Gender Differences in Trends in Incidence and Mortality of Acute Myocardial Infarction in the Small Island Developing State of Barbados.

Objective To determine trends, identify predictors of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) incidence and mortality, and explore performance metrics for AMI care in Barbados. Methods Data on all cases diagnosed with AMI were collected by the Barbados National Registry for Non-Communicable Diseases (BNR) from the island's only tertiary hospital, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and the National Vital Registration Department. Participants who survived hospital admission were then followed up at 28 days and one year post event via telephone survey and retrieval of death certificates.

Markers of Cardiovascular Risk Associated with Pregnancy.

Purpose Of Review: The purpose of the review is to summarize the unique cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors encountered during pregnancy and to provide the reader with a framework for acquiring a comprehensive obstetric history during the cardiovascular (CV) assessment of women.

Recent Findings: Individuals with a history of pregnancies complicated by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), gestational diabetes (GDM), preterm delivery, low birth weight, and fetal growth restriction during pregnancy are at a higher risk of developing short- and long-term CV complications compared to those without adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs). Women with a history of APOs can be at increased risk of CVD even after achieving normoglycemia and normal blood pressure control postpartum.

Cardiac rehabilitation availability and characteristics in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Global Comparison.

Background: This study aimed to establish availability and characteristics of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), where cardiovascular disease is highly prevalent.

Methods: In this cross-sectional sub-analysis focusing on the 35 LAC countries, local cardiovascular societies identified CR programs globally. An online survey was administered to identified programs, assessing capacity and characteristics.

Nature of Cardiac Rehabilitation Around the Globe.

Background: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a clinically-effective but complex model of care. The purpose of this study was to characterize the nature of CR programs around the world, in relation to guideline recommendations, and compare this by World Health Organization (WHO) region.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a piloted survey was administered online to CR programs globally.

Stable Ischemic Heart Disease in Women.

Purpose Of The Review: Paradoxically, although women have a lower burden of coronary atherosclerosis, they experience more symptoms, more frequent hospitalizations, and a worse prognosis compared to men. This is in part due to biological variations in pathophysiology between the two sexes, and in part related to inadequate understanding of these differences, subconscious referral bias, and suboptimal application of existing women-specific guidelines. We sought to review the contemporary literature and provide an update on risk assessment, diagnosis, and management of IHD in women.

Impact of a History of Hypertension in Pregnancy on Later Diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation.

Background: Atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF) produces significant morbidity in women and is typically attributed to cardiac remodeling from multiple causes, particularly hypertension. Hypertensive pregnancy disorders (HPDs) are associated with future hypertension and adverse cardiac remodeling. We evaluated whether women with AF were more likely to have experienced a HPD compared with those without.

Preeclampsia and ESRD: The Role of Shared Risk Factors.

Background: Several registry-based studies, using diagnostic codes, have suggested that preeclampsia is a risk factor for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, because the 2 diseases share risk factors, the true nature of their association remains uncertain. Our goals were to conduct a population-based study to determine the magnitude of the association between preeclampsia and ESRD and evaluate the role of shared risk factors.

Stress-coping skills and neuroticism in apical ballooning syndrome (Takotsubo/stress cardiomyopathy).

Introduction: Apical ballooning syndrome (ABS) is typically associated with an antecedent stressful situation. Affected patients have been reported to have higher frequencies of premorbid affective disorders. We hypothesised that patients with ABS would have elevated levels of neuroticism (tendency to experience negative affect) and greater vulnerability to stress.

Left ventricular hypertrophy after hypertensive pregnancy disorders.

Objective: Cardiac changes of hypertensive pregnancy include left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and diastolic dysfunction. These are thought to regress postpartum. We hypothesised that women with a history of hypertensive pregnancy would have altered LV geometry and function when compared with women with only normotensive pregnancies.

Diagnosis of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome and stress-induced cardiomyopathy, is typically characterized by transient systolic dysfunction of the apical and mid-segments of the left ventricle, in the absence of obstructive coronary artery lesions. Patients may present with symptoms and signs of acute coronary syndrome, and the provider is challenged to differentiate between these conditions. In this review, we guide the reader through the diagnostic pathway, focusing on differential diagnoses and diagnostic criteria for takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

How does preeclampsia predispose to future cardiovascular disease?

Over the last few decades, there has been increasing emphasis on cardiovascular disease in women and study of female-specific cardiovascular risk factors. Hypertension in pregnancy, and specifically preeclampsia, has been identified as one such risk factor. In this review, we explore the epidemiological evidence for preeclampsia as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

The treatment of hypertension during pregnancy: when should blood pressure medications be started?

Hypertensive pregnancy disorders (HPD) are important causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality worldwide. In addition, a history of HPD has been associated with an increased risk for maternal cardiovascular disease later in life, possibly because of irreversible vascular and metabolic changes that persist beyond the affected pregnancies. Therefore, treatment of HPD may not only improve immediate pregnancy outcomes, but also maternal long-term cardiovascular health.

Hypertension in pregnancy is a risk factor for microalbuminuria later in life.

The authors aimed to compare renal function by estimated glomerular filtration rate and albuminuria in 3 groups of women: nulliparous women, women with a history of normotensive pregnancies, and women with a history of at least one hypertensive pregnancy. Women who participated in the second Family Blood Pressure Program Study visit (2000-2004) and had serum creatinine and urine albumin measurements (n=3015) were categorized as having had no pregnancy lasting >6 months (n=341), having had only normotensive pregnancies (n=2199), or having had at least 1 pregnancy with hypertension (n=475) based on a standardized questionnaire. Women who reported having had at least one pregnancy with hypertension were significantly more likely to be hypertensive (75.

Prevalence of migraine and Raynaud phenomenon in women with apical ballooning syndrome (Takotsubo or stress cardiomyopathy).

Apical ballooning syndrome (ABS), migraine, and Raynaud phenomenon are characterized by female predominance, identifiable triggers, and, likely, vascular dysfunction. Estrogen deficiency, such as in menopause, is considered to be a predisposing factor for ABS. We investigated the association of ABS with migraine, Raynaud phenomenon, and hormonal factors.