bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance metrics of AI-enhanced single lead EKG maintained after entry of organised clustered data
Authors: Mehta S , Vieira D , Zerpa D , Guillen V , Gonzalez A , Brena-Pastor L , Siyam T , Stoica S , Ozair S , Pinos D , Martinez F , Fleming M , Carrera K , Rossitto F , Whuking C
Published: October 2022

Background

Our experience in creating innovative Artificial Intelligence-guided single lead EKG methodologies for ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) detection within complex EKG records has been previously validated.

Purpose

By expanding the intricate variables of our previously tested algorithm input, we seek to further improve our STEMI detecting tool.

Methods

11,567 12-lead EKG records (10-s length, 500 Hz sample frequency) derived from the Latin America Telemedicine Infarct Network database from April 2014 to December 2019. From these records, we included the following balanced classes: angiographically confirmed and unconfirmed STEMI (divided by wall affected), branch blocks, non-specific ST-T changes, normal, and abnormal (Remaining 200+ CPT codes). Cardiologist annotations ensured precision (Ground truth). Determined classes were “STEMI” and “Not-STEMI”. A 1-D Convolutional Neural Network model was trained and tested for each lead with dataset proportions of 90/10, respectively. The last dense layer outputs a probability for each record being STEMI/Not-STEMI. The analysis also included performance metrics and false-negative reports.

Results

Overall, the most promising Single lead for STEMI detection was V2 (91.2% Accuracy, 89.6% Sensitivity, and 92.9% Specificity). 55% of false negatives were inferior wall STEMI (Table 1).

Conclusion

Appreciable progress of our new methodology compared to our previous experiences in AI-guided Single Lead for STEMI detection, especially for lead V2. By performing a thorough analysis of false-negative reports, we aspire to identify potential areas of STEMI detection weakness which will become the focus of future ventures.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.
Development of an app-based bedside clinical decision-making tool for mechanical cardiocirculatory support in patients with cardiogenic shock: the MCS-Aid app
Authors: Giustino G , Serrao G W , Melarcode-Krishnamoorty P , Vengrenyuk A , Kyaw H , Gidwani U , Sharma S K , Kini A
Published: October 2022

Background

Patients presenting with cardiogenic shock remain at high risk of morbidity and mortality. Several mechanical cardiocirculatory support (MCS) devices have been developed and their use is rapidly increase in clinical practice. However, there is significant heterogeneity in patient selection, timing of implantation, and post-implantation management across centers and operators.

Purpose

We sought to develop and smartphone app-based clinical decision-making tool to help bedside selection and post-implantation management of MCS devices in patients presenting with cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest.

Methods

The MCS-Aid app will consistent of 3 major sections: (i) initial device selection based on clinical presentation (patients with cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest post-ROSC); (ii) guide for escalation or addition of MCS based on the individual hemodynamic scenario; (iii) guide for weaning after implantation of MCS device. The app will have an interactive interface that will allow the user to select the most appropriate next step in management based on the clinical information being entered. A calculator to derive key hemodynamic parameters (e.g. cardiac power output or pulmonary artery pulsatility index) will be incorporated in the App to inform clinical decision-making when appropriate. An example of an algorithm that will be part of the MCS-Aid app is illustrated in the figure.

Conclusions

The MCS-Aid app is an user-friendly bedside clinical decision tool that could help fellows-in-training, early-career interventionalist and interventional cardiologist to select the appropriate MCS device according to the individual clinical and hemodynamic scenario.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Abiomed
Development of knowledge-based clinical decision support system for the management of cardiovascular diseases
Authors: L Canoa J , Pena Gil C , Monserrat L
Published: October 2022

Background

Knowledge-based clinical decision support systems (CDSS) are technological tools that analyze patient information and present justified diagnostic and therapeutic suggestions to the user. They improve adherence to evidence-based medicine and reduce medical errors.

Material and methods

We have developed an advanced CDSS with the following components: 1. Knowledge Management System, which allows the introduction of interoperable clinical variables organized in taxonomies, and the generation, validation and direct maintenance of decision rules by experts doctors. 2. Smart Assistant for Medical Reports Generation, which facilitates user interaction for the introduction of clinical data (natural language and/or data entry forms) and decission making supported by real-time suggestions that are automatically generated by 3. Inference Engine. Rules and variables derived from the most relevant cardiovascular Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) are introduced by cardiologists into the system. The rules undergo a process of peer review and internal and external validation with anonymized clinical cases.

Results

More than 2,000 clinical variables and more than 5,000 rules corresponding to more than 80 CPGs and consensuns papers have been created and validated. An internal and external pilot validation of the system has been successfully carried out for the main cardiovascular problems, such as heart failure, atrial fibrillation, valvulopathies, coronary syndromes, cardiomyopathies, hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidaemias, using more than 400 cases.

Conclusion

Our CDSS is capable of providing real-time diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations for complex scenarios in cardiovascular disease, combining thousands of variables and decision rules in a single system. Prospective evaluation of the system in real clinical environments, certification and integration in Electronic Medical Records for clinical use is required.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): DILEMMA solutions, SL
Perspectives on the use of digital health technologies in cardiology among specialists from an ESC member country: results from a survey
Authors: Kocyigit D , Keser N , Simsek E , Bozyel S , Dalgic Y , Seker M , Korkmaz Y , Guler A , Cinar T , Erturk M
Published: October 2022

Background

Digital health technologies (DHTs) have the potential of facilitating both physicians' and patients' lives with regards to the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of cardiovascular disease. A huge acceleration in relevant research has been noted particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Purpose

The goal of this study was to determine the reasons for using DHTs in cardiology, as well as the perceived barriers to its use.

Methods

An electronic survey with 43 question multiple-choice questionnaire was conducted between January 10-March 3, 2022. National cardiac society member cardiology fellows in training and specialists were contacted via e-mail (n=2789).

Results

308/2789 (11.04%) subjects responded to the survey (72.40% males, 62.01% aged 30–44 years). 42.53% and 44.81% were affiliated with university hospitals and state hospitals, respectively. 88/297 (29.63%) stated having at least good understanding of DHTs in cardiology. 44.16% utilized smart devices to track their own health status. 117/290 (40.34%) and 193/299 (64.55%) used social media platforms to share medical information with their patients and other physicians, respectively. WhatsApp and Instagram were the most popular platforms for sharing with patients (92/117, 78.63% and 48/117, 41.03%), while WhatsApp and Twitter were the most popular platforms for sharing with other physicians (151/193, 78.24% and 91/193, 47.15%). Considerations and recommendation/utilization patterns of DHTs by physicians are summarized in Table 1. Perceived barriers to the use of DHTs in cardiology is shown on Figure 1 (A: physician-related, B: patient-related, C: technical).

Conclusion

Findings suggest that nearly half of the physicians use DHTs to collect their own health data and use social media to disseminate health information. The majority of physicians believe that DHT is beneficial to both themselves and their patients, and that DHT use in cardiology has increased as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. To overcome the challenges to the use of DHTs in cardiology, a multilayered collaborative effort involving patient and professional organizations, as well as technical stakeholders and lawmakers, is required.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.
Assessment of heart failure parameters by telemonitoring patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator
Authors: Fily M , Feliachi S , Leven F , Inamo J C , Hamonic J B , Mansourati J
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Different heart failure (HF) parameters have been evaluated in patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Recently, a multi-parameters HF index available in some ICDs has been proposed for patients monitoring in order to prevent hospitalizations for HF. We sought to analyze this index in our patients, based on the occurrence of hospitalizations for HF and/or all-cause mortality. As a second endpoint, the level of NT-pro-BNP, the treatment of HF and the Minnesota score (quality of life) were as well evaluated.

Method

This was on an open, single-center, case-control study. Inclusions started on March 2017 to end up in November 2020 with the main criteria of HF with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <35%, DDD or CRT-D implanted in primary prevention. A control group was composed of patients receiving telemonitoring and a control group composed of patients receiving standard monitoring. A 1/1 pairing was carried out, based on 3 criteria: age, sex and the date of ICD implantation. Data collection was carried out in August 2021.

Results

74 patients were included in the study; none was lost to follow-up. The occurrence of hospitalization for HF and/or death from any cause was found at the end of the study in 7 of 37 patients in the remote monitoring group versus 22 events of 37 in patients receiving standard monitoring (p=0.011). The number of deaths from any cause was 4 in the study group vs 8 in the control group (NS, p=0.21). The average length of hospital stay is 6.27 days (± 23.6) for patients receiving remote monitoring compared to 9.14 days (± 22.1) p=0.64. NT-pro-BNP was found with a median level of 553 pg/mL [146; 1541] in the remotely monitored group against 498 pg/mL [211; 1400] in controls (p=0.77). The assessment of quality of life by the Minnesota score shows a similar result (p=0.7). Analysis of the treatment of HF shows a significantly (p<0.01) greater presence of anti-aldosterone in patients receiving remote monitoring.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates the benefit of the telemonitoring protocol on the occurrence of hospitalizations for heart failure and/or all-cause mortality in heart failure patients with an ICD. We observe a significantly higher percentage of anti-aldosterone treatment in monitored patients, suggesting a more optimized medical treatment.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.
Performance of a multisensor implantable defibrillator algorithm for HF monitoring in presence of comorbidities
Authors: Santobuono V E , Tavoletta V , Manzo M , Calo' L , Bertini M , Santini L , Savarese G , Dello Russo A , Viscusi M , Lavalle C , Amellone C , Calvanese R , Valsecchi S , Favale S
Published: October 2022

Background

Cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular comorbidities are common in heart failure (HF) patients and impact disease severity and prognosis. Select modern implantable defibrillators (ICDs) are equipped with multisensor algorithms for HF monitoring. The HeartLogic index combines multiple ICD-based sensor data (heart rate, heart sounds, thoracic impedance, respiration, activity), and the associated alert has proved to be a sensitive and timely predictor of impending HF decompensation in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT-D) patients The algorithm was developed using data from CRT-D patients; the performance in non-CRT ICD patients and the impact of selected comorbidities on performance requires further study.

Methods

The HeartLogic feature was activated in 568 ICD patients (410 with CRT) from 26 centers. The median follow-up was 25 months [25th–75th percentile: 15–35].

Results

During follow-up, 97 hospitalizations were reported (53 cardiovascular) and 55 patients died. We recorded 1200 HeartLogic alerts (0.71 alerts/patient-year) in 370 patients. Overall, the time IN the alert state was 13% of the total observation period. The rate of cardiovascular hospitalizations or death was 0.48/patient-year (95% CI: 0.37–0.60) with the HeartLogic IN alert state and 0.04/patient-year (95% CI: 0.03–0.05) OUT of alert state, with an incidence rate ratio of 13.35 (95% CI: 8.83–20.51, p<0.001). Among patient characteristics, atrial fibrillation (AF) at implantation (HR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.27–2.07, p<0.001) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) (HR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.21–1.93, p<0.001) independently predicted alerts. HeartLogic alerts were not associated with CRT vs. non-CRT device implantation (HR: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.82–1.30, p=0.775). The comparisons of the clinical event rates in the IN alert state with those in the OUT of alert state yielded incidence rate ratios ranging from 9.72 to 14.54 (all p<0.001) in all groups of patients stratified by: CRT/non-CRT, AF/non-AF, CKD/non-CKD. Indeed, after multivariate correction for CKD and AF at implantation, the time IN the HeartLogic alert state >13% was associated with the occurrence of the combined endpoint of cardiovascular hospitalization or death (HR: 2.54, 95% CI: 1.61–4.01, p<0.001).

Conclusions

The burden of HeartLogic alerts appears similar between CRT and non-CRT patients, while patients with AF and CKD seem more exposed to alerts. Nonetheless, the ability of the HeartLogic algorithm to identify patients during periods of significantly increased risk of clinical events is confirmed regardless of the type of device, the presence of AF, or CKD.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.
Insights into diurnal variations of advanced hemodynamic parameters in ambulatory individuals enabled by a photoplethysmography-based wearable monitor
Authors: Nachman D , Kolben Y , Carmon E , Hazan E , Goldstein N , Eisenkraft A , Fons M , Amir O , Asleh R , Gepner Y
Published: October 2022

Background

Recent technological developments enable non-invasive monitoring of advanced hemodynamic parameters, allowing big data-driven insights on diurnal changes for the first time. This study aimed to describe the trends of multiple advanced cardiovascular parameters among ambulatory individuals using a medical grade wearable monitor.

Methods

Common and advanced cardio-respiratory parameters were monitored for 24 hours in ambulatory volunteers using a photoplethysmography-based wearable monitor. The multi vital ambulatory monitoring (MVAM) included stroke volume (SV), cardiac index (CI), systemic vascular resistance (SVR), blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), respiratory rate (RR), systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), pulse pressure (PP), and heart rate (HR). Diurnal variations were evaluated among all participants, and analyses were stratified based on sex, age, and body-mass index (BMI).

Results

A total of 256 participants were included in the analysis. All measured parameters showed significant (p<0.001) diurnal changes. Nighttime values were lower excluding RR and SVR, reaching the nadir at 5 am, and then increasing to a maximum at 10 am, plateauing, and then gradually declining from 7 to 8 pm. CI demonstrated a reduction of 0.6 L/min/m2 (20%), while SVR demonstrated the opposite trend and was higher during the night increasing by up to 212 dynes/sec/cm5 (16%). Females demonstrated higher HR and CI with lower SVR during daytime and nighttime. Obese participants (BMI >30 kg/m2) had a higher SBP and DBP, and lower SV and CI. SVR was higher among the elderly.

Conclusions

Diurnal changes using MVAM corresponding with awake-sleep hours were noticed in the monitored parameters and differed between sex, age, and BMI groups. This suggests that wearable monitoring platforms could shed more light on hemodynamic changes in subgroups, and might help with future efforts to provide tailored personalized medicine and pre-symptomatic diagnosis and prevention.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.
Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on offering and acceptance in a cardiac rehabilitation programme: introduction of a remote CR programme
Authors: Sestayo Fernandez M , Alonso Vazquez M , Gonzalez Maestro A , Gonzalez Salvado V , Gonzalez Juanatey J R , Pena Gil C
Published: October 2022

Background

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on multimodal cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programmes has forced a continuous readjustment of clinical practice. Our regional healthcare system was faced with providing quality remote CR to ischaemic heart disease (IHD) patients in a scattered, mostly rural population, for which three new CR modalities replaced the previous in-person CR program: 1) telephone follow-up programme, 2) TELEA online platform for patient follow-up and 3) TELEA online follow-up & online training sessions.

Purpose

To study the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CR offering and acceptance and the reasons for patient refusal, and to assess the outcome of new remote CR modalities in this setting.

Methods

Single center, observational retrospective study from all consecutive patients with IHD eligible for CR from 2015 to 2021. A descriptive analysis of patient baseline characteristics, CR modality, offering and acceptance rates, and reasons for refusal per year was performed. Additionally, a comparative analysis of “pre-COVID period” (Jan 2015–Feb 2020) vs. “COVID period” (Mar 2020–Dec 2021) was performed to assess the impact of the pandemic on patient recruitment and the usefulness of remote CR modalities to enhance participation.

Results

N=2626 patients (20% women, 69.7±45.8 years) were offered CR from 2015 to 2021. CR offering decreased from the pre-COVID (78.6%) to the COVID period (52.6%), while participation increased (67.9% and 79.7%, respectively) Figure 1. Reasons for CR refusal significantly changed with an odds ratio (OR) of 5.63 and confidence interval (CI) 95% (3.2–9.9). In the pre-COVID period main reasons for CR refusal was “transportation difficulties” (47%); while during the COVID-19 period, the main reason shifted to “lack of interest” (78.2%) (Table 1).

Conclusions

Offering CR decreased during the COVID pandemic possibly due to stricter inclusion criteria. However, the implementation of new remote CR modalities allowed not only to maintain similar levels of acceptance but also to improve it despite the unfavourable setting, and helped to amend transportation difficulties as the leading reason for refusal. Remote CR may be a useful tool, combined with in-person programs, to enhance participation in CR.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.
Do patients prefer face-to-face or telephone consultations in an outpatient cardiology department?
Authors: Goode C , Manorekang R , Durham N
Published: October 2022

Introduction

There has been a significant rise in the telephone clinic consultations in preference to face-to-face (FTF) clinics in the UK during the COVID 19 pandemic. The cardiology department in a district general hospital has also seen increased use of telephone clinics. We wanted a greater understanding of the impact of telephone consultations on patient satisfaction.

Methods

A patient satisfaction survey was designed based on the joint Royal College of Physicians training board (JRCPTB) patient satisfaction survey. The survey (Image 1) was sent via post to 300 patients reviewed by the cardiology outpatient department during November 2021. 150 who had telephone appointments and to 150 patients who had FTF appointments. Descriptive statistics and student T test were used to compare differences between the two groups with a p value of <0.05.

Results

There were 171 responses returned over a four-week period giving a 57% response rate. Of these, 75 respondents had a telephone appointment and 96 who had FTF appointments. 49% of the FTF patients were male compared to 55% of the telephone clinic respondents. The majority of patients were aged 70–89 in both groups and most patients were retired (79.2% for FTF and 65.3% on the telephone consultation group).

More patients felt the doctor was polite and considerate in FTF clinics compared to telephone consultation (97% compared to 92% positive responses, p value – 0.02). There was no significant difference in patients feeling listened too, being allowed time to ask questions, understanding their condition and being involved in decision making between the two groups (Table 1).

Of the FTF group, 81% preferred FTF clinics with only 3% preferring telephone clinics and 16% with no preference. Of the telephone group 53% stated a preference for FTF clinics, with 11% having a preference for phone clinics and 36% having no preference.

Patients rated overall experience more positively with FTF appointments (95%) compared to telephone clinics (85%, p value 0.02).

Conclusion

Telephone consultations performed at a comparable level to FTF clinics although patients demonstrate an overall preference for FTF clinics.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.
Machine-learning score using stress CMR for death prediction in patients with suspected or known CAD
Authors: Pezel T , Sanguineti F , Garot P , Unterseeh T , Champagne S , Toupin S , Morisset S , Hovasse T , Ah-Sing T , Nicol M , Hamzi L , Dillinger J G , Henry P , Bousson V , Garot J
Published: October 2022

Background

In patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease (CAD), traditional prognostic risk assessment is based upon a limited selection of clinical and imaging findings. Machine learning (ML) methods can take into account a greater number and complexity of variables.

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility and accuracy of ML using stress CMR and clinical data to predict 10-year all-cause mortality in patients with suspected or known CAD, and compared its performance to existing clinical or CMR scores.

Methods

Between 2008 and 2018, a retrospective cohort study with a median follow-up of 6.0 years (interquartile range: 5.0–8.0) included all consecutive patients referred for stress CMR. Twenty-three clinical and 11 stress CMR parameters were evaluated. Machine learning involved automated feature selection by random survival forest, model building with a multiple fractional polynomial algorithm, and 5 repetitions of 10-fold stratified cross-validation. The primary outcome was all-cause death based on the electronic National Death Registry. The external validation cohort of the ML score was performed in another center.

Results

Of 31,752 consecutive patients (mean age 63.7±12.1 years and 65.7% males), 2,679 (8.4%) died with 206,453 patient-years of follow-up. ML score (ranging 0 to 10 points) exhibited a higher area-under-the-curve compared with C-CMR-10-score, ESC-score, QRISK3-score, FRS and stress CMR data alone for prediction of 10-year all-cause mortality (ML: 0.76 vs. C-CMR-10-score: 0.68, ESC-score: 0.66, QRISK3-score: 0.64, FRS: 0.63, extent of inducible ischemia: 0.66, extent of LGE: 0.65, all p<0.001). The ML score exhibited also a good area-under-the-curve in the external cohort (AUC: 0.75).

Conclusions

The ML score including clinical and stress CMR data exhibited a higher prognostic value to predict 10-year death compared with all traditional clinical or CMR scores.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.
Impact of ambulance off-load delays on mortality in patients with chest pain
Authors: Dawson L , Andrew E , Stephenson M , Nehme Z , Bloom J , Cox S , Anderson D , Lefkovits J , Taylor A J , Kaye D , Smith K , Stub D
Published: October 2022

Background

Ambulance off-load delays in transferring patient care to emergency departments (EDs) are increasingly common, but it is unclear whether clinical outcomes are impacted.

Methods

Population-based cohort study of ambulance attendances for non-traumatic chest pain transported to ED in Victoria, Australia (1/1/2015–30/6/2019) excluding patients transported to hospital with “lights and sirens” or triaged as ED category 1. Multivariable models were used to assess the relationship between ambulance off-load times and 30-day mortality and ambulance re-attendance for chest pain.

Results

The study included 213,544 ambulance attendances for chest pain (mean age 62 [SD 18] years; 51% female). Median ambulance off-load times increased across the study period from 21 minutes (interquartile range [IQR] 15–30) in 2015 to 24 minutes (IQR 17–37) in 2019. Patients were divided into tertiles according to off-load times with 69,247 patients included in tertile 1 (0–17 minutes), 73,109 patients in tertile 2 (18–28 minutes), and 71,188 patients in tertile 3 (>28 minutes). In multivariable models, ambulance off-load delays were associated with higher unadjusted and adjusted rates of 30-day mortality (1.57% tertile 3 vs. 1.29% tertile 1, adjusted risk difference 0.28% [95% CI 0.16% - 0.42%], p<0.001) and ambulance re-attendance for chest pain (9.89% tertile 3 vs. 8.59% tertile 1, adjusted risk difference 1.30% [95% CI 1.00% - 1.61%], p<0.001). Similarly, in analysis using off-load times as a continuous variable with restricted cubic splines, a non-linear increase in adjusted odds ratio for mortality was observed (Figure 1).

Conclusions

Delays in ambulance off-load times appear to be associated with increased mortality and ambulance re-attendance risk among chest pain cohorts. This study has important policy implications given the increasing frequency of off-load delays in many healthcare settings.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Alfred health
Impact of estimated pulse wave velocity on cardiovascular outcomes in a general population
Authors: Kim B S , Lee Y , Shin J H
Published: October 2022

Background

Estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV), a simple surrogate estimate of carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity which was gold standard for measuring aortic stiffness, has been demonstrated to predict cardiovascular (CV) outcome. However, there was limited data on its predictive capacity for CV outcomes in the general population. The study aim was to investigate the independent association between ePWV and CV outcomes in general population.

Methods

A total of 10,030 subjects aged between 40 and 69 years were followed over 18-year period in the Ansan-Ansung cohort study. Levels of ePWV, which was calculated from an equation based on age and mean blood pressure, were categorized according to quartiles. A major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) was defined as a composite of myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, peripheral artery disease, and cardiovascular death.

Results

The incidence rates of CV death, and MACE were 7.0% and 22.1% in the fourth (highest) quartile of ePWV and 0.1% and 4.5% in the first (lowest) quartile of ePWV. After adjusting for relevant covariates, patients with third and fourth quartile of ePWV showed significantly higher risk of CV death (hazard ratio [HR] 3.92; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.09–14.15 in third quartile and HR 8.53; 95% CI 2.13–34.10 in fourth quartile), and MACE (HR 1.54; 95% CI 1.15–2.08 in third quartile and HR 1.56; 95% CI 1.05–2.32) compared to the reference of first (lowest) quartile of ePWV. However, there were no improvement of C statistic for CV death and MACE when adding ePWV to the Cox regression models with 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk.

Conclusion

These results suggest that ePWV predicted CV death and MACE in general population. The value of ePWV, a simple and useful indicator of aortic stiffness, is expected to serve as a potential marker to identify high risk groups of CV event in general population.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.
Time matters. Global assessment of quality, duration and mismatch between real practice working conditions and physician needs performing outpatients cardiological consultations
Authors: Sala O , Moscatelli S
Published: October 2022

Background

Nowadays time-shortage to perform medical consultations is a common issue of cardiologist practice worldwide.

Purpose

The aims of this work are to assess the practical working conditions in which outpatient cardiologists work, the severity of the time-pressure issue, what impact time shortage has in terms of work accuracy and the local differences across the World.

Methods

A multiple choice survey was submitted randomly to participants during the ESC congress in presence (2019) and throughout several social media pages of Physicians Associations. The respondents were asked about available time for single outpatient consultation, additional staff available, respect of ESC guidelines and a self evaluation over their own job quality and avoidable time-related mistakes. The respondents were 60 cardiologists from 22 countries, mostly Europeans.

Results

Most cardiologists suggested that the appropriate time for consultation should be between 30 and 45 minutes, while in the real World is commonly 20 minutes or less. Time-pressure affects the outcome since inadequate time allocation is a significant source of inaccuracies. Furthermore the results likely underestimate the severity of the problem, for several methodological limitations of the study

Conclusions

Scientific associations should define a recommended minimum outpatient consultations execution time, since time affects quality and it is a current unmatched clinician's need worldwide.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.
Improving the provision of accurate driving advice to cardiac inpatients on discharge – a matter of both public and patient safety
Authors: Nair D , Rees O , Harbham P
Published: October 2022

Background/Introduction

Cardiovascular disease can have a significant impact on an individual's ability to drive. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) provides clear guidance on the legal obligation and limitations of drivers with cardiac conditions and the General Medical Council (GMC) sets out the responsibility of physicians' in providing and documenting this advice clearly. Failure to adhere to these requirements has safety implications for both patients and the public, and medico-legal implications for practitioners.

Purpose

We sought to audit the percentage of patients receiving the correct driving advice on discharge and improve any inadequacies found through a two-stepped intervention in a tertiary cardiac centre

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the clinical notes of patients discharged from cardiac wards over a 3-week period was conducted and documentation of accurate driving advice was assessed. Using Plan-do-study-act (PDSA) methodology, two cycles of change were implemented.

During PDSA cycle 1, a poster outlining cardiology specific DVLA advice was created. The poster was displayed throughout all cardiac wards to educate and encourage healthcare workers to communicate and document driving advice to patients.

During PDSA cycle 2 a teaching session highlighting relevant DVLA advice and the importance of documenting this advice was delivered to all healthcare workers within the Cardiology department. The poster was also integrated into the department's staff induction booklet.

Results

The baseline audit showed that only 2.5% (1/40) of discharge documentation included accurate driving advice. After the second PDSA cycle, there was a statistically significant improvement to 52.5% (21/40) (P<0.0001). Qualitative feedback was obtained in the form of questionnaires and it was found that confidence and knowledge of driving advice improved amongst the junior doctor cohort.

Conclusion

This study highlights the medico-legal implications for physicians and the risks to patient and public from inadequate documentation of driving advice in cardiac patients. We have demonstrated a quick and effective method to improve documentation of driving advice in cardiology patients which is easily reproducible in different settings.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.
Association between cardiovascular comorbidities and hospital admission in SARS-CoV-2 patients
Authors: Douen A D , Tan S T , Siu W S , Panetti R P , Sukoo-Pertab M S , Bowser C B , Busari O B , Romney W R , Ramdass P R , Juang G J , Toreli A T
Published: October 2022

Background

SARS-CoV-2 infection affects the cardiovascular system and can result in vascular dysregulation and dysfunction. However, the hospitalization rates due to pre-existing cardiovascular disease and concomitant SARS-CoV-2 infection are not fully known.

Purpose

To further elucidate the association between hospitalization and SARS-CoV-2 patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease. We hypothesize that pre-existing cardiovascular disease is positively associated with hospitalization in patients who test positive for SARS-CoV-2.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of patients 18 years and older who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 between March 2020 and April 2021. Patients with cardiovascular co-morbidities, specifically hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure, were analyzed. The primary outcome was hospitalization. Secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), vasopressor use, hypotension, intubation, and acute kidney injury. Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for demographics and comorbidities.

Results

We identified 23,076 patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2; the hospitalization rate was 11.8% (2,721 patients). The incidence was 722 (26.5%) for CAD, 2068 (76%) for hypertension, 534 (91.3%) for heart failure, 188 (6.9%) for ESRD, 1484 (58.6%) for diabetes in patients who were hospitalized. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) of hospitalization was of 1.54 (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.112–2.125; p<0.009) in patients with CAD, 5.730 (95% CI: 4.685–7.009; p<0.001) in patients with hypertension, 3.639 (95% CI: 2.308–5.737; p<0.001) in patients with heart failure. Use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) (p<0.001) was associated with reduced hospitalization, while the use of hydralazine (p<0.001), beta-blockers (p<0.001), and calcium channel blockers (p<0.001) were associated with increased hospitalization.

Conclusion

SARS-CoV-2 positive patients with CAD, hypertension or heart failure were associated with increased hospitalization. Admitted patients were more likely to be taking calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, and hydralazine. In contrast, these patients were also less likely to be taking ACEI.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.
The effect of COVID-19 on training in cardiology: a survey of UK cardiology trainees
Authors: Camm C J F , Chapman A R , Gilpin T R , Westwood M , Greenwood J P , Calver A , Allen C J
Published: October 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on delivering cardiology services. In the UK and many other countries, cardiologists in training were redeployed to other services. To date, the impact of COVID-19 and the requisite NHS response on cardiology training has been unclear.

Purpose

To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cardiology training in the UK.

Methods

An annual survey of UK cardiology trainees was conducted through the national trainee organisation. In 2021, trainees were asked questions regarding their training experience, procedural exposure, and how they had been impacted by COVID-19. Reported procedural numbers were compared with those reported in 2017–2019. Chi squared analyses were used to compare categorical variables with Mann-Whitney U tests used for continuous variables.

Results

A total of 576 trainees completed the survey (70% male, mean age 33±3 years). Of 545 respondents who detailed the impact of COVID-19 on training opportunities, 70.5% (n=384) reported a negative or very negative impact. A similar picture was seen when asked about procedure, diagnostic, and outpatient training opportunities (Figure 1). Those completing core cardiology training in 2021 reported performing significantly fewer coronary angiograms (median 170, IQR 85–315) compared with those completing core cardiology training 2017–2019 (median 285, IQR 165–460, p<0.001).

Fifty percent of trainees (n=285) reported being redeployed for a median duration of 4 months (IQR 3–5 months). There was substantial regional variation in both the proportion of trainees redeployed (Figure 2, p<0.001) and the median length of redeployment (p=0.008). Those redeployed were more likely to report negative training experiences as a result of COVID-19 (p<0.001). Redeployed trainees completing core cardiology training in 2021 reported undertaking significantly fewer echocardiograms (median 205, IQR 100–300) compared with those not redeployed (median 280, IQR 200–300, p=0.01). Thirty-five percent of all trainees reported being close to burnout, with redeployed trainees being more likely to feel this way (p<0.001). When asked about methods to redress lost training opportunities, 37% of trainees wanted to prolong their training time with a median of 6 months felt to be required (IQR 6–8 months).

Discussion

This large survey of the UK experience illustrates the substantial negative impact of COVID-19 on the quality of cardiology training. Redeployment alone resulted in an estimated 95 person-years of lost training time. Coordinated national and regional strategies are required to avoid the creation of a generation of under-trained consultant cardiologists.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.
First 5-year TAVR/TAVI Outcomes from the South African SHARE-TAVI national registry and the influence of malignancy on late outcomes
Authors: Schaafsma E , Weich H , Scherman J , Ntsekhe M
Published: October 2022

Introduction

The South African (SA) national prospective multicentre observational SHARE-TAVI registry aims to provide local outcomes data on all TAVIs in State & Private sectors, to support local evidence-based policy evaluations, comparing outcomes to international data & identifying local variations.

Method

All 20 implant centres voluntarily capture all-comers data into the web-based registry. 2266 patients from 1 Sept 2014 to 28 Feb 2022 had pre-TAVI clinical evaluations and 1502 proceeded to TAVI & had procedural data & complications (VARC2 criteria), 30d & annual follow up recorded. The 5-yr cohort of 289 patients have clinical history and profile similar to international data (Table 1).

Results

Procedural success of 93.43% and 1-year mortality of 15.92% in the 5-yr cohort (STS score 8.85%) are similar to reported international data in early TAVI programmes. All-cause mortality at 5-years is 44.3% (in PARTNER 1 – 67.8%, PARTNER 2.0 – 46.0%), and the greatest proportion of non-cardiac mortality (38.5%) occurs in period >1–2yr post-TAVI (lowest proportion 29.4% in >3–4yr period). Outcomes measures in a more recent 2020 patient cohort (n=219, success 98.63% and 1-yr mortality 8.85%, STS risk score 5.51%) have improved compared to the 5-yr cohort.

Patients with “Prior or current malignancy” (POCM) at TAVI evaluation have increased mortality in both the 1-yr outcome (n=637) cohort, 18.7% 1-yr mortality vs 9.3% in those without POCM, and same trend in the 2-year outcome cohort n=443 (28.0% 2-year mortality vs 12.8% without malignancy). Frail patients with POCM in the 2-yr cohort have substantially higher mortality at 2 years, 34.8% than frail patients without POCM 15.9%

At evaluation 66% of patients are NYHA class III+IV, post-TAVI only 5.9% at 30d & 8.8% at 1-year, at 1-year 30% of patients have maintained improvement by 2 or 3 NYHA classes.

Conclusion

5-yr outcomes in SA are comparable to international data, and procedural outcomes have improved further as to be expected with maturation of the programme and technology. The NYHA class distribution at 1-yr shows improvements which should translate into improved quality of life, future studies should include patient self-reported quality of life assessments to verify this benefit. Malignancy, even if prior, may predict poorer outcomes in the longer term, possibly due to reported higher frailty in these patients. Amongst other factors, prior or current malignancy may be considered relevant when assessing patients for futility for TAVI in SA's severely constrained healthcare resource environment.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): Educational and Research Grants from SA Heart Association and Medtronic, Edwards Life Sciences
Cost-effectiveness of icosapent ethyl for primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention in the UK
Authors: Michaeli D T , Michaeli J C , Boch T , Michaeli T
Published: October 2022

Background

Treatment with icosapent ethyl reduces the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events by 25% in patients with hypertriglyceridemia compared to placebo as demonstrated by The Reduction of Cardiovascular Events with Icosapent Ethyl-Intervention Trial (REDUCE-IT).

Objective

To assess the cost-effectiveness of icosapent ethyl, the purified eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl ester, in combination with statins compared to statin monotherapy for primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention from the perspective of England's National Health Service (NHS).

Methods

A Markov model simulated the progression of cardiovascular diseases and acute events, including myocardial infarction, stroke, angina, and coronary revascularization, in dyslipidaemia patients. The model was populated with cardiovascular outcome data derived from the REDUCE-IT trial. Cost and utility data were extracted from peer-reviewed literature. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) is reported per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained in 2021 Great Britain Pounds (£). Univariate, scenario, willingness-to-pay, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of results.

Results

For primary cardiovascular prevention, icosapent ethyl increased QALYs gained by 0.79 and costs by £15,421 compared to statin monotherapy (ICER: 19,485 £/QALY). For secondary prevention, the omega-3 fatty acid, icosapent ethyl, extended QALYs by 0.98 for patients at costs of £12,981 (ICER: 13,285 £/QALY). At the NHS' willingness-to-pay threshold of 25,000 £/QALY, there is 98% and 100% probability icosapent ethyl is cost-effective in primary and secondary prevention, respectively. Results remained robust under univariate, scenario, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

Icosapent ethyl is cost-effective for primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention at an annual price of £2,064 in the UK.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.
Benefit accrual with cardiovascular disease prevention and effects of discontinuation: a modelling study
Authors: Wu R , Williams C , Zhou J , Schlackow I , Emberson J , Reith C , Keech A , Robson J , Wilkinson K , Armitage J , Collins R , Gray A , Simes J , Baigent C , Mihaylova B
Published: October 2022

Background

Statin therapy reduces rates of heart attacks and strokes and improves survival in people at increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. However, there is some uncertainty when to start and how long to persist with statin therapy so as to optimise benefits.

Purpose

To project the accrual of benefit with statin therapy in population groups by age at therapy initiation using a newly developed micro-simulation model.

Methods

Participants without previous CVD (N=44,412) and with previous CVD (N=13,061) at entry were randomly selected from the UK Biobank cohort, ensuring sufficient representation in respective categories by age, LDL cholesterol, diabetes and 10-year CVD risk categories (QRISK3 score, for those without previous CVD only). The CTT-UKB model, a CVD micro-simulation model [1], was used to predict subsequent survival and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) of the participants using their characteristics at entry. Treatment with atorvastatin 40mg daily was used as an example to illustrate the effect of the therapy compared to no such therapy. Scenarios include: (1) lifelong preventive therapy, (2) preventive therapy stopped at 80 years of age, and (3) delayed initiation of preventive therapy by 5 years in participants under 45 years of age.

Results

Statin treatment benefits, measured in QALYs gained, accrue over lifetime. The majority of benefits accrue later in life. Men accumulate larger benefits and earlier than women (Figure 1A). The pattern of benefits accrual is similar for participants with and without previous CVD (data not shown). The higher the participants' CVD risk, the larger and earlier the benefits, with younger participants accruing larger benefits (Figure 1B). Compared with lifelong prevention, stopping treatment at 80 years of age leads to large reductions in overall benefits, especially in women and those at lower CVD risk. For example, compared to lifelong therapy, people without previous CVD who initiate therapy in their 50s, would lose 47% of QALYs benefit (if men), 66% (if women), 73% (if with CVD risk <5%), and 35% (if with CVD risk ≥20%), respectively, if they stop treatment when they reach 80 years of age. Five-year delay of statin therapy initiation in people under 45 years of age reduces their benefits by about 4% on average, though the loss is somewhat larger in people at higher CVD risk (Figure 2).

Conclusion

Benefits from lifelong cardiovascular prevention accrue over peoples' lifespan with large share of benefits accruing at older age. Stopping treatment earlier substantially reduces benefits.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): UK NationalInstitute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Programme, UK Medical Research Council (MRC), and British Heart Foundation