Pilar Mazón

Prevalence and Prognostic Influence of Peripheral Arterial Disease in Patients ≥40 Years Old Admitted into Hospital Following an Acute Coronary Event

OBJECTIVE A significant proportion of patients with ischemic heart disease have associated peripheral arterial disease (PAD), but many are asymptomatic and this condition remains underdiagnosed. We aimed to study the prevalence of PAD in patients with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and to evaluate its influence in hospital clinical outcomes. METHODS The PAMISCA register is a prospective, multicenter study involving patients >or=40 years old with ACS admitted to selected Spanish hospitals. All patients had their ankle-brachial index (ABI) measured between days 3 and 7 after the ischemic event. RESULTS 1410 ACS patients (71.4% male) were included. PAD determined by ABI was documented in 561 patients (39.8%). Factors independently related to PAD were age (OR: 1.04; 95% CI: 1.03-1.06; p<0.001), smoking (OR: 1.88; 95% CI: 1.41-2.49; p<0.0001), diabetes (OR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.02-1.65; p<0.05), previous cardiac disease (OR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.22-1.95; p<0.001) and previous cerebrovascular disease (OR: 1.90; 95% CI: 1.28-2.80; p<0.001). Following the ACS, an ABI<or=0.90 was associated with increased cardiovascular mortality (OR: 5.45; 95% CI: 1.16-25.59; p<0.05) and a higher risk of cardiovascular complications. CONCLUSION The prevalence of PAD in patients >or=40 years presenting with ACS is high and it is associated with increased cardiovascular risk.

Erectile Dysfunction in High-Risk Hypertensive Patients Treated with Beta-Blockade Agents

BACKGROUND Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a multifactorial disease related to age, vascular disease, psychological disorders, or medical treatments. Beta-blockade agents are the recommended treatment for hypertensive patients with some specific organ damage but have been outlined as one of leading causes of drug-related ED, although differences between beta-blockade agents have not been assessed. METHODS Cross-sectional and observational study of hypertensive male subjects treated with any beta-blockade agent for at least 6 months. ED dysfunction was assessed by the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction (IIEF). RESULTS 1.007 patients, mean age 57.9 (10.59) years, were included. The prevalence of any category of ED was 71.0% (38.1% mild ED; 16.8% moderate ED; 16.1% severe ED). Patients with ED had longer time since the diagnosis of hypertension and higher prevalence of risk factors and comorbidities. The prevalence of ED increased linearly with age. ED patients received more medications and were more frequently treated with carvedilol and less frequently with nebivolol. Patients treated with nebivolol obtained higher scores in every parameter of the IIEF questionnaire. The multivariate analysis identified independent associations between ED and coronary heart disease (OR: 1.57), depression (OR: 2.25), diabetes (OR: 2.27), atrial fibrillation (OR: 2.59), and dyhidopiridines calcium channel blockers (OR: 1.76); treatment with nebivolol was associated to lower prevalence of ED (OR: 0.27). CONCLUSION ED is highly prevalent in hypertensive patients treated with beta-blockade agents. The presence of ED is associated with more extended organ damage and not to cardiovascular treatments, except for the lower prevalence in nebivolol-treated patients.

Factores asociados a la falta de control de la hipertensión arterial en pacientes con y sin enfermedad cardiovascular

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Hypertension is one of the most prevalent and poorly controlled risk factors, especially in patients with established cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this study was to describe the rate of blood pressure (BP) control and related risk factors. METHODS Multicenter, cross-sectional and observational registry of patients with hypertension recruited from cardiology and primary care outpatient clinics. Controlled BP defined as <140/90 mmHg. RESULTS 55.4% of the 10 743 patients included had controlled BP and these had a slightly higher mean age. Patients with uncontrolled BP were more frequently male, with a higher prevalence of active smokers, obese patients, and patients with diabetes. The rate of controlled BP was similar in patients with or without CVD. Patients with uncontrolled BP had higher levels of blood glucose, total cholesterol, low density lipoproteins and uric acid. Patients with uncontrolled BP were receiving a slightly higher mean number of antihypertensive drugs compared to patients with controlled BP. Patients with CVD were more frequently receiving a renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis inhibitor: 83.5% vs. 73.2% (P<.01). Multivariate analysis identified obesity and current smoking as independently associated with uncontrolled BP, both in patients with or without CVD, as well as relevant differences between the two groups on other factors. CONCLUSIONS Regardless of the presence of CVD, 55% of hypertensive patients had controlled BP. Lifestyle and diet, especially smoking and obesity, are independently associated with lack of BP control. Full English text available from: www.revespcardiol.org.

Impact of Clinical and Subclinical Peripheral Arterial Disease in Mid-Term Prognosis of Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome

Observational studies report poor prognosis of patients after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in the presence of previous peripheral arterial disease (PAD), but data on subclinical PAD are scarce. This study was designed to assess the predictive value of clinical and subclinical PAD in the follow-up of patients after an ACS. We included 1,054 patients hospitalized for an ACS who survived the acute phase. Patients were divided into 3 groups: clinical PAD (previously diagnosed PAD or intermittent claudication), subclinical PAD (defined as ankle-brachial index <or=0.9 or >1.4), and no PAD. Clinical PAD was present in 150 patients (14.2%) and 298 cases of subclinical PAD were detected (28.3%). Patients with PAD (clinical and subclinical PAD) were significantly older and had a higher prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus than those without PAD. During the 1-year follow-up, 59 patients died (5.6%). Previous PAD (hazard ratio 4.38, 95% confidence interval 1.96 to 9.82, p <0.001) and subclinical PAD (hazard ratio 2.35, 95% confidence interval 1.05 to 5.23, p <0.05) were associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. Moreover, patients with clinical PAD had higher rates of major cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, angina, and heart failure) than patients with subclinical PAD or without PAD. In conclusion, beyond clinical PAD, measurement of ankle-brachial index after ACS provides substantial information on intermediate-term prognosis.

Prognostic value of low ankle–brachial index in patients with hypertension and acute coronary syndromes

Background Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, many patients are asymptomatic, and this condition frequently remains underdiagnosed. An ankle–brachial index (ABI) of less than 0.9 is a noninvasive and simple marker in the diagnosis of PAD and is also predictive of target organ damage in hypertension. The prognostic value of such measurements in hypertensive patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is unknown. Methods The Prevalence of Peripheral Arterial Disease in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome registry is a multicentre, observational and prospective study that aims to describe the prevalence of and prognosis for PAD, diagnosed by ABI in hypertensive patients with ACS. Results One thousand one hundred and one hypertensive patients with ACS and at least 40 years of age were prospectively studied. Mean age of the population was 67.4 (11.4) years, and 67.7% were men. The prevalence of ABI less than 0.9 was 42.6% (469 patients). This subgroup was significantly older, had a higher prevalence of diabetes, previous coronary heart disease or stroke, left ventricular hypertrophy and more severe coronary lesions. Hospital mortality was higher in hypertensive patients with ABI less than 0.9 (2.3 vs. 0.2%; P < 0.01). An ABI less than 0.9 was associated with an increased risk of heart failure after ACS (odds ratio, 1.4; P = 0.04), higher hospital mortality (odds ratio, 13.0; P = 0.03) and the composite endpoint of mortality, heart failure and angina (odds ratio, 1.4; P = 0.03). Conclusion Asymptomatic PAD is highly prevalent in hypertensive patients with ACS. An ABI less than 0.9 identifies a subset of patients with more extensive target organ damage and higher risk of hospital cardiovascular complications after an ACS.

Novedades en hipertensión arterial y diabetes mellitus

Las novedades en hipertension arterial (HTA) y diabetes mellitus (DM) del ano 2009 han estado claramente marcadas por los resultados y debates suscitados por el estudio ONTARGET, la publicacion de los primeros ensayos clinicos realizados con aliskiren y los resultados de los estudios que analizaron el control estricto de la glucemia en pacientes con DM. Los resultados de los estudios ONTARGET, TRANSCEND y ACCOMPLISH han mantenido candente el debate sobre la maxima reduccion de la presion arterial y la terapia de tratamiento combinado optima. Ademas, la publicacion de los estudios AVOID y ALLAY ha supuesto una autentica novedad en el tratamiento de la HTA, aportando evidencia de la seguridad y la eficacia de esta familia terapeutica: los inhibidores directos de la renina. En el ano 2009 se ha suscitado un gran debate por la publicacion de diferentes estudios que han puesto en duda el control estricto de la glucemia en pacientes diabeticos; finalmente, se publico un documento de consenso de las sociedades cientificas al respecto que enfatiza el control estricto de los factores de riesgo y la necesidad de minimizar el riesgo de hipoglucemias con tratamientos intensivos en pacientes con alto riesgo.

Comentarios a la guía de práctica clínica de la ESC sobre prevención de la enfermedad cardiovascular (versión 2012). Un informe del Grupo de Trabajo del Comité de Guías de Práctica Clínica de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología

As proposed by the SEC clinical practice guidelines committee, the Hypertension and Preventive Cardiology and Rehabilitation sections selected a group of CVD prevention experts to review the ESC guidelines published in 2012 and translated in REVISTA ESPAÑOLA DE CARDIOLOGÍA. Their objective was to discuss the contents and appropriacy of the guidelines, analyze the method and highlight issues considered innovative, positive or questionable, as well as any left with no comment. The guidelines were divided into 5 parts and each was independently commented on by 2 experts. Based on their opinions, a document was prepared and, in turn, reviewed and approved by a group of experts designated by the SEC sections involved. All the experts have declared their conflicts of interest, which are stated in detail at the end of this article.

Magnitud y caracteristicas del riesgo residual lipidico en pacientes con antecedentes de revascularizacion coronaria: estudio ICP-Bypass

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Residual lipid risk has been defined as the excess of cardiovascular events observed in patients with adequate control of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and has been mainly attributed to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides. The aim of our study was to describe the clinical features and the magnitude and characteristics associated with residual lipid risk in patients with a history of coronary revascularization. METHODS Multicenter, observational, cross-sectional study of patients with a history of coronary revascularization. Residual lipid risk was defined as the presence of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol <40 mg/dL and/or triglycerides >150 mg/dL in patients with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol <100 mg/dL. RESULTS We included 2292 patients with a mean age of 65.5 (12.4) years; 94.1% were receiving no statin therapy and 4.8% no lipid therapy. Statin-only therapy (74%) was the most common strategy, followed by combination with ezetimibe (17%). The prevalence of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol <40 mg/dL was 35.8%, hypertriglyceridemia 38.9%, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol >100 mg/dL 44.9%; the residual lipid risk group included 29.9% of all patients. This patient group had a similar clinical profile except for slightly lower mean age, higher incidence of diabetes, and higher proportion of men. Multivariate analysis identified positive associations of diabetes and male sex with residual lipid risk; current smoking, male sex, and fibrate therapy were associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol <40 mg/dL; current smoking, abdominal obesity, and fibrate therapy were associated with hypertriglyceridemia. CONCLUSIONS In daily clinical practice, almost one-third of patients with a history of coronary revascularization have low-density lipoprotein cholesterol <100 mg/dL plus low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and/or hypertriglyceridemia, a concept known as residual lipid risk.

Erectile dysfunction may improve by blood pressure control in patients with high-risk hypertension.

Abstract Background: Blood pressure (BP) control induces reductions in target-organ damage and cardiovascular events. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a multifactorial disease related to cardiovascular disease, but its relationship with BP control has not been extensively studied. Aims: We describe the effect of BP control on ED in patients with high-risk hypertension who were treated with beta-blockers. Study Design: This was a cross-sectional and observational study of male patients with hypertension treated with any beta-blocking agent for ≥ 6 months. Erectile dysfunction was assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Statistical analysis was performed using a Chi-square test, Fishers exact test, covariance analysis, and stepwise logistic regressions. Results: A total of 1242 patients were studied; 33.7% had controlled BP. Patients with uncontrolled BP had slightly higher mean age (64.4 years vs 58.6 years) and higher prevalence of diabetes and cardiac and noncardiac comorbidities. Patients with controlled BP had a lower crude and adjusted prevalence of ED. Erectile dysfunction was significantly lower in patients with controlled BP in the 2 older age quartiles (> 59 years). Multivariate analyses, adjusted by age, clinical features, and medical treatments were conducted separately in patients within the 2 younger and older age quartiles. In patients in the 2 younger quartiles, ED was only independently and inversely associated with nebivolol treatment (odds ratio [OR], 0.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.05–0.88). Conversely, BP control (OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.26–0.89), diabetes (OR, 2.64; 95% CI, 1.32–5.28), and peripheral artery disease (OR, 3.80; 95% CI, 1.20–12.00) were independently associated with ED in patients in the older 2 age quartiles. Conclusion: In patients with high-risk hypertension treated with beta-blockers, BP control was associated with a lower prevalence of ED, independently of age, cardiovascular disease, and medical treatments. The effect of BP control was higher in older patients.

Differences in Medical Treatment of Chronic Coronary Heart Disease Patients According to Medical Specialities

Coronary heart disease (CHD) patients are currently attended by many different medical specialities. CHD patients must achieve the highest grade of treatment implementation and risk factors control. The aims were to describe differences in medical treatment of CHD according to the medical specialities. For this purpose we conducted an observational, cross-sectional, and multicenter study of CHD patients attended by internal medicine (IM), outpatient clinic cardiologist (OCC), hospital cardiologist (HC), and general practitioners (PC). Burden of noncardiac diseases was evaluated by the Charlson index. Joint prescription of antiplatelets, statins, beta-blockade agents and blockade of the renin-angiotensin system by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) or angiotensin receptors blockers (ARB) was considered optimal medical treatment (OMT). A total of 2987 patients, mean age 67.4 (11.5) years and 71.5% males, were analyzed. Patients visited by IM physicians had slightly higher mean age and higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and noncardiac diseases (median Charlson index 3.0, 1.0-5.0, vs. 2.0, 1.0-4.0, of total sample). OMT was prescribed in 25.9% (95% CI 25.6-26.2) of the patients and was statistically more frequently carried out by HC (32.1%) and OCC (29.0%) compared to IM (22.0%) and PC practitioners (21.5%). Multivariate analysis showed an independent association between OMT prescription and HC (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.08-1.87) or OCC (OR 1.31; 95% CI 1.04-1.67); this association remained after including the Charlson index. Noncardiac diseases are the main clinical differences in CHD patients visited by different medical specialist although it does not explain the higher prescription of OMT by cardiologist.