Abstract 4144554: Revascularization of Patients with Low-Density Non-Calcified Plaque was Associated with Lower Occurrence of Acute Coronary Syndrome

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4144554-A4144554, November 12, 2024. INTRODUCTION:Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) is a powerful noninvasive tool for identifying high-risk plaque, such as low-density non-calcified plaque (LD-NCP). Though, the optimal treatment of patients with LD-NCP remains unclear. This study explored the association of revascularization in the setting of LD-NCP with the occurrence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS).Methods:This was a post-hoc analysis of the ICONIC study. A subset of 234 patients that underwent CCTA with subsequent ACS were matched to 234 control patients who also underwent CCTA but did not have ACS during follow-up. Patients were also followed for occurrence of revascularization, either coronary artery bypass graft or percutaneous coronary intervention. Atherosclerosis imaging-enabled quantitative CT (AI-QCT) was used to measure diameter stenosis, and LD-NCP, non-calcified plaque, and calcified plaque volumes from each CCTA. LD-NCP was defined as plaque with -190 to 30 Hounsfield Units. Patients were stratified based on the presence of LD-NCP. Subgroup analysis was conducted to compare the occurrence of ACS with the rate of revascularization. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and extended Cox regression analysis were used to evaluate the effect size of revascularization and LD-NCP on occurrence of ACS.Results:AI-QCT was completed in 448/468 subjects (follow-up time [MEAN±SD] 2.44±2.48 years). The median of LD-NCP was 1.2 mm3for patients with >0 mm3LD-NCP. There were 85 patients with LD-NCP >1.2 mm3and 363 patients with LD-NCP ≤1.2 mm3. In patients with LD-NCP >1.2 mm3, the rate of revascularization in patients with and without ACS was 3/52 (5.8%) versus 14/33 (42.4%) (p1.2 mm3and revascularization were less likely to have ACS during follow-up (adjusted HR: 0.20 [0.07, 0.61]; p=0.005). Additionally, patients with LD-NCP >1.2 mm3who did not undergo revascularization were more likely to have ACS (adjusted HR: 1.47 [1.03, 2.12]; p=0.036). Hazard ratios were adjusted for diameter stenosis, and non-calcified and calcified plaque volume. Time-dependent coefficients were included for diameter stenosis.Conclusion:Revascularization of patients with LD-NCP >1.2 mm3identified on CCTA with AI-QCT was associated with less risk for ACS.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4141438: Predictors of Left Atrial Low Voltage Areas Were Different among Age Groups in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Ablation

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4141438-A4141438, November 12, 2024. Background:Catheter ablation is a well-established treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF). Left atrial low-voltage areas (LVAs) is associated with atrial remodeling following the progression of atrial cardiomyopathy, and poor rhythm outcome after catheter ablation. However, the predictors of LVAs presence have not been fully elucidated in different age groups.Purpose:The purpose of this study was to investigate predictors of the prevalence of LVAs in different age groups.Methods:1,488 (age, 69 ± 10 years; female, 501 [34%]) consecutive patients who underwent initial ablation were included. Age groups were divided into three groups, namely

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4145819: Reducing the Burden of the Opioid Epidemic by Adopting a Novel Pain Control Strategy Utilizing Pectoral Nerve Block in Adults Undergoing Transvenous Cardiac Device Implants

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4145819-A4145819, November 12, 2024. Introduction:Despite early mitigation efforts, the opioid pandemic in the United States has persisted and affected many Americans. A public health emergency was declared urging all prescribers to use caution in prescribing opioids. Alternative approaches to postoperative pain management during transvenous cardiac device implants (TCDI) in adults have not been described.Methods:We report a single-center retrospective analysis of 612 consecutive patients that underwent TCDI between January 2021 and January 2024 with ultrasound guided pectoral nerve block (PNB) using liposomal bupivacaine prior to implant for postoperative pain management. Pain scores (0-10) were recorded systematically in the postoperative period, at discharge, and at wound check follow-up. Any need for opioid use in the postoperative period was recorded as well.Results:A total of 612 patients were evaluated, 50% female with a mean age of 71.2 years. All patients received PNB successfully with no device site infection or hematomas. The mean Visualized Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores at 1, 3, and 5 hours after the procedure, at discharge, and at the follow-up visit were 1.93, 1.22, 1.10, 1.05, and 0.13 respectively. During follow-up, no patients required opioids for pain control throughout the entire postoperative period of 14 days.Conclusion:Pectoral nerve block with liposomal bupivacaine can be performed safely preoperatively during TCDI and provides adequate pain control without need for opioid use postoperatively. Further research is needed to assess broad scale implications of this approach to larger patient populations.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4136984: Low Occurence of Fetal Extranodal Findings and AV Interval Prolongation in Prospectively Followed High Titer Anti-Ro Pregnancies

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4136984-A4136984, November 12, 2024. .Background:Third-degree atrioventricular block (AVB) is the most common manifestation of Anti-Ro antibody associated fetal cardiac disease. Extranodal findings of isolated cardiac echogenicity, valvulitis with insufficiency and AV interval prolongation have been reported but not described in large prospective series.Aims:To report the occurrence and outcomes of extranodal findings in subjects followed prospectively since 2020 in STOP BLOQ (Surveillance and Treatment to Prevent Fetal AV block Likely to Occur Quickly) and the Registry for Neonatal Lupus (RNL).Methods:We reviewed fetal echo reports from pregnant STOP BLOQ and RNL Anti-Ro antibody subjects. Pregnancies with high ( >1000 EU for anti-Ro52 or 60) antibody titers measured in a core research lab underwent surveillance with home fetal heart rate monitoring (FHRM) 3x/day and weekly or bi-weekly fetal echos from 17- 26 gestational weeks. Low titer subjects underwent echo or no surveillance based on local site protocol. We evaluated cardiac function, effusions, cardiac echogenicity and its location, any tricuspid (TV) or mitral (MV) insufficiency trivial or >trivial) and AV conduction times (170 ms)Results:Echo reports were available in 622 prospectively followed pregnancies (376 high (40/376 with a previously affected child) and 246 low-titer pregnancies. All had subjectively normal ventricular function and none had effusions. Seven fetuses, 2 low and 5 high titer at 19 (range 16.7-21.7) weeks demonstrated cardiac echogenicity (n=6), AV or semilunar valve insufficiency (n=2) or AV interval 150-170 ms (n=2) (Table). Subjects 1 and 2, both high titer and treated with prophylactic Plaquenil (400 mg/d before 10 gestational weeks), had prior fetal AVB. Subject #1 had normal AV conduction but MV and TV echogenicity and moderate insufficiency of both valves which resolved in days after IVIG and dexamethasone (dex) treatment, but 3° AVB developed at 19 weeks after dex wean. Subjects 2-7 received no treatment and extranodal findings did not progress to cardiac dysfunction or AVB. During the same time period, 10 high titer subjects developed 2° or 3° AVB.Conclusion:Anti-Ro associated extranodal findings are rare, occurring in 1% of pregnancies overall and in 5% of pregnancies with a previously affected child. Unlike AVB, extranodal findings can occur in low titer pregnancies. The role of treatment for isolated extranodal findings in the absence of cardiac dysfunction is unclear.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4123637: Prevalence of Invasively Diagnosed Coronary Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients with Chest Pain and Normal Coronary Flow Reserve: The Systematically Missed Diagnosis on Non-invasive Testing

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4123637-A4123637, November 12, 2024. Background:Invasive coronary reactivity testing (CRT) is the gold standard for comprehensive assessment of coronary endothelial and microvascular dysfunction in patients with angina and non-obstructive CAD (ANOCA). Non-invasive imaging modalities (PET and CMR) have emerged as potential alternatives. However, due to the inability to systemically administer acetylcholine, patients with normal coronary flow reserve (CFR) but abnormal endothelial function on invasive Ach testing are systemically missed on non-invasive testing. We aimed to assess the prevalence of coronary endothelial dysfunction in ANOCA patients with normal CFR.Methods:Consecutive patients undergoing CRT at our institution were included. Those with normal adenosine-based CFR ( >2.5), were further stratified as having normal coronary endothelial function (NEF, 50% increase in coronary blood flow in response to ACh) vs abnormal endothelial function (AEF, >20% epicardial coronary diameter constriction and/or

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4140117: A novel risk score predicts the prevalence of left atrial low-voltage areas and rhythm outcome in patients undergoing long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation ablation

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4140117-A4140117, November 12, 2024. Background:Catheter ablation is a most common treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF), but rhythm outcome after AF ablation in long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (LS-PerAF) is still poor. Left atrial low-voltage areas (LVAs) is associated with poor rhythm outcome after catheter ablation. However, the predictors of LVAs presence have not been fully elucidated in patients with LS-PerAF.Purpose:The purpose of this study was to establish a novel predictive score for the prevalence of LVAs in patients with LS-PerAF ablation.Methods:In total, 109 consecutive patients who underwent initial ablation for LS-PerAF were included. LS-PerAF was defined as AF whose duration was more than 1 year. LVA was defined as areas with bipolar peak-to-peak voltage of < 0.50mV. A clinical risk score was obtained as the total number of independent predictors analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. AF recurrence after the catheter ablation was followed for 24 months.Results:Of 109 patients with LS-PerAF, LVAs existed in 26 (24%) patients. A novel predictive score, named DESK score, consisted of diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR] 3.7, [95% confidence interval {CI} 2.2–11], p = 0.02), age ≥ 70 years (OR 3.8, [95% CI 1.4-10], p = 0.007), female sex (3.0 [95% CI 1.04-8.4], p = 0.04), AF duration ≥ 3.7 years (44 months) (OR 3.7, [95% CI 1.3-11], p =0.02). LVAs were more frequently found in patients with a higher DESK score (OR, 3.5 [95% CI, 1.9–6.5], p < 0.001) (Figure 1A). On receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, DESK score was a moderate predictor of LVAs presence (area under the curve, 0.750; Figure 1B). The optimal cut-off of DESK score was 3 points, corresponding to a 38.5% sensitivity, 97.6% specificity, and 83.5% predictive accuracy. Freedom from AF recurrence was significantly lower in patients with DESK score ≥ 3 than in those with DESK score < 3 (10.4% vs. 43.5%, p = 0.008).Conclusions:In patients who underwent LS-PerAF ablation, the DESK score correlated with the prevalence of LVAs, and associated with poor rhythm outcome.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4145822: The Enigma of Chest Pain: Rare Presentation of ALCAPA Syndrome in a Young Adult

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4145822-A4145822, November 12, 2024. Introduction:Anomalous Left Coronary Artery Arising from the Pulmonary Artery (ALCAPA), also known as Bland-White-Garland syndrome, is a rare congenital anomaly(incidence:1 in 300,000 live births) typically presenting during infancy. Adult presentations are even rarer due to a high mortality rate of nearly 90% in the first year of life without surgical intervention. This report examines an adult patient with exercise-induced chest pain who received a delayed diagnosis of ALCAPA via multimodal imaging.Case Summary:A 21-year-old male presented to the emergency department(ED) with severe retrosternal chest pain radiating to both shoulders and arms, which began during exercise 30 minutes prior. He had a history of similar, milder episodes during exercise, previously treated as musculoskeletal pain and gastroesophageal reflux disease in the ED. His medical, social, and family histories were unremarkable. Physical examination revealed a soft, continuous murmur along the left sternal border. During this visit, An EKG done showed sinus tachycardia at 110 bpm and deep T-wave inversions in the anterolateral leads, a dynamic ST-T changes from his baseline.Serial Cardiac biomarkers and a lipid profile were within normal ranges. Initially managed for acute coronary syndrome-unstable angina with antithrombotic therapy, beta-blockers, and nitrates, he underwent urgent coronary angiography. This revealed a dilated right coronary artery (RCA) with retrograde flow to the left coronary artery (LCA) into the main pulmonary artery (PA) via collaterals, with no evidence of atherosclerosis (Figure 1).Echocardiography (Figure 2) and coronary CT angiography (Figure 3) confirmed the diagnosis of ALCAPA. The patient underwent successful surgical repair with aortic reimplantation of the LCA and was discharged in good health.Discussion:In adult ALCAPA patients, good collateral circulation may develop; however, myocardial ischemia can occur due to the “coronary steal phenomenon” and poor collateral flow regulation, leading to angina, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. ALCAPA should be considered a differential diagnosis in adults presenting with exercise intolerance, as most sudden cardiac death cases occur by the fourth decade. A high index of clinical suspicion and a multimodality imaging approach is essential for the early diagnosis of this rare coronary anomaly, underscoring the critical role of early surgical intervention in preventing catastrophic, life-threatening events.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4135082: Small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and risk of peripheral artery disease

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4135082-A4135082, November 12, 2024. Background:High levels of small dense low-density lipoprotein (sdLDL) is a hallmark of dyslipidemia; however, studies on sdLDL cholesterol levels and risk of peripheral artery disease are sparse and results inconclusive.Hypothesis:We tested the hypothesis that higher levels of sdLDL cholesterol are associated with increased risk of peripheral artery disease in a primary prevention setting.Methods:We studied 31,036 individuals free of lipid-lowering therapy, ischemic stroke, and myocardial infarction at study entry in 2013-2017. All had fresh sample measurements of sdLDL cholesterol. During a median follow-up on 6.2 years, 155 were diagnosed with peripheral artery disease. The association was confirmed using ankle-brachial index (ABI) ≤ 0.9 as endpoint. Lastly, as comparison across different vascular beds risk estimates for myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke were calculated.Results:Higher levels of sdLDL cholesterol were associated with higher risk of peripheral artery disease and an ABI ≤ 0.9 illustrated by cubic splines multivariable adjusted for sex, systolic blood pressure, education, body mass index (BMI), diabetes, large buoyant LDL cholesterol, and age. Per 1 mmol/L (37 mg/dL) higher sdLDL cholesterol hazard ratio for peripheral artery disease was 2.01 (95% CI: 1.41-2.85) and odds ratio for an ABI ≤ 0.9 was 1.51 (95% CI: 1.07-2.14) in multivariable adjusted models. The cumulative incidence of peripheral artery disease was respectively 1.5%, 2.5%, and 3.5% for individuals having a sdLDL cholesterol in the 1st-50th, 51st-90th, and the 91st-100thpercentiles at age 80. For the 91st-100thversus the 1st-50thpercentile a hazard ratio on 2.51 (95% CI: 1.50-4.20) for peripheral artery disease, 2.18 (95% CI: 1.58-3.01) for myocardial infarction, and 1.85 (95% CI: 1.37-2.49) for ischemic stroke was found. Furthermore, the association of higher sdLDL cholesterol with increased risk of peripheral artery disease was robust in sensitivity analyses.Conclusion:Higher levels of sdLDL cholesterol were robustly associated with increased risk of peripheral artery disease in a primary prevention setting.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4146364: A refined definition for low-risk pulmonary arterial hypertension patients including mortality and morbidity

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4146364-A4146364, November 12, 2024. Background:According to the European Guidelines, “low-risk” pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients is defined as a risk of death < 5% within a year and represents a treatment-goal. However, the impact of morbidity (e.g. hospitalization and clinical worsening), were not included in this definition.Research Questions:Can REVEAL 2.0 risk score further identify low-risk PAH patients for both morbidity and mortality?Aims:Using the REVEAL 2.0 risk score, to propose a modified definition of “low-risk” to include the risk of both morbidity and mortality at 1- and 3-years, respectively.Methods:A harmonized dataset from 8 PAH randomized controlled trials from the FDA was used for this analysis and REVEAL 2.0 risk score was calculated for each patient. Modified low-risk was a priori defined by “risk of death ≤ 5% at 3-years and risk of clinical worsening ≤10% at 1-year”. Clinical worsening was defined as any of the following: lung transplantation or hospitalization due to PAH worsening, initiation of prostanoids/chronic oxygen, 15% decrease in 6-MWD from baseline, a worsening of NYHA, addition of a new PAH medication.Results:A total of 4,122 PAH patients were included: median age 49 (36, 62) yo, mPAP 50 (40, 60) mmHg, PVR 10 (7, 14) WU, 6MWD 375 (306, 423) m, NTproBNP 884 (230, 3010) pg/mL. Patients with a REVEAL 2.0 risk score ≤ 4 had a 1-year clinical worsening free-survival and 3-year survival rate of 92% and 95% (Figure 1). The 3-years survival was significantly better in patients with a REVEAL 2.0 ≤ 4 compared to 5-6: HR=0.47, 95%CI[0.27-0.84], p=0.01. Compared to patients with REVEAL 2.0 risk score of 5-6 (“classical” low-risk), those with a REVEAL 2.0 risk score ≤ 4 (“refined low-risk”) had a better clinical, biological, hemodynamic presentation, and outcomes (Table 1).Conclusion:This study is the first embedding both morbidity and mortality within the definition of low risk for PAH patients and suggests that PAH patients with REVEAL 2.0 risk score ≤ 4 meet this definition. This definition may be a promising new treatment-goal strategy in future randomized controlled trials but also for daily clinical practice.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4134796: Safety of over 1000 consecutive, selected low risk patients with accelerated discharge from a chest pain unit with early generation cardiac troponin use, no cardiac functional or anatomic testing and no clinical risk scores

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4134796-A4134796, November 12, 2024. Introduction:Over 6 million patients (pts) present to US emergency departments annually with chest pain (CP), of which the majority are found to have no serious disease. Evaluation of these pts results in substantial costs for unnecessary hospitalization and extensive testing. We evaluated the utility of early discharge of selected low-risk (LR) CP pts from a chest pain unit (CPU) in which no predischarge testing or risk scores were used.Methods:This retrospective study analyzed 1,037 consecutive LR CP pts from a prospectively recorded database. LR was based on normal examination, stable hemodynamics, normal electrocardiograms (ECG), and negative cardiac troponin I, without pre-discharge functional or anatomic cardiac testing or risk scores. We assessed demographics, comorbidities, medications, and major cardiac events at 30 d and 6 mos post-discharge.Results:The study group of 1037 pts comprised 26% of the 4010 pts admitted to the CPU during the study interval from May 2005 to March 2015. Mean patient age was 55 yrs, 56% (n=575) were women, and comorbid conditions were frequent: hypertension (64.1%), dyslipidemia (46.1%), diabetes (25.7%), documented coronary artery disease (19.3%), previous revascularization (20.6%), previous myocardial infarction (10.1%). Length of stay (LOS) in the CPU to discharge was 10.4 hrs. Women received more discharge cardiac medications than men: antiplatelet agents, statins, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II blockers, calcium channel blockers, and nitrates (p=0.0002 – 0.04).Follow-up (F/U) at 30 d was 91% (n=948) complete and revealed 0.3% (n=3) cardiac deaths, 0.6% (n=6) acute coronary syndromes (ACS), and 6.2% (n= 64) receiving revascularization. F/U at 6 mos was 90% (n=936) complete and total cumulative cardiac deaths were 0.9% (n=9), 0.7% (n=7) ACS and 6.3% (n=65) revascularization.Discussion:Cardiac events at both 30 d and 6 mos were very low and did not differ in men and women (P=0.8). LOS in CPU was minimized and patient safety was maintained. These selected LR pts remained at reduced risk for cardiac events despite a high rate of comorbidities. Early discharge of selected LR CP pts based on history, examination, ECG, and biomarker evaluation was safe and effective.Conclusion:This approach in selected LR pts has the potential to reduce unnecessary diagnostic testing and CPU LOS. This strategy could lead to substantial savings in healthcare costs without compromising patient safety.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4140363: Developing and testing a new theoretical model of pain among patients with heart failure

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4140363-A4140363, November 12, 2024. Introduction:An estimated 23-85% of adults with chronic heart failure (HF) experience comorbid chronic pain, yet no comprehensive theoretical models have been developed or tested that completely capture the salient variables which affect pain. The aim of this study was to construct a preliminary theoretical model of pain in HF and evaluate the associations between identified variables in the model with pain presence.Methods:In this cross-sectional study, baseline data were obtained from the Cognitive Intervention to Improve Memory in Heart Failure Patients study (MEMOIR-HF) (n = 235). The Biopsychosocial Model of Chronic Pain was adapted for an HF-specific population. The dependent variable was pain presence (yes/no), which was measured using the Health Utilities Index Mark-3 (HUI-3). Independent variables were identified for the model using previous literature and univariate analyses comparing patients with vs. without pain in MEMOIR-HF. Logistic regression was used to test for differences between patients with pain present and not present.Results:Demographics were 45.5% men, 54.5% women, 86.4% White, 13.6% Black, mean age 66.39 (SD 12.04) years. Of 235 patients, 159 (67.66%) reported pain on the HUI-3 items.The variables that were included following univariate analysis and literature review were age, self-reported race and gender, comorbid conditions, sleep disturbances, HF severity, B-type natriuretic peptide, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, body mass index, and depression. Patients with pain were more likely to have worse HF severity (NYHA Class II or III compared with Class I) (Class II: OR 5.09 [1.71 – 15.08], p = .003, Class III: 5.05 [1.73 – 14.71], p = .003), more severe depression (OR 1.14 [1.06 – 1.23], p = .001), and worsened daytime sleepiness (OR 0.90 [0.83 – 0.98], p = .017), see Table 1.Conclusions:We believe this study is one of the first to construct and test a preliminary comprehensive model of pain in HF. Complete characterization of pain in HF is needed before treatments can be improved. Future research is needed to explore variables that were not available in the MEMOIR-HF dataset. More robust pain measures are needed to adequately test all variables.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4146790: Circadian Variation of ST Elevation Mycardial Infarction is Associated Not Only With Chest Pain Onset But Also Infarct Related Artery and TIme Delays to Treatment.

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4146790-A4146790, November 12, 2024. Introduction:Available data suggest there is some regularity in the time of the day when patients experience their first clinical symptoms (pain) of ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). It has been noticed that the largest number of cases of myocardial infarction are observed in the early morning. Some studies, especially in Asian populations, have found a shift into the afternoon hours. Additionally, some publications suggest the existence of secondary peaks of incidence in the evening hours. There also seems to be a relationship between night hours and the occurrence of myocardial infarctions in patients with sleep apnea. Although the risk of myocardial infarction is highest in the morning, there are differences depending on the region and population which might indicate the influence of local and individual factors on the circadian rhythm of the disease.Objective:To analyze circadian variation of STEMI first chest pain onset occurence on one of the largest populations tested so far and to see if there is an association with time delays to Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI).Methods:Data from the Polish National PCI Registry (ORPKI Registry) on patients with confirmed STEMI diagnosis who underwent either coronary angiography and/or PCI from 2014 untill 2022 were analyzed.Results:There were 153 543 individual patients in the analyzed time period with 68% of males. Circadian variation in the probablity of STEMI occurence in both men and women is presented in Figure 1 (p >0.05). Median time from chest pain onset to first medical contact (FMC) was 180 minutes (60-260; 95% CI) at 3 am and 90 minutes (59-196; 95% CI) at 1 pm respectively (p

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4139307: Machine Learning Identifies Predictors of Poor Outcomes in Patients with Heart Failure Presenting to the Emergency Department for Chest Pain

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4139307-A4139307, November 12, 2024. Introduction:Heart failure (HF) is associated with unique comorbidities and sequelae, which can affect clinical presentation and patient outcomes. This is specifically challenging when patients are evaluated for suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We sought to compare the most important predictors of poor outcomes in patients with and without HF seen in the emergency department (ED) for ACS.Methods:This was a secondary analysis of a prospective observational cohort study of consecutive patients seen for symptoms suggestive of ACS, such as chest pain (CP) and dyspnea, in the EDs of three UPMC-affiliated tertiary care hospitals (NCT04237688, clinicaltrials.gov). Primary outcome was 30-day major adverse cardiac events (MACE), adjudicated by two independent reviewers. Clinical data were collected form charts and we used KNN to impute missing data for features, most of which had less than 12.5% missingness. For features with greater than 12.5% missingness (i.e., BNP, Mg), binary indicators were added to flag missing values. Data were normalized using the Euclidean norm. Two random forest (RF) classifiers were trained using 10-fold cross validation with 71 manually selected features available early in the ED course (i.e., vital signs, labs, past medical history, ECG), and tested on patients with and without known HF. Model performance was evaluated using AUROC, and top features were identified with SHAP values.Results:The sample included 2400 patients (age 59 ± 16 years; 47% female, 41% Black, 15.9% ACS), of whom 438 had HF (age 66 ± 14 years; 45% female, 49% Black, 15.1% ACS). Individuals with HF were more likely to experience MACE (38% vs 23%,p

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4134364: Predicted Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Outcomes Lowering With Inclisiran in Patients With or Without stroke: Insights from SIRIUS in silico trial.

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4134364-A4134364, November 12, 2024. Introduction:Inclisiran, an siRNA, targeting PCSK9 mRNA, reduces LDL-c levels. In SIRIUS in silico trial (NCT05974345), inclisiran was predicted to lower cardiovascular (CV) events in virtual patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).Research question:This analysis predicted the potential efficacy of inclisiran on CV outcomes in virtual patients with or without prior ischemic stroke (IS).Methods:The SIRIUS trial was conducted using a calibrated and validated knowledge-based mechanistic computational model of ASCVD applied to a virtual population with LDL-C ≥ 70 mg/dL. Each virtual patient was its own control. SIRIUS compared the efficacy of inclisiran vs placebo on top of High Intensity (HI) statin with or without ezetimibe on 3-Point-MACE defined as a composite of time to first occurrence of CV death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI) or nonfatal IS over 5 years in patients with or without prior IS. Occurrence of fatal and non-fatal (IS) was also individually assessed in time-to-first-event analyses.Results:Among 204,691 virtual SIRIUS ASCVD patients, 39 371 (19%) had prior IS. At 5 years, the predicted mean percentage reduction in LDL-C with inclisiran as compared to placebo was –49.17% and –49.88% in patients with or without prior IS respectively. Patients with prior IS were at higher risk of 3P-MACE than patients without IS both with placebo and inclisiran (17.01% vs 14.41% with placebo and 13.44% vs 10.83% with inclisiran). However, the predicted rate of 3P-MACE in the inclisiran arm was consistently lower than in the placebo arm for both prior IS and no prior IS (HR 0.78 medium uncertainty and 0.74 low uncertainty respectively). Compared to placebo, inclisiran was also predicted to consistently reduce fatal and non-fatal IS in patients with or without prior IS (5.45% vs 7.22%; HR: 0.75 medium uncertainty and 1.87% vs 2.54%; HR: 0.73 medium uncertainty respectively).Conclusion:SIRIUS provides insights into the potential efficacy of inclisiran on CV events suggesting a substantial 3P-MACE and fatal and non-fatal IS reduction in ASCVD patients including those with prior IS, several years before the availability of results from ongoing outcomes trials (ORION-4, VICTORION-2P).

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4138273: Acceptability and Gain of Knowledge of Community Educational Tools About Rheumatic Heart Disease Integrated With Screening In Low-Income Settings

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4138273-A4138273, November 12, 2024. Background:Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) causes 305,000 premature annual deaths, and education is one of the strategies to diminish disease burden. International RHD foundations aim do provide preventive and control efforts for RHD. We aimed to assess the acceptability and gain of knowledge of a series of education flipcharts presented during screening programs in high-burden areas of Brazil.Methods:Four flipcharts (“Introduction to rheumatic fever (RF) and RHD”, “RHD and pregnancy”, “RHD and surgery” and “RHD community awareness”) were developed over 3 years and taught during 36 months to patients, community, health and education professionals in Minas Gerais state. Training included in-person interactions and virtual workshops. Pre and post-training questionnaires were applied through an online and printed surveys in 2021 and 2022, and post-education evaluations were conducted from January 2023 to April, 2024.Results:Flipchart training was successfully delivered to 112 education professionals, 574 health providers and 598 community members (N=1284): 899 (70%) were enrolled in primary care, and 1109 (86%) responded the surveys. Among respondents of the survey for health and education professionals (N=589), 240 (41%) had been educated about RHD in the previous year. 569 (96%) learned any new information; the content was all new for 21 (4%). Nearly all professionals reported that flipcharts could improve patients’ lives (571, 97%) and felt confident to use the tool with someone with no knowledge about RHD (533, 91%); 86% of the teachers said they would use flipcharts as educational tools. In the survey for community / schoolchildren (N=520) only 128 (25%) respondents had previous education on RHD, 510 (98%) reported that learned new information, and content was completely new for 242 (47%). A total of 430 (83%) individuals reported that they will discuss RHD with families and community. All qualitative written reports were positive. In 2021/2022, 218/485 (45%) health and education professionals responded the pre/post questionnaire. Knowledge about RHD increased after training: RF as the cause of RHD (56% vs 86%), use of Benzathine Penicillin G (50% vs 97%), frequency of antibiotic prophylaxis (32% vs 90%) and overall moderate or expert understanding of RF or RHD (30% vs 82%).Conclusion:Flipchart educational sessions about RHD had a very positive acceptability in high-risk Brazilian populations, with remarkable gain of knowledge for health professionals.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4139384: Retrospective Review of the Safety and Effectiveness of a Low Carbohydrate Ketogenic Diet in Overweight or Obese Patients with Heart Failure

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4139384-A4139384, November 12, 2024. Background:Recent evidence suggests a therapeutic role for ketosis in patients with heart failure (HF). However, little is known regarding the safety and effectiveness of a low carbohydrate ketogenic diet (LCKD) in patients with overweight or obesity and HF.Purpose:To examine the safety and effectiveness of a LCKD in patients with overweight or obesity and HF.Methods:A retrospective review from 2006-2024 was conducted of all patients with overweight or obesity and HF who followed a LCKD with clinical oversight for at least one year in a university health system. Changes in metabolic outcomes, echocardiographic measures, and medication use were assessed. Heart failure hospitalization (HFH) rates and rate ratios (RR) and all-cause mortality rates were calculated and stratified by HF classification.Results:A total of 125 patients met inclusion criteria, including 59 patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and 66 patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Patients lost a median (interquartile range) of 11.2 kg (-19.5, 4.4;p

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Novembre 2024