Abstract 4143150: Long-term Effect of Screening for Coronary Artery Disease Using CT Angiography on Mortality and Cardiac Events in High-risk Patients with Diabetes: the FACTOR-64 Follow-up Study

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4143150-A4143150, November 12, 2024. Background:The FACTOR-64 study was a randomized controlled trial designed to assess whether routine screening for CAD by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in high-risk patients with diabetes followed by CCTA-directed therapy would reduce the risk of death and nonfatal coronary outcomes. Results at four years showed a lower revascularization rate (3.1% (14) vs. 8.9% (40), p

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4121454: Machine-extractable Markers in Chest Radiograph to Predict Cardiovascular Risk in Screening Population

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4121454-A4121454, November 12, 2024. Introduction:Recent research has shown that AI is able to assess biological aging and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk using chest radiographs. However, the lack of explainability of such deep learning algorithms hinders clinical utility and adoption. This motivates the current study which searches for and tests the use of machine extractable quantitative features in chest radiographs to predict CVD risk in population screening.Method:Chest radiograph measurements characterizing cardiomediastinal geometry, aortic calcification and tortuosity were handpicked for development of a segmentation-based feature extraction algorithm. The algorithm was applied on the PLCO lung screening dataset for analysis. The association between measurement-based imaging features, clinical characteristics (age, sex, BMI, smoking status, hypertension, diabetes, liver disease) with CVD mortality and 10-year major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were analysed by using proportional hazard regression, with feature selection done by LASSO.Result:Of 29,453 eligible subjects, 5693 subjects from a single study centre were used for fitting of all models. The median follow-up time was 19 years. A total of 32 imaging features were extracted and analysed. For both 10-year MACE and CVD mortality, model using imaging features, age, and sex performed similarly to model using conventional risk factors, and a deep learning chest radiograph CVD risk model. Two imaging features, mediastinal width at valve-level [HR 1.36 (1.23-1.50)] and maximal lateral displacement of descending aorta [HR 1.29 (1.18-1.42)] were found to be prognostic. To the best of our knowledge, these features have not been reported previously.Conclusion:Quantitative imaging features can predict CVD risk in chest radiograph similar to deep learning models while providing feature interpretability and explainability. Two novel imaging features prognostic of CVD risk were found and shown to be complementary to conventional risk factors.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4131439: Routine Social Isolation Screening Among Adults with Cardiovascular Disease: A Survival Analysis

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4131439-A4131439, November 12, 2024. Background:Evidence linking social isolation to cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality has grown in recent years. Still, information on how this may manifest in real world settings and its implications for screening practices is limited. In 2019, our large national integrated health care system implemented screening for social isolation as part of a broader universal social risk assessment. This repository of screening data was joined to administrative claims to test these associations in real world data and explore differences by demographic and medical factors.Methods:Social isolation responses recorded from 2019-2022 were included for a cohort of adult health plan members with documented atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). We selected a single random assessment for each member and retained any other responses for sensitivity analyses. Cohort members had at least 10 months of enrollment surrounding assessment date for use as the baseline period and were followed for 365 days. We used cox proportional hazards regression with right censoring for coverage gaps to estimate the risk of all-cause mortality conferred by social isolation. We used Poisson regression to model the rate of inpatient stays.Results:There were 881 deaths among 7,484 members (18% of those with social isolation; 11% of those without). The isolated group skewed less male (54% vs. 65%, p

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4145119: Implementation and Evaluation of a Life’s Essential 8 Risk Factor Screening Tool in a Public HIV Clinic in Tanzania

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4145119-A4145119, November 12, 2024. Background:The burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increasing among people with HIV (PWH) in sub-Saharan Africa. Integrating CVD screening into routine HIV care represents an opportunity to diagnose CVD at an earlier stage in a potentially high-risk population.Research questionsIs integrating CVD risk factor screening feasible and sustainable in a public HIV clinic in Mwanza, Tanzania? What is the magnitude of CVD risk of the general adult PWH population? What is the unmet need for blood pressure (BP) and diabetes management?Methods:We adapted the AHA Life’s Essential 8 (LE8) into a rapid questionnaire that was administered to every PWH in a large public adult HIV clinic. Questions included demographics; LE8 risk factors (BMI, diet, physical activity, sleep, and smoking); and the hypertension and diabetes continuum of care. Every patient had their BP measured; BP was measured two additional times for those with an initial BP >140/90 mmHg. We administered random blood glucose screening to anyone with a high BP, obese BMI, current smoking, or history of diabetes. Implementation and effectiveness were evaluated using the RE-AIM framework.Results:In 3 months, 1072 PWH were screened at least once. Mean age was 50 years and 72% were female. On average, PWH had a nutritious diet and received adequate physical activity per AHA guidelines. The prevalence of hypertension was 34%; the continuum of care is shown in Figure 1. Of those screened, 21% had diabetes or pre-diabetes. Evaluation via the RE-AIM framework is shown in Table 1. Successes included the reach and effectiveness of screening in only 3 months. Adoption was the biggest challenge due to staffing and supply constraints. The intervention was feasible, implemented with fidelity, and is ongoing.Conclusions:Integrating CVD risk screening into routine HIV care in a busy Tanzanian clinic was feasible and demonstrated a high magnitude of undiagnosed and untreated hypertension among the general PWH population.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4147650: Right Ventricular Hemodynamics in Patients Screened for HFpEF with a Novel Artificial Intelligence Screening Tool

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4147650-A4147650, November 12, 2024. Background:Invasive hemodynamics are the gold standard for diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). A novel, FDA-approved artificial intelligence (AI) technology that uses a single, 4-chamber transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) image to screen patients for HFpEF shows promise as a non-invasive tool to assist in diagnosis. Development of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is a sign of a more advanced HFpEF. Advanced RV hemodynamic parameters, beyond pulmonary arterial pressures (PAP), have not been well studied in HFpEF. We sought to correlate advanced RV hemodynamic parameters in patients screened for HFpEF with this AI screening tool.Method:We retrospectively evaluated two cohorts of patients with suspected HFpEF that underwent TTE and RHC at our institution. The most recent TTE for each patient was screened using the AI-based analysis tool and was reported as either “suggestive” or “non-suggestive” of HFpEF – labeled as “positive” or “negative,” respectively. Mean PAP, pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPI), RV cardiac power output (RV-CPO), RV myocardial performance score (RV-MPS), and right atrial pressure to pulmonary capillary wedge pressure ratio (RA:PCWP) were calculated using invasive hemodynamic parameters at rest, and exercise when available. RV-CPO was calculated as [(mean PAP-RAP) x cardiac output] /451, and RV-MPS was calculated as (RV-CPO x PAP)x1.5. Median values were calculated. AI positive and negative groups were compared using Student’s t-test.Results:A total of 47 patients (82% women, 79% Black, average EF 62%) were included, with 23 undergoing subsequent exercise RHC. There were 18 (38%) that screened positive for HFpEF, and 29 (62%) screened negative by TTE AI software. Positive patients had a significantly higher mean PAP (median 31 vs 23 mmHg, p=0.01), PVR (2.1 vs 1.3 WU, p=0.02), and RV-CPO (0.26 vs. 0.17, p=0.04) than patients who were screened negative. There were no significant differences in PAPI, RV-MPS, and RA:PCWP at rest. There were no significant differences in mean PAP, PVR, PAPI RV-CPO, RV-MPS, or RA:PCWP with exercise.Conclusion:Patients screened positive for HFpEF by a novel AI TTE software had significantly higher PAP and RV-CPO at rest, but no differences in PAPI, RV-MPS, or RA:PCWP ratio. This tool may help identify more advanced HFpEF.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4145962: Evaluating a Single-Lead, Mobile Electrocardiogram for Screening of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4145962-A4145962, November 12, 2024. Introduction:Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects nearly a billion adults worldwide, and is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart failure, and arrhythmias – notably atrial fibrillation (AF). Low cost, point of care mobile electrocardiograms (MobileECGs) record and detect heart rhythm abnormalities in 30 seconds. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the KardiaMobile (AliveCor) MobileECG device as an AF screen in the OSA patient population.Methods:The MobileECG Sleep Study enrolled 500 adult University of Florida Health patients in an observational study between March 2021 and March 2024. After providing consent and completing a brief survey regarding pre-existing health conditions and overall sleep health, a trained research assistant performed the AF screening with the KardiaMobile ECG device. ECG readings were marked for previously undetected abnormalities (potential AF, tachycardia, bradycardia, etc.) and statistically analyzed to determine stroke risk using the CHA2DS2-VASc scoring system. CHA2DS2-VASc criteria includes congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 (doubled), diabetes, stroke (doubled), vascular disease, age 65 to 74 and sex category (female).Results:A total of 500 participants were enrolled over a 3 year period at University of Florida Health Sleep Center. Of which 276 (55.2%) were female and 224 (44.8%) were male, with a mean age of 56.34 (SD 15.74) and a mean weight of 222.50 (SD 63.25). Of those tested, 68 (13.6%) had irregular, previously undetected AF readings. Patients with irregular AF readings using the KardiaMobile ECG device had CHA2DS2-VASc scores of t(68) = 2.15, p = .042, d = 0.26 indicating an intermediate risk for stroke. Oral anticoagulation is recommended for a score of ≥ 2 if the patient has no contraindication. After prior 12-lead ECG data for patients is obtained the determinations will be compared to the KardiaMobile ECG readings using Cohen’s Kappa.Conclusion:MobileECGs offer a rapid, point of care screening tool for AF in an outpatient sleep clinic setting. Early detection of AF in the OSA patient population can result in improved outcomes and reduced instances of stroke events through anticoagulation therapy guided by CHA2DS2-VASc scores. Further research is necessary to understand the long term impact of surveillance AF screening in high risk patient populations on mortality and cost of healthcare.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4143847: CRISPR screening identifies critical factors regulating DNA damage response in human cardiomyocytes under oxidative stress

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4143847-A4143847, November 12, 2024. Introduction:Our previous studies have shown that sustained activation of the DNA damage response (DDR) in cardiomyocytes leads to p53/p21 activation and cardiac dysfunction. Although the DDR generally involves molecules in DNA replication and repair pathways, the non-proliferative nature of cardiomyocytes suggests a cardio-specific DDR mechanism. However, our understanding of DDR in cardiomyocytes remains limited. Here, we aim to use CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) knockdown screens to identify genes critically involved in DDR regulation in human cardiomyocytes. We hypothesize that identifying these gene clusters may allow us to develop methods to prevent cardiac dysfunction by suppressing DDR in cardiomyocytes.Methods and Results:We established a human iPS cell line stably expressing dCas9-KRAB, which allows CRISPRi-mediated gene knockdown, and differentiated the cells into cardiomyocytes. The resulting human iPS cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSCMs) showed the achievement of approximately 80% knockdown efficiency after gRNA transfection. We stimulated the hiPSCMs with H2O2and quantitatively evaluated the expression levels of the DDR markers γH2AX and p21 by immunostaining using the Operetta®high content imaging system. The DDR markers showed a significant concentration-dependent increase in response to H2O2administration. For arrayed CRISPRi screening, we constructed a gRNA library targeting 437 DDR-related genes. Using this library, we knocked down each DDR-related gene in hiPSCMs followed by H2O2stimulation. We quantified the expression levels of DDR markers by calculating the fluorescence intensity ratios relative to control after gene knockdown, and standardized them to calculate Z scores for all 437 genes. The screening successfully revealed the differential impact of each gene knockdown on γH2AX and p21 expression. We identified 71 genes that significantly affected their expression (Z-score < -1 or > 1). Mapping these genes to DDR pathways highlighted the differential impact of gene knockdown within the same pathway, and stratified their importance in cardiomyocytes.Conclusions:Arrayed CRISPR screening using hiPSCMs revealed differential functional significance of DDR-related genes in cardiomyocytes, identifying 71 genes of particularly significant importance. These findings provide a critical understanding of the cardio-specific DDR pathway and important clues for establishing an appropriate method to suppress DDR in the failing heart.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4131622: Opportunistic Screening of Chronic Liver Disease With Deep Learning Enhanced Echocardiography

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4131622-A4131622, November 12, 2024. Introduction:Chronic liver disease affects more than 1.5 billion adults worldwide, but the majority of cases are asymptomatic and undiagnosed. Echocardiography is broadly performed and visualizes the liver; however, this information is not diagnostically leveraged.Hypothesis and Aims:We hypothesized that a deep-learning algorithm can detect chronic liver diseases using subcostal echocardiography images that contains hepatic tissue. To develop and evaluate a deep learning algorithm on subcostal echocardiography videos to enable opportunistic screening for chronic liver disease.Methods:We identified adult patients who received echocardiography and abdominal imaging (either abdominal ultrasound or abdominal magnetic resonance imaging) with ≤30 days between tests. A convolutional neural network pipeline was developed to predict the presence of cirrhosis or steatotic liver disease (SLD) using echocardiogram images. The model performance was evaluated in a held-out test dataset, dataset in which diagnosis was made by magnetic resonance imaging, and external dataset.Results:A total of 2,083,932 echocardiography videos (51,608 studies) from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (CSMC) were used to develop EchoNet-Liver, an automated pipeline that identifies high quality subcostal images from echocardiogram studies and detects presence of cirrhosis or SLD. In a total of 11,419 quality-controlled subcostal videos from 4,849 patients, a chronic liver disease detection model was able to detect the presence of cirrhosis with an AUC of 0.837 (0.789 – 0.880) and SLD with an AUC of 0.799 (0.758 – 0.837). In a separate test cohort with paired abdominal MRIs, cirrhosis was detected with an AUC of 0.726 (0.659-0.790) compared to MR elastography and SLD was detected with an AUC of 0.704 (0.689-0.718). In the external test cohort of 66 patients (n = 130 videos), the model detected cirrhosis with an AUC of 0.830 (0.738 – 0.909) and SLD with an AUC of 0.768 (0.652 – 0.875).Conclusions:Deep learning assessment of clinically indicated echocardiography enables opportunistic screening of SLD and cirrhosis. Application of this algorithm may identify patients who may benefit from further diagnostic testing and treatment for hepatic disease.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4147292: An ECG-based Heart Failure Screening Tool for People with Sickle Cell Disease

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4147292-A4147292, November 12, 2024. Background:Tissue hypoxia and chronic anemia associated with sickle cell disease (SCD) leads to structural and physiological alterations in the heart. Early detection of heart failure (HF) in patients with SCD can assist with timely interventions, but current methods (e.g., echocardiogram and heart MRI) are not easily accessible in resource-deprived settings. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tools utilizing low-cost ECG data to increase the power to detect more patients eligible for early treatment, thus improving patient outcomes, and needs to be validated.Hypothesis:We hypothesize that ECG-AI models developed to detect incident HF in the general population can detect HF in SCD patients.Methods/Approach:We previously developed an ECG-AI model employing convolutional neural networks to classify patients with HF using a large ECG-repository at Wake Forest Baptist Health (WFBH). This model was developed using 1,078,198 digital ECGs from 165,243 patients, 73% White, 19% Black, and 52% female individuals, with a mean age (SD) of 58 (15) years. The hold-out AUC of this previous model in distinguishing ECGs of HF patients from controls was 0.87. In this study, we externally validated this ECG-AI model using SCD patients’ data from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC). Additionally, a logistic regression (LR) model was constructed in the UTHSC cohort by incorporating other simple demographic variables with the outcome of ECG-AI model.Results/Data:The UTHSC external validation cohort included data from 2,107 SCD patients (188 HF and 1,919 SCD patients with no HF), 98% were Black, 72% were female, with a mean age of 39 (14) years. Despite demographic differences between the validation (more Blacks) and derivation cohorts (lower age), our ECG-AI model accurately identified HF with an AUC of 0.80 (0.77-0.82) in the UTHSC SCD cohort. When incorporating ECG-AI outcome (an ECG-based risk value between 0 and 1), age, sex, and race in a LR model, the AUC significantly improved (DeLong Test, p

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4142502: Stepwise Screening with AI-Enhanced Electrocardiogram and Point-of-Care Ultrasound Improves Cost Savings of Structural Heart Disease Detection Compared to AI-Enhanced Electrocardiogram Alone

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4142502-A4142502, November 12, 2024. Background:AI-ECG is a cost-effective tool for left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) screening. However, its cost-effectiveness for other forms of structural heart disease (SHD) is unknown. While AI-ECG is inexpensive, a drawback is low positive predictive value (PPV), which leads to high costs from unnecessary follow-up tests. Therefore, strategies to improve the yield of AI-ECG-based screening are needed.Aim:To evaluate the cost savings of a stepwise approach to SHD screening with AI-ECG followed by POCUS compared to AI-ECG alone.Methods:286 adult outpatients undergoing AI-ECG were selected at random. Participants received same-day POCUS and had a recent TTE (our gold standard for SHD). We evaluated four SHDs: aortic stenosis (AS), cardiac amyloidosis (CA), HCM, and LVD. The costs of AI-ECG ($75) and TTE ($1,305) were obtained from Healthcare Bluebook. The cost of POCUS ($100) was estimated independently. Cost savings were analyzed for simultaneous screening for all forms of SHD and screening for individual SHDs.Results:AI-ECG identified potential SHD in 125 patients, but only 39 were true positives by TTE (31% PPV). In AI-ECG positive patients, POCUS demonstrated findings of SHD in 52/125. Compared to TTE, this stepwise approach yielded 32 true positives and 20 false positives (62% PPV). The cost per patient diagnosed with SHD was $4,733 with AI-ECG alone but decreased to $3,182 with stepwise screening (33% cost savings). Screening for individual SHDs resulted in cost reduction from $18,724 to $6,315 (66% savings) for AS, $21,023 to $12,230 (42% savings) for CA, $9,883 to $6,175 (38% savings) for HCM, and $4,019 to $3,582 (11% savings) for LVD.Conclusions:Stepwise screening for SHD with AI-ECG followed by POCUS significantly reduces costs compared to AI-ECG alone. We also suggest a model for parallel screening for multiple SHDs, which is likely more cost-effective than screening for individual SHDs.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4137945: A Tuscany regional screening program for juvenile sudden cardiac death in high schools: the JUST project

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4137945-A4137945, November 12, 2024. Background:Juvenile sudden cardiac death (SCD) has high impact on the family and society of the victim. While SCD screening programmes are effective in athletes, most (70-80%) young non-athletes individuals are not routinely screened.Research question:We hypothesized that a low-cost screening program may early identify subjects at risk of juvenile SCD, even in non-athletes.Goals:To evaluate the prevalence of SCD-related abnormal findings and, ultimately, to test the effectiveness of a screening programme in high schools.Methods:Between April 2023 and June 2024, high school individuals were enrolled in a screening programme in Tuscany (Pisa, Lucca and Livorno), based on a questionnaire investigating family history of juvenile SCD or diseases predisposing to SCD and symptoms (syncope, palpitations, chest pain), and digitally recorded electrocardiograms (ECGs). In case of abnormal findings, second-line investigations locally (echocardiography, Holter ECG monitoring and/or exercise testing) or third-line investigations at Fondazione Monasterio, Pisa, Italy (cardiac MRI, genetics or electrophysiological testing) were planned. Only preliminary results of the first-line screening are hereby reported.Results:We have currently enrolled 872 individuals (age 17.1±1.8 years, 481 [55%] males, 288 [33%] smokers, 102 [11.7%] recreational drugs users, and 645 [74%] non-competitive athletes). At questionnaires, 56 individuals (6.4%) had a family history of SCD, 32 (3.7%) a first-degree relative with cardiomyopathy, and 13 (1.5%) with channelopathy. As for symptoms, 21 participants (2.4%) reported chest pain or 26 (3%) syncope during exertion, while 90 (10.3%) paroxysmal palpitations. At ECG, we found 2 cases (0.2%) with a type-2 Brugada pattern, 1 female case (0.1%) with prolonged QTc interval (QTc 480 ms), 20 cases (2.3%) with V1-V3 T wave inversion (age > 16 years), 18 cases (2%) of left ventricular hypertrophy (non-athletes), and 4 cases (0.5%) with atypical ventricular ectopy. After the first-line screening, 61 (7%) and 10 (1.2%) individuals were referred to second and third-line investigations, which are currently ongoing.Conclusions:We hereby propose a screening model in high schools that includes specific health questionnaires and digitally recorded ECGs. From preliminary analyses, this approach seems sensitive enough to be tested as a model to favour the early diagnosis of diseased conditions associated with juvenile SCD in the general population.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4137986: Evaluation of an AI-Based Clinical Trial Screening Method Through a Randomized Controlled Implementation Study

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4137986-A4137986, November 12, 2024. Background:Clinical trial screening is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and error prone. We have developed RECTIFIER, an AI-based clinical trial screening tool, to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of patient recruitment. This study aims to evaluate RECTIFIER’s effectiveness compared to manual screening in a randomized implementation study.Methods:This study was designed as an implementation study as part of an active heart failure trial named COPILOT-HF (NCT05734690). Potential eligible patients were identified via a structured electronic medical record query and randomized to be screened for clinical trial eligibility either by RECTIFIER or manually by clinical staff. The outcome measures included the number of patients contacted, and the number of patients reached for clinical trial enrollment. Data was collected over a period of 3 months.Results:A total of 3834 patients were included in the study, with 1919 patients randomized to the RECTIFIER group and 1915 patients to the manual screening group (Figure). Study staff could manually screen only 1367 patients at the end of the 3-month period. RECTIFIER identified more eligible patients compared to manual screening (833[43.4%] vs. 284[14.8%], p

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4141975: Feasibility of Using Wearables to Obtain High-Fidelity ECG Signals for Cardiovascular Disease Screening in Palestinian Refugees in Jordan

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4141975-A4141975, November 12, 2024. Background:Refugee populations often experience high rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Factors such as significant physiological stress, trauma, limited access to healthcare, substance abuse, and poor lifestyle choices contribute to disease progression and an increased incidence of cardiovascular events. We sought to evaluate the feasibility of using wearables to obtain high-fidelity ECG signals for CVD screening in refugees in Jordan.Methods:This observational cross-sectional study involved outpatients at one of four regional United Nations’ primary care clinics for Palestinian refugee in Jordan. Research assistants collected health histories from consented patients and recorded a 30-second, 6-lead ECG using a handheld, Bluetooth-enabled, wearable device (KardiaMobile 6L, AliveCor Inc., Mountain View, CA, USA). The digital ECG signals were stored on the Bluetooth-synced mobile device and then exported to a cloud server for offline analysis. The raw ECG recordings were preprocessed, and a single median beat was calculated per lead. Waveforms were segmented, and duration and amplitude measures were determined using a previously validated custom algorithm (University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA). All ECG recordings were reviewed by an independent physician.Result:The sample included 31 patients (age 52±13, 64% Females). Risk factors were prevalent in this group, including hypertension (74%), high cholesterol (65%), diabetes (64%), in-camp living (33%), and smoking (30%). Figure 1 shows the population-averaged median beat with 99% CI distribution of this sample. Mean QRS duration was 95±23 ms (range 53−150) and QTc interval was 403±53 (range 267−513). Most patients were in normal sinus rhythm (84%), and remaining patients were in atrial fibrillation or flutter (16%). Other clinically significant abnormalities included non-specific ST-T changes (9.7%), left bundle branch block (1.6%), and LVH with left ventricular strain (1.6%).Conclusion:This pilot study demonstrated that it is feasible to obtain high fidelity ECG signals using wearables to screen for CVD in refugees. Such affordable, noninvasive, point-of-care screening tools could enable early diagnosis and treatment in these patients.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4144283: A Novel EMR-Based Algorithm with the Virtual Echocardiography Screening Tool (VEST) to Screen Patients for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4144283-A4144283, November 12, 2024. Introduction:Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) remains an underrecognized, fatal disease. Limited awareness, non-specific symptoms, and late referral to accredited PH centers all contribute to an overall poor prognosis. The previously validated Virtual Echocardiography Screening Tool (VEST) uses 3 routine transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) parameters (left atrial size, transmitral E:e’ and systolic interventricular septal flattening) to recognize a high PAH likelihood. A positive VEST score has been shown to have 80% sensitivity and 76% specificity for PAH hemodynamics, while a VEST score of +3 has 92.7% specificity for PAH hemodynamics with a positive predictive value of 88.0%.Aim:We aimed to implement a novel algorithm via our electronic medical record (EMR) as an automated VEST calculator to identify patients with a high likelihood of PAH.Methods:An automated EMR VEST calculator was applied retrospectively to 4,952 patients who underwent TTE with TR velocity >/= 2.9 m/s at an accredited PH center from 12/2021-8/2023. Automated EMR VEST scores were validated by comparison to 60 manually scored echocardiograms. Those with VEST score of +3 (highest risk for PAH) underwent chart review to identify whether they were seen by a PH specialist.Results:There was 100% correlation between the automated EMR VEST scores and the manual results.Of the 4,952 patients, 1,655 had a positive automated EMR VEST score, and 355 had a score of +3, predicting the highest likelihood of PAH and warranting urgent referral to an accredited PH center. Of those patients with a +3 score, 103 (29.0%) were never seen by a PH specialist (Fig 1).Conclusion:VEST is a validated, noninvasive and accessible screening tool for identification of patients with a high likelihood of PAH likely to benefit from early referral to a PH center. We present a novel, accurate, and automated EMR algorithm for determination of the VEST score to prompt urgent referral for PH expert evaluation and timely initiation of complex medical therapies. These findings highlight the potential of future artificial intelligence and machine-learning applications for improved recognition of life-threatening PAH.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4140494: Postpartum linkage to primary care: Does screening for social needs identify those at risk for loss to follow-up?

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4140494-A4140494, November 12, 2024. Background:Primary care after pregnancy is recommended, especially for individuals with recent adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs, such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes), who are at increased risk for future heart disease. Health-related social needs (HRSNs) are recognized barriers to care, yet their pregnancy-related prevalence and associations with care are unknown. We sought to (1) describe the pregnancy-related prevalence of HRSNs, and (2) assess associations between pregnancy-related HRSNs and subsequent linkage to primary care.Methods:We analyzed electronic health record data for individuals with prenatal care and delivery (2018-2021) at our urban safety-net hospital. HRSNs were assessed via a routine screener, and we summarized individual responses during pregnancy through 6 weeks post partum as: any positive, all negative, or never screened. Postpartum linkage to primary care was defined as a completed primary care visit after 6 weeks through 1 year post partum. We analyzed the prevalence of HRSNs and their associations with linkage to primary care, using adjusted log-linked binomial regression models. In stratified models we assessed for effect modification by APO history and other variables.Results:Of 4941 individuals in our sample, 53% identified as Black non-Hispanic and 21% as Hispanic, 68% were publicly insured, and 93% completed ≥1 HRSN screening. Nearly 1 in 4 screened positive for any HRSN, most often food insecurity (14%) or housing instability (12%), and 53% linked to primary care. Compared with those who screened negative for all HRSNs (n=3491), linkage to primary care was similar among those who screened positive for any HRSNs (n=1079; adjusted risk ratio, aRR 1.04, 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.98-1.10) and lower among those never screened (n=371; aRR 0.77, 95% CI: 0.68-0.86). We found no evidence of effect modification by APO history, race/ethnicity, insurance, language, or Covid-19 pandemic exposure.Conclusions:In this diverse postpartum sample, we identified a 24% prevalence of pregnancy-related HRSNs and 53% subsequent linkage to primary care. Linkage to primary care was not associated with HRSN screening result (positive versus negative) but was significantly negatively associated with being missed by HRSN screening. Further research is needed to better understand HRSN screening practices and who is missed by screening, and to identify modifiable barriers to postpartum primary care especially after APOs.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4141994: Targeted Atrial Fibrillation Screening in Older Adults: A Secondary Analysis of the VITAL-AF Trial

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4141994-A4141994, November 12, 2024. Background:Screening trials for atrial fibrillation (AF) have produced mixed results; however, it is unclear if there is a subset of individuals for whom screening would be effective. Identifying such a subgroup would support targeted screening.Methods:We conducted a secondary analysis of VITAL-AF (NCT03515057), a randomized trial of one-time, single-lead ECG screening during primary care visits. We tested two approaches to identify a subgroup that would benefit from screening (i.e., heterogenous screening effects). First, we use a potential outcomes framework to develop an effect-based model. Specifically, we predicted the likelihood of AF diagnosis under both screening and usual care conditions using LASSO, a penalized regression method. The difference between these probabilities was the predicted screening effect. Second, we used the CHARGE-AF score, a validated AF risk model. We used interaction testing to determine if the observed diagnosis rates in the screening and control arms were statistically different when stratified by decile of the predicted screening effect and predicted AF risk.Results:Baseline characteristics were similar between the screening (n=15187) and usual care (n=15078) groups (mean age 74 years, 59% female). On average, screening did not significantly increase the AF diagnosis rate (2.55 vs. 2.30 per 100 person-years, rate difference 0.24, 95%CI -0.18 to 0.67). Patients in the highest decile of predicted screening efficacy (n=3026, 10%) experienced a large and statistically significant increase in AF diagnosis rates due to screening (6.5 vs. 3.06 per 100 person-years, rate difference 3.45, 95%CI 1.62 to 5.28; interaction p-value 0.038) (Figure 1). In this group, the mean age was 84 years and 68% were female. Participants in the highest decile of AF risk using the CHARGE-AF score did not have a statistically significant increase in AF diagnosis rates due to screening (Figure 2). Predicted screening effectiveness and predicted AF risk were poorly correlated (Spearman coefficient 0.13).Conclusions:One-time screening may increase AF diagnoses in a subgroup of older adults with the largest predicted screening effect. In contrast, predicted AF risk was a poor proxy for predicted screening efficacy. These data caution against the assumption that high AF risk is necessarily correlated with high screening efficacy. Prospective studies are needed to validate whether AF screening is effective in the subgroup identified in this study.

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Novembre 2024