scholarly journals Significance of extended sports cardiology screening of elite handball referees

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. e0249923
Author(s):  
Orsolya Kiss ◽  
Mate Babity ◽  
Attila Kovacs ◽  
Judit Skopal ◽  
Hajnalka Vago ◽  
...  

The significance of cardiology screening of referees is not well established. Cardiovascular risk factors and diseases were examined in asymptomatic Hungarian elite handball referees undergoing extended screening: personal/family history, physical examination, 12-lead ECG, laboratory tests, body-composition analysis, echocardiography, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Holter-ECG (n = 8), blood pressure monitorization (n = 10), cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR; n = 27) and computer tomography (CCT; n = 4) were also carried out if needed. We examined 100 referees (age: 29.6±7.9years, male: 64, training: 4.3±2.0 hours/week), cardiovascular risk factors were: positive medical history: 24%, overweight: 10%, obesity: 3%, dyslipidaemia: 41%. Elevated resting blood pressure was measured in 38%. Stress-ECG was positive due to ECG-changes in 16%, due to elevated exercise blood pressure in 8%. Echocardiography and/or CMR identified abnormalities in 19%. A significant number of premature ventricular contractions was found on the Holter-ECG in two cases. The CCT showed myocardial bridge or coronary plaques in one-one case. We recommended lifestyle changes in 58%, new/modified antihypertensive or lipid-lowering therapy in 5%, iron-supplementation in 22%. By our results, a high percentage of elite Hungarian handball referees had cardiovascular risk factors or diseases, which, combined with physical and psychological stress, could increase the possibility of cardiovascular events. Our study draws attention to the importance of cardiac screening in elite handball referees.

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. e0252321
Author(s):  
Catharina Busch ◽  
Julius L. Katzmann ◽  
Claudia Jochmann ◽  
Jan Darius Unterlauft ◽  
Daniela Vollhardt ◽  
...  

Purpose Cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension or dyslipidemia can influence the incidence and progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME). The aim of this study is to describe the comorbidities in patients with DME. Methods Prospective, monocentric observational study. Patients presenting for the treatment of DME received laboratory and clinical examinations including 24-hour blood pressure measurement. Results Seventy-five consecutive patients were included in the study. The mean age was 61.0 ± 14.5 years, and 83% had type 2 diabetes. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 32.8 ± 6.0 kg/m2. Overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) was present in 92% of all patients. HbA1c values were > 7.0% in 57%. Although 87% of the patients already received antihypertensive therapy, the blood pressure (BP) of 82% was still above the recommended target values of systolic < 140 mmHg and diastolic < 80 mmHg. An insufficient nocturnal fall of the systolic BP (< 10%, non-dipping or reverse dipping) was observed in 62%. In 83% of the patients the glomerular filtration rate was ≤ 90 ml/min/1.73m2. Despite 65% of the cohort already receiving lipid-lowering therapy, LDL cholesterol was above the target value of 1.4 mmol/l in 93%. All patients had at least one cardiovascular risk factor in addition to diabetes (overweight, hypertension, insufficient nocturnal BP fall, dyslipidemia, or renal dysfunction) and 86% had ≥ 3 risk factors. Conclusion DME patients are characterized by highly prevalent cardiovascular risk factors that are poorly controlled. These comorbidities reduce the prognosis and negatively influence existing DR and DME. The data reveal an important opportunity for improving patient care by interaction of the ophthalmologist with the general practitioner and internal specialists for the detection and treatment of these conditions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fang Zhu ◽  
Banafsheh Arshi ◽  
M. Arfan Ikram ◽  
Robert J. De Knegt ◽  
Maryam Kavousi

AbstractTo establish age- and sex-specific distribution of the infrarenal abdominal aortic diameters (IAD) among non-aneurysmal elderly population and to investigate the associations between traditional cardiovascular risk factors and IAD in men and women. We included 4032 participants (mean age 67.2 years; 60.4% women) from the population-based Rotterdam Study, free of cardiovascular disease, who underwent IAD ultrasound assessment between 2009–2014. Linear regression analysis was used to identify determinants of IAD. The medians (inter-quartile range) of absolute IAD and body surface area (BSA)-adjusted IAD were 17.0 (15.0–18.0) mm and 9.3 (8.5–10.2) mm for women and 19.0 (18.0–21.0) mm and 9.4 (8.6–10.3) mm for men, respectively. There was a non-linear relationship between age and IAD. IAD increased steeply with advancing age and up to 70 years. After around 75 years of age, the diameter values reached a plateau. Waist circumference and diastolic blood pressure were associated with larger diameters in both sexes. Body mass index [Effect estimate (95% CI): 0.04 (0.00 to 0.08)], systolic blood pressure [− 0.01(− 0.02 to 0.00)], current smoking [0.35 (0.06 to 0.65)], total cholesterol levels [− 0.21 (− 0.31 to − 0.11)], and lipid-lowering medication [− 0.43 (− 0.67 to − 0.19)] were significantly associated with IAD in women. Sex differences in IAD values diminished after taking BSA into account. The increase in diameters was attenuated after 70 years. Differences were observed in the associations of several cardiovascular risk factors with IAD among men and women.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 3489
Author(s):  
Rebeca Lorca ◽  
Andrea Aparicio ◽  
Elias Cuesta-Llavona ◽  
Isaac Pascual ◽  
Alejandro Junco ◽  
...  

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an underdiagnosed genetic inherited condition that may lead to premature coronary artery disease (CAD). FH has an estimated prevalence in the general population of about 1:313. However, its prevalence in patients with premature STEMI (ST-elevation myocardial infarction) has not been widely studied. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of FH in patients with premature STEMI. Cardiovascular risk factors, LDLc (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) evolution, and differences between genders were also evaluated. Consecutive patients were referred for cardiac catheterization to our center due to STEMI suspicion in 2018. From the 80 patients with confirmed premature CAD (men < 55 and women < 60 years old with confirmed CAD), 56 (48 men and eight women) accepted to be NGS sequenced for the main FH genes. Clinical information and DLCN (Dutch Lipid Clinic Network) score were analyzed. Only one male patient had probable FH (6–7 points) and no one reached a clinically definite diagnosis. Genetic testing confirmed that the only patient with a DLCN score ≥6 has HF (1.8%). Smoking and high BMI the most frequent cardiovascular risk factors (>80%). Despite high doses of statins being expected to reduce LDLc levels at STEMI to current dyslipidemia guidelines LDL targets (<55 mg/dL), LDLc control levels were out of range. Although still 5.4 times higher than in general population, the prevalence of FH in premature CAD is still low (1.8%). To improve the genetic yield, genetic screening may be considered among patients with probable or definite FH according to clinical criteria. The classical cardiovascular risk factors prevalence far exceeds FH prevalence in patients with premature STEMI. LDLc control levels after STEMI were out range, despite intensive hypolipemiant treatment. These findings reinforce the need for more aggressive preventive strategies in the young and for intensive lipid-lowering therapy in secondary prevention.


Trials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hadi Emamat ◽  
Ali Zahedmehr ◽  
Sanaz Asadian ◽  
Hadith Tangestani ◽  
Javad Nasrollahzadeh

Abstract Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. Hypertension is an important and prevalent cardiovascular risk factor. The present study will be conducted to investigate the effect of barberry as a cardio-protective fruit on the blood pressure in patients with hypertension and other CVD risk factors. Furthermore, plasma concentrations of lipids and inflammatory biomarkers will be evaluated. Methods/design This is an 8-week, prospective, single-blinded, parallel assigned, randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) in which eligible men and women with hypertension and other cardiovascular risk factors will be randomized to either placebo powder (PP; containing 9 g maltodextrin, 1 g citric acid, 1 g milled sucrose and edible red color (n = 37)) or barberry powder (BP; containing 10 g milled dried barberry and 1 g of milled sucrose (n = 37)) groups. At baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention, plasma lipids and inflammatory markers, 24-h urinary nitrite/nitrate and sodium excretion, and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) will be measured. Anthropometric measures and dietary assessment will be performed as well. Data analysis will be done using SPSS version-21 software. Discussion The interest in natural and functional food products has increased globally. This RCT will add to the growing literature for the potential antihypertensive, lipid-lowering, and anti-inflammatory effects of barberry in humans. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT number) NCT04084847. Registered on 10 December 2019.


2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Y U A Dyleva ◽  
O V Gruzdeva ◽  
E V Belik ◽  
M Y U Sinitsky ◽  
A V Sotnikov ◽  
...  

Abstract   In this study we studied the relationships between adipokines (leptin, soluble leptin receptor) in adipose tissue (AT) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Methods Fat tissue biopsies were obtained from 134 patients median aged 64.0 (48.0; 68.0) with stable CAD undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors and patient treatment have been recorded. AH was defined as systolic blood pressure &gt;140 mm Hg Art., diastolic blood pressure &gt;90 mm Hg. Dyslipidemia was defined as a previously detected increase in total serum cholesterol (&gt;200 mg/dl), triglycerides (&gt;200 mg/dl), or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (&gt;150 mg/dl) for at least 1 year, or use of lipid-lowering drugs. Smoking was classified as current or former smokers; current smoking status was defined as at least one cigarette daily over the last year. Adipocytes were isolated from subcutaneous (SAT), epicardial (EAT), and perivascular AT (PVAT) samples. Isolated adipocytes were cultured for 24-h after which, Then adipocytes were immediately processed to RNA extraction and determination of adipokines gene expression. Results In this study, we showed that men with CAD LEP and LEPR expression were lower in PVAT, whereas only the latter was decreased in SAT. Thus, LEPR expression in local fat depots appeared to differ in men and women, which is consistent with previous reports. Men with CAD showed lower LEP expression than women in EAT, whereas no significant differences were observed in SAT. Patients 51–59 years old were characterized by the lowest LEP expression in SAT and the highest LEP and LEPR expression in EAT and PVAT. Those &gt;60 years presented the highest levels of LEPR in SAT. The presence of dyslipidemia in patients with CAD correlated with decreased LEPR expression in EAT, which is an unfavorable sign and may potentially lead to the development of leptin resistance. In patients with AH, LEP expression in EAT and LEPR expression in SAT and PVAT is increased. AH &gt;20 years was associated with increased LEP in ATs. Smokers with CAD exhibited higher levels of LEP expression in SAT and EAT, and LEPR expression in SAT. Conclusions The results of the study indicate a close association of traditional CVD risk factors with adipocytokine imbalance in patients with CAD. The results indicate the potential of the fat depot and leptin and its receptor data as a drug application point. The study of the molecular basis of PVAT and EAT function can provide a more complete understanding of the etiopathogenetic mechanisms of CVD and develop an effective strategy for their prevention and control. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 422-432
Author(s):  
Ana Denise Brandão ◽  
Keila Larissa Pereira Reis ◽  
Nathalia Moraes Ribeiro ◽  
Patricia Figueiredo ◽  
Daniela Martins de Fausto ◽  
...  

Background: Metabolic syndrome is a complex disorder represented by a set of cardiovascular risk factors usually related to central fat deposition, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. It is associated with accelerated atherosclerosis in response to chronic inflammation and vascular endothelial dysfunction, increasing overall mortality. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the effect of a cardiac rehabilitation program on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with metabolic syndrome. Methods: This is prospective interventional study. All patients underwent a 20-session cardiac rehabilitation program with aerobic and resisted exercises as well as an educational program for lifestyle changes. Results: Forty-seven patients participated in the present study. After the cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP), a significant reduction (p = 0,0092) for cardiovascular risk and fatigue (p > 0.001) was observed; 78% of the patients had positive effects on physical capacity, 72% of the patients presented HbA1c reduction, 51% increased HDL-cholesterol, 70% reduced total cholesterol, 63% reduced triglycerides, 61% reduced systolic blood pressure and 53% reduced diastolic blood pressure. Conclusion: Cardiac rehabilitation program with aerobic and resisted exercises associated with educational program for lifestyle changes is an effective approach in the treatment of patients with metabolic syndrome mainly seen by a reduced cardiovascular risk factors and reducing fatigue, improved physical capacity and reduced components of metabolic syndrome.


1994 ◽  
Vol 72 (01) ◽  
pp. 058-064 ◽  
Author(s):  
Goya Wannamethee ◽  
A Gerald Shaper

SummaryThe relationship between haematocrit and cardiovascular risk factors, particularly blood pressure and blood lipids, has been examined in detail in a large prospective study of 7735 middle-aged men drawn from general practices in 24 British towns. The analyses are restricted to the 5494 men free of any evidence of ischaemic heart disease at screening.Smoking, body mass index, physical activity, alcohol intake and lung function (FEV1) were factors strongly associated with haematocrit levels independent of each other. Age showed a significant but small independent association with haematocrit. Non-manual workers had slightly higher haematocrit levels than manual workers; this difference increased considerably and became significant after adjustment for the other risk factors. Diabetics showed significantly lower levels of haematocrit than non-diabetics. In the univariate analysis, haematocrit was significantly associated with total serum protein (r = 0*18), cholesterol (r = 0.16), triglyceride (r = 0.15), diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.17) and heart rate (r = 0.14); all at p <0.0001. A weaker but significant association was seen with systolic blood pressure (r = 0.09, p <0.001). These relationships remained significant even after adjustment for age, smoking, body mass index, physical activity, alcohol intake, lung function, presence of diabetes, social class and for each of the other biological variables; the relationship with systolic blood pressure was considerably weakened. No association was seen with blood glucose and HDL-cholesterol. This study has shown significant associations between several lifestyle characteristics and the haematocrit and supports the findings of a significant relationship between the haematocrit and blood lipids and blood pressure. It emphasises the role of the haematocrit in assessing the risk of ischaemic heart disease and stroke in individuals, and the need to take haematocrit levels into account in determining the importance of other cardiovascular risk factors.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rahil Taheri ◽  
Shahram Molavynejad ◽  
Parvin Abedi ◽  
Elham Rajaei ◽  
Mohammad Hosein Haghighizadeh

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary education on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Method: In this randomized clinical trial, 112 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were randomly assigned into two groups, intervention and control. Dietary education was provided for the intervention group in 4 sessions; anthropometric measurements, serum levels of RF, triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and fasting blood sugar were measured before and three months after intervention. Data was analyzed using SPSS software and appropriate statistical tests. Results: The mean of total cholesterol (p <0.001), triglycerides (p = 0.004), LDL (p <0.001), systolic blood pressure (p = 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.003), FBS and BMI (p <0.001) were decreased significantly in the intervention group after education compared the control group. Conclusion: Traditional care for rheumatoid arthritis patients is not enough. Patients need more education in order to improve their situation.


2010 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 220
Author(s):  
Nadia Dwi Insani ◽  
Sukman Tulus Putra ◽  
Agus Firmansyah

Background Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide. Atherosclerotic process increases rapidly during adolescence. Physical activity is considered important in this period to modify cardiovascular risk factors, thus preventing disease in the future.Objective To determine whether different physical activity status in adolescence can influence body mass index (BMBMI), waist-to-hip ratio, blood pressure (BP), and blood lipid profile.Methods This was a cross-sectional descriptive study, conducted from December 2009 to January 2010. Adolescents who fulfilled the study criteria were classified into high and low physical activity category. Further examination including body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, blood pressure, and blood lipid profile were performed.Results Adolescents with high physical activity had higher, but statistically insignificant, BMBMI compared to adolescents in the P=0.493] and significantly lower waist-to-hip ratio [0.80 (range 0.73-0.9) vs.. 0.82 (range 0.7-0.9), P=0.019]. Difference in BP was not statistically significant between both groups [diastolic BP (70 (range 60-90) mmHg vs. 70 (range 60-90) mmHg, P=0.148; systolic BP 100 (range 90-130) mmHg vs. 100 (range 90-140) mmHg, P=0.228)]. Blood lipid examination in the high activity group showed significantly higher HDL cholesterol and lower triglyceride compared to the low activity group [HDL 59.8 (SD 11.8) mg/dL vs. 54.7 (SD 8.9) mg/dL; p=0.044; triglyceride: 60 (range 32-203) mmHg vs. 82 (range 37-198) mmHg, P=0.014]. Total and LDL cholesterol [total cholesterol 169.8 (SD 28.6) mmHg vs. 181.2 (SD 30.8) mmHg, P=0.107; LDL 103.6 (SD 26.8) mmHg vs. 114.1 (SD 27.3) mmHg, P=0.100] were lower in the high activity group but not statistically different in both groups.Conclusions Adolescents with high physical activity show less cardiovascular risk factors compared to those in the low physical activity group.


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