Heath U. Jones

Which features of the metabolic syndrome predict the prevalence and clinical outcomes of angiographic coronary artery disease

Background: The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MS) is growing. The Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III provided a uniform definition of MS but no information on its predictive ability. Methods: We tested the ability of MS and its components to predict angiographic coronary artery disease (CAD) and incident death/myocardial infarction (D/MI) over 2.8 ± 2.3 years in a large cohort of patients undergoing angiography. ATP-III criteria were used for fasting glucose (FG), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and blood pressure (BP); body mass index (BMI) >27 kg/m2 was used as a surrogate for waist circumference. Results: 3,128 subjects were studied; 65% had advanced CAD (≧70% stenosis), and 35%, no CAD. MS was present in 64% (high FG 40%; high TG 52%; low HDL 71%; high BP 76%; high BMI 58%). Presence of CAD was predicted by MS [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.30, 95% CI 1.10–1.55, p = 0.003] and, individually, by high FG (OR = 1.90, CI 1.63–2.23) and low HDL (OR = 1.38, CI 1.18–1.62). In multivariable modeling, CAD was predicted by high FG (OR = 1.80, CI 1.51–2.16) and low HDL (OR = 1.57, CI 1.31–1.89) as well as by age, gender, family history, smoking, and LDL cholesterol (all p < 0.001). For secondary risk of incident D/MI, only high FG of MS features was predictive (adjusted hazard ratio 1.46, CI 1.17–1.82, p = 0.001), and this risk was carried by diabetes (adjusted hazard ratio 1.71, p < 0.001); other predictors were age, heart failure, revascularization strategy, renal insufficiency, prior MI, and number of diseased vessels. Conclusion: MS has primary predictive ability for CAD, carried primarily by high FG and low HDL. Secondary predictive ability of MS features for clinical outcomes, in the setting of established CAD, is carried by diabetes alone. Dysglycemia deserves specific attention as a target for prevention and treatment.

Preoperative Use of Enoxaparin Compared With Unfractionated Heparin Increases the Incidence of Re-Exploration for Postoperative Bleeding After Open-Heart Surgery in Patients Who Present With an Acute Coronary Syndrome

Background Enoxaparin has become an attractive therapy for use during acute coronary syndrome (ACS) because of its potential superior efficacy over unfractionated heparin (UFH), its longer activity, and its subcutaneous route of administration. However, because a significant number of patients presenting with ACS may be sent directly to open heart surgery while still on anticoagulation, it is important to understand any potential bleeding risks that may be associated with the use of enoxaparin under these circumstances. Methods From 1998 to 2001, 1159 consecutive patients presenting with an acute coronary syndrome who received either UFH (n=1008) or enoxaparin (n=151) before proceeding to open heart surgery for urgent therapy during the same hospitalization were included in this study. Incidence of perioperative bleeding as evidenced by the units of blood products (packed red blood cells or platelets) transfused or the need for surgical re-exploration for postoperative bleeding was recorded. Results Avera...

Normal Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Measurements and Interobserver Discrepancies in Volumes and Mass Using the Papillary Muscle Inclusion Method

Background: The potential of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging to provide precise and reproducible measurements might not be realized currently. Methods: We acquired CMR images on 30 healthy adults and compared readings of 2 experienced physicians to determine sources of measurement variability. Results: Simultaneous review of tracings revealed 3 major sources of interobserver variability: 1) choice of end- diastolic/end-systolic frames; 2) choice of the most basal left and right ventricular short-axis slices; and, 3) approach to endocardial edge selection. Study Plan. These objectives were to be achieved through a prospective study in an adequate number of healthy subjects. Qualifying subjects were to undergo a stan- dardized functional CMR evaluation. Predefined cardiovas- cular measurements were made using workstation-specific methods. Key volume and mass measurements were to be performed independently by 2 observers to improve accu- racy, to determine reproducibility, and to develop consensus methods. Results were to be used for clinical and research