The impact of comorbidities and sociodemographic predictors on pneumococcal vaccination coverage in adults with coronary heart disease.

Coronary heart disease (CHD) increases the risk of adverse outcomes from invasive pneumococcal disease. Using the 2020 and 2021 data from the national health interview survey, we identified adults with CHD. Chi-square analysis and logistic regression were used to examine factors that influence vaccination status.

Timing of Nonurgent Transesophageal Echocardiography and The Risk of Embolic Events Among Patients Admitted With Infective Endocarditis. A Review of the National Inpatient Sample.

In patients hospitalized for infective endocarditis (IE), timing of nonurgent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to reduce embolic events (EE) is unclear. In a retrospective cohort from the 2016 to 2018 combined National Inpatient Sample (NIS), Low-risk adults with IE who underwent nonurgent (>48 hours) TEE were stratified into 3 cohorts based on the timing of the first TEE: early-TEE (3-5 days), intermediate-TEE (5-7 days) and late-TEE (>7). The primary outcome was a composite of an embolic event.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2023 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association.

Background: The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, venous disease, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

Methods: The American Heart Association, through its Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update with review of published literature through the year before writing.

Does the "July effect" of new trainees at teaching hospitals impact outcomes for patients hospitalized with heart failure? Real-world analyses of more than half a million US admissions.

Introduction: The "July effect" refers to the potential of adverse clinical outcomes related to the annual turnover of trainees. We investigated whether this impacts inpatient heart failure (HF) outcomes.

Methods: Data from all adults (≥18 years) admitted with a primary diagnosis of HF at US teaching hospitals from the 2012-2014 National Inpatient Sample were analyzed.

Hyperdynamic left ventricular ejection fraction is associated with higher mortality in COVID-19 patients.

Study Objective: To compare the characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 patients with a hyperdynamic LVEF (HDLVEF) to those with a normal or reduced LVEF.

Design: Retrospective study.

Setting: Rush University Medical Center.

Derivation and validation of the bridge to transplantation with left ventricular assist device score for 1 year mortality after heart transplantation. The BTT-LVAD score.

Background: To derive and validate a risk score that accurately predicts 1-year mortality after heart transplantation (HT) in patients bridged to transplant (BTT) with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD).

Methods: The UNOS database was queried to identify patients BTT with an LVAD between 2008 and 2018. Patients with ⩾1-year follow up were randomly divided into derivation (70%) and validation (30%) cohorts.

The top 100 Twitter influencers in cardiology.

Importance: Twitter represents a growing aspect of the social media experience and is a widely used tool for public education in the 21 century. In the last few years, there has been concern about the dissemination of false health information on social media. It is therefore important that we assess the influencers of this health information in the field of cardiology.

Nutrition Intervention for Reduction of Cardiovascular Risk in African Americans Using the 2019 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Primary Prevention Guidelines.

Introduction: The 2019 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Prevention Guidelines emphasize reduction in dietary sodium, cholesterol, refined carbohydrates, saturated fat and sweetened beverages. We hypothesized that implementing this dietary pattern could reduce cardiovascular risk in a cohort of volunteers in an urban African American (AA) community church, during a 5-week ACC/AHA-styled nutrition intervention, assessed by measuring risk markers and adherence, called HEART-LENS (Helping Everyone Assess Risk Today Lenten Nutrition Study).

Methods: The study population consisted of 53 volunteers who committed to eat only home-delivered non-dairy vegetarian meals (average daily calories 1155, sodium 1285 mg, cholesterol 0 mg; 58% carbohydrate, 17% protein, 25% fat).

Sex Differences in COVID-19 Hospitalization and Mortality.

To investigate sex differences in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes in a large Illinois-based cohort. A multicenter retrospective cohort study compared males versus females with COVID-19 infections from March 1, 2020, to June 21, 2020, in the Rush University System. We analyzed sex differences in rates of hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, vasopressor use, endotracheal intubation, and death in this cohort.

Health and Healthcare Disparities: Impact on Resource Utilization and Costs After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

Objective: We investigated health and healthcare disparities in the treatment of aortic stenosis with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and how they affect resource utilization and costs.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients who were discharged alive after TAVR between 2012 and 2017 from the National Inpatient Sample. Patients were stratified by race and outcomes investigated were in-hospital complications, total procedural costs, and resource utilization.

Factors associated with bleeding events in patients on rivaroxaban for non-valvular atrial fibrillation: A real-world experience.

Background: Rivaroxaban is a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) approved for the treatment of non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Data related to the risk factors associated with rivaroxaban-induced bleeding in patients with NVAF remain scarce in the community setting. We sought to investigate these bleeding risk factors in a racially diverse patient population.

Effect of intensive and standard blood pressure control on cardiovascular outcomes based on body mass index: sub-analysis of the sprint trial.

The present study is a sub-analysis of the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) that aimed to evaluate the role of intensive vs. standard hypertensive treatment on cardiovascular outcomes according to the body mass indices of trial participants. SPRINT participants were categorized according to their baseline BMI values into normal (BMI ≥ 18.

Hypertension in older adults: Assessment, management, and challenges.

Hypertension in older adults is related to adverse cardiovascular outcomes, such as heart failure, stroke, myocardial infarction, and death. The global burden of hypertension is increasing due to an aging population and increasing prevalence of obesity, and is estimated to affect one third of the world's population by 2025. Adverse outcomes in older adults are compounded by mechanical hemodynamic changes, arterial stiffness, neurohormonal and autonomic dysregulation, and declining renal function.

Impact of chronic thrombocytopenia on in-hospital outcomes and healthcare resource utilization after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Background: There is little data on the impact of chronic thrombocytopenia (CTP) on outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve repair (TAVR). Most studies are from single centers and mostly focused on postprocedure thrombocytopenia.

Objectives: This study sought to report on the impact of CTP (>1 year) on in-hospital outcomes and healthcare resource utilization after TAVR.

Racial Disparities and Outcomes After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation as Bridge to Transplantation or Destination Therapy.

Objective: We sought to investigate outcomes after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation in advanced heart failure patients stratified by race.

Methods: Patients who had LVADs inserted at a single center as a bridge to transplant (BTT) or destination therapy (DT) were divided into 3 groups based on race: Caucasian, African American (AA), and Hispanic. Postoperative outcomes including complications, discharge disposition, and survival at defined time points were compared.

Predictors of Extended Postoperative Length of Stay After Uncomplicated Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

Background: The current study aims to identify predictors of extended postoperative length of stay (PLOS) after uncomplicated transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Methods: Patients who underwent TAVR at a single center between June 2012 and June 2016 were analyzed. Patients were stratified by time into an early cohort (EC; 2012-2014) and current cohort (CC; 2015-2016).

Effect of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation on Renal Function in Patients With Previous Renal Dysfunction.

The study aims to investigate the incidence of immediate renal function improvement in renal dysfunction patients who had transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). TAVI patients with ≥ moderate reduced renal function [estimated GFR ≤ 60 ml/min/1.73 m] at baseline were identified from a prospectively maintained database.

Rate and impact of venous thromboembolism in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: Analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database 2003-2013.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) and coronary artery disease are major health issues that cause substantial morbidity and mortality. New data have emerged suggesting that these two conditions could have a close relationship. Thus, we sought to determine the trends in annual rate of VTE occurrence in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and measure its impact on in-hospital mortality, bleeding complications, and cost and length of hospitalization.

Clinical and Functional Outcomes Associated with Age after Transapical Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

Objective: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) via a transapical (TA) approach has been associated with high morbidity. The aim of this study is to investigate the association of age and clinical and functional outcomes after TA-TAVR.

Methods: Patients who had TA-TAVR at a single center were divided into 3 age groups: <75 years (Group I), 75 to 85 years (Group II), and >85 years (Group III).

Prasugrel vs. Ticagrelor for Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: The newer P2Y inhibitors have better efficacy than clopidogrel. However, whether ticagrelor or prasugrel have a better comparative safety and efficacy profile, especially in the long-term, remains inconclusive.

Objective: We compared prasugrel and ticagrelor in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Association Between Cannabis Use and Complications Related to Crohn's Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Crohn's disease is an idiopathic inflammatory process that is occasionally associated with complications, which cause significant morbidity and mortality. The anti-inflammatory effect of cannabis in intestinal inflammation has been shown in several experimental models; it is unknown whether this correlates with fewer complications in Crohn's disease patients.

Aims: To compare the prevalence of Crohn's disease-related complications among cannabis users and non-users in patients admitted with a primary diagnosis of Crohn's disease or a primary diagnosis of Crohn's related complication and a secondary diagnosis of Crohn's disease between 2012 and 2014.