Cardiovascular care

CT Calcium Score In The Elderly With Aortic Stenosis (2020)

Posted on by

Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
*Pastfield E.; *Botley S.; *Pakala V.; *Ingram T.; *Lee E.

Citation:
Journal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography; 2020; vol. 14 (no. 1)

Abstract:
Introduction: Degenerative aortic stenosis is a common condition. Many elderly frail patients with multiple comorbidities now have an alternative to conventional surgery since the availability of transcutaneous aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Echocardiography (echo) remains the key tool for the diagnosis of aortic stenosis. CT calcium scoring, has proven a useful adjunct to diagnosis, when there are discordant echo measurements. The current societies' consensus propose a cut-off score (>2000 for men and >1200 for women) above which 'severe aortic stenosis is likely'. However, many elderly patients have discordant echo measurements, low calcium score despite having severe aortic stenosis. We propose that the adverse event rates in elderly patients, regardless of calcium score category, are not significantly different. Method(s): We retrospectively examined the records of consecutive patients undergoing CT calcium score between Jan 2017 and Sep 2019. These investigations were done, either for TAVI procedure planning or as an adjunct to assessing the severity of aortic stenosis (in the case of discordant echo measurements). All these patients were followed up for adverse events, defined as a composite of heart failure, chest pain or death. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25 (IBM). Result(s): 88 patients, age 82+/-6 years, 55% men, underwent CT aortic valve calcium scoring and echo. Peak aortic velocity 3.9 +/- 0.8 m/s, mean gradient 35 +/- 13 mmHg, aortic valve area 0.8 +/- 0.2cm2, stroke volume index (SVI) 38 +/- 11 ml/m2. 52.4% of the study population had discordant echo measurements and 43.6% had SVI<35ml/m2. The calcium score for women and men were 2230 +/- 1250 and 3866 +/- 1997 respectively. 24% of these patients had calcium score below the cut-off value for 'likely severe aortic stenosis'. Median follow up was 382 days (range 66-1381 days) from the initial echo. Adverse events occurred in 20+/-4% and 29+/-5% in the 'high' and 'low' calcium score groups, independent t-test, p=0.40. Using Kaplan-Meier survival curve, there is no difference in the event free survival days between the two groups, 888 days for the 'low' and 702 days for the 'high' calcium score groups, Log rank Chi-square=0.26, p=0.61. Conclusion(s): In an elderly population with aortic stenosis, there is no difference in short term adverse event rates (composite of heart failure/death/chest pain) as categorised by their calcium scores. Therefore, the current diagnostic approach may under estimate the severity of aortic stenosis in some patients. [Formula presented]

HEART UK consensus statement on Lipoprotein(a): A call to action (2019)

Posted on by

Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
Cegla J.; Neely R.D.G.; France M.; Ferns G.; Byrne C.D.; Halcox J.; Datta D.; *Capps N.; Shoulders C.; Qureshi N.; Rees A.; Main L.; Payne J.; Cramb R.; Viljoen A.; Soran H.

Citation:
Atherosclerosis; Dec 2019; vol. 291 ; p. 62-70

Abstract:
Lipoprotein(a), Lp(a), is a modified atherogenic low-density lipoprotein particle that contains apolipoprotein(a). Its levels are highly heritable and variable in the population. This consensus statement by HEART UK is based on the evidence that Lp(a) is an independent cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor, provides recommendations for its measurement in clinical practice and reviews current and emerging therapeutic strategies to reduce CVD risk. Ten statements summarise the most salient points for practitioners and patients with high Lp(a). HEART UK recommends that Lp(a) is measured in adults as follows: 1) those with a personal or family history of premature atherosclerotic CVD; 2) those with first-degree relatives who have Lp(a) levels >200 nmol/l; 3) patients with familial hypercholesterolemia; 4) patients with calcific aortic valve stenosis and 5) those with borderline (but <15%) 10-year risk of a cardiovascular event. The management of patients with raised Lp(a) levels should include: 1) reducing overall atherosclerotic risk; 2) controlling dyslipidemia with a desirable non-HDL-cholesterol level of <100 mg/dl (2.5 mmol/l) and 3) consideration of lipoprotein apheresis.

Link to full-text [open access - no password required]

Corrigendum: It has been brought to our attention that the wording of the German reimbursement criteria for apheresis is not clear in the above paper (Section 7. Management of patients with raised Lipoprotein(a), Subheading: Apheresis). This should read: “In Germany, Lp(a) levels exceeding 60 mg/dl and LDL-cholesterol in normal range along with progressive CVD has been approved as an indication for regular lipoprotein apheresis since 2008.”

Altmetrics:

Current management of children and young people with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia - HEART UK statement of care (2019)

Posted on by

Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
Ramaswami U.; Humphries S.E.; Priestley-Barnham L.; Green P.; Wald D.S.; *Capps N.; Anderson M.; Dale P.; Morris A.A.

Citation:
Atherosclerosis; Nov 2019; vol. 290 ; p. 1-8 [epub ahead of print]

Abstract:
This consensus statement on the management of children and young people with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) addresses management of paediatric FH in the UK, identified by cascade testing when a parent is diagnosed with FH and for those diagnosed following incidental lipid tests. Lifestyle and dietary advice appropriate for children with FH; suggested low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) targets and the most appropriate lipid-lowering therapies to achieve these are discussed in this statement of care. Based on the population prevalence of FH as ~1/250 and the UK paediatric population, there are approximately 50,000 FH children under 18 years. Currently only about 550 of these children and young people have been identified and are under paediatric care.

Altmetrics

Targeting dyslipidaemia to prevent cardiovascular disease (2019)

Posted on by

Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
Viljoen A.; Fuat A.; Takhar A.; Williams S.; *Capps N.

Citation:
Prescriber; Jul 2019; vol. 30 (no. 7); p. 23-26

Abstract:
Dyslipidaemia is a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and its identification and treatment is important for both primary and secondary prevention. This article discusses how to screen for dyslipidaemia and optimise lipid-lowering therapy to improve cardiovascular outcomes.

Link to full-text [NHS OpenAthens account required]

Coronary heart disease mortality in severe and non-severe familial hyper-cholesterolaemia : data from the UK Simon Broome FH register (2019)

Posted on by

Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
Humphries S.; Cooper J.; *Capps N.; Durrington P.; Jones B.; McDowell I.; Soran H.; Neil A.

Citation:
Atherosclerosis; Aug 2019; vol. 287

Abstract:
Background and Aims: Background: In 2016 the International Atherosclerosis Society (IAS) proposed that patients with "severe" FH (SFH) should be identified since they might warrant early and more aggressive cholesterol-lowering treatment such as with PCSK9 inhibitors. SFH is diagnosed if LDL-cholesterol (LDLC) >10 mmol/L, or LDLC >8.0 mmol/L plus one high-risk feature, or LDLC >5 mmol/L plus two high-risk features. Here we compare CHD mortality in SFH and non-SFH patients in the UK Simon Broome Register since 1991, when
statin use became routine.
Method(s): 2929 Definite or Possible patients (51% women) aged 20-79 years recruited from 21 UK lipid clinics were followed between 1992-2016. The excess CHD standardised mortality ratio (SMR) compared to the population in England and Wales was calculated (95% Confidence intervals).
Result(s): (67.7%) patients met the SFH definition. Post 1991, the SMR for CHD mortality was significantly (p=0.007) higher for SFH (220(184-261) (34,134 person years, 129 deaths observed, vs 59 expected) compared to non-SFH of 144(98-203) (15,432 person years, 32 observed vs 22 expected). After adjustment for traditional risk factors, the Hazard Ratio for CHD mortality in SFH vs non-SFH was 122 (80-187) p=0.36. Applying UK guidelines for the use of PCSK9i agents, overall ~24% of those in the register are likely to be eligible, but if this were restricted to those with SFH, overall ~16% would qualify.
Conclusion(s): CHD mortality remains elevated in treated FH, especially for SFH, emphasising the importance of optimal lipid-lowering, including the use of novel agents, and management of other risk factors

Link to full-text [no password required]

Preoperative anemia and outcomes in cardiovascular surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis (2019)

Posted on by

Type of publication:
Systematic Review

Author(s):
*Padmanabhan, Hari; Siau, Keith; *Curtis, Jason; Ng, Alex; Menon, Shyam; Luckraz, Heyman; Brookes, Matthew J

Citation:
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery. Dec 2019; vol. 108 (no. 6); p. 1840-1848

Abstract:
BACKGROUND Pre-operative anemia is common in patients scheduled for cardiac surgery. However, its effect on postoperative outcomes remains controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to clarify the impact of anemia on outcomes following cardiac surgery.METHODS A literature search was conducted on MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases. The primary outcome was 30-day postoperative or in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included acute kidney injury (AKI), stroke, blood transfusion, and infection. A meta-analytic model was used to determine the differences in the above postoperative outcomes between anemic and non-anemic patients. RESULTS Out of 1103 studies screened, 22 met the inclusion criteria. A total of 23624 (20.6%) out of 114277 patients were anemic. Anemia was associated with increased mortality (odds ratio [OR] 2.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.32-3.24; I2=69.6%; p<0?001), AKI (OR 3.13, 95% CI 2.37-4.12; I2=71.1%; p<0?001), stroke (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.24-1.72; I2=21.6%; p<0?001), and infection (OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.98-3.55; I2=46.7%; p<0?001). More anemic patients were transfused than non-anemic (33.3 versus 11.9%). No statistically significant association was found between mortality and blood transfusion (OR 1.35, 95% CI 0.92-1.98; I2=83.7%; p=0.12) but we were not able to compare mortality with or without transfusion in those who were or were not anemic. CONCLUSIONS Preoperative anemia is associated with adverse outcomes following cardiac surgery. These findings support the addition of preoperative anemia to future risk prediction models, and as a target for risk modification.

Altmetrics

A patient-centred model to quality assure outputs from an echocardiography department: consensus guidance from the British Society of Echocardiography (2018)

Posted on by

Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
*Ingram TE, Baker S, Allen J, Ritzmann S, Bual N, Duffy L, Ellis C, Bunting K, Black N, Peck M, Hothi S, Sharma V, Pearce K, Steeds RP, Masani N.

Citation:
Echo Research and Practice. 2018 Dec 1;5(4):G25-G33

Abstract:
Background Quality assurance (QA) of echocardiographic studies is vital to ensure that clinicians can act on findings of high quality to deliver excellent patient care. To date, there is a paucity of published guidance on how to perform this QA. The British Society of Echocardiography (BSE) has previously produced an Echocardiography Quality Framework (EQF) to assist departments with their QA processes. This article expands on the EQF with a structured yet versatile approach on how to analyse echocardiographic departments to ensure high-quality standards are met. In addition, a process is detailed for departments that are seeking to demonstrate to external bodies adherence to a robust QA process. Methods The EQF consists of four domains. These include assessment of Echo Quality (including study acquisition and report generation); Reproducibility & Consistency (including analysis of individual variability when compared to the group and focused clinical audit), Education & Training (for all providers and service users) and Customer & Staff Satisfaction (of both service users and patients/their carers). Examples of what could be done in each of these areas are presented. Furthermore, evidence of participation in each domain is categorised against a red, amber or green rating: with an amber or green rating signifying that a quantifiable level of engagement in that aspect of QA has been achieved. Conclusion The proposed EQF is a powerful tool that focuses the limited time available for departmental QA on areas of practice where a change in patient experience or outcome is most likely to occur.

Link to full-text (no password required)

Altmetrics

Trial of atorvastatin for the primary prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (TRACE RA): A multicenter, randomized, placebo controlled trial (2019)

Posted on by

Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
Kitas GD, Nightingale P, Armitage J, Sattar N, Belch JJF, Symmons DPM; TRACE RA consortium.

Collaborators (137) Kitas G, Belch J, Symmons D, Williams H, Vasishta S, Storey R, Nightingale P, Bruce I, Durrington P, McInnes I, Nightingale P, Sattar N, Situnayake D, Struthers A, Lowe G, Armitage J, Fox K, Haskard D, Dore C, Bosworth A, Kitas G, Belch J, Symmons D, Williams H, Frenneaux M, Edwards C, Emberson J, Bax D, Cobbe S, Stott D, Sturrock R, Macfarlane P, Klocke R, Pullar T, Knight S, Rowe I, Kumar P, Goodson N, Mulherin D, Brzeski M, Gardiner P, Situnayake D, Walker D, Callaghan R, Allen M, McCarey D, George E, Deighton C, Kirkham B, Teh LS, Luqmani R, Chakravarty K, Nixon J, Richards S, Scott D, Woolf T, Prouse P, Packham J, Davies M, DeLord D, O'Neill T, Pande I, Harvie J, Watts R, Rankin E, Papasavvas G, Emery P, Sinha A, Dasgupta B, Bruce I, Creamer P, Zoma A, Walsh D, Van-Laar J, *Capps N, Cairns A, Marguerie C, Kumar N, Abernethy R, Lillicrap M, Ralston S, Makadsi R, Hopkinson N, Tan S, Akil M, Ahmad Y, Adler M, Bukhari M, Sanders P, Roussou E, Binymin K, Hassan A, Hughes R, O'Reilly D, Sainsbury P, Richmond R, Malgorzata M, Nisar M, McEntergart A, Roy D, Marks J, Batley M, McKenna F, Irani M, Harris H, Smyth A, Tunn E, Young A, Thomas J, Hall F, Marshall T, Rao C, Baburaj K, Dixey J, Gendi N, Birrell F, Chelliah G, Teh LS, Morgan A, Fishman D, Knights S, Coady D, Makadsi R, Smith B, Harrison B, Walker D, Siebert S, Chan A, Putchakayala K, Al-Ansari A, Gough A, Naz S, Kumar N, Pyne D, Mahmud T, Patel Y, Isdale A.

Citation:
Arthritis Rheumatol. 2019 Apr 15. doi: 10.1002/art.40892. [Epub ahead of print]

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with increased cardiovascular event (CVE) risk. The impact of statins in RA is not established. We assessed whether atorvastatin is superior to placebo for the primary prevention of CVE in RA patients.

METHODS:

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial designed for 80% power at p<0.05 to detect a 32% CVE risk reduction based on an estimated 1.8% per annum (pa) event rate. Patients aged >50 years or with RA duration >10 years; without clinical atherosclerosis, diabetes, or myopathy; received atorvastatin 40mg daily or matching placebo. Primary endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, transient ischemic attack, or any arterial revascularization. Secondary/tertiary endpoints included plasma lipids and safety.

RESULTS:

3002 patients (mean age 61 years, 74% female) were followed for a median 2.51 years (IQR 1.90-3.49) [7,827 patient-years] – early termination was due to lower than expected event rate (0.77% pa). Among patients allocated atorvastatin 24/1504 (1.6%) had a primary endpoint, compared with 36/1498 (2.4%) on placebo (hazard ratio 0.66, 95%CI 0.39-1.11, p=0.115); adjusted hazard ratio (0.60, 95%CI 0.32-1.15, p=0.127). At trial end, patients on atorvastatin had 0.77±0.04 mmol/L lower LDL-cholesterol compared to placebo (p<0.0001); CRP (mg/L) was also significantly lower on atorvastatin than placebo (2.59 (0.94-6.08) vs. 3.60 (1.47-7.49) – p<0.0001). CVE risk reduction per mmol/L LDLc reduction was 42% (95%CI -14%-70%). Adverse events in the atorvastatin (298 (19.8%)) and placebo (292 (19.5%)) groups were similar.

CONCLUSION:

Atorvastatin 40mg daily was safe and resulted in significantly greater reduction of LDLc than placebo in patients with RA. The 40% (adjusted) CVE risk reduction is consistent with the Cholesterol Treatment Trialists' Collaboration meta-analysis of statin effects in other populations.

Altmetrics

Coronary heart disease mortality in severe vs. non-severe familial hypercholesterolaemia in the Simon Broome Register (2019)

Posted on by

Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
Humphries, Steve E; Cooper, Jackie A; *Capps, Nigel; Durrington, Paul N; Jones, Ben; McDowell, Ian F W; Soran, Handrean; Neil, Andrew H W; Simon Broome Familial Hyperlipidaemia Register Group

Citation:
Atherosclerosis. 2019 Feb;281:207-212

Abstract:
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The International Atherosclerosis Society (IAS) has proposed that patients with "severe" FH (SFH) would warrant early and more aggressive cholesterol-lowering treatment such as with PCSK9 inhibitors. SFH is diagnosed if LDL-cholesterol (LDLC)>10mmol/L, or LDLC >8.0mmol/L plus one highrisk feature, or LDLC >5mmol/L plus two high-risk features. Here we compare CHD mortality in SFH and nonSFH (NSFH) patients in the UK prospective Simon Broome Register since 1991, when statin use became routine.METHODS 2929 definite or possible PFH patients (51% women) aged 20-79 years were recruited from 21 UK lipid clinics and followed prospectively between 1992 and 2016. The excess CHD standardised mortality ratio (SMR) compared to the England and Wales population was calculated (with 95% confidence intervals).RESULTS1982 (67.7%) patients met the SFH definition. Compared to the non-SFH, significantly (p < 0.001) more SFH patients had diagnosed CHD at baseline (24.6% vs. 17.5%), were current smokers (21.9% vs 10.2%) and had a BMI>30kg/m2 (14.9% vs. 7.8%). The SMR for CHD mortality was significantly (p=0.007) higher for SFH (220 (184-261) (34,134 person years, 129 deaths observed, vs. 59 expected) compared to NSFH of 144 (98-203) (15,432 person years, 32 observed vs. 22 expected). After adjustment for traditional risk factors, the Hazard Ratio for CHD mortality in SFH vs. NSFH was 1.22 (0.80-1.87) p=0.36, indicating that the excess risk was largely accounted for by these factors.CONCLUSIONS CHD mortality remains elevated in treated FH, especially for SFH, emphasising the importance of optimal lipid-lowering and management of other risk factors.

Altmetrics