Understanding the distinction between a heart attack and sudden cardiac death is crucial for effective cardiovascular health management. In this blog, we explore the key differences and their implications, aiming to provide you with vital information that could potentially save lives.
The influence of stress on heart health has for a long time been a piece of the cardiology puzzle that is often overlooked. Now more than ever, medical professionals are recognizing the complex way stress interacts with cardiology and, consequently, the necessity to manage stress in patients with cardiac conditions.
Many of us may not be familiar with the term endocarditis but, as Dr. Rick Pumill, renowned Cardiologist, explains, it refers to a heart or heart valve infection - a condition that can be quite catastrophic if not diagnosed and treated promptly. While many medical sites cover the basics of this condition, this article will delve into the unseen depths, offering a unique perspective by involving comprehensive statistics and other vital information.
Understanding heart medication safety during pregnancy can be a daunting task. At Cross County Cardiology, we aim to equip soon-to-be mothers with the expertise of professionals in the field who can provide them with accurate, reliable information.
In an eye-opening study presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session, researchers have unearthed critical insights into the relationship between genetic stress sensitivity, mental health, and the risk of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) during periods of high social or political stress.
As we age, our hearts undergo changes, which is why understanding how different diagnostic tests work for various age groups is crucial in cardiology. The recent DISCHARGE studysheds light on this important topic and provides invaluable insights for both patients and healthcare providers.
Introduction:
When it comes to measuring our blood pressure, using the right equipment matters a lot. A recent study conducted by researchers looked into how using the wrong-sized blood pressure cuff can lead to inaccurate readings. This is a big deal because knowing our blood pressure accurately helps in preventing heart problems. The study suggests that we should pay more attention to choosing the right cuff size, especially for people with larger arms.
Welcome to Cross County Cardiology, a top cardiology group in Bergen County. Our top doctors in New Jersey are dedicated to improving your overall well-being, even if you have vein issues. We understand that certain physical activities like running or aerobic classes may be complex for those with vein issues, but there are still plenty of ways to get a great cardio workout.
Previous studies have shown reduced cardiovascular risk with increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. However, recent data in the general population have shown increased risk of adverse outcomes at very high concentrations of HDL-C. Thus, we aimed to study the gender-specific relation between very high HDL-C levels (>80, >100 mg/100 ml) and adverse cardiovascular outcomes and the genetic basis in the general population enrolled in the United Kingdom Biobank.
A total of 415,416 participants enrolled in the United Kingdom Biobank without coronary artery disease were included in this prospective cohort study, with a median follow-up of 9 years.
A high HDL-C level >80 mg/100 ml was associated with increased risk of all-cause death (Hazard ratio [HR] 1.11, confidence interval [CI] 1.03 to 1.20, p = 0.005) and cardiovascular death (HR 1.24, CI 1.05 to 1.46, p = 0.01) after adjustment for age, gender, race, body mass index, hypertension, smoking, triglycerides, LDL-C, stroke history, heart attack history, diabetes, eGFR, and frequent alcohol use (defined as ≥3 times/week) using Cox proportional hazard and Fine and Gray's subdistribution hazard models, respectively.
In gender-stratified analyses, such associations were only observed in men (all-cause death HR 1.79, CI 1.59 to 2.02, p <0.0001; cardiovascular death HR 1.92, CI 1.52 to 2.42, p <0.0001), but not in women (all-cause death HR 0.97, CI 0.88 to 1.06, p = 0.50; cardiovascular death HR 1.04, CI 0.83 to 1.31, p = 0.70). The findings persisted after adjusting for the genetic risk score comprised of known HDL-C–associated single nucleotide polymorphisms.
Very high HDL-C levels are associated with an increased risk of all-cause death and cardiovascular death among men but not in women in the general population free of coronary artery disease.
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At Cross County Cardiology, we care about you and helping you prevent cardiovascular issues and deaths. This is why we recommend annual checkups with one of our skilled and knowledgable doctors. Make an appointment today by calling 201-776-8690 or go online, it could just save your life!
Is the joint association of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and coronary artery calcification (CAC) with increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) independent? This study recently published by the American College of Cardiology takes a look.
Quick Takes
- Lp(a) and CAC are independently associated with ASCVD risk of death, fatal and nonfatal MI, and stroke after adjusting for other risk factors including family history of MI and each other.
- Lp(a) has little clinically relevant prognostic implication for guiding primary prevention therapy decisions when CAC is known.
- A higher 10-year ASCVD incidence occurs in the Lp(a) 5th quintile when compared with Lp(a) quintiles 1-4, but only among participants with CAC ≥100.
- In persons with CAC from 0 to <100, there was no difference in incident ASCVD when the Lp (a) was ≥50 mg/dL, the level at which Lp(a) is considered a risk-enhancing factor.
Methods:
Plasma Lp(a) and CAC were measured at enrollment among asymptomatic participants of the MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis; n = 4,512) and DHA (Dallas Heart Study; n = 2,078) cohorts. Elevated Lp(a) was defined as the highest race-specific quintile, and three CAC score categories were studied (0, 1-99, and ≥100). Associations of Lp(a) and CAC with ASCVD risk were evaluated using risk factor–adjusted Cox regression models. ASCVD events included ASCVD-related death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), or fatal or nonfatal stroke.
Results:
Among MESA participants (61.9 years of age), 476 incident major ASCVD events were observed during 13.2 years of follow-up. Elevated Lp(a) and CAC score (1-99 and ≥100) were independently associated with ASCVD risk (hazard ratio [HR], 1.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-1.61; HR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.30-2.16; and HR, 2.66; 95% CI, 2.07-3.43, respectively), and Lp(a)-by-CAC interaction was not noted. The distribution of CAC scores was similar across quintiles of Lp(a) at about 50% CAC = 0, and 25% for 1-99 and ≥100. Compared with participants with nonelevated Lp(a) and CAC = 0, those with elevated Lp(a) and CAC ≥100 were at the highest risk (HR, 4.71; 95% CI, 3.01-7.40), and those with elevated Lp(a) and CAC = 0 were at a similar risk (HR, 1.31; 95% CI, 0.73-2.35). Similar findings were observed when guideline-recommended Lp(a) and CAC thresholds were considered, and findings were replicated in the DHS.
Conclusions:
Lp(a) and CAC are independently associated with ASCVD risk of death, fatal and nonfatal MI, and stroke and may be useful concurrently for guiding primary prevention therapy decisions.
Perspective:
Current national cholesterol management guidelines consider elevated Lp(a) level ≥50 mg/dL as a risk-enhancing factor, and recommend using the CAC score (≥100 or ≥75th percentile for age, sex, and race) measure to guide decisions regarding primary ASCVD prevention. While the relationship of Lp(a) and CAC score and ASCVD are independent and additive, there is minimal clinical value when the CAC score is known. But persons with concomitant Lp(a) and CAC elevation (≥50 mg/dL and ≥100 CAC, respectively) have a >20% cumulative ASCVD incidence (secondary prevention coronary heart disease risk equivalent) over 10 years. These levels justify high-intensity statin therapy, intensifying lifestyle modification, and the addition of aspirin.
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At CCC-Mt Sinai, our patients are monitored for their levels and we adjust therapy/treatment based on results. Give us a call at 201-499-7361 or go online so we can help to check your levels too!
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