Pre-operative glycaemic control and long-term survival in diabetic patients after coronary artery bypass grafting.

Objectives: We analysed the Veteran Affairs data to evaluate the association of pre-operative glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and long-term outcome after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Methods: Veterans with diabetes mellitus and isolated CABG (2006-2018) were divided into 4 groups (I: HbA1c <6.5%, II: HbA1c 6.

Adverse events after coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with preoperative metabolic syndrome: A 10-year follow-up of the Veterans Affairs Database.

Introduction: Data regarding 10-year survival and adverse cardiovascular events in patients with metabolic syndrome (MET) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is limited.

Methods: We compared 10-year events rates for veterans undergoing isolated CABG (January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2014, follow-up October 31, 2019) stratified by presence of metabolic syndrome (MET+) versus without (MET-). A multivariable weighted Cox model was used to analyze all-cause mortality.

A qualitative study of facilitators and barriers to cardiovascular risk factor control in a semiurban population in India.

Cardiovascular (CV) risk factors like diabetes and hypertension are poorly controlled in both rural and urban India. This study was designed to identify the reasons for suboptimal control in a semiurban population in India. A total of 70 participants from the Study to Expand Heart Associated Treatments (SEHAT) trial, conducted in West Bengal, India.

Effect of a Community Health Worker-Based Approach to Integrated Cardiovascular Risk Factor Control in India: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Eighty percent of premature mortality from cardiovascular disease occurs in low- and middle-income countries. Hypertension, diabetes, and smoking are the top risk factors causing this disease burden.

Objectives: The study aimed to test the hypothesis that utilizing community health workers (CHWs) to manage hypertension, diabetes and smoking in an integrated manner would lead to improved control of these conditions.

Rationale and design of a study to test the effectiveness of a combined community health worker and text messaging-based intervention for smoking cessation in India (Project MUKTI).

Background: Nearly 275 million individuals in India consume tobacco every day, with more than 1 million dying annually as a result. Few people in India have access to smoking cessation services, an essential component of combating tobacco use globally. We hypothesize that a strategy of systematic community health worker (CHW) based counseling that covers eligible people who smoke in a geographical area, combined with text messaging support, will result in improved quit rates.

Prevalence and pattern of cardiovascular risk factors in a population in India.

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in India. Since it is largely driven by risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes and smoking, it is important to study the treatment cascade for these conditions and identify areas for improvement.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study from Project SEHAT (Study to Enhance Heart Associated Treatments), an ongoing cluster randomised controlled trial testing the hypothesis that a community health worker-led intervention can improve the control of cardiovascular risk factors in a community in West Bengal, India.

Development and Validation of a Teaching Module for Echocardiographic Scoring of Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis.

Background: The Wilkins score and commissural calcification scores predict outcomes after percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty. However, many cardiologists are inadequately trained in their application-both in the United States where the incidence of rheumatic heart disease has fallen and in rheumatic heart disease endemic countries where training infrastructure is weak.

Objectives: This study sought to develop a computer-based educational module teaching 2 scoring systems for rheumatic mitral stenosis and to validate the module among cardiology fellows in the United States and Uganda.

The Effectiveness of Community Health Workers for CVD Prevention in LMIC.

Community health workers (CHW) may be effective in tackling the burden of cardiovascular diseases in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). This review examines whether CHWs can improve the identification and control of cardiovascular risk factors in LMIC. We searched for studies that used CHW as a basis for cardiovascular risk factor management.

The Role of Nonvitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants (NOACs) in Stroke Prevention in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation.

Anticoagulation is important in stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation. Until recently, heparins and vitamin K antagonists were the only available therapy for stroke reduction in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) including direct thrombin inhibitor (dabigatran) and direct factor Xa inhibitors (rivaroxaban, apixaban and edoxaban) are now available and offer new options for stroke prevention.

Occult peripheral artery disease is common and limits the benefit achieved in cardiac rehabilitation.

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has proven morbidity and mortality benefits in cardiovascular disease, which directly correlates with exercise performance achieved. Many patients in CR exercise at sub-optimal levels, without obvious limitations. Occult lower-extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) may be a determinant of diminished exercise capacity and reduced benefit obtained from traditional CR.