Eleni Ntretsiou, Dimitris Benas, Paraskevi Trivilou, George Pavlidis, Ignatios Ikonomidis, Achilleas Attilakos, Efstathios Iliodromitis, Helen Triantafyllidi
{"title":"Evaluation of cardiovascular risk factors in children aged 6–16 years and their evolution in early adulthood in a 10-year follow-up study","authors":"Eleni Ntretsiou, Dimitris Benas, Paraskevi Trivilou, George Pavlidis, Ignatios Ikonomidis, Achilleas Attilakos, Efstathios Iliodromitis, Helen Triantafyllidi","doi":"10.1016/j.hjc.2024.02.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hjc.2024.02.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Obesity and arterial hypertension (AH) in children represent well-recognized risk factors for cardiovascular (CV) events during adult life. We investigated any changes regarding several CV risk (CVR) factors in children after a 10-year follow-up period.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cohort of 143 healthy children, elementary/high school students, 6–16 years old, was initially evaluated in 2010–2011 regarding CVR factors [obesity, blood pressure (BP), aortic stiffness (PWV), lipid profile] plus food habits/sports activity. At 10-years follow-up (2020–2021), 63/143 (44%) young adults were re-evaluated.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Children with obesity (45%) had increased BP (p < 0.001) and a less favorable LDL-C/triglycerides profile (p = 0.001) compared to overweight/normoweight ones. In a 10-year follow-up, obesity and exercise improved (p < 0.001 and p = 0.005), systolic BP (SBP) (102 ± 13 vs. 118 ± 11 mmHg, p < 0.001) and PWV increased (6.1 ± 1 vs. 7.7 ± 1.1 m/sec, p < 0.001), LDL-C (96 ± 21 vs. 86 ± 24 mg/dl, p = 0.004) and HDL-C + (64 ± 18 vs. 55 ± 10 mg/dl, p < 0.001) decreased, triglycerides increased (62 ± 21 vs. 73 ± 34 mg/dl, p = 0.04), and food approached the western model of nutrition (less fish/fruits). In children/young adults, BMI was associated with age (Beta = 0.47, p < 0.001 and Beta = 0.36, p = 0.004), SBP (Beta = 0.46 and Beta = 0.52, p < 0.001), and LDL-C (Beta = 0.27 and Beta = 0.44, p < 0.001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>In children with obesity, increased BMI and waist circumference were related to SBP and a less favorable lipid profile. At the 10-year re-evaluation, obesity was partially improved, physical activity was increased, and SBP had reached the high-normal levels in a substantial number of young adults, while lipid profile was less favorable (for HDL-C/triglycerides) compared to baseline evaluation. Our results highlight the evolution of CVR factors from childhood to early adulthood.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55062,"journal":{"name":"Hellenic Journal of Cardiology","volume":"83 ","pages":"Pages 60-70"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139900910","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The impact of cardiovascular drugs on hyperglycemia and diabetes: a review of ‘unspoken' side effects","authors":"Wynne Widiarti , Pandit Bagus Tri Saputra , Cornelia Ghea Savitri , Johanes Nugroho Eko Putranto , Firas Farisi Alkaff","doi":"10.1016/j.hjc.2024.09.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hjc.2024.09.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aims</h3><div>The increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases has led to the widespread use of cardiovascular drugs that can adversely impact glucose metabolism. This review focuses on the latest evidence on the potential of cardiovascular drugs to induce adverse glycemic effects but also the underlying mechanisms, prevention, and management strategies.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>A comprehensive literature search was conducted across scientific databases until May 25th, 2024.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Certain cardiovascular drugs can induce hyperglycemia through multiple mechanisms, including altered the secretion and sensitivity of insulin through direct cytotoxic effects toward pancreatic beta cells and increased glucose secretion. Notably, diuretics, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and statins have been associated with significant glycemic disturbances. The risk of hyperglycemia varies based on individual factors, drug dosages, and concurrent medications. These drug-induced hyperglycemic effects may sometimes reverse upon discontinuation of related medication. Effective management should include lifestyle modifications, the use of glucose-lowering medications, and opting for lower-risk cardiovascular drugs. Monitoring for hyperglycemia involves educating affected individuals and conducting regular blood glucose tests. Identifying at-risk individuals and implementing preventive measures are crucial for improving both cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Certain cardiovascular drugs significantly contribute to hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus through various mechanisms. Effective management includes identifying at-risk individuals, choosing lower-risk medications, and implementing monitoring and preventive strategies. Further research is needed to fully understand these mechanisms and develop targeted interventions to prevent and manage cardiovascular drug-induced hyperglycemia, thereby improving clinical outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55062,"journal":{"name":"Hellenic Journal of Cardiology","volume":"83 ","pages":"Pages 71-77"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142407218","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ioannis Panayiotides MD , Joseph Westaby BMBS, PhD, FRCPath , Elijah R. Behr MA, MBBS, FRCP , Michael Papadakis MBBS, MRCP, MD, MRCP , Sanjay Sharma BSc, MBChB, FRCP, MD , Gherardo Finocchiaro MD, PhD , Mary N. Sheppard MBBCH, BAO, BSc, MD, FRCPath, FRCPI
{"title":"Seasonal Variation in Sudden Cardiac Death: Insights from a Large United Kingdom Registry","authors":"Ioannis Panayiotides MD , Joseph Westaby BMBS, PhD, FRCPath , Elijah R. Behr MA, MBBS, FRCP , Michael Papadakis MBBS, MRCP, MD, MRCP , Sanjay Sharma BSc, MBChB, FRCP, MD , Gherardo Finocchiaro MD, PhD , Mary N. Sheppard MBBCH, BAO, BSc, MD, FRCPath, FRCPI","doi":"10.1016/j.hjc.2024.01.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hjc.2024.01.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is relatively common and may occur in apparently healthy individuals. The role of seasonal variation as a risk factor for SCD is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate whether SCD exhibits a predilection for specific seasons.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We reviewed a database of 4751 cases of SCD (mean age 38 ± 17 years) referred to our Center for Cardiac Pathology at St George’s University of London between 2000 and 2018. Clinical information was obtained from referring coroners who were asked to complete a detailed questionnaire. All cases underwent macroscopic and histological evaluation of the heart, by expert cardiac pathologists.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>SCD was more common during winter (26%) and rarer during summer (24%), p = 0.161. Significant seasonal variation was not observed among cases of sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS, 2910 cases) in which the heart is structurally normal. In contrast, a significant difference in seasonal distribution among decedents exhibiting cardiac structural abnormalities at the post-mortem examination (n = 1841) was observed. In this subgroup, SCDs occurred more frequently during winter (27 %) compared to summer (22%) (p = 0.007). In cases diagnosed with a myocardial disease (n = 1399), SCD was most common during the winter (27%) and least common during the summer (22%) (p = 0.027).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>While SADS occurs throughout the year with no seasonal variation, SCD due to structural heart disease appears to be more common during the winter. Bio-meteorological factors may be potential triggers of SCD in individuals with an underlying structural cardiac abnormality.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55062,"journal":{"name":"Hellenic Journal of Cardiology","volume":"83 ","pages":"Pages 3-9"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139495505","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Twin circumflex arteries in a patient with lateral STEMI: Which is the culprit artery?","authors":"Nikitas Katsillis, Antonios Dimopoulos, Sarantos Linardakis, Nikolaos Papakonstantinou, Nikolaos Patsourakos","doi":"10.1016/j.hjc.2024.06.012","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hjc.2024.06.012","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":55062,"journal":{"name":"Hellenic Journal of Cardiology","volume":"83 ","pages":"Pages 102-103"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141604575","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Sugars-related behavior of Greek University students and its association with different information sources","authors":"Georgios Marakis , Maria G. Grammatikopoulou , Michail Chourdakis , Lamprini Kontopoulou , Eleni Vasara , Aikaterini Orfanogiannaki , Gorgias Garofalakis , Spyridoula Mila , Zoe Mousia , Emmanuella Magriplis , Antonis Zampelas","doi":"10.1016/j.hjc.2024.07.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hjc.2024.07.009","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":55062,"journal":{"name":"Hellenic Journal of Cardiology","volume":"83 ","pages":"Pages 88-91"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141908381","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Pre-procedural Stratification by the Endothelial Function in Patients with Heart Failure Undergoing Atrial Fibrillation Ablation","authors":"Akihiro Oka MD , Yuya Sudo MD , Takeshi Morimoto MD, PhD, MPH , Ryu Tsushima MD , Masahiro Sogo MD , Masatomo Ozaki MD , Masahiko Takahashi MD , Keisuke Okawa MD, PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.hjc.2024.02.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hjc.2024.02.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Endothelial dysfunction (ED), a well-established risk marker of cardiovascular events, is associated with heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF). Its relationship with cardiovascular events in patients with HF undergoing AF ablation remains unclear. We aimed to elucidate the association between ED and the outcomes after AF ablation in patients with HF.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This prospective cohort study included patients with HF who underwent an endothelial function assessment using the peripheral vascular reactive hyperemia index (RHI) before first-time AF ablation. We defined AF recurrence according to the following types: the conventional form (AF≥30 seconds) and persistent form (requiring cardioversion). An RHI<2.1 indicated ED. Those with and without ED were compared in terms of the 3-year incidence of AF recurrence and cardiovascular events after AF ablation.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among 421 patients with HF (69 ± 9 years and 38% females), 343 (81.5%) had ED. Although the incidence of the conventional form of AF recurrence was similar between the groups, that of the persistent form was significantly higher in the ED group (25.7% vs. 15.3%, log-rank P = 0.028). The ED group also had a significantly higher rate of cardiovascular events (14.8% vs. 3.6%, log-rank P = 0.028). Pre-procedural ED was identified as an independent predictor of a persistent form of AF recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 2.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05–5.07, P = 0.037) and that of cardiovascular events (adjusted HR 4.21, 95% CI 1.02–17.5, P = 0.048), respectively.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The endothelial function assessment enabled the risk stratification of clinically problematic outcomes after AF ablation in patients with HF.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55062,"journal":{"name":"Hellenic Journal of Cardiology","volume":"83 ","pages":"Pages 51-59"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139718086","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Risk of cardiovascular events in giant cell arteritis: systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Sawai Singh Rathore , Prakhyath Srikaram , Samyukta Gudena , Swetha Manoj , Sanjana Reddy Allam , Mohammad Abdalla Hatamleh , Naga Siva Naveen Chodisetti , Shifa Parvez Shaikh , Chiranjeevee Ramanathan Saravanan , Nathnael Abera Woldehana , Bijay Mukesh Jeswani","doi":"10.1016/j.hjc.2024.10.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hjc.2024.10.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a chronic inflammatory condition associated with a significantly increased risk of various cardiovascular and thromboembolic events. Existing studies suggest an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in GCA, but results vary. This meta-analysis aims to quantify the association between GCA and the risk of various cardiovascular outcomes, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the cardiovascular burden in patients with GCA.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A comprehensive literature search was carried out using several databases. Studies were included based on predefined eligibility criteria. Using random effect models, Mantel-Haenszel odds ratios and associated 95% confidence intervals were produced to report the overall effect size. Funnel plots, Egger regression tests, and Begg-Mazumdar's rank correlation test were used to assess publication bias. The endpoint included any cardiovascular events, myocardial infarction (MI), coronary artery disease (CAD), aortic aneurysm/dissection, peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and venous thromboembolism.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The meta-analysis included 14 studies with a combined sample size of 609,954 patients, where the mean age was 73.8 years and 72.2% were female. Patients with GCA had significantly higher odds of experiencing any cardiovascular event (OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.55–2.15), acute myocardial infarction (OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.34–1.97), coronary artery disease (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.09–2.08), aortic aneurysm/dissection (OR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.55–2.46), peripheral artery disease (OR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.69–2.41), stroke (OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.25–1.84), venous thromboembolism (OR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.73–2.12), deep vein thrombosis (OR = 2.09, 95% CI = 1.50–2.91) and pulmonary embolism (OR = 2.45, 95% CI = 1.38–4.36). The heterogeneity of the outcomes ranged from low to high across different analyses. No publication bias was evident in the analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The meta-analysis highlights the critical need for vigilant cardiovascular monitoring and proactive management strategies in GCA patients. Further research is needed to identify specific factors that contribute to cardiovascular complications in these patients.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55062,"journal":{"name":"Hellenic Journal of Cardiology","volume":"83 ","pages":"Pages 78-87"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142630917","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Adalena Tsatsopoulou, Dominic Jr Abrams, Aris Anastasakis, Loizos Antoniades, Elena Arbelo, Eloisa Arbustini, Euan A Ashley, Angeliki Asimaki, Cristina Basso, Eduardo Bossone, Julia Cadrin-Turigny, Hugh Calkins, Andreina Carbone, Perry M Elliott, Georgios Efthimiadis, Monica Franzese, Alexandra Frogoudaki, Juan Ramon Gimeno, John McGrath, Jodie Ingles, Juan Pablo Kaski, Andre Keren, George Kohiadakis, Emilia Lazarou, George Lazaros, Stamatios Lerakis, Giuseppe Limongelli, Soultana Meditskou, Luisa Mestroni, Ioanna Metaxa, Emanuele Monda, Eustathios Papatheodorou, Despoina Parharidou, Alexandros Patrianakos, Kalliopi Pilichou, Alexandros Protonotarios, Ioannis Protonotarios, Salvatore Rega, Angelos Rigopoulos, Jeffrey Saffitz, Petros Syrris, Matt Taylor, Johannes Peter van Tintelen, Charalambos Vlachopoulos, Zafeirenia Xylouri, William J McKenna
{"title":"NAXCARE: a clinical outcome registry for Naxos disease and related cardiocutaneous syndromes.","authors":"Adalena Tsatsopoulou, Dominic Jr Abrams, Aris Anastasakis, Loizos Antoniades, Elena Arbelo, Eloisa Arbustini, Euan A Ashley, Angeliki Asimaki, Cristina Basso, Eduardo Bossone, Julia Cadrin-Turigny, Hugh Calkins, Andreina Carbone, Perry M Elliott, Georgios Efthimiadis, Monica Franzese, Alexandra Frogoudaki, Juan Ramon Gimeno, John McGrath, Jodie Ingles, Juan Pablo Kaski, Andre Keren, George Kohiadakis, Emilia Lazarou, George Lazaros, Stamatios Lerakis, Giuseppe Limongelli, Soultana Meditskou, Luisa Mestroni, Ioanna Metaxa, Emanuele Monda, Eustathios Papatheodorou, Despoina Parharidou, Alexandros Patrianakos, Kalliopi Pilichou, Alexandros Protonotarios, Ioannis Protonotarios, Salvatore Rega, Angelos Rigopoulos, Jeffrey Saffitz, Petros Syrris, Matt Taylor, Johannes Peter van Tintelen, Charalambos Vlachopoulos, Zafeirenia Xylouri, William J McKenna","doi":"10.1016/j.hjc.2025.04.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hjc.2025.04.004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The NAXCARE (NAXos disease and Cardiocutaneous Assessment and Registry for Evaluation) is a global initiative designed to collect, store, and analyze clinical outcomes data on patients with Naxos disease and related cardiocutaneous syndromes (CCS). This registry aims to fill the gaps in clinical knowledge, enhance treatment approaches, and improve patient outcomes by systematically documenting disease progression, genetic profiles, and patient care pathways. The following methodology outlines the registry's design, data collection protocols, management, security measures, and anticipated contributions to research and clinical practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":55062,"journal":{"name":"Hellenic Journal of Cardiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144050800","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}