Ethnic and sex-related differences at presentation in apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: An observational cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: We investigated whether ethnicity and sex are associated with different clinical presentations and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) findings in individuals with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (ApHCM). METHODS: A retrospective observational cohort study of consecutive ApHCM patients from a large tertiary referral center in the United Kingdom (UK). Demographic, clinical, 12‑lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and CMR findings were collected. Participants presented in our clinics between 2010 and 2020. 'Pure' ApHCM was defined as isolated apical hypertrophy and 'mixed' with both apical and septal hypertrophy but with the apical segments of a greater wall thickness. Deep T-wave inversion was defined as ≥5 mm in any electrocardiogram lead. RESULTS: A total of 150 consecutive ApHCM patients (75% men, 25% women; 37% White, 25% Black, 24% Asian and 15% of Mixed/Other ethnicity) were included. Females were diagnosed at an older age compared to men, had less prominent ECG changes, had higher left atrial area index, and were more hypertensive. Black patients had higher left ventricular mass index, more hypertension, and more of the 'mixed' type of ApHCM. The majority of hypertensive male patients showed the 'mixed' phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals of Black ethnicity and hypertensive male patients are more likely to present with mixed apical and basal hypertrophy, whereas White, Asian and non-hypertensive male patients tend to have hypertrophy limited to the apex. Females present at an older age and are less likely to have deep T wave inversion on ECG

Prevalence and diagnostic significance of de-novo 12-lead ECG changes after COVID-19 infection in elite soccer players.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The efficacy of pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 infection 12-lead ECGs for identifying athletes with myopericarditis has never been reported. We aimed to assess the prevalence and significance of de-novo ECG changes following COVID-19 infection. METHODS: In this multicentre observational study, between March 2020 and May 2022, we evaluated consecutive athletes with COVID-19 infection. Athletes exhibiting de-novo ECG changes underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) scans. One club mandated CMR scans for all players (n=30) following COVID-19 infection, despite the absence of cardiac symptoms or de-novo ECG changes. RESULTS: 511 soccer players (median age 21 years, IQR 18-26 years) were included. 17 (3%) athletes demonstrated de-novo ECG changes, which included reduction in T-wave amplitude in the inferior and lateral leads (n=5), inferior leads (n=4) and lateral leads (n=4); inferior T-wave inversion (n=7); and ST-segment depression (n=2). 15 (88%) athletes with de-novo ECG changes revealed evidence of inflammatory cardiac sequelae. All 30 athletes who underwent a mandatory CMR scan had normal findings. Athletes revealing de-novo ECG changes had a higher prevalence of cardiac symptoms (71% vs 12%, p<0.0001) and longer median symptom duration (5 days, IQR 3-10) compared with athletes without de-novo ECG changes (2 days, IQR 1-3, p<0.001). Among athletes without cardiac symptoms, the additional yield of de-novo ECG changes to detect cardiac inflammation was 20%. CONCLUSIONS: 3% of athletes demonstrated de-novo ECG changes post COVID-19 infection, of which 88% were diagnosed with cardiac inflammation. Most affected athletes exhibited cardiac symptoms; however, de-novo ECG changes contributed to a diagnosis of cardiac inflammation in 20% of athletes without cardiac symptoms

Prevalence and diagnostic significance of de-novo 12-lead ECG changes after COVID-19 infection in elite soccer players.

Background and aim: The efficacy of pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 infection 12-lead ECGs for identifying athletes with myopericarditis has never been reported. We aimed to assess the prevalence and significance of de-novo ECG changes following COVID-19 infection. Methods: In this multicentre observational study, between March 2020 and May 2022, we evaluated consecutive athletes with COVID-19 infection. Athletes exhibiting de-novo ECG changes underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) scans. One club mandated CMR scans for all players (n=30) following COVID-19 infection, despite the absence of cardiac symptoms or de-novo ECG changes. Results: 511 soccer players (median age 21 years, IQR 18-26 years) were included. 17 (3%) athletes demonstrated de-novo ECG changes, which included reduction in T-wave amplitude in the inferior and lateral leads (n=5), inferior leads (n=4) and lateral leads (n=4); inferior T-wave inversion (n=7); and ST-segment depression (n=2). 15 (88%) athletes with de-novo ECG changes revealed evidence of inflammatory cardiac sequelae. All 30 athletes who underwent a mandatory CMR scan had normal findings. Athletes revealing de-novo ECG changes had a higher prevalence of cardiac symptoms (71% vs 12%, p<0.0001) and longer median symptom duration (5 days, IQR 3-10) compared with athletes without de-novo ECG changes (2 days, IQR 1-3, p<0.001). Among athletes without cardiac symptoms, the additional yield of de-novo ECG changes to detect cardiac inflammation was 20%. Conclusions: 3% of athletes demonstrated de-novo ECG changes post COVID-19 infection, of which 88% were diagnosed with cardiac inflammation. Most affected athletes exhibited cardiac symptoms; however, de-novo ECG changes contributed to a diagnosis of cardiac inflammation in 20% of athletes without cardiac symptoms

Clinical diagnosis and management of resistant hypertension

Resistant hypertension (RHT) is variably defined as insufficient blood pressure (BP) response to multiple drug treatment. Prevalence of RHT has been thoroughly studied in the recent years, ranging from about 5 to 30 % in various cohorts. Initial management of patients with apparent RHT requires identification of true treatment resistance by out-of-office BP measurements, assessment of adherence and screening for treatable causes of uncontrolled BP. Endorsement of lifestyle modifications and maximisation of the doses of a suitable regimen, preferably with the further addition of an aldosterone antagonist, are the mainstay of treatment. An invasive approach to RHT, mainly represented by renal nerve ablation, should be kept for persistently severe cases managed in a specialised hypertension centre. © 2017 Radcliffe Cardiology. All rights reserved

Periodontitis and blood pressure: The concept of dental hypertension

Chronic periodontitis is a common inflammatory disorder that is being contemplated as a risk factor for atherosclerotic complications. Current epidemiological evidence also supports its potential association with increases in blood pressure levels and hypertension prevalence. Furthermore, data from cross-sectional studies suggest that in hypertensive subjects periodontitis may enhance the risk and degree of target organ damage. A possible pathogenetic background of an effect of periodontitis on blood pressure should include the systemic generalization of the local oral inflammation, the role of the host immune response, the direct microbial effect on the vascular system and alterations in endothelial function. Inversely, the concept of hypertension unfavorably affecting periodontal tissues cannot be excluded. The two conditions share multiple common risk factors that should be readily controlled for when assessing a possible association. Thoroughly designed prospective and interventional trials are needed in order to determine the impact of periodontitis on blood pressure regulation and incident hypertension and its integration in the clinical approach of both dental and hypertensive patients. © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd

The role of matrix metalloproteinases in diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease that adversely affects multiple vascular components from early in its course. Current evidence implicates matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their endogenous inhibitors in diverse pathways associated with the development and progression of diabetic microvascular complications. In diabetic nephropathy, altered MMPs expression contributes to extracellular matrix deposition and glomerular hypertrophy that eventually lead to proteinuria and renal insufficiency. In diabetic cardiomyopathy, MMPs participate in the breakdown of collagen and elastin, myocardial remodelling as well as the vulnerability of the coronary plaque. The development of diabetic peripheral arterial disease is mediated by the impaired angiogenesis caused by the activity of MMPs. Experimental data support an integral role of MMPs in cerebral circulation and stroke volume in diabetes. An excess of MMPs may contribute in poor diabetic wound healing. Future research should further clarify the role of MMPs within the pathophysiological substrate of diabetes, as well as potential therapeutic options. © 2012 Bentham Science Publishers

Managing hypertension in obstructive sleep apnea: The interplay of continuous positive airway pressure, medication and chronotherapy

Hypertension is highly prevalent and usually uncontrolled among patients with obstructive sleep apnea despite multiple interventions, namely lifestyle modifications, use of antihypertensive drugs and continuous positive airway pressure application. Main prognosticators of the blood pressure (BP) reduction with continuous positive airway pressure therapy are high levels of BP, severity of apnea and daytime sleepiness. The long-term effect of continuous positive airway pressure on BP is still inconclusive, and compliance issues constitute a major limitation. There is no clear evidence for preference for a specific type of antihypertensive drug, and selection should primarily be guided by the patient&apos;s cardiometabolic profile and associated clinical conditions. Furthermore, as hypertensive patients with obstructive sleep apnea frequently exhibit a disturbed circadian BP pattern, chronotherapy emerges as a possible therapeutic supplement. © 2010 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams &amp; Wilkins