Verónica Kramer

Association between cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiovascular risk factors in healthy individuals

BACKGROUND Cardio respiratory fitness (FIT) is associated with a better profile in most modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (RF). In Chile, sedentary lifestyle is highly prevalent, reaching almost 90%. AIM To determine the association between FIT and traditional and emergent RF in a primary prevention population. MATERIAL AND METHODS We prospectively studied 1973 subjects (36% women, mean age 56+/- 13 years) without history of cardiovascular disease and absence of ischemic changes on exercise testing. We assessed cardiovascular RF and determined body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood lipids, glucose, C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen. FIT was measured by a Sci f-reported physical activity questionnaire and by a maximal treadmill exercise test, expressed in metabolic equivalents (METs). RESULTS Subjects in the highest FIT according to the treadmill test had significantly lower BMI, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, CRP and fibrinogen, and higher HDL cholesterol (adjusted by age and gender). LDL cholesterol did not show significant changes. The same pattern of RF (including LDL cholesterol) and CRP was observed when using Sci f-reported physical activity as a FIT parameter There was a significant association between both methods to measure FIT (p <0.0001, Chi-square Mantel-Haenszel). CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that a better level off IT, assessed by exercise testing or through Sci f report is associated with improved levels of traditional and emergent RF.

Relación colesterol total a HDL y colesterol no HDL: los mejores indicadores lipídicos de aumento de grosor de la íntima media carotidea

BACKGROUND LDL, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides, are the most commonly used lipid cardiovascular risk predictor indicators. However population based studies have shown that non-HDL cholesterol and total/HDL cholesterol ratio are better predictors, are easy to measure and do not require fasting. AIM To determine which lipid indicators are better determinants of subclinical atherosclerosis, measured by intima media thickness (IMT) among subjects without demonstrated atherosclerosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Lipid profile, height, weight, blood pressure and bilateral IMT, measured by ultrasound with automatic border recognition software, were assessed in 770 men and 854 women aged 45 ± 11 years, in Santiago de Chile. RESULTS Mean total cholesterol was 202, HDL 50, LDL 121, triglycerides 157 and non-HDL cholesterol 152 mg/dl. Total/HDL cholesterol ratio was 4.3. Mean IMT was 0.62 mm. All lipid markers were significantly correlated with IMT. This correlation was higher for non-HDL cholesterol (r = 0.24, p < 0.0001) and total/HDL cholesterol ratio(r = 0.23, p < 0.0001). In both men and women, total/HDL cholesterol ratio was the best predictor of having an IMT over the 75th percentile (odds ratio 1.21, 95% confidence intervals 1.09-1.35, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Total/HDL cholesterol ratio was the best determinant of subclinical atherosclerosis.

Comparison of Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 and High Sensitive C-Reactive Protein as Determinants of Metabolic Syndrome in Subjects without Coronary Heart Disease: In Search of the Best Predictor

High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is a marker of metabolic syndrome (MS) and cardiovascular (CV) disease. Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) also predicts CV disease. There are no reports comparing these markers as predictors of MS. Methods. Cross-sectional study comparing Lp-PLA2 and hsCRP as predictors of MS in asymptomatic subjects was carried out; 152 subjects without known atherosclerosis participated. Data were collected on demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, anthropometric and biochemical measurements, and hsCRP and Lp-PLA2 activity levels. A logistic regression analysis was performed with each biomarker and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed for MS. Results. Mean age was 46 ± 11 years, and 38% of the subjects had MS. Mean Lp-PLA2 activity was 185 ± 48 nmol/mL/min, and mean hsCRP was 2.1 ± 2.2 mg/L. Subjects with MS had significantly higher levels of Lp-PLA2 (P = 0.03) and hsCRP (P < 0.0001) than those without MS. ROC curves showed that both markers predicted MS. Conclusion. Lp-PLA2 and hsCRP are elevated in subjects with MS. Both biomarkers were independent and significant predictors for MS, emphasizing the role of inflammation in MS. Further research is necessary to determine if inflammation predicts a higher risk for CV events in MS subjects.

Hipertensión arterial: el factor de riesgo más importante para grosor íntima-media carotídeo elevado y placa carotídea en adultos de Santiago

BACKGROUND Carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) is a marker of cardiovascular damage that can be modified by traditional risk factors. AIM To determine attributable risk factors for a high CIMT among healthy adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS A sample of 1270 individuals (636 males and 634 females) aged 44 ± 11 years, was studied. Blood pressure, weight, height, lipid profile and blood glucose were measured in all. CIMT and the presence of atherosclerotic plaques were determined by carotid ultrasound. Standard criteria were used to define hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes. RESULTS Mean CIMT in the sample studied was 0.62 ± 0.01 mm and percentile 75 was 0.67. The most important risk factor for a CIMT over percentile 75 and the presence of atherosclerotic plaques was hypertension with attributable risks of 54 and 57%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In this sample, the main risk factor for a high CIMT was hypertension.

Perfil de riesgo cardiovascular en adultos jóvenes asintomáticos con grosor íntima media carotídeo elevado

BACKGROUND Cardiovascular risk factor (RF) assessment is essential to prevent and predict cardiovascular disease. The presence of RF at early ages, are determinant for the presence of atherosclerosis later in life. AIM To determine the RF profile of young subjects with high carotid intima media thickness (CIMT). MATERIAL AND METHODS We studied 689 subjects (50% women, mean age 36±6 years) from Santiago, Chile. We determined body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting serum lipids, blood glucose and C-reactive protein. CIMT was assessed by ultrasound using an automatic border recognition software. RESULTS Body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure and serum lipids were significantly higher among subjects located in the higher CIMT quartile. Also, subjects in the higher quartile of CIMT had a higher prevalence of three or more RF compared with the lower quartile (p = 0.01). Finally, individuals with three or more RF showed three times more risk of being in the higher CIMT quartile, than subjects with no RF (odds ratio = 3.1, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS There is a negative influence of cardiovascular RF on CIMT among young subjects.

Agregación de factores de riesgo cardiovascular y conciencia de enfermedad en trabajadores de un hospital universitario

BACKGROUND Health promotion can be carried out at work places. AIM To assess cardiovascular risk factors among workers of a University hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS Cross sectional study of 888 participants (aged 41 ± 11 years, 76% women), who answered a survey about cardiovascular risk factors. Body mass index, waist, blood pressure and total cholesterol (TC) by capillary method were determined. RESULTS Self reported prevalence of risk factors were as follows: 19% of participants had high blood pressure, 30% hypercholesterolemia, 6% diabetes, 41% smoked, 88% were sedentary and 26% had a family history of cardiovascular diseases. Five percent of participants did not have any risk factor, 20% had one risk factor, 32% had two and 43% had three or more. The highest frequency of lack of awareness was about blood glucose values. A high blood cholesterol level was found in 27% of those reporting normal cholesterol levels. Likewise, a high body mass index was found in 18% of those reporting a normal weight. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in this group of participants is similar to that found in the last national health survey in Chile. Noteworthy is the lack of awareness about these risk factors.Background: Health promotion can be carried out at work places. Aim: To assess cardiovascular risk factors among workers of a University hospital. Material and Methods: Cross sectional study of 888 participants (aged 41 ± 11 years, 76% women), who answered a survey about cardiovascular risk factors. Body mass index, waist, blood pressure and total cholesterol (TC) by capillary method were determined. Results: Self reported prevalence of risk factors were as follows: 19% of participants had high blood pressure, 30% hypercholesterolemia, 6% diabetes, 41% smoked, 88% were sedentary and 26% had a family history of cardiovascular diseases. Five percent of participants did not have any risk factor, 20% had one risk factor, 32% had two and 43% had three or more. The highest frequency of lack of awareness was about blood glucose values. A high blood cholesterol level was found in 27% of those reporting normal cholesterol levels. Likewise, a high body mass index was found in 18% of those reporting a normal weight. Conclusions: The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in this group of participants is similar to that found in the last national health survey in Chile. Noteworthy is the lack of awareness about these risk factors.

Sirven los marcadores de riesgo no tradicionales en la diferenciación del riesgo cardiovascular en adultos jóvenes con exceso de peso

BACKGROUND Recognizing cardiovascular risk in overweight adults is challenging, as they usually have a low Framingham risk score (FRAM). In these subjects, non-traditional biomarkers could improve risk stratification. AIM To assess carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and ultrasensitive C-reactive protein (usCRP) among overweight and obese subjects without metabolic syndrome (MetSyn). SUBJECTS AND METHODS In 1558 asymptomatic participants (816 women, 45 ± 11 years) we measured body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure, lipid profile, blood glucose, FRAM, usCRP and CIMT. For analytical purposes, we divided the subjects in three groups according to BMI and number of ATPIII-MetSyn risk factors (RF): 1) BMI < 25 and < 3RF, 2) BMI ≥ 25 and < 3RF and 3) BMI ≥ 25 and ≥ 3RF. RESULTS Participants of group 2 (BMI ≥ 25 and < 3RF) had a low FRAM (8%). Compared with participants of group 1, they had a higher CIMT (0.61 ± 0.1 and 0.57 ± 0.09 mm, respectively, p < 0.01) and usCRP (2.1 ± 2.1 and 1.5 ± 1.9 mg/L respectively, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS This study shows that although subjects with overweight/obesity without MetSyn have low cardiovascular risk based on FRAM, they have higher CIMT and usCRP than their normal weight counterparts.

Rehabilitación cardiovascular y ejercicio en prevención secundaria

Exercise and cardiac rehabilitation are indications with type I A evidence in most secondary cardiovascular prevention guidelines. Rehabilitation programs not only include exercise but also provide integral care and education about cardiovascular risk factors. However there is a paucity of such programs in Chile. Moreover there is a lack of awareness about the benefits of exercise and there is lack of knowledge about the details of exercise prescription in secondary prevention. Therefore, the divulgation of this knowledge is of utmost importance.

Niveles de fosfolipasa A2 asociada a lipoproteína en sujetos sin enfermedad coronaria con riesgo cardiovascular variable

Background: Lipoprotein associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is an inflammatory biomarker involved in atherosclerosis and directly associated with cardiovascular events. Aim: To determine Lp-PLA2 levels in asymptomatic subjects with differing cardiovascular risk. Material and methods: We studied 152 subjects aged 46±11 years (69 women). We recorded traditional cardiovascular risk factors, creatinine, ultrasensitive C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, fasting lipids, blood sugar and activity levels of Lp-PLA2. Cardiovascular risk was classified according to the number of risk factors of each subject (0, 1-2 or ?3 risk factors). Besides, we calculated global Framingham risk score. Results: The average Framingham score of participants was 6%.Twenty percent of participants had no risk factors, 46% had 1 or 2 and 34% had ?3. Mean Lp-PLA2 levels were 185±48 nmol/ml/min (201±49 in men and 166±38 in women). Lp-PLA2 correlated significantly (p<0.05 for all) with non-HDL cholesterol, LDL, HDL, creatinine, waist, circumference body mass index and Framingham risk score. There was no correlation with blood sugar, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen or smoking status. Lp-PLA2 levels were significantly higher according to the number of risk factors: 0 factors: 163±43, 1-2 factors: 185±45 and ?3 factors: 201±47nmol/ml/min, respectively. Linear regression analysis showed that the best predictor of Lp-PLA2 was non-HDL cholesterol (s=0.74; p< 0.0001). Conclusions: Lp-PLA2 activity increased along with the number of cardiovascular risk factors and was correlated mainly with non –HDL cholesterol.

Superioridad del nuevo puntaje de riesgo ACC/AHA 2013 por sobre el puntaje de Framingham, en la predicción de riesgo de mortalidad cardiovascular en Santiago

Background: Recently, the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) proposed a new cardiovascular risk (CV) score. Aim: To evaluate the new risk score (ACC/AHA 2013) in a Chilean population. Material and methods: Between 2002 and 2014, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure, lipid profile and fasting blood glucose levels were measured and a survey about CV risk factors was responded by 3284 subjects aged 40 to 79 years (38% females), living in urban Santiago. ACC/AHA 2013, FRAM and Chilean FRAM scores were calculated. All-cause mortality was determined in July 2014 by consulting the death Registry of the Chilean Identification Service, with an average follow up of 7 ± 3 years. Results: The prevalence of risk factors were 78% for dyslipidemia, 37% for hypertension, 20% for smoking, 7% for diabetes, 20% for obesity and 54% for physical inactivity. The mean FRAM, Chilean FRAM and ACC/AHA scores were 8, 3 and 9%, respectively. During follow-up, 94 participants died and 34 deaths were of cardiovascular cause. Participants who died had a higher prevalence of hypertension (p<0.01) and diabetes (p<0. 01) and tended to be older (p=0.06). The FRAM score for 10 years for deceased and surviving patients was 12 and 8%, respectively (p = NS). The figures for the Chilean FRAM were 5 and 2%, respectively (p=0. 09). The figures for the ACC/AHA 2013 score were 33 and 9%, respectively (p =0.04). According to receiver operating characteristic curves, ACC/AHA 2013 had a higher area under de curve for CV mortality than FRAM and Chilean FRAM. Conclusions: The new ACC / AHA 2013 score, is better than traditional FRAM and Chilean FRAM scores in predicting cardiovascular mortality in a low risk population.