the rest disease knowledge. Ten studies (31%) met all quality criteria. Twenty studies were quantitative, eight were qualitative, and four were mixed methods studies. The review revealed inadequate health literacy in the majority of patients, and disease knowledge was relatively low among patients with AAA and PAD, with disparities in measures and assessment tools across studies. Factors influencing health literacy and disease knowledge included socioeconomic status, education, income, and employment.
CONCLUSION
This scoping review revealed low health literacy and low disease knowledge in patients with AAA and PAD. Standardised health literacy assessment may contribute to improve communication strategies and decision aids to enhance patients' understanding and engagement in healthcare decisions, however further research is needed to prove its merits.
Topics: Humans; Health Literacy; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Peripheral Arterial Disease; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Patient Education as Topic
PubMed: 38552837
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2024.03.040 -
Journal of Psychiatric Research May 2024To investigate if there is an association between atherosclerosis and depression by using as imaging biomarker the carotid intima media thickness (cIMT), a surrogate... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Atherosclerosis and depression: is carotid intima-media thicker in patients with depression compared to matched control individuals? A systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate if there is an association between atherosclerosis and depression by using as imaging biomarker the carotid intima media thickness (cIMT), a surrogate marker for atherosclerosis.
METHODS
PubMed/Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases were comprehensively searched to identify studies investigating the association between cIMT and depression. The results were pooled using a random-effects statistical model, appropriate for the expected high heterogeneity. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were conducted where data was available.
RESULTS
Overall, 22 and 13 studies met inclusion criteria for the qualitative and the quantitative synthesis, respectively, with a total of 4466 patients and 21,635 control participants. Results showed that cIMT is significantly higher in the depression, compared to the control groups with an overall mean difference of 0.07 mm (95% CI 0.04-0.10, p < 0.01). Subgroup analysis showed that diabetes could present as a confounding factor in patients with depression and an increased cIMT.
CONCLUSIONS
This study confirms a significantly increased cIMT in patients with depression, compared with controls and suggests a possible bidirectional link between atherosclerosis and depression. An early screening of cardiovascular disease in individuals suffering with depression should be considered.
Topics: Humans; Carotid Intima-Media Thickness; Depression; Atherosclerosis; Biomarkers; Cardiovascular Diseases; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38552331
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.03.012 -
Nutrients Mar 2024The Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) is the dietary pattern par excellence for managing and preventing metabolic diseases, such as Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM). The MedDiet... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) is the dietary pattern par excellence for managing and preventing metabolic diseases, such as Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM). The MedDiet incorporates spices and aromatic herbs, which are abundant sources of bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of all aromatic herbs and spices included in the MedDiet, such as black cumin, clove, parsley, saffron, thyme, ginger, black pepper, rosemary, turmeric, basil, oregano, and cinnamon, on the glycemic profile in T2DM subjects.
METHODS
PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched for interventional studies investigating the effect of these aromatic herbs and spices on the glycemic profile in T2DM subjects.
RESULTS
This systematic review retrieved 6958 studies, of which 77 were included in the qualitative synthesis and 45 were included in the meta-analysis. Our results showed that cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, black cumin, and saffron significantly improved the fasting glucose levels in T2DM subjects. The most significant decreases in fasting glucose were achieved after supplementation with black cumin, followed by cinnamon and ginger, which achieved a decrease of between 27 and 17 mg/dL.
CONCLUSIONS
Only ginger and black cumin reported a significant improvement in glycated hemoglobin, and only cinnamon and ginger showed a significant decrease in insulin.
Topics: Humans; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Diet, Mediterranean; Spices; Zingiber officinale; Crocus; Glucose
PubMed: 38542668
DOI: 10.3390/nu16060756 -
Journal of Cardiology Jul 2024Atherosclerosis is a chronic, progressive cardiovascular disease characterized by cholesterol deposition within blood vessel walls. Recent literature has suggested that... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Atherosclerosis is a chronic, progressive cardiovascular disease characterized by cholesterol deposition within blood vessel walls. Recent literature has suggested that the NLRP3 [NOD (nucleotide oligomerization domain)-, LRR (leucine-rich repeat)-, and PYD (pyrin domain)-containing protein 3] inflammasome is a key mediator in the development, progression, and destabilization of atherosclerotic plaques. This review aims to evaluate the current literature on the role of NLRP3 in human atherosclerosis. This systematic review was registered on the PROSPERO database (ID = CRD42022340039) and involved the search of a total of 8 databases. Records were screened in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 20 studies were included and quality assessed using the NIH: NHLBI tool. Six were eligible for meta-analysis using RevMan 5.4.1. We identified 20 relevant articles representing 3388 participants. NLRP3 mRNA levels and downstream cytokines, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 were found to be associated with atherosclerotic disease. Fold changes in NLRP3 mRNA levels were most strongly associated with high risk atherosclerotic disease, compared to controls [0.84 (95 % CI: 0.41-1.28)]. IL-1β mRNA fold change was more robustly associated with high-risk atherosclerotic disease [0.61 (95 % CI: 0.10-1.13)] than IL-18 [0.47 (95 % CI: 0.02-0.91)]. NLRP3, IL-1β, and IL-18 are associated with high-risk atherosclerotic disease. However, given the scope of this review, the role of this inflammasome and its cytokine counterparts in acting as prognosticators of coronary artery disease severity is unclear. Several upstream activators such as cholesterol crystals are involved in the canonical or non-canonical activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and its downstream cytokines. These findings highlight the necessity for further research to delineate the exact mechanisms of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and potential drug targets.
Topics: NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein; Humans; Atherosclerosis; Inflammasomes; Interleukin-18; Interleukin-1beta
PubMed: 38521117
DOI: 10.1016/j.jjcc.2024.03.003 -
PloS One 2024Over the past decade, there has been a heightened interest in evaluating self-efficacy among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). A significant number of...
INTRODUCTION
Over the past decade, there has been a heightened interest in evaluating self-efficacy among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). A significant number of instruments have been developed and validated, yet the need remains to assess the quality of their studies and their properties.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the measurement properties and link the content extracted from self-efficacy instrument items for individuals with CAD to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF).
METHODOLOGY
The study was conducted following the Cochrane systematic review guidelines and COnsensus norms for Selection of health Measuring INstruments (COSMIN), registered under CRD42021262613. The search was carried out on MEDLINE (Ovid), Web of Science, EMBASE, and PsycINFO, including studies involving the development and validation of self-efficacy instruments for individuals with CAD, without language or date restrictions. Data extraction was performed in May 2022 and updated in January 2023 and all the steps of this review were carried out by two different collaborators and reviewed by a third when there were divergences. Modified Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) recommended by COSMIN was used to determine the quality of evidence as high, moderate, low, or very low. Instrument categorization was carried out per COSMIN recommendations, according to the construct of interest and study population into three categories (A, B, or C).
RESULTS
A total of 21 studies from 12 instruments were identified. The best-rated instruments received a recommendation of B, which means, additional validation studies are needed. Barnason Efficacy Expectation Scale (BEES) showed high-quality evidence for structural, construct, criterion, and internal consistency validity; Cardiac Self-Efficacy Scale (CSES) demonstrated high quality for content, structural, cross-cultural validity, and internal consistency; Self-efficacy for Appropriate Medication Use (SEAMS) achieved a high level for structural, criterion, and internal consistency validity; Cardiovascular Management Self-Efficacy Scale exhibited high-level validity for structural, criterion, construct, and internal consistency. The CSES showed content linkage with all domains of the ICF, as well as the highest number of linkages with the categories.
CONCLUSIONS
Instruments with a B-level recommendation hold potential for use. More studies assessing measurement properties are needed to reinforce or improve these recommendations. The CSES stands out as the most comprehensive instrument concerning the ICF.
Topics: Humans; Consensus; Coronary Artery Disease; GRADE Approach; Heart; Self Efficacy
PubMed: 38437222
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299041 -
Nutrition, Metabolism, and... Mar 2024Previous studies find kidney stone formers (KSF) are at greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). The underlying mechanisms are poorly understood, and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
AIMS
Previous studies find kidney stone formers (KSF) are at greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). The underlying mechanisms are poorly understood, and many clinicians are unaware of this connection. We will: DATA SYNTHESIS: Our systematic review is registered with PROSPERO (ID CRD42021251477). We searched epidemiological and biological data. The epidemiological search generated 669 papers, narrowed down to 15. There were 4,259,869 participants (230,720 KSFs). KSF was associated with 25% higher risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) (95% confidence interval (CI): 15, 35%), 17% higher risk of stroke/transient ischemic attacks (TIA) (CI:10, 25%) and 39% higher risk of arterial disease (AD) (CI: 17 65%). Significant heterogeneity was found. Female-identifying KSFs had a higher risk of stroke (ratio = 1.10) and CAD (1.20). The biological search generated 125 papers, narrowed down to 14. Potential underlying mechanisms were extracted and discussed, including intimal/medial vascular calcification, oxidative stress via osteopontin (OPN), cholesterol-induced pathology, and endothelial dysfunction.
CONCLUSIONS
There is a significant association between KSF and CVD, supporting the consideration of KSF as a systemic, calcium-mediated disease. Clinicians will benefit from being aware of this connection.
Topics: Humans; Female; Cardiovascular Diseases; Kidney Calculi; Coronary Artery Disease; Stroke; Cholesterol
PubMed: 38431384
DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2023.09.011 -
Journal of Clinical Epidemiology Jun 2024To systematically evaluate the reproducibility of primary data and, the reproducibility and correctness of pooled sensitivity and specificity estimates reported in a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
An exemplary reanalysis of coronary computed tomography angiography diagnostic meta-analyses shows insufficient data sharing and incorrect sensitivity and specificity estimates.
OBJECTIVES
To systematically evaluate the reproducibility of primary data and, the reproducibility and correctness of pooled sensitivity and specificity estimates reported in a sample of diagnostic meta-analyses.
STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING
We conducted an exemplary systematic review of diagnostic meta-analyses comparing coronary computed tomography angiography to invasive coronary angiography in patients with suspected coronary artery disease. The objectives were to assess 1) the reproducibility of contingency tables, 2) the reproducibility of pooled sensitivity and specificity, and 3) differences to reported results when applying a recommended bivariate binomial model for pooling sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, we reproduced the contingency tables and recalculated sensitivity and specificity by utilizing both the pooling method of each meta-analysis and a bivariate binomial model. We used linear trends to assess the improvement of these objectives over time.
RESULTS
We identified 38 diagnostic meta-analyses, each including on average 19 primary studies (range: 3 to 89 studies; total: 715-including duplicates) with an average of approximately 1800 patients per meta-analysis (range: 118 to 7516 patients). For 31 meta-analyses (82%, 95% CI: 65%, 91%), the contingency tables were reproducible; however, only 15 published them. Using the pooling method of each meta-analysis, we obtained comparable recalculated sensitivities/specificities for 28 meta-analyses (74% [57%, 86%]). Only 11 meta-analyses pooled sensitivity/specificity using a bivariate binomial model (29% [16%, 46%]). When all meta-analyses were pooled with this model, published sensitivities/specificities were confirmed for 19 of 38 meta-analyses (50% [34%, 66%]). There was only marginal improvement in data availability and application of recommended pooling methods over time.
CONCLUSION
Data sharing should become standard practice along with the use of appropriate pooling methods. Journal publication requirements may play a key role in enhancing the quality of scientific reporting and methodological standards which may lead to more reliable and consistent outcomes. The ability to reproduce sensitivity and specificity estimates in diagnostic imaging meta-analyses is dependent on the availability of contingency tables and the explicit reporting of pooling methods and software used.
Topics: Humans; Sensitivity and Specificity; Computed Tomography Angiography; Reproducibility of Results; Coronary Artery Disease; Coronary Angiography; Meta-Analysis as Topic
PubMed: 38428541
DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2024.111306 -
Journal of Translational Medicine Feb 2024Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death around the world. Most CVDs-related death can be prevented by the optimal management of risk factors such...
Quality appraisal and descriptive analysis of clinical practice guidelines for self-managed non-pharmacological interventions of cardiovascular diseases: a systematic review.
BACKGROUND
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death around the world. Most CVDs-related death can be prevented by the optimal management of risk factors such as unhealthy diet and physical inactivity. Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for CVDs, provide some evidence-based recommendations which help healthcare professionals to achieve the best care for patients with CVDs. This systematic review aims to appraise the methodological quality of CPGs systematically and summarize the recommendations of self-managed non-pharmacological interventions for the prevention and management of CVDs provided by the selected guidelines.
METHODS
A comprehensive electronic literature search was conducted via six databases (PubMed, Medline, The Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science), seven professional heart association websites, and nine guideline repositories. The Appraisal of Guidelines, Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) instrument was adopted to critically appraise the methodological quality of the selected guidelines. Content analysis was used to summarise recommended self-managed non-pharmacological interventions for CVDs.
RESULTS
Twenty-three CPGs regarding different CVDs were included, in which four guidelines of CVDs, three for coronary heart diseases, seven for heart failure, two for atrial fibrillation, three for stroke, three for peripheral arterial disease, and one for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Twenty CPGs were appraised as high quality, and three CPGs as moderate quality. All twenty-three CPGs were recommended for use with or without modification. The domain of "Editorial Independence" had the highest standardized percentage (93.47%), whereas the domain of "Applicability" had the lowest mean domain score of 75.41%. The content analysis findings summarised some common self-managed non-pharmacological interventions, which include healthy diet, physical activity, smoking cessation, alcohol control, and weight management. Healthy diet and physical acidity are the most common and agreed on self-managed interventions for patients with CVDs. There are some inconsistencies identified in the details of recommended interventions, the intervention itself, the grade of recommendation, and the supported level of evidence.
CONCLUSION
The majority of the summarized non-pharmacological interventions were strongly recommended with moderate to high-quality levels of evidence. Healthcare professionals and researchers can adopt the results of this review to design self-managed non-pharmacological interventions for patients with CVDs.
Topics: Humans; Cardiovascular Diseases; Heart Failure; Peripheral Arterial Disease; Self-Management; Practice Guidelines as Topic
PubMed: 38424641
DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-04959-5