Lipoprotein(a) and Cardiovascular Outcomes after Revascularization of Carotid and Lower Limbs Arteries

Background: Despite high-intensity lipid-lowering therapy, there is a residual risk of cardiovascular events that could be associated with lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)). It has been shown that there is an association between elevated Lp(a) level and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with coronary heart disease. Data about the role of Lp(a) in the development of cardiovascular events after peripheral revascularization are scarce. Purpose: To evaluate the relationship of Lp(a) level with cardiovascular outcomes after revascularization of carotid and lower limbs arteries. Methods: The study included 258 patients (209 men, mean age 67 years) with severe carotid and/or lower extremity artery disease, who underwent successful elective peripheral revascularization. The primary endpoint was the composite of nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or cardiovascular death. The secondary endpoint was the composite of primary endpoint and repeated revascularization. Results: For 36-month follow-up, 29 (11%) primary and 128 (50%) secondary endpoints were registered. There was a greater risk of primary (21 (8%) vs. 8 (3%); hazard ratio (HR), 3.0; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5–6.3; p < 0.01) and secondary endpoints (83 (32%) vs. 45 (17%), HR, 2.8; 95% CI 2.0–4.0; p < 0.01) in patients with elevated Lp(a) level (≥30 mg/dL) compared to patients with Lp(a) < 30 mg/dL. Multivariable-adjusted Cox regression analysis revealed that Lp(a) was independently associated with the incidence of cardiovascular outcomes. Conclusions: Patients with peripheral artery diseases have a high risk of cardiovascular events. Lp(a) level above 30 mg/dL is significantly and independently associated with cardiovascular events during 3-year follow-up after revascularization of carotid and lower limbs arteries.

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4078Lipoprotein(a) and clinical outcomes in patients after revascularization of peripheral arteries

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehz745.0097 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

N A Tmoyan ◽

M V Ezhov ◽

O I Afanasieva ◽

E A Klesareva ◽

M I Afanasieva ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Events ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Cardiovascular Death ◽

Cardiovascular Outcomes ◽

Lower Limbs ◽

Limb Amputation ◽

Peripheral Arteries ◽

Cox Regression Analysis ◽

Secondary Endpoints

Abstract Background Randomized trials have proved the reduction of cardiovascular events due to LDL-cholesterol level decrease. However, despite high-intensity statin therapy, there is a residual risk, that could be associated with lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]. It has been shown that there is an association between elevated Lp(a) level and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with coronary heart disease. Data about the role of Lp(a) in the development of cardiovascular events after revascularization of peripheral arteries are scarce. Purpose To evaluate the relationship of Lp(a) level with cardiovascular outcomes after revascularization of carotid and lower limbs arteries. Methods The study included 258 patients with severe carotid and/or lower extremity artery disease, who underwent successful elective revascularization. The primary endpoint was the composite of nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or cardiovascular death. The secondary endpoint was the composite of transitory ischaemic attack, limb amputation, hospitalization for unstable angina, or revascularization surgery. Results During 36 months follow-up 29 (11%) primary and 113 (44%) secondary endpoints were registered. It was noted greater rate of primary (21 [8%] vs. 8 [3%]; hazard ratio [HR], 3.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5–6.3; p<0.01) and secondary endpoints (72 [28%] vs. 41 (16%], HR, 2.5; 95% CI 1.7–3.7; p<0.01) in patients with elevated Lp(a) level (≥30 mg/dl) compared to patients with Lp(a) <30 mg/dl (Picture). Multivariable-adjusted Cox regression analysis revealed that Lp(a) was independently associated with incidence of cardiovascular outcomes. Conclusions Patients with peripheral artery diseases have a high risk of cardiovascular events and the level of Lp(a) ≥30 mg/dl is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events in prospective 3-year follow-up after revascularization of carotid and lower limbs arteries.

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Lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol are associated with increased cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome receiving contemporary lipid-lowering therapy

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.1639 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

M Nakazawa ◽

H Arashi ◽

Y Inagaki ◽

H Otsuki ◽

J Yamaguchi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Acute Coronary Syndrome ◽

Primary Endpoint ◽

Cardiovascular Events ◽

Lipid Lowering ◽

Lipid Lowering Therapy ◽

Coronary Syndrome ◽

Lowering Therapy ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 1

Abstract Background This study aimed to elucidate whether high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) at 3-month follow-up for patients receiving contemporary lipid-lowering therapy after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) could predict cardiac events. Methods The HIJ-PROPER study was a multicenter, prospective, randomized trial comparing intensive lipid-lowering therapy (pitavastatin + ezetimibe) and conventional lipid-lowering therapy (pitavastatin monotherapy) after ACS. For the present analysis, the entire cohort was divided into three groups according to HDL-C levels at 3-month follow-up (Group 1, HDL-C ≤43 mg/dL; Group 2, 43–53.6 mg/dL; Group 3; HDL-C ≥53.6 mg/dL). Baseline characteristics and the incidence of the primary endpoint (a composite of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, unstable angina pectoris, or ischemia-driven revascularization) were compared among the three groups. Results The primary endpoint was reported in 34.8%, 30.1%, and 24.6% of patients in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The incidence of the primary endpoint was significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 3 (hazard ratio [HR], 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19–1.9; p=0.001). Irrespective of the treatment regimen, Group 1 had a significantly higher rate of the primary endpoint than Group 3 (pitavastatin + ezetimibe therapy: HR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.12–2.22; p=0.01 and pitavastatin monotherapy: HR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.05–1.98; p=0.02). These trends remained even after adjustment for baseline characteristics and lipid profiles. Conclusions Lower levels of HDL-C at 3-month follow-up are associated with higher incidence of the cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome receiving contemporary lipid-lowering therapy. HDL-C levels and Cardiovascular events Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

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Nurse-based secondary preventive follow-up by telephone reduced recurrence of cardiovascular events: a randomised controlled trial

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-94892-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Anna-Lotta Irewall ◽

Anders Ulvenstam ◽

Anna Graipe ◽

Joachim Ögren ◽

Thomas Mooe

Keyword(s):

Randomised Controlled Trial ◽

Primary Endpoint ◽

Cardiovascular Events ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Control Group ◽

Coronary Syndrome ◽

Secondary Endpoints ◽

Randomised Controlled

AbstractEnhanced follow-up is needed to improve the results of secondary preventive care in patients with established cardiovascular disease. We examined the effect of long-term, nurse-based, secondary preventive follow-up by telephone on the recurrence of cardiovascular events. Open, randomised, controlled trial with two parallel groups. Between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2014, consecutive patients (n = 1890) admitted to hospital due to stroke, transient ischaemic attack (TIA), or acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were included. Participants were randomised (1:1) to nurse-based telephone follow-up (intervention, n = 944) or usual care (control, n = 946) and followed until 31 December 2017. The primary endpoint was a composite of stroke, myocardial infarction, cardiac revascularisation, and cardiovascular death. The individual components of the primary endpoint, TIA, and all-cause mortality were analysed as secondary endpoints. The assessment of outcome events was blinded to study group assignment. After a mean follow-up of 4.5 years, 22.7% (n = 214) of patients in the intervention group and 27.1% (n = 256) in the control group reached the primary composite endpoint (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.68–0.97; ARR 4.4%, 95% CI 0.5–8.3). Secondary endpoints did not differ significantly between groups. Nurse-based secondary preventive follow-up by telephone reduced the recurrence of cardiovascular events during long-term follow-up.

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NAFLD fibrosis score is correlated with PCSK9 and improves outcome prediction of PCSK9 in patients with chest pain: a cohort study

Lipids in Health and Disease ◽

10.1186/s12944-021-01610-w ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jia Peng ◽

Ming-Ming Liu ◽

Jing-Lu Jin ◽

Ye-Xuan Cao ◽

Yuan-Lin Guo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chest Pain ◽

Cardiovascular Events ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Lipid Lowering ◽

Lipid Lowering Therapy ◽

Fibrosis Score ◽

Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽

Nafld Fibrosis Score

Abstract Background The risk of liver fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can be easily evaluated by noninvasive scoring systems, of which the NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) is the most commonly used. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), a new predictor of cardiovascular events, has been reported to be associated with cardiovascular outcomes and NAFLD. However, the relationship of NFS with PCSK9 and their prognostic abilities in cardiovascular risks are unknown. Methods A total of 2008 hospitalized subjects who had chest pain without lipid-lowering therapy were consecutively included. Baseline clinical data were collected, and the NFS was calculated. The circulating PCSK9 concentration was determined by enzyme immunoassay. The major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) occurrences were recorded in the follow-up period. Associations of PCSK9 concentration with NFS were examined. All of the participants were categorized into three groups according to NFS levels and were further stratified by PCSK9 tertiles to evaluate the MACEs. Results 158 (7.87%) MACEs were observed during a mean of 3.2 years of follow-up. NFS levels were independently related to higher PCSK9 levels according to multivariable linear regression analysis. Furthermore, elevated PCSK9 and NFS concentrations were respectively associated with increased MACE incidence in multivariable Cox regression models. When combining NFS status with PCSK9 tertiles as a stratifying factor, patients with intermediate-high NFS and high PCSK9 levels had higher risks of events than those with low NFS and low PCSK9 levels. Conclusions This study revealed for the first time that NFS is positively related to PCSK9 and that the combination of NFS and PCSK9 greatly increased the risk of MACEs in patients with chest pain, providing a potential link between NFS and PCSK9 for predicting cardiovascular events.

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P824The clinical impact of polyunsaturated fatty acid on clinical outcomes in acute coronary syndrome with dyslipidemia: HIJ-PROPER sub-analysis

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehz747.0423 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

M Nakawaza ◽

H Arashi ◽

H Nomura ◽

E Kawada-Watanabe ◽

M Ogiso ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Acute Coronary Syndrome ◽

Arachidonic Acid ◽

Eicosapentaenoic Acid ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Primary Endpoint ◽

Lipid Lowering ◽

Lipid Lowering Therapy ◽

Coronary Syndrome ◽

Lowering Therapy

Abstract Background Polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially omega-3 and -6 series, are key essential nutrients that play an important role in humans to maintain cell membranes and function. A recent randomized trial reported that adding eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to statins was beneficial to cardiovascular disease patients who had a residual risk factor. Further, several studies have reported that the low baseline value for EPA to arachidonic acid (AA) ratio is related to worse clinical outcome and plaque vulnerability in coronary artery disease patients. However, effects of baseline EPA/AA ratio on clinical outcomes in ACS patients have not been thoroughly evaluated. Objectives This study aimed to examine the impact of baseline eicosapentaenoic acid to arachidonic acid (EPA/AA) ratio on clinical outcomes of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients and how lipid-lowering therapy affects serum EPA/AA levels in these patients. Methods This is a sub-analysis of HIJ-PROPER assessing the effect of aggressive low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)-lowering treatment with pitavastatin+ezetimibe in 1,734 ACS patients with dyslipidemia. Patients were divided into two groups based on EPA/AA level on admission (cut-off: 0.34 μg/mL; median of baseline EPA/AA level) and clinical outcomes were examined. Results Percent reduction of LDL-C from baseline to follow-up and mean LDL-C level during follow-up were similar regardless of baseline EPA/AA ratio. In the low EPA/AA group, the Kaplan–Meier estimate for the primary endpoint at 3 years was 27.2% in the pitavastatin+ezetimibe group, compared with 36.6% in the pitavastatin-monotherapy group [hazard ratio (HR), 0.69; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.52–0.93; P=0.015). However, in the high EPA/AA group, there was no significant reduction in the primary endpoint by pitavastatin+ezetimibe therapy (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.70–1.20; P=0.52). Conclusions Aggressive lipid-lowering therapy with ezetimibe had a positive effect on clinical outcomes in the low EPA/AA group of ACS patients with dyslipidemia, but not in the high EPA/AA group. This effect was independent of LDL-C reduction and suggests that EPA/AA measurement on admission in ACS patients contributes to a “personalized” lipid-lowering approach.

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Aggressive lipid lowering therapy with pitavastatin and ezetimibe improve cardiovascular outcomes in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction: insights from the HIJ-PROPER Study

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.1627 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

H Otsuki ◽

H Arashi ◽

M Nakazawa ◽

Y Inagaki ◽

S Ebihara ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Myocardial Infarction ◽

Primary Endpoint ◽

Cardiovascular Events ◽

Lipid Lowering ◽

Lipid Lowering Therapy ◽

St Segment Elevation ◽

Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction ◽

Lowering Therapy ◽

St Segment

Abstract Aims The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of aggressive lipid-lowering therapy with pitavastatin and ezetimibe in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) as compared with those with other classification of an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) including non-STEMI (NSTEMI) and unstable angina pectoris (UA). Methods This is a post hoc sub-analysis of the HIJ-PROPER study. In the original study, ACS patients with dyslipidemia were randomized to either pitavastatin + ezetimibe therapy or pitavastatin monotherapy. In the present analysis, we divided HIJ-PROPER participants into the STEMI group (n=880) and NSTEMI + UA group (n=841). Cardiovascular events were analyzed between the two groups. The primary endpoint was a composite of major advanced cardiovascular events (MACE; all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, unstable angina pectoris, and ischemia-driven revascularization) Result During median follow-up period of 3.4 years, the cumulative incidence of the primary endpoint in STEMI group was 31.9% in the pitavastatin+ezetimibe therapy, compared with 39.7% in the pitavastatin-monotherapy (HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.62–0.97; p=0.02). However, there was no effect of pitavastatin+ezetimibe therapy on the primary endpoint in the NSTEMI + UA group. Concerning the individual components of the primary endpoint in STEMI group, the percentage of occurrence of all-cause death was significantly lower in the pitavastatin+ezetimibe therapy compared to pitavastatin mono-therapy (14 patients (3.2%) vs. 31 patients (6.9%), respectively; HR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.23–1.84, p=0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed that use of ezetimibe and prevalence of diabetes mellitus at baseline were independent predictors of primary endpoints in STEMI group (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.63–0.99; p=0.04 for use of ezetimibe, HR 1.54; 95% CI, 1.22–1.94, p=0.0003 for diabetes mellitus). Conclusion Patients with pitavastatin+ezetimibe therapy as compared with pitavastatin-monotherapy had lower cardiovascular event in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Kaplan-Meier curves for primary endpoint Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

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Association of circulating proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 concentration, prothrombin time and cardiovascular outcomes: a prospective cohort study

Thrombosis Journal ◽

10.1186/s12959-021-00344-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jia Peng ◽

Ming-Ming Liu ◽

Hui-Hui Liu ◽

Yuan-Lin Guo ◽

Na-Qiong Wu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chest Pain ◽

Prothrombin Time ◽

Cardiovascular Events ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Cardiovascular Outcomes ◽

Lipid Lowering ◽

Thrombin Time ◽

Proprotein Convertase ◽

Cox Regression Analysis ◽

Routine Coagulation

Abstract Background Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is considered to have multiple roles in the development of atherosclerosis, which is recently reported to participate in the thrombotic process. We aimed to examine the relationship between PCSK9 concentration, coagulation indexes and cardiovascular events. Methods A total of 2293 consecutive patients with angina-like chest pain and without lipid-lowering drugs treatment were enrolled and followed up for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Circulating PCSK9 concentration was determined by ELISA. The routine coagulation tests including activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT) and thrombin time were performed. The associations between PCSK9 concentration, routine coagulation indicators and MACEs were analyzed. Results Patients with high PCSK9 levels had lower PT and APTT levels (all p < 0.05). However, PCSK9 concentration was only independently and negatively correlated with PT (β = − 0.115, p < 0.001). During a mean of 38.3 months, 186 (8.1%) MACEs were occurred. Multiple Cox regression analysis indicated high PCSK9 or low PT levels as risk factors related to MACEs. When the prognosis was analyzed by the combination of PCSK9 and PT levels, patients with high PCSK9 and low PT had higher incidence of MACEs compared to those with low PCSK9 and high PT. Conclusions Our study firstly suggested that PCSK9 concentration was negatively correlated with plasma levels of PT. Furthermore, high PCSK9 and low PT were associated with MACEs and the combination of PCSK9 with PT had an addictive effect on predicting cardiovascular outcomes in patients with chest pain, which was useful for further subdivision of cardiovascular risks.

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P5325A possible paradoxical association between LDL-cholesterol in myocardial infarction patients and relation to major adverse outcomes - a 10-year nationwide cohort study

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehz746.0294 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

J Schubert ◽

B Lindahl ◽

H Melhus ◽

H Renlund ◽

M Leosdottir ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Myocardial Infarction ◽

Statin Therapy ◽

Ldl Cholesterol ◽

Lipid Lowering ◽

World Population ◽

Lipid Lowering Therapy ◽

Cox Regression Analysis ◽

Risk Of Death

Abstract Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk increases with the level of LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), and LDL-C lowering treatment improves prognosis. Less is known about LDL-C levels at myocardial infarction (MI) admission and long-term prognosis. Purpose To investigate admission LDL-C levels in relation to mortality, recurrent MI and baseline characteristics. Methods Patients admitted with an MI in Sweden and recorded in the MI-registry (SWEDEHEART) 2006–2016 were included and followed until 2018. Associations between baseline LDL-C, mortality and MI were assessed with Cox regression analysis, adjusting for risk factors (eg. age, diabetes, prior CV events) and lipid lowering therapy. Results Of 126,669 patients (median age: 70) admitted with MI, 26.2% (n=32,883) had ongoing statin therapy, and the median LDL-C was 2.96 (interquartile range 2.23, 3.74) mmol/L. During median follow-up of 4.2 years, 31,024 died and 17,896 had an MI (table). Patients with higher LDL-C were younger, had substantially fewer comorbidities such as diabetes and prior CVD (p<0.001). In this analysis there was an interaction with ongoing statin-use (p=0.0025). When dividing patients by LDL-C into quartiles, statin naive in the highest LDL-C quartile (3.95 mmol/L) had a lower risk of death compared to patients in the lowest quartile (2.62 mmol/L) HR 0.86 (95% CI 0.83–0.90). For patients with ongoing statin, the risk was also lower with higher LDL-C (2.84 mmol/L) compared to lower LDL-C (1.72 mmol/L) HR 0.88 (95% CI 0.81–0.96). No association was observed between LDL-C and recurrent MI. Table 1. Event rate for mortality and myocardial infarction (MI) by LDL quartile groups Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 LDL-C (mmol/L) Statin naive <2.62 2.62–3.26 3.26–3.95 >3.95 Ongoing <1.72 1.72–2.21 2.21–2.84 >2.84 Mortality Statin naive 0.074 (6553) 0.049 (4596) 0.037 (3706) 0.030 (2949) Ongoing 0.10 (3297) 0.075 (2769) 0.062 (2462) 0.055 (2157) MI Statin naive 0.034 (2808) 0.026 (2292) 0.024 (2269) 0.023 (2094) Ongoing 0.064 (1796) 0.055 (1792) 0.048 (1694) 0.044 (1557) Event/year (n of events) stratified by statin treatment at index event. Conclusions In this real-world population with over 126,000 patients and 10 years of follow-up, higher LDL-C at the time of the MI was associated with a markedly better prognosis in patients with and without prior statin therapy. This paradox may, despite adjustment, be caused by a substantially lower CVD baseline risk in patients with higher LDL-C pertaining to a lower burden of risk factors, younger age, and fewer prior CVD events as well as a highly treatable risk factor.

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Antithrombotic Therapy in Lower Extremity Artery Disease

Current Vascular Pharmacology ◽

10.2174/1570161117666190206230516 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 18 (3) ◽

pp. 215-222 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Mislav Vrsalovic ◽

Victor Aboyans

Keyword(s):

Lower Extremity ◽

Antiplatelet Therapy ◽

Antithrombotic Therapy ◽

Cardiovascular Events ◽

Cardiovascular Outcomes ◽

Lower Limbs ◽

Stent Type ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Artery Disease ◽

Lower Extremity Artery Disease

Lower extremity artery disease (LEAD) is a marker of a more advanced atherosclerotic process often affecting multiple vascular beds beyond the lower limbs, with a consequent increased risk for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Antithrombotic therapy is the cornerstone of management of these patients to prevent ischaemic cardiovascular and limb events and death. In patients with symptomatic LEAD, the efficacy of aspirin has been established long ago for the prevention of cardiovascular events. In the current guidelines, clopidogrel may be preferred over aspirin following its incremental ability to prevent cardiovascular events, while ticagrelor is not superior to clopidogrel in reducing cardiovascular outcomes. Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT, aspirin with clopidogrel) is currently recommended for at least 1 month after endovascular interventions irrespective of the stent type. Antiplatelet monotherapy is recommended after infra-inguinal bypass surgery, and DAPT may be considered in below-the-knee bypass with a prosthetic graft. In symptomatic LEAD, the addition of anticoagulant (vitamin K antagonists) to antiplatelet therapy increased the risk of major and life-threatening bleeding without benefit regarding cardiovascular outcomes. In a recent trial, low dose of direct oral anticoagulant rivaroxaban plus aspirin showed promising results, not only to reduce death and major cardiovascular events, but also major limb events including amputation. Yet, this option should be considered especially in very high risk patients, after considering also the bleeding risk. Despite all the evidence accumulated since >40 years, many patients with LEAD remain undertreated and deserve close attention and implementation of guidelines advocating the use of antithrombotic therapies, tailored according to their level of risk.

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Incremental changes in QRS duration as predictor for cardiovascular disease: a 21-year follow-up of a randomly selected general population

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-93024-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Xiaojing Chen ◽

Per-Olof Hansson ◽

Erik Thunström ◽

Zacharias Mandalenakis ◽

Kenneth Caidahl ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

General Population ◽

Cardiovascular Events ◽

Population Sample ◽

Cox Regression Analysis ◽

Major Cardiovascular Events ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Qrs Duration ◽

Group 1

AbstractThe QRS complex has been shown to be a prognostic marker in coronary artery disease. However, the changes in QRS duration over time, and its predictive value for cardiovascular disease in the general population is poorly studied. So we aimed to explore if increased QRS duration from the age of 50–60 is associated with increased risk of major cardiovascular events during a further follow-up to age 71. A random population sample of 798 men born in 1943 were examined in 1993 at 50 years of age, and re-examined in 2003 at age 60 and 2014 at age 71. Participants who developed cardiovascular disease before the re-examination in 2003 (n = 86) or missing value of QRS duration in 2003 (n = 127) were excluded. ΔQRS was defined as increase in QRS duration from age 50 to 60. Participants were divided into three groups: group 1: ΔQRS < 4 ms, group 2: 4 ms ≤ ΔQRS < 8 ms, group 3: ΔQRS ≥ 8 ms. Endpoints were major cardiovascular events. And we found compared with men in group 1 (ΔQRS < 4 ms), men with ΔQRS ≥ 8 ms had a 56% increased risk of MACE during follow-up to 71 years of age after adjusted for BMI, systolic blood pressure, smoking, hyperlipidemia, diabetes and heart rate in a multivariable Cox regression analysis (HR 1.56, 95% CI:1.07–2.27, P = 0.022). In conclusion, in this longitudinal follow-up over a decade QRS duration increased in almost two out of three men between age 50 and 60 and the increased QRS duration in middle age is an independent predictor of major cardiovascular events.

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