cardiovascular disease

Icosapent Ethyl (IPE) is effective and safe in reducing the risk of ischemic cardiovascular disease (CVD). The present study aimed to systematically collect and synthesize available cost-effectiveness studies of IPE in combination with statin therapy for cardiovascular risk reduction in primary and secondary prevention.

Electronic searches on PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), NHS Economic Evaluation Database (NHS EED) and the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) database were searched for relevant literature (updated to May 2024). Out of 580 initial studies, 11 studies had the inclusion criteria.

The results show that IPE reduced hospitalization and mortality rates versus standard drugs. The current study showed that IPE has higher QALYs and LYQs than statins. IPE is more expensive than conventional drugs such as statins, for example, the one-year cost of IPE in Australia is $ 3,768 and in the United States is $ 3,497 per patient. The results also show that the threshold for evaluating the effectiveness of IPE varies from $ 50,000 to $ 150,000 in the United States and AUD 50,000 ($ 39,000) in Australia.

According to the current study, IPE is cost-effective and the probability of cost-effectiveness of IPE in patients with secondary prevention is higher than in primary prevention.

Eggs, while nutrient-rich, have high cholesterol content. The link between egg consumption and cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains debated. This study investigates how egg intake correlates with minor and major electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities, which serve as potential indicators of CVD. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 5,928 participants without cardiovascular disease (CVD), aged between 35 and 65 years, were included. Dietary egg consumption was evaluated using a validated food frequency questionnaire. The Minnesota coding system was employed to identify minor and major ischemic abnormalities on ECG. Odds ratios (ORs) for major and minor ischemic patterns across different egg consumption categories were calculated using multivariable logistic regression. Using several statistical models, this study showed that higher egg consumption was associated with lower odds of isolated major ECG abnormalities in men, but not in women. In the fully adjusted model, consuming more than four eggs per week, compared to the lowest category (<1/week), was correlated with a 40% decrease in the odds of major ischemic changes on ECG in men (OR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.39–0.93). Regarding minor ischemic abnormalities, there was no significant association with egg consumption in either women or men. Our findings suggest a gender-specific effect of egg consumption on the presence of major ischemic changes on ECG. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and to inform tailored dietary guidelines for different populations.

Health information literacy (HIL) is gaining global attention due to complex information ecosystem and exponential health issues. This systematic review investigates the low functioning of HIL among cardiac patients and the key factors associated with HIL and cardiac patients. In this study, we investigate the poor performance of HIL in cardiac patients (CP) and the important factors associated with HIL and CP.

This review examined Exploring the Gaps and Associations in Health Information Literacy among Cardiac Patients: A Systematic Review while evaluating research in English that appeared within the time period of 2006 to December 2024. The research eliminated studies which utilized Exploring the Gaps and Associations in Health Information Literacy Among Cardiac Patients: The flowchart stated in the PRISMA diagram shows how researchers selected 521 relevant studies for inclusion. A material extraction structure was applied to analyze the selected studies. Final selection of studies took place after conducting title reviews and abstract and full text evaluations. This review implementation conformed to the PRISMA standards for systematic reviews with meta-analyses.

A total of 21 studies were included in this review, revealing four key reasons for low Health Information Literacy (HIL) among cardiac patients: (1) gender disparities, with older female patients showing lower HIL; (2) lower educational attainment, limiting patients' ability to understand and act on health information; (3) socio-economic status and race, as patients from disadvantaged backgrounds faced systemic barriers; and (4) the presence of cardiovascular and comorbid conditions, which complicated health information processing. The study results demonstrate that cardiac patients require specific intervention approaches to enhance HIL and health outcome performance.

The systematic review of 21 studies found that demographic and clinical factors, such as gender, age, education, and disease knowledge, positively impact health information literacy (HIL) among cardiac patients. Conversely, factors like older age, lower education, African American ethnicity, depression, hypertension, and longer disease duration negatively affect HIL. The study suggests tailored interventions and patient-centered care approaches.

The prevalence rate of hypertension is on the rise at an alarming rate. Studies conducted on the influence of flaxseed on blood pressure (BP) have come up with conflicting conclusions. The current investigation’s major purpose is to conduct a literature review and a meta-analysis focusing on the effect of flaxseed supplementation on BP in people with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Library databases were searched from the inception date to April 2024 to find the randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A random-effects model combined the weighted mean difference (WMD). Standard methodologies were applied to evaluate publication bias, heterogeneity, and sensitivity analysis. Eighteen RCTs were included in the present systematic review and meta-analysis. Pooled analysis suggested that flaxseed supplementation can reduce systolic BP (SBP) (WMD: -4.75 mmHg, 95% CI: -7.05 to -2.44, P≤0.001; I2=93.6%) and diastolic BP (DBP) (WMD: -3.09 mmHg, 95% CI: -4.37 to -1.81, P≤0.001; I2=91.2%). In conclusion, the current meta-analysis has demonstrated that flaxseed supplementation can markedly lower BP in individuals exhibiting CVD risk factors. Given the significant heterogeneity, it is crucial to interpret the current results with careful consideration. In addition, further high-quality RCTs are required to better assess the causal relationships.

Cognitive disorder occurs when a person has difficulty remembering, learning new things, concentrating, or making decisions that affect their daily life. There is a relationship between cardiovascular-coronary diseases and the risk factors of these diseases with cognitive disorders.

The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating cognitive disorder in patients with unstable cardiac angina compared to non-sufferers.

This case-control study was conducted on 45 patients with unstable cardiac angina and 45 non-sufferers referred to Sayad Shirazi Hospital in 2024. The tool for data collection was the Montreal cognitive assessment test (MoCA). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 software with the Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. The risk and effective factors associated with developing the disease were measured using logistic regression and expressed as odds ratios (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Although the cognitive status of cardiac angina patients compared to non-sufferers was suggestive of mild cognitive disorders (MCI), the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.31). The risk of cognitive disorder in people with cardiac angina was 1.71 times higher (OR = 1.71, P = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.74 - 3.94) than in those without cardiac angina. The risk of cognitive disorder in men with cardiac angina was 4.35 times higher (OR = 4.35, P = 0.21, 95% CI: 1.19 - 15.86) than in women, and in diabetics with cardiac angina, it was 5.78 times higher.

The risk of cognitive disorder is higher in people with cardiac angina. Also, men and diabetics with unstable angina are more susceptible to cognitive disorders.

Cardiac arrhythmia is a medical diagnosis based on an irregular heart rhythm. In patients with cardiac arrhythmia, there is a disruption in the electrical conduction between the sinoatrial node and the atrioventricular node. Arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, refers to issues with the heart’s speed or rhythm. The heartbeat can be too fast, too slow, or irregular. The use of medicinal plants as a natural and complementary approach to managing and preventing cardiac arrhythmias has attracted the attention of many researchers and health professionals. The purpose of this study is to identify medicinal plants used in the management and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and to explore their potential mechanisms of action.

In this review study, articles were searched using key terms such as "medicinal plants," "Iran," "arrhythmia," and "traditional medicine." Databases such as Google Scholar, SID, Magiran, PubMed, Scopus, as well as traditional medicine texts, were used for the search.

Medicinal plants such as yarrow (Achillea millefolium), pear (Pyrus communis), grape (Vitis vinifera), spinach (Spinacia oleracea), beet (Beta vulgaris), almond (Prunus dulcis), sesame (Sesamum indicum), pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo), valerian (Valeriana officinalis), cinnamon (Cinnamomum), hawthorn (Crataegus), sidr (Ziziphus spina-christi), lavender (Lavandula), garlic (Allium sativum), and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) are among the most important medicinal plants traditionally used in Iran to manage cardiac arrhythmias.

Studies suggest that the medicinal plants used in traditional Iranian medicine, due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties, can serve as a complementary approach in managing cardiac arrhythmias. Using these plants, particularly in the early stages of arrhythmia and under medical supervision, may help regulate heart rhythm and promote heart health. Further clinical research is necessary to confirm and better understand the mechanisms of action of these plants.

Previous studies have established that coronary artery calcification (CAC) is a robust predictor of adverse cardiovascular events.

To examine the association between levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), an indicator of long-term blood glucose levels, and CAC in middle-aged and elderly Chinese populations undergoing routine health screenings.

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 8,955 Chinese adults over 40 years of age who underwent physical examinations in the Department of Health Medicine at our hospital from January 2022 to July 2023. The odds ratios (ORs) of CAC in relation to HbA1c were determined using multiple logistic regression analysis, both as a continuous and categorical variable. Furthermore, dose-response relationships between HbA1c levels and CAC were visualized using restricted cubic spline models.

Compared to the group with HbA1c lower than 5.7%, individuals in the groups with HbA1c of 5.7% to 6.4% and ≥ 6.5% exhibited an elevated prevalence of CAC (P for trend < 0.0001). Multivariable logistic regression showed that each 1% increase in HbA1c was associated with a 24% increased risk of CAC (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.03-1.48, P = 0.02). Compared with the group with HbA1c lower than 5.7%, the groups with HbA1c at 5.7% - 6.4% and HbA1c ≥ 6.5% were associated with a 28% (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.07 - 1.52) and 116% (OR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.48 - 3.16) (P for trend < 0.0001) increased risk of CAC, respectively. Restricted cubic spline analyses showed a non-linear association between HbA1c and CAC (P for nonlinearity < 0.0001). At higher levels of HbA1c exposure (> 5.7%), the exposure dose-response curves appeared upward-sloping. Subgroup analyses showed that the association between HbA1c and CAC was more pronounced in those aged less than 60 years, with normal weight and blood pressure less than 135/85 mmHg, although none of the interactions between HbA1c and subgroups were statistically significant.

This study indicated that higher HbA1c levels are associated with a greater likelihood of CAC in the middle-aged and elderly Chinese checkup population.

Inflammatory responses initiate immediately after acute myocardial infarction (MI). Colchicine, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, is used to treat inflammatory diseases.

The present study aimed to evaluate inflammatory responses among patients with acute MI following the administration of colchicine.

This randomized double-blinded clinical trial included adult patients with acute MI (n = 81), determined via an arbitrary approach, who were randomly divided into intervention (n = 41) and control (n = 40) groups using random allocation software. The study subjects included all referred adult MI patients (aged 18 to 80 years) with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and presentation of chest pain onset for at least 12 hours. Patients received the intervention (colchicine/placebo 3 mg) at the beginning of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and one hour thereafter. Inflammatory factors, including Creactive protein (CRP), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6, along with clinical data such as systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR), were recorded at the end of the study. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 software, with a P-value ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant.

The results showed that CRP levels, along with SBP, DBP, and HR, in both control and intervention groups were significantly decreased compared to baseline levels (P < 0.001). Moreover, there was a significant reduction in CRP and IL-1β levels in the intervention group compared to the control group after the intervention (P = 0.001).

Our study demonstrated that two dosages of colchicine decreased inflammatory responses after PCI in patients with acute MI. However, its effects on blood pressure need to be investigated over a longer period, considering confounding factors.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory arterial disease that underlies several cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke. A hallmark of atherosclerosis is the accumulation of fatty plaques, involving various cell types and molecular pathways. The development of this disease involves complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors.

 A review was conducted using bibliographic databases such as PubMed and Scopus to examine articles on epigenetic alterations and their impact on atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, in silico data analyses related to epigenetics and atherosclerosis were also performed.

Epigenetic processes, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA, are dynamic modifications that play a crucial role in various stages of  atherosclerotic plaque progression. Transgenerational transmission of epigenetic modifications increases cardiovascular disease risk, even in offspring. Inflammation within blood vessel walls is linked to lipid metabolism and is crucial for atherosclerosis development. Macrophages and monocytes, when exposed to inflammatory stimuli, undergo alterations in their genetic and epigenetic profiles, thereby contributing to atherosclerosis progression. Our in silico analysis identified HDAC1, HDAC9, HDAC3, SIRT1, and HDAC6 as key hub genes within a protein-protein interaction network of atherosclerosis-related genes.

Understanding epigenetic regulation can provide insights into gene activation related to functions such as inflammation, lipid metabolism, and vascular remodeling, thus influencing atherosclerosis progression. Considering both genetic and epigenetic mechanisms can provide insight into the molecular processes driving atherosclerosis and inform the development of new therapeutic strategies.

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a major global health concern with significant implications for patient mortality and life expectancy. Effective management of IHD heavily relies on vascular reconstruction procedures, including percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

This study was conducted at Imam Reza Hospital, evaluating 103 patients with myocardial infarction with ST elevation (MI-STE) who underwent PCI. The cohort comprised 84 men and 19 women across varying age ranges. A subset of these patients had a history of CABG, addiction, or a family history of heart disease. The study focused on the types of stents used, with Supraflex and Xience being the most common, primarily in lengths of ≤20 mm and diameters of 2.75 mm. Post-PCI complications were also assessed, including hematoma at the angiography site, rehospitalization, coronary artery revascularization, contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), no reflow, in-stent restenosis (ISR), coronary artery dissection, and cardiogenic shock.Result and

The overall population experienced a low mortality rate of 1.9%. Notably, cardiogenic shock was significantly associated with mortality, posing a 100-fold increased risk. This study underscores the importance of monitoring and managing post-PCI complications to improve patient outcomes and reduce mortality in individuals with IHD. Further research is warranted to explore preventive strategies and optimize treatment approaches for this patient population.

Smoking is among the most significant risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Despite numerous warnings about its serious complications, tobacco use remains prevalent in many communities, including among individuals with existing cardiovascular conditions. This study, which is part of a broader research, explores tobacco use among patients with a history of cardiovascular disease in Hormozgan Province, Iran, in 2023.

This was a component of a broader cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in 2023, utilizing a clustered sampling approach across 13 cities in Hormozgan Province, Iran, with a total of 6282 participants. Data collection was performed using standardized questionnaires to ensure consistency and reliability. For data analysis, the SPSS software, version 26 was utilized, along with the chi-square test to assess the associations within the data.

Among the 489 patients with a history of cardiovascular disease, 45.6% were male, of whom 55.1% reported tobacco use. Conversely, 54.4% of the patients were female, with 44.9% indicating that they used tobacco. The results showed that there was no statistically significant relationship between smoking and a history of cardiovascular disease.

Many patients with cardiovascular disease still smoke, highlighting a lack of awareness about the serious health risks of tobacco use. Strengthening education and awareness campaigns focused on smoking cessation is essential. Targeted interventions to inform these patients about the dangers of smoking could significantly improve public health outcomes and reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular disease is associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in both children and adults. It is difficult to assess cardiovascular status in children for various reasons, such as the lack of clinical manifestations in the early stages of cardiovascular disease. One of the methods for assessing the cardiovascular status of patients is to assess the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). However, only limited studies have been conducted on children to date.

This study aimed to investigate factors affecting CIMT in children with chronic renal failure. Patients and

This case-control study evaluated the CIMT of children hospitalized with CKD in Mofid children’s hospital (Tehran, Iran) from 2019 to 2021. All children with CKD were selected during the three-year period as the case group of 50 people. The control group was randomly selected from 150 people who were referred to other departments. Medical record information and detailed clinical examinations, laboratory and biochemical tests, and ultrasound examination of CIMT were recorded and analyzed. A significance level of 0.05 was considered.

This study showed, 52% of the patients were boys and the rest were girls (P=0.80). The mean age in the patient group was 76.9±10.4 months since the mean age of control group was 32.8±3 months (P=0.008). The mean weight in the patient group was lower than in the control group (P=0.0004). The median CIMT in the patient group was significantly higher than in the control group (right and left CIMT for the patient group 0.48 mm and for the control group of the right and left carotid 0.41 mm and 0.42 mm, respectively; P< 0.05). We also found age, weight, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), serum vitamin D and uric acid levels and also blood glucose concentration were correlated with the CIMT (P<0.05).

It is concluded that CIMT is a useful method for assessing the cardiovascular status of children with CKD.