bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CONTINUOUS EXPOSURE OF THE HYPERTENSIVE RATS TO LIGHT INCREASES THE RISK OF MALIGNANT CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIAS - OMACOR CARDIOPROTECTION
Authors: Bacova Barbara Szeiffova , Benova Tamara Egan , Sykora Matus , Zurmanova Jitka , Knezl Vladimir , Andelova Katarina , Tribulova Narcis 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
Light pollution disturbs circadian rhythm, and this can also be deleterious to the heart by increased susceptibility to arrhythmias. Herein, we investigated if rats exposed to continuous light had altered myocardial gene transcripts and/or protein expression which affects arrhythmogenesis. We then assessed if Omacorâ supplementation benefitted affected rats.

Design and method:
Male and female spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive Wistar rats (WR) were housed under standard 12 h/12 h light/dark cycles or exposed to 6-weeks continuous 300 lux light for 24 h. Half the rats were then treated with 200 mg/100 g b.w. Omacorâ.

Results:
Continuous light resulted in higher male rat vulnerability to malignant ventricular fibrillation (VF). This was linked with myocardial connexin-43 (Cx43) down-regulation and deteriorated intercellular electrical coupling, due in part to increased pro-inflammatory NF-kB and iNOS transcripts and decreased sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ATPase transcripts. Omacorâ treatment increased the electrical threshold to induce the VF linked with amelioration of myocardial Cx43 mRNA and Cx43 protein levels and the suppression of NF-kB and iNOS. This indicates that rat exposure to continuous light results in deleterious cardiac alterations jeopardizing intercellular Cx43 channel-mediated electrical communication, thereby increasing the risk of malignant arrhythmias.

Conclusions:
The adverse effects were attenuated by treatment with Omacorâ, thus supporting its potential benefit and the relevance of monitoring omega-3 index in human populations at risk. This research was supported by Slovak VEGA 2/0002/20, 2/0158/19, APVV 18-0548, 19-0317 and EU ITMS 26230120009.
ACHIEVING THERAPEUTIC GOAL ON LDL IN HIGH AND VERY HIGH RISK PATIENTS IN A DEDICATED OUTPATIENT CLINIC
Authors: Trenta Eva Azzurra Li , Napolitano Brunella , Maretta Alessia , Balsano Mario , Spagnuolo Vitaliano 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
High LDL cholesterol levels represent an important risk factor for development of cardiovascular disease. The reduction of LDL reduces cardiovascular risk. Current guidelines (ESC 2019) recommend ambitious LDL levels for high and very high risk patients. But, in clinical practice, just a part of these patients achieve the ESC 2019 goals (DA VINCI Study).

Design and method:
We evaluated, in the first 152 patients, at high and very high cardiovascular risk, consecutively afferent to our dedicated clinic for hyperlipidaemia (Lipid Center CS), the achievement of the therapeutic goal of LDL according to ESC 2019 guidelines. All patients were on lipid-lowering drug treatment from at least twelve months and the last blood tests were no less recent than three months.

Results:
Of all patients, 82 were female. The mean age was 65.24 ± 10.33 years. Thirty patients were in secondary prevention. Of all patients, 70% reached the therapeutic goal (77% with very high risk and 68% with high risk). Fifty nine% were taking high-intensity lipid-lowering therapy. Seventy one% were taking combination therapy. Thirty four% were treated with PCSK9 inhibitors.

Conclusions:
Taking note of the limited number of the sample, our therapeutic achieved results are higher than that got in the DA VINCI study in which only 60% of patients, from west Europe, reached the therapeutic goal. A dedicated clinic for hyerlipidaemia and the high use of combination therapy with intensive drugs and extensive use of PCSK9 inhibitors may justify the results of our study. Our center did not participated in the DA VINCI study.
LIPID DISORDERS AND ESSENTIAL ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION RISK DEPENDING ON AGTR1 (RS5186) AND VDR (RS2228570) GENES POLYMORPHISM
Authors: Semianiv Marianna , Sydorchuk Larysa , Biletsky Semen , Petrynych Oksana , Kazantseva Tetyana , Repchuk Yuliya , Semianiv Ihor , Sokolenko Alina , Yarynych Yuliya , Voroniuk Ksenia 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
Hypertension and dyslipidemia represent two of the most relevant modifiable cardiovascular risk factors and they often coexist. The aim of the research was to study lipid disorders and essential arterial hypertension (EAH) risk depending on AGTR1 (rs5186) and VDR (rs2228570) genes polymorphism.

Design and method:
100 subjects with EAH and target-organ damaging (2nd stage), moderate, high or very high cardiovascular risk were involved in the case-control study. Among them, 70,83% females and 29,17% males, mean age 57,86 ± 7,81y.o. Control group consisted of 60 practically healthy individuals of relevant age. The lipid panel parameters, such as: TC (Total cholesterol), TG (Triglycerides), LDL-C (Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), HDL-C (High-density lipoprotein cholesterol) were investigated in blood plasma, using diagnostic kits “Accent 200” (Poland). The atherogenic index (IA) was calculated by the formula: (TC – HDL-C)/ HDL-C. Gene polymorphism of AGTR1 (rs5186) and VDR (rs2228570), was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results:
Decreased HDL-C is associated with 2nd and 3d degrees of EAH (p = 0,048). The risk of EAH increases in C-allele carriers of AGTR1 (rs5186) gene with hypercholesterolemia (TC> 5,0mmol/l) 1,5 times (OR–2,50;p = 0,048), with an increase in LDL-C and IA – 1,58 and 2,12 times (OR–10,80;p = 0,019), respectively. Homozygous carriers of the minor A-allele had extremely higher concentrations of TC, atherogenic LDL-C and IA, than GG-carriers – by 9,29%, 11,11% and 12,80% (pAA<0,05), respectively. Risk of EAH increases with hypertriglycerolemia 1,89 times (OR–2,93;p = 0,03) and with the increase in LDL-C – 1,26 times (OR–3,60;p = 0,038) in AA-genotype carriers of VDR (rs2228570) gene. Risk of EAH synergistically escalates almost twice in A-allele carriers of VDR (rs2228570) gene with a decrease of HDL-C (OR–2,88;p = 0,046) and the increase of IA (OR–2,70;p = 0,039), significantly only in AG-carriers though. ANOVA analysis confirmed the association of VDR (rs2228570) gene with the increase in IA (F = 3,80;p = 0,05).

Conclusions:
The EAH risk escalates with hypercholesterolemia, elevated both LDL-C and IA in C-allele carriers of AGTR1 (rs5186) gene, as well as with decreased HDL-C and increased IA in A-allele carriers VDR (rs2228570) in the observed.
ENDOGENOUS SEX HORMONES LEVELS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THE REVISED FRAMINGHAM STROKE RISK PROFILE IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN – A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN A SWEDISH COHORT
Authors: Ottarsdottir Kristin , Tivesten Åsa , Li Ying , Lindblad Ulf , Hellgren Margareta , Ohlsson Claes , Daka Bledar 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
Levels of endogenous sex hormones in postmenopausal women have been associated with the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between eight different endogenous sex hormones and the revised Framingham stroke risk profile (rFSRP) in Swedish postmenopausal women.

Design and method:
This is an observational cross-sectional study within the Vara Skövde cohort, a Swedish population-based study with the main focus on detecting hypertension and diabetes at an early stage. The participants in the present study were physically examined in 2002–2004, and endogenous sex hormones (-17-hydroxy progesterone, estrone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenedione, testosterone, and progesterone) were analyzed with a validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay. Women 55 years old or older, with estradiol levels lower than 20 pg/mL, and non-users of hormonal therapy were included in the study (N = 146). Outcome variable was rFSRP, which estimates the individual´s 10-year risk of stroke based on blood pressure, smoking, atrial fibrillation, age, previous cardiovascular disease and diabetes status. Regression analyses of log-transformed rFSRP were fitted against sex hormones, adjusting for body mass index (BMI) or waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (depending on which variable was more associated with hormone levels), C-reactive protein (CRP) and total cholesterol level.

Results:
Progesterone levels showed a positive association with rFSRP when adjusting for BMI. (18% increase in rFSRP per SD increase in progesterone, p = 0.020). Estrone was positively associated with rFSRP in the model adjusting for BMI (17 % increase in rFSRP per SD increase in estrone level, p = 0.020). Testosterone showed a positive association in the model adjusting for WHR (13 % increase in rFSRP per SD increase in testosterone, p = 0.019). Additional adjustments for CRP and cholesterol did not change the results for any of the hormones. No significant associations between other hormones and rFSRP were observed in this study.

Conclusions:
Increase in levels of estrone, testosterone and progesterone in postmenopausal women was associated with increase of rFSRP. Prospective studies are warranted for a better understanding of the importance of sex hormone levels for cardiovascular health in postmenopausal women.
PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF POSTURAL HYPOTENSION AMONG HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS IN A PRIMARY CARE SETTING
Authors: Ooi Inn Jia , Chia Yook Chin 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of postural hypotension and the risk factors among hypertensive patients in a primary care setting.

Design and method:
This is a cross-sectional questionnaire study carried out at the University Malaya of Medical Centre Primary Care Clinic from July 2017 to July 2019. Patients aged = /> 18 years with hypertension were consecutively recruited. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (BP) = /> 140mmHg or diastolic BP = /> 90mmHg or taking antihypertensive medication. Postural hypotension in this study was defined as a fall in systolic BP (SBP) of = /> 20mmHg or diastolic BP (DBP) of = /> 10mmHg when getting up from sitting to standing position. Associations between the risk factors/ determinants (sociodemographic & medical comorbidities) with postural hypotension were assessed using Chi-Square test and odds ratio. Confounders were assessed using bivariate logistic regression.

Results:
682 hypertensive patients were included in this study: Mean age 66.1 +/- 9.9 years, 56.9% female, mean BMI 27.06 +/- 5.14 kg/m2. Mean SBP was 144.5 +/- 19.1 mmHg and DBP was 82.5 +/- 10.8 mmHg, and mean heart rate was 71 +/- 12 beat/min.
Prevalence of postural hypotension was 3.5% (n = 24), 1.5% had a decrease of = /> 20mmHg in SBP and 2.1% had a decrease of = /> 10 mmHg in DBP.
Table 1 shows the determinants of postural hypotension among the respondents. Hypertensive patients with heart failure had a significantly higher prevalence of postural hypotension (18.2%) than those without heart failure (3.3%) (X(1) = 7.080, p = 0.008).
Table 2 shows the odds ratio between determinant and postural hypotension among the respondents. The odds of having postural hypotension was higher in hypertensive patients with heart failure (OR: 6.556, 95% CI: 1.337 – 32.147, p = 0.02). Bivariate logistic regression did not attenuate this finding. For other variables studied, there was no statistically significant association with postural hypotension.

Conclusions:
The prevalence of postural hypotension was low at 3.5% among hypertensive patients. Hypertensive patients with comorbid heart failure were 6.6 times more likely to have postural hypotension.
CARDIOVASCULAR RISK AND SUBCLINICAL TARGET ORGAN DAMAGE IN A YOUNG ADULT POPULATION PROVIDED BY A PRIMARY HEALTHCARE UNIT
Authors: Muxfeldt Elizabeth , Fernandes Ana Cristina Tenório C. , Bica Rafael Barbosa S. , Moura Carlos Augusto Parente M. , Ushijima Nathalia Rossilho , Vasconcellos Clara Avelar M. , dos Santos Ferreira Deisianny , Garcia Juliana Camara , dos S. Lemos Pedro Henrique , Calvão Diego Alves , Catharina Luiza Brandão , Pecly Inah Maria Drummond 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
To evaluate cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and subclinical target organ damage in a young and apparently healthy population assisted in a Primary Healthcare unit

Design and method:
A cross-sectional population study for CV risk assessment in adults aged 20–50 years old provided by a Primary Healthcare Unit. A total of 632 individuals were evaluated (40% male; mean age 36 ± 9 years). Sociodemographic, anthropometric data, and traditional CV risk factors were recorded. All underwent office Blood Pressure (BP) and pulse pressure (PP) (systolic BP minus diastolic BP) was calculated. Ankle-brachial index (ABI) was also calculated after BP measurements in the 4 limbs. The median of the ABI was 1.14 [1.08–1.22], which is the cutoff point used to define early changes. All participants were submitted to ECG to calculate Sokolow-Lyon Index (SLI) and Cornell Voltage Index (CVI) for left ventricular hypertrophy diagnosis. We considered the median of the SLI (20 mm) and the CVI (11 mm) as the cutoff point for early alterations.

Results:
The prevalence of hypertension was 16%. The median [IQR] office PP was 46 [39–52] mmHg. Elevated Office PP (> 60 mmHg) were identified in 64 participants. High office PP was more frequent in men, obese, with increased neck circumference and lower ABI (1.07 vs 1.16, p < 0.001). It was also associated with higher voltage index: SLI 21.9 vs 19.8, p = 0.04 and CVI 13.4 vs 7.1, p = 0.03. Individuals with decreased ABI are more obese with smaller neck circumference (10 vs 5%, p = 0.03). They also had higher systolic BP (125 vs 119 mmHg, p < 0.001) and PP (49 vs 43 mmHg, p < 0.001). A total of 362 ECGs were performed. Increased SLI was more frequent in men, younger and overweight, in addition to a higher prevalence of hypertension and higher PP. Those with increased CVI are more often male, obese with higher BP levels.

Conclusions:
In this young population, early changes in subclinical target organ damage already identify a higher CV risk profile, indicating the importance of implementing primary prevention measures to reduce this risk.
VASCULAR RISK FACTORS IMPACT IN CAROTID INTIMA-MEDIA INDEX: PATIENTS OVER 65 YEARS
Authors: Mateus Sónia , Mateus Sónia , Mateus Sónia , Pós-De-Mina Vanda , Coelho Patricia , Coelho Patricia , Mendes Irene 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
Analyze the carotid intima-media index in individuals over 65 years and verify its correlation with modifiable and non-modifiable vascular risk factors.

Design and method:
A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with a sample of 5885 patients over 65 years who underwent cervical Doppler echo-examination, between January 2012 and December 2021, with measurement of the intima-media index and recording of vascular risk factors.

Results:
The sample consisted of 5885 individuals, 41.8% female and 58.2% male. The mean age was 76.59, aged between 65 and 98 years (+/- 6.69). Hypertensive individuals are 81.3% of the sample. There is a significant relationship between the intima-media index, age and personal history of cardio and cerebrovascular diseases (p = 0.001). Other risk factors such as male sex, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking and personal history of cardio and cerebrovascular diseases have a positive correlation with the presence of atheroma plaques.

Conclusions:
In this sample of individuals over 65 years, non-modifiable risk factors are important in increasing the intima-media index and modifiable risk factors for atherosclerotic disease in more advanced stages.
RESTING HEART RATE AND ARTERIAL STIFFNESS: A LONGITUDINAL PROSPECTIVE STUDY IN A POPULATION OF HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS
Authors: Maloberti Alessandro , Fumagalli Stefano , Garofani Ilaria , Ghidini Simone , Ruzzenenti Giacomo , Bombelli Michele , Fabbri Saverio , Giannattasio Cristina 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
The role of resting Heart Rate on the progression of arterial stiffness has not yet been extensively evaluated. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between resting HR and baseline arterial stiffness (evaluated by cfPWV) as well as its progression in a population of hypertensive patients over a 3.7 years follow-up period.

Design and method:
We enrolled 572 hypertensive outpatients 18–80 aged, followed by the Hypertension Unit of St. Gerardo Hospital (Monza, Italy). Anamnestic, clinical and laboratory data, BP and cfPWV (complior) were assessed at baseline and after a median follow-up time of 3.7 ± 0.5 years

Results:
At baseline the mean age was 53.9 ± 12.7 years, SBP and DBP were 141.2 ± 17.8 and 86.5 ± 10.5 mmHg, HR was 65.6 ± 10.9 bpm and PWV was 8.6 ± 2.0 m/s. Despite an improvement in BP values (from 141.2/86.5 to 132.6/79.2 mmHg, p < 0.001), during follow-up, PWV increased (PWV 0.5 ± 2.2 m/s). In patients with a HR above as compared to those under the median value (9 bpm), PWV was significantly higher (0.82 ± 2.22 vs. 0.27 ± 2.25 m/s, p = 0.003). At multivariate analysis, HR was among the significant determinants of both baseline PWV and its progression ( = 0.031, p < 0.001). Furthermore, HR was a significant determinant of deltaPWV ( = 0.019; p = 0.017).

Conclusions:
In hypertensive patients there is a significant relationship between basal resting HR and basal PWV as well as between the increase of HR and the increase of PWV during the follow-up period. Beyond age and BP, resting HR must be considered as an independent determinant of arterial stiffness. This represents a possible mechanism through which HR contributes to the increase in CV risk.
COMPARISON OF HYPERTENSION PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS IN MONKS AND COMMON RESIDENTS FROM ZHEJIANG PROVINCE, SOUTHEAST CHINA
Authors: Li Yang , Xinhua Tang , Xiaoling Xu , Guoxiong Chen , Wei Yu , Jing Yan 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
The prevalence of hypertension changes with the level of progress of the economy, society, and civilization. There is a lack of relevant studies on monks populations. This study investigated and compared the prevalence and influencing factors of hypertension among monks and common residents in Zhejiang province.

Design and method:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted by using a stratified multistage random sampling method. Using the probability proportional to size method, 12 districts were selected. A given number of participants from each of the 14 gender/age strata (male/female and aged 15–24, 25–34, 35–44, 45–54, 55–64, 65–74, 75) were chosen also using the SRS method according to the national demographic composition, from communities or villages using the lists compiled from the local government registers of households (Figure 1). Recruitment included a total of 19254 participants aged 15 or older in 12 districts in Zhejiang province. Socio-demographic profiles, examinations were administrated on each subject. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to identify the risk factors of hypertension.

Results:
The prevalence of hypertension among monks in Zhoushan was relatively lower than that among common residents of Zhejiang province (11.2% VS. 22.5%). Men (vs. women), 40–79 / 50–59 / 60 years and above (vs. 15–39 years), less than middle school (vs. college or higher), large abdominal waist circumference (vs. normal), family history of hypertension (vs. none), salt use 5 gram or above (ref: < 5 gram), large visceral adipose index (VAI) (vs. normal), large body fat percentage (BFP) (vs. normal) and overweight/obesity (vs. normal weight) were the main risk factors for hypertension development among common residents. Men (vs. women), 60 years and above (vs. 15–39 years), obesity (vs. normal weight), large abdominal waist circumference (vs. normal), large VAI (vs. normal) were the main risk factors for hypertension development among monks.

Conclusions:
Zhoushan monks had lower hypertension prevalence, that maybe because they had more healthy lifestyles including of no tobacco and alcohol consumption, more vegetables intake, less anxiety and stress.
PREDICTORS OF THE MAJOR CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS IN THE EARLY AND MIDDLE-LONG TERM AFTER PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION
Authors: Kirtbaia Lana , Bockeria Leo , Tetvadze Inga , Tatyana Nikitina , Aleksei Kupryashov , Karen Petrosyan , Anton Skopin , Sevinj Mamedova 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
To estimate predictors for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in the early and middle-late periods after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI).

Design and method:
The study included 116 patients (85% men and 15% women) with coronary artery disease (CAD) after PCI. In the early and middle-long-term periods MACE was developed in 24% of patients. The analysis of MACE predictors included wide range of clinical,angiographic,instrumental parameters,factors associated with the functions of the endovascular procedure,genetic testing.

Results:
There was not found predictive value of known risk factors, such as the presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) type II (OR = 1.75; 95% CI:0.54–4.62), smoking (OR = 1.51; 95% CI:0.64–3.56), hypertension (OR = 1.48; 95% CI:0.56–3.86), obesity (OR = 2.37; 95% CI:0.98–5.71), burdened heredity for CAD (OR = 2.16; 95% CI:0.85–5.48), a combination of several risk factors (DM+smoking) (OR = 2.17; 95% CI:0.65–7.28),DM+AH+obesity (OR = 2.97; 95% CI:0.83–10.61), chronic heart failure (OR = 1.7; 95% CI:0,53–5.46) on the risk of developing of MACE after PCI. It was found that significant MACE predictors in the early term period after PCI were: increased platelet reactivity in the presence of dual antiplatelet therapy (OR = 11.0; 95% CI:1.09–110.5) and carriage of polymorphic alleles of the fibrinogen-beta gene: alleles T (rs1800787) (OR = 4.7; 95% CI:1.07–20.2), alleles A (rs2227401) (OR = 4.9; 95% CI:1.12–21.1), alleles C (rs20426442) (OR = 4.9; 95% CI:1.12–21.1), in the middle-long term period: increased residual platelet reactivity despite of DAPT (OR = 11.67; 95% CI:4.29–31.71), decreased Antithrombin-III activity before and/or after PCI (OR = 5,5; 95% CI:1.4–21.68), SYNTAX Score > 22 (OR-4.53; 95% CI:1.26–16.23), non-drug-eluting stent implantation (OR = 3,24; 95% CI:1.12–9.41), DAPT score > 2 (OR = 3.15; 95% CI:1.3–7.64), the presence of multifocal atherosclerosis (OR = 2.91; 95% CI:1.15–7.39), LVEF < 35% (OR = 2.52; 95% CI:1.05–6.03).

Conclusions:
Predictors of MACE in the early term after PCI were:increased residual platelet and the presence of genetic fibrinogen abnormalities, after middle-long term-increased residual platelet, failure to achieve the target lipid profile, decreased activity Antithrombin-III before and/or after PCI, SYNTAX Score > 22, implantation of non-drug-eluting stents, DAPT score > 2, presence of multifocal atherosclerosis, LVEF < 35%. The frequency of known clinical risk factors, such as smoking, hypertension, DM, physical inactivity, obesity, burdened heredity for CAD, in the group of MACE patients was slightly higher, but did not reach statistical significance.