Algorithm for detection and screening of familial hypercholesterolemia in Lithuanian population.

Background: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is one of the most common autosomal dominant diseases. FH causes a lifelong increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, which in turn leads to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The incidence of FH is widely underestimated and undertreated, despite the availability and effectiveness of lipid-lowering therapy.

Early Atherosclerosis in Familial Hypercholesterolemia Patients: Significance of Vascular Markers for Risk Stratification.

Background: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder that manifests as impaired low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) metabolism, resulting in lifelong exposure to high cholesterol levels and increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). There is heterogeneity in cardiovascular risk for FH patients, so risk stratification is of utmost importance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of increases in LDL-C and the impact of other CVD risk factors on vascular markers in the FH patient population.

Type 2 Myocardial Infarction and Long-Term Mortality Risk Factors: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Introduction: In-hospital risk factors for type 1 myocardial infarction (MI) have been extensively investigated, but risk factors for type 2 MI are still emerging. Moreover, type 2 MI remains an underdiagnosed and under-researched condition. Our aim was to assess survival rates after type 2 MI and to analyze the risk factors for patient prognosis after hospitalization.

Prevalence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Middle-Aged Lithuanian Men Based on Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference Group Results from the 2006-2016 Lithuanian High Cardiovascular Risk Prevention Program.

: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in middle-aged Lithuanian men categorized according to body mass index and waist circumference results. : The data were from the Lithuanian High Cardiovascular Risk primary prevention program between 2009 and 2016. This community-based cross-sectional study comprised 38,412 men aged 40 to 54 years old.

Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in middle-aged Lithuanian women in different body mass index and waist circumference groups.

Background And Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in middle-aged Lithuanian women in different body mass index and waist circumference groups.

Methods And Results: Data selected from the Lithuanian High Cardiovascular Risk (LitHiR) primary prevention program between 2009 and 2016. This community-based cross-sectional study comprised 53,961 women aged 50-64 years old.

High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin Impact on the Differential Diagnosis of Non-ST Segment Elevation Coronary Syndromes-Is It Helping?

: Increased levels of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) are the main criteria that differentiate non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) from unstable angina (UA). How are these implemented in clinical practices? This study aims to detect cases of misdiagnosed UA instead of NSTEMI. : We analysed discharge summaries of 840 patients admitted to Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos with the diagnosis of UA in 2017-2018.

Randomized Pilot Trial on Optimal Treatment Strategy, Myocardial Changes, and Prognosis of Patients with Myocardial Infarction with Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries (MINOCA).

Background: Myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) remains an unresolved challenge. Many different diagnostic approaches are often required to diagnose, confirm, and evaluate MINOCA. The prevalence can be as high as 13% of all acute myocardial infarction patients, indicating that this condition is not rare.

Hypertriglyceridemia impact on arterial parameters in patients with metabolic syndrome.

Background: The development of metabolic syndrome (MS) augments risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD), but pathophysiological mechanisms of this relation are still under discussion. Overlapping CVD risk factors make it difficult to assess the importance of individual elements. This study aimed to analyze subclinical atherosclerosis based on arterial structure and function parameters in patients with MS and different triglycerides levels.

Trends in cardiovascular risk factor prevalence among Lithuanian middle-aged adults between 2009 and 2018.

Background And Aims: The aim of the study was to estimate trends and differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor prevalence among middle-aged men and women based on the data from the Lithuanian High Cardiovascular Risk (LitHiR) primary prevention program between 2009 and 2018.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study included men aged 40-54 years and women aged 50-64 years without overt CVD. Nationally representative data comprised 110,370 Lithuanian adults (42.

Autosomal recessive hypercholesterolemia: Case report.

Introduction: Autosomal recessive hypercholesterolemia (ARH; OMIM #603813) is a very rare monogenic disorder affecting less than 1 in 1000,000 people and is characterized by very high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), leading to aggressive and premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease if left untreated. Lowering of LDL-C is the main target of the treatment. We report on a 29-year-old male patient born in nonconsanguineous Lithuanian family homo(hemi-)zygous for LDLRAP1 gene variant causing ARH.

Lower than average HDL cholesterol efflux capacity in Lithuanian population.

Background: The aim of our study was to evaluate high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) efflux capacity in healthy controls and patients with severe dyslipidemia. Evaluation of HDL function may be beneficial for better understanding of cardiovascular diseases, as well as for taking actions to minimize residual cardiovascular risk.

Methods: During 2016-2017 a total of 93 participants - 48 (51.

Is the coronary artery calcium score the first-line tool for investigating patients with severe hypercholesterolemia?

Background: Coronary artery calcium (CAC) is known as a reliable tool for estimating risk of myocardial infarction, coronary death, all-cause mortality and is even used to evaluate suitable asymptomatic patients. We therefore aimed to evaluate whether CAC scoring can be applied in the algorithm for clinical examination of patients with severe hypercholesterolemia (SH).

Methods: During the period of 2016-2017 a total of 213 asymptomatic adults, underwent computed tomography angiography to evaluate their CAC scoring.

The Impact of the International Cooperation On Familial Hypercholesterolemia Screening and Treatment: Results from the ScreenPro FH Project.

Purpose Of Review: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is often perceived and described as underdiagnosed and undertreated, though effective treatment of FH is available. Owing to the mentioned facts, it is ever more imperative to screen and treat FH patients. Subsequent to the identification of patients, the project focuses on the improvement of their prognoses.

Cor triatriatum sinistrum diagnosed in the adulthood: a systematic review.

Background: We performed a systematic review of cor triatriatum sinistrum (CTS) diagnosed in adults. The aim of this review was to describe the clinical presentation, natural history and management of this congenital heart disease.

Methods: A PubMed literature search for 'cor triatriatum sinistrum' published since 2005 was performed.

Trends in Cigarette Smoking among Middle-Aged Lithuanian Subjects Participating in the Primary Prevention Program between 2009 and 2016.

: The aim of the study was to evaluate trends in smoking among middle-aged men and women based on the data from the Lithuanian High Cardiovascular Risk (LitHiR) primary prevention program between 2009 and 2016. : A community-based cross-sectional study comprised 92373 Lithuanian adults (41.6% men and 58.

Achilles tendon ultrasonography - A useful screening tool for cardiovascular risk estimation in patients with severe hypercholesterolemia.

Background And Aims: Achilles tendon lesions have long been associated with genetic defects in lipid metabolism and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). With this study we aimed to evaluate the usefulness of Achilles tendon ultrasonography in identifying people at greater risk among subjects with severe hypercholesterolemia (SH) in a high-risk population.

Methods: During the period of 2016-2017 a total of 213 participants were enrolled in this case-control study.

Cardiovascular risk assessment of dyslipidemic middle-aged adults without overt cardiovascular disease over the period of 2009-2016 in Lithuania.

Background: Cardiovascular mortality in Lithuania is extremely high and abnormal lipid levels are very common among Lithuanian adults. Dyslipidemia is one of the main independent risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) leading to high absolute CVD risk. The aim of this study was to assess CVD risk in dyslipidemic middle-aged subjects.

Establishing a national screening programme for familial hypercholesterolaemia in Lithuania.

Background And Aims: Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a widely underdiagnosed genetic disorder characterized by severely elevated levels of serum cholesterol and associated with premature mortality. Screening programmes and registries have been established worldwide to find and monitor patients with FH. The aim of this paper was to describe the approaches currently applied to identify patients with possible FH in Lithuania.

Lipid profile evaluation and severe hypercholesterolaemia screening in the middle-aged population according to nationwide primary prevention programme in Lithuania.

Background And Aims: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of premature death in Lithuania where abnormal lipid levels are very common among middle-aged adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate lipid profile in middle-aged Lithuanians and perform population-based severe hypercholesterolaemia (SH) screening.

Methods: This study included men aged 40-54 and women aged 50-64 years without overt CVD, participating in the Lithuanian High Cardiovascular Risk (LitHiR) primary prevention programme during the period 2009-2016.

Overview of the current status of familial hypercholesterolaemia care in over 60 countries - The EAS Familial Hypercholesterolaemia Studies Collaboration (FHSC).

Background And Aims: Management of familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) may vary across different settings due to factors related to population characteristics, practice, resources and/or policies. We conducted a survey among the worldwide network of EAS FHSC Lead Investigators to provide an overview of FH status in different countries.

Methods: Lead Investigators from countries formally involved in the EAS FHSC by mid-May 2018 were invited to provide a brief report on FH status in their countries, including available information, programmes, initiatives, and management.

Cardiovascular risk profile of patients with atherogenic dyslipidemia in middle age Lithuanian population.

Background: Atherogenic dyslipidemia (AD) is a blood serum lipid profile abnormality characterized by elevation of triglycerides and reduced levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). It is associated with residual cardiovascular risk. This study evaluated and compared the risk profiles of patients with hypertriglyceridemia, low-HDL-C levels or AD, in order to understand, which lipid profile is associated with greater risk.

Gender-Based Differences in Anxiety and Depression Following Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Background: Among patients with heart disease, depression and anxiety disorders are highly prevalent and persistent. Both depression and anxiety play a significant role in cardiovascular disease progression and are acknowledged to be independent risk factors. However, there is very little gender-related analysis concerning cardiovascular diseases and emotional disorders.

A rare case of REM sleep-related bradyarrhythmia syndrome with concomitant severe hypertension: a case report and a review of literature.

Introduction: Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep-related bradyarrhythmia syndrome is characterized by pathological asystoles during the REM sleep phase. It is a rare rhythm disorder, being reported only few times in the literature. Due to non-specific symptoms, REM sleep-related bradyarrhythmia might be often underdiagnosed.