The articles in this special issue of Cardiovascular Diagnosis and Therapy describe the efforts to reduce salt intake in different parts of the world, including South America, Africa, the Middle East, the Far East (China and Mongolia) and Australia, in addition to an overview of the work of the World Hypertension League in this domain. Sharing experiences from diverse regions and countries, these data will contribute to better understanding the challenges and opportunities encountered by the groups working in the field.
WHO’s supported interventions on salt intake reduction in the sub-Saharan Afr...Paul Schoenhagen
Abstract: Reduction of salt intake is an important and cost-effective way for reducing hypertension and the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Current global salt intakes are estimated at around 10 g/day, well above the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended level of <5 g/day. The sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region has a prevalence of hypertension of 46% among adults aged 25 and over and therefore strategies to reduce salt intake are necessary. This requires an understanding of salt intake behaviors in the population along with government commitment to increase awareness and take actions that would create an enabling environment. It is also important to have the food industry and other key stakeholders on board. A review of the developed WHO’s norms and guidelines, technical support provided to countries by WHO as well as country initiatives shows that countries in the African region are at different stages in the implementation of salt reduction interventions. For example, South Africa has enacted legislation to make the food industry reduce the salt content of a number of its products while Mauritius is requesting bakery owners to reduce salt in bread. A number of countries are currently undertaking studies to measure salt intake in the populations. Overall progress is slow as the region experiences a double burden of communicable and noncommunicable diseases, competing health priorities and limited resources for health.
Keywords: Africa; salt intake; sodium; non-communicable diseases (NCDs); cardiovascular
Developing a national salt reduction strategy for MongoliaPaul Schoenhagen
Background: The increase in prevalence of risk factors such as hypertension has contributed to an incremental rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Mongolia over recent decades, such that they now account for 80% of all deaths in the country. Salt reduction is one of the most cost-effective interventions to reduce the burden of NCDs.
Methods: In 2011, the Ministry of Health (MOH) instigated the development of a national salt reduction strategy for Mongolia. As part of a 2-week national consultation and training program on salt reduction, it established an inter-sectoral working party and organized a series of bilateral meetings and visits to factories. Actions arising included a baseline survey of population salt consumption patterns and the implementation of a series of pilot salt reduction initiatives.
Results: The results of the baseline assessment revealed that average daily intake of salt, based on 24 hour urine samples from a representative national sample (n=1,027), was 11.06±5.99 g in 2011, more than double the World Health Organization (WHO) five grams recommendation. Moreover, while most participants knew that salt was bad for health, few were taking efforts to reduce intake, and many were consuming highly salty meals and tea; salt in tea alone was estimated to contribute 30% of daily salt intake. A pilot Pinch Salt intervention to reduce salt consumption of factory workers was undertaken in Ulaanbaatar (UB) city between 2012 and 2013, and was associated with a reduction of 2.8 g of salt intake. Ongoing food industry initiatives have led to significant reductions in salt levels in bread, and companies producing processed meat have indicated a willingness to reduce salt. Relevant stakeholders have also supported the campaign by participating in annual World Salt Awareness Week events. The activities to date have demonstrated the potential for action and there is now a need scale these up to a national level to ensure that Mongolia is in a strong position to achieve a 30% reduction in population salt intake by 2025. The main goal of the Mongolian national salt reduction strategy is to create a social, economic and legal environment that supports salt reduction, including by influencing food supply, increasing partnerships between government and relevant stakeholders, and creating an enabling environment to support improved consumer choices. The strategy will be implemented from 2015 to 2025, with an interim review of progress in 2020.
Conclusions: Given that Mongolia has one of the highest rates of stroke in the world, which is strongly associated with population-wide blood pressure (BP) levels, the addition of a population-based stroke surveillance program would provide a reliable direct assessment of the impact of these salt reduction initiatives on the health of the Mongolian people. The results from this research would likely be widely generalizable to other populations experiencing similar lifestyle transitional changes.
K
WHO’s supported interventions on salt intake reduction in the sub-Saharan Afr...Paul Schoenhagen
Abstract: Reduction of salt intake is an important and cost-effective way for reducing hypertension and the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Current global salt intakes are estimated at around 10 g/day, well above the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended level of <5 g/day. The sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region has a prevalence of hypertension of 46% among adults aged 25 and over and therefore strategies to reduce salt intake are necessary. This requires an understanding of salt intake behaviors in the population along with government commitment to increase awareness and take actions that would create an enabling environment. It is also important to have the food industry and other key stakeholders on board. A review of the developed WHO’s norms and guidelines, technical support provided to countries by WHO as well as country initiatives shows that countries in the African region are at different stages in the implementation of salt reduction interventions. For example, South Africa has enacted legislation to make the food industry reduce the salt content of a number of its products while Mauritius is requesting bakery owners to reduce salt in bread. A number of countries are currently undertaking studies to measure salt intake in the populations. Overall progress is slow as the region experiences a double burden of communicable and noncommunicable diseases, competing health priorities and limited resources for health.
Keywords: Africa; salt intake; sodium; non-communicable diseases (NCDs); cardiovascular
Developing a national salt reduction strategy for MongoliaPaul Schoenhagen
Background: The increase in prevalence of risk factors such as hypertension has contributed to an incremental rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Mongolia over recent decades, such that they now account for 80% of all deaths in the country. Salt reduction is one of the most cost-effective interventions to reduce the burden of NCDs.
Methods: In 2011, the Ministry of Health (MOH) instigated the development of a national salt reduction strategy for Mongolia. As part of a 2-week national consultation and training program on salt reduction, it established an inter-sectoral working party and organized a series of bilateral meetings and visits to factories. Actions arising included a baseline survey of population salt consumption patterns and the implementation of a series of pilot salt reduction initiatives.
Results: The results of the baseline assessment revealed that average daily intake of salt, based on 24 hour urine samples from a representative national sample (n=1,027), was 11.06±5.99 g in 2011, more than double the World Health Organization (WHO) five grams recommendation. Moreover, while most participants knew that salt was bad for health, few were taking efforts to reduce intake, and many were consuming highly salty meals and tea; salt in tea alone was estimated to contribute 30% of daily salt intake. A pilot Pinch Salt intervention to reduce salt consumption of factory workers was undertaken in Ulaanbaatar (UB) city between 2012 and 2013, and was associated with a reduction of 2.8 g of salt intake. Ongoing food industry initiatives have led to significant reductions in salt levels in bread, and companies producing processed meat have indicated a willingness to reduce salt. Relevant stakeholders have also supported the campaign by participating in annual World Salt Awareness Week events. The activities to date have demonstrated the potential for action and there is now a need scale these up to a national level to ensure that Mongolia is in a strong position to achieve a 30% reduction in population salt intake by 2025. The main goal of the Mongolian national salt reduction strategy is to create a social, economic and legal environment that supports salt reduction, including by influencing food supply, increasing partnerships between government and relevant stakeholders, and creating an enabling environment to support improved consumer choices. The strategy will be implemented from 2015 to 2025, with an interim review of progress in 2020.
Conclusions: Given that Mongolia has one of the highest rates of stroke in the world, which is strongly associated with population-wide blood pressure (BP) levels, the addition of a population-based stroke surveillance program would provide a reliable direct assessment of the impact of these salt reduction initiatives on the health of the Mongolian people. The results from this research would likely be widely generalizable to other populations experiencing similar lifestyle transitional changes.
K
The World Hypertension League: where now and where to in salt reductionPaul Schoenhagen
Abstract: High dietary salt is a leading risk for death and disability largely by causing increased blood pressure. Other associated health risks include gastric and renal cell cancers, osteoporosis, renal stones, and increased disease activity in multiple sclerosis, headache, increased body fat and Meniere’s disease. The World Hypertension League (WHL) has prioritized advocacy for salt reduction. WHL resources and actions include a non-governmental organization policy statement, dietary salt fact sheet, development of standardized nomenclature, call for quality research, collaboration in a weekly salt science update, development of a process to set recommended dietary salt research standards and regular literature reviews, development of adoptable power point slide sets to support WHL positions and resources, and critic of weak research studies on dietary salt. The WHL plans to continue to work with multiple governmental and non-governmental organizations to promote dietary salt reduction towards the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations.
Sodium content in processed foods in Argentina: compliance with the national lawPaul Schoenhagen
Background: Despite the body of evidence that documents the unfavorable effects of excessive sodium
consumption on blood pressure and cardiovascular health, public health efforts to decrease sodium consumption
have been limited to a few countries. Argentina is the first country in Latin America to regulate sodium content of
processed foods by means of a national law. The objective of this cross-sectional quantitative study is to provide a
baseline comparison against the reduction targets set by the national law before its entry into force.
Methods: Data were collected in February 2014 in a leading supermarket chain located in Buenos Aires.
Nutrient data from package labels were analysed for 1,320 products within 14 food groups during the study
period. To compare sodium concentration levels with the established maximum levels we matched the
collected food groups with the food groups included in the law resulting in a total of 292 products. Data
analysis was conducted using SPSS version 20 software.
Results: Food groups with the highest median sodium content were sauces and spreads (866.7 mg/100 g),
meat and meat products (750 mg/100 g) and snack foods (644 mg/100 g). Categories with the highest sodium
content were appetizers (1,415 mg/100 g), sausages (1,050 mg/100 g) and ready-made meals (940.7 mg/100 g).
We also found large variability within products from the same food categories. Products included in the
national law correspond to 22.1% (n=292) of the surveyed foods. From the 18 food groups, 15 showed
median sodium values below the established targets. Products exceeding the established maximum levels
correspond to 15.1% (n=44) of the products included in the analysis.
Conclusions: This study is the first analysis of food labels to determine sodium concentrations of processed
foods in Argentina and to provide a baseline against the national law standards. Upon the completion of
this analysis, maximum levels have been achieved by most of the food groups included in the law. Thus, the
introduction of further reductions for the existing maximum levels and the establishment of sodium targets for
all relevant product categories not included in the law should be considered as the next steps in the process.
Diabetes in the Gulf: The policy challenge is a new Economist Intelligence Unit report, sponsored by Janssen. It assesses the current status and potential impact of diabetes in the six Gulf Co-operation Council states—Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE; reviews current approaches to tackling the disease in the region; and explores further possible opportunities to help combat diabetes.
Dr Kate Allen: Obesity, Physical Activity and Cancer: Implications for Policy Irish Cancer Society
Dr Kate Allen, Executive Director (Science and Public Affairs) of World Cancer Research Fund International, UK, spoke about the relationship of obesity and physical Activity on cancer, and consequential implications for policy.
The World Hypertension League: where now and where to in salt reductionPaul Schoenhagen
Abstract: High dietary salt is a leading risk for death and disability largely by causing increased blood pressure. Other associated health risks include gastric and renal cell cancers, osteoporosis, renal stones, and increased disease activity in multiple sclerosis, headache, increased body fat and Meniere’s disease. The World Hypertension League (WHL) has prioritized advocacy for salt reduction. WHL resources and actions include a non-governmental organization policy statement, dietary salt fact sheet, development of standardized nomenclature, call for quality research, collaboration in a weekly salt science update, development of a process to set recommended dietary salt research standards and regular literature reviews, development of adoptable power point slide sets to support WHL positions and resources, and critic of weak research studies on dietary salt. The WHL plans to continue to work with multiple governmental and non-governmental organizations to promote dietary salt reduction towards the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations.
Sodium content in processed foods in Argentina: compliance with the national lawPaul Schoenhagen
Background: Despite the body of evidence that documents the unfavorable effects of excessive sodium
consumption on blood pressure and cardiovascular health, public health efforts to decrease sodium consumption
have been limited to a few countries. Argentina is the first country in Latin America to regulate sodium content of
processed foods by means of a national law. The objective of this cross-sectional quantitative study is to provide a
baseline comparison against the reduction targets set by the national law before its entry into force.
Methods: Data were collected in February 2014 in a leading supermarket chain located in Buenos Aires.
Nutrient data from package labels were analysed for 1,320 products within 14 food groups during the study
period. To compare sodium concentration levels with the established maximum levels we matched the
collected food groups with the food groups included in the law resulting in a total of 292 products. Data
analysis was conducted using SPSS version 20 software.
Results: Food groups with the highest median sodium content were sauces and spreads (866.7 mg/100 g),
meat and meat products (750 mg/100 g) and snack foods (644 mg/100 g). Categories with the highest sodium
content were appetizers (1,415 mg/100 g), sausages (1,050 mg/100 g) and ready-made meals (940.7 mg/100 g).
We also found large variability within products from the same food categories. Products included in the
national law correspond to 22.1% (n=292) of the surveyed foods. From the 18 food groups, 15 showed
median sodium values below the established targets. Products exceeding the established maximum levels
correspond to 15.1% (n=44) of the products included in the analysis.
Conclusions: This study is the first analysis of food labels to determine sodium concentrations of processed
foods in Argentina and to provide a baseline against the national law standards. Upon the completion of
this analysis, maximum levels have been achieved by most of the food groups included in the law. Thus, the
introduction of further reductions for the existing maximum levels and the establishment of sodium targets for
all relevant product categories not included in the law should be considered as the next steps in the process.
Diabetes in the Gulf: The policy challenge is a new Economist Intelligence Unit report, sponsored by Janssen. It assesses the current status and potential impact of diabetes in the six Gulf Co-operation Council states—Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE; reviews current approaches to tackling the disease in the region; and explores further possible opportunities to help combat diabetes.
Dr Kate Allen: Obesity, Physical Activity and Cancer: Implications for Policy Irish Cancer Society
Dr Kate Allen, Executive Director (Science and Public Affairs) of World Cancer Research Fund International, UK, spoke about the relationship of obesity and physical Activity on cancer, and consequential implications for policy.
Fleming Mwashako Mwalugho
Sheffield Hallam
Research
Introduction
High sodium content is a global issue. Most countries have enacted laws to help curb the sodium content in food. However, some of the enactments are not fully enforced exposing the food industry to high food sodium especially in processed food and in certain cuisines. It is now established that high salt content leads to an increase in blood pressure and greatly increases the risk for cardiovascular diseases. According to (Du et al., 2022) cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of death in most western countries accounting for more than 30% of the deaths. It is widely accepted that the consumption of high sodium foods is above the Food Standard Agency (FSA) recommended levels in the United Kingdom.
The WHO targets a 30% of salt reduction by 2025 with an adult consumption recommendation of fewer than 5 grams of salt per day. The United Kingdom set a target to reduce salt content for more than 85% of food categories ten years ago and this resulted in more than 20% reduction in high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease-related deaths. In China, intake of sodium is very high ranging from 12-14g/d, this is accompanied by the increase in the consumption of sauces like soy sauce which account for the highest rates, and processed food that also has high sodium content. This is also witnessed in the UK where most urban populations indulge in foreign cuisines. In developed countries, it is estimated that processed foods account for more than 75% of the salt consumed (Tan et al., 2019). Studies have shown that Chinese food, ingredients, and accompaniments in the United Kingdom contain higher levels of sodium than recommended by the FSA 2024 (Tan et al., 2019). Further in a study that was conducted in 2017 most UK products met the FSA standards but only 13% of Chinese products met the recommended FSA standards for sauces and Ingredients. Studies have demonstrated that it is possible to reduce salt content in Chinese food. Following the enactment of policies in past on salt regulation in the UK, there is a substantial decrease in the sodium content in Chinese cuisines this is in comparison to china where the same products are consumed. The most important strategy in reducing salt consumption is identifying the amount of salt consumed and how it is consumed. The aim of the study was to establish the sodium content in Chinese meal components, ingredients, and sauces and to determine if they are in line with the FSA 2024 standards. The final report provides actual values of salt content and helps in reviewing targets and informing consumer decisions. This was achieved by systematically collecting data on sodium levels on the UK processed Chinese products and comparing the sodium values against the UK FSA 2024 standard on salt content.
Literature review
He & MacGregor (2018) in a research on the relationship between high salt intake and cardiovascular diseases ...
Editorial: Evidence based policy or policy based evidence? by Michael MarmotJim Bloyd, DrPH, MPH
A simple prescription would be to review the scientific evidence of what would make a difference, formulate policies, and implement them—evidence based policy making. Unfor- tunately this simple prescription, applied to real life, is simplistic. The relation between science and policy is more complicated. Scientific findings do not fall on blank minds that get made up as a result. Science engages with busy minds that have strong views about how things are and ought to be.
Salt reduction and hypertension in China: a concise state-of-the-art reviewPaul Schoenhagen
Abstract: Hypertension (HTN) and its cardiovascular complications such as stroke and heart failure are a serious public health problem around the world. A growing number of studies confirm that salt plays an important role in the development of HTN. Increasing intake of salt leads to abnormal transport of sodium ions at the cellular level with activation of the sympathetic nervous system and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Studies have shown that salt restriction can reduce blood pressure (BP) in patients with HTN, especially salt-sensitive HTN. Public health interventions to reduce salt intake, with the goal of decreasing adverse outcomes have been launched in numerous countries. In this review we will summarize the epidemiology of cardiovascular diseases and their risk factors, the relationship between salt and HTN, the effect of salt restriction on HTN and the current situation of prevention and treatment of HTN by salt reduction in China.
An overview of salt intake reduction efforts in the Gulf Cooperation Council ...Paul Schoenhagen
Globally, morbidity and mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are increasing steadily and at an alarming rate. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and salt reduction is an effective measure to decrease mortality rates. In the Eastern Mediterranean region, current salt intake is high, with an average intake of >12 g per person per day. Reducing the intake of salt has been identified as a priority intervention to reduce NCDs. Countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are showing a willingness to comply with the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations and an eagerness to reduce the burden of NCDs. However, they face some challenges, including lack of political commitment, lack of experience, and shortage of qualified human resources. Salt intake reduction efforts
A new polymer-free drug-eluting stent with nanocarriers eluting sirolimus fro...Paul Schoenhagen
Background: Permanent polymers in first generation drug-eluting stent (DES) have been imputed to be a possible cause of persistent inflammation, remodeling, malapposition and late stent thrombosis. We aim to describe the in vivo experimental result of a new polymer-free DES eluting sirolimus from stent-plus-balloon (Focus np stent, Envision Scientific) compared with a bare-metal stent (BMS) (Amazonia CroCo, Minvasys) and with a biolimus A9 eluting stent (Biomatrix, Biosensors).
Goal attainments and their discrepancies for low density lipoprotein choleste...Paul Schoenhagen
Purpose: Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is primary treatment target for patients with dislipidemia. The apolipoprotein B (apo B), an emerging biomarker for cardiovascular risk prediction, appears to be superior to the LDL-C. However, little is known about goal attainments and their discrepancies for LDL-C and apo B in Chinese patients with known CAD or DM.
Improved non-calcified plaque delineation on coronary CT angiography by sonog...Paul Schoenhagen
Purpose: To prospectively compare non-calcified plaque delineation and image quality of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) obtained with sinogram-affirmed iterative reconstruction (IR) with different filter strengths and filtered back projection (FBP).
Hemodynamic assessment of partial mechanical circulatory support: data derive...Paul Schoenhagen
Partial mechanical circulatory support represents a new concept for the treatment of advanced heart failure. The Circulite Synergy Micro Pump®, where the inflow cannula is connected to the left atrium and the outflow cannula to the right subclavian artery, was one of the first devices to introduce this concept to the clinic. Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, hemodynamics in the aortic tree was visualized and quantified from computed tomography angiographic (CTA) images in two patients. A realistic computational model was created by integrating flow information from the native heart and from the Circulite device. Diastolic flow augmentation in the descending aorta but competing/antagonizing flow patterns in the proximal innominate artery was observed. Velocity time curves in the ascending aorta correlated well with those in the left common carotid, the left subclavian and the descending aorta but poorly with the one in the innominate. Our results demonstrate that CFD may be useful in providing a better understanding of the main flow patterns in mechanical circulatory support devices.
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an infrequent and often missed diagnosis among patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Unfortunately, SCAD can result in significant morbidities such as myocardial ischemia and infarction, ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Lack of angiographic recognition from clinicians is a major factor of under-diagnosis. With the advent of new imaging modalities, particularly with intracoronary imaging, there has been improved diagnosis of SCAD. The aim of this paper is to review the epidemiology, etiology, presentation, diagnosis and management of SCAD.
microRNA-based diagnostics and therapy in cardiovascular disease—Summing up t...Paul Schoenhagen
Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are discussed as potential disease-specific biomarkers in cardiovascular disease. Their diagnostic value has been examined in numerous studies and animal models with respect to coronary artery disease (CAD) and myocardial infarction (MI) and the prognostic abilities of circulating miRNAs in risk stratification of future disease have been evaluated. Various miRNAs are described to complement protein-based biomarkers or classical risk factors in the diagnosis of CAD or MI and even represent potential new biomarkers in the discrimination of unstable angina pectoris (UAP). Signatures consisting of sets of multiple miRNAs seem to improve the predictive power compared to single miRNAs. Furthermore, the emerging field of miRNA-based therapeutics has reached cardiovascular research. The first promising in vitro results are raising hope for future clinical application. However, methods and material used for RNA isolation, miRNA detection and normalization steps still lack ways of standardization and need to be considered carefully. This article reviews the current knowledge of miRNAs in cardiovascular disease focusing on CAD and MI and will provide an overview regarding the use of circulating miRNAs as biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in the field of CAD.
Impact of statins and beta-blocker therapy on mortality after coronary artery...Paul Schoenhagen
Background: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients after first-time isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) and assessed the impact of a discharge regimen including beta-blockers and statin therapy and their relationship to long-term all cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).
Methods: We identified patients age >18 years, undergoing first time isolated CABG from 1993 to 2005. Patients were identified using the Cardiovascular Information Registry (CVIR). We collected follow-up information at 30, 60, 90 days and yearly follow-up. The registry is approved for use in research by the institutional review broad.
Results: We identified 5,205 patients who underwent single isolated CABG between January 1993 and December 2005. The mean age was 64.5±9.7 years and over 70% were male. There was a significant difference in the low density lipoproteins (LDL) concentration between those with or without statin medications (134±41.9 mg/dL) (no statin) vs. 126±44.8 mg/dL (with statin), P=0.001. A discharge regimen with statin therapy was associated with and overall reduction in 30 day, 1 year and long-term mortality. In addition, overall the triple ischemic endpoint of death, myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke was also significantly lower in the statin vs. no-statin group. In addition, statin and beta-blockers exerted synergistic effect on overall mortality outcomes short-term and in the long-term. We note that the predictors of overall death include no therapy with statin therapy and age [hazard ratios (HR) 1.1, 95% CI: 1.04-1.078, P<0.001] and presence of renal failure (HR 2.0, P=0.005). The estimated 11-year Kaplan Meier curves for mortality between the two groups starts to diverge immediately post discharge after single isolated CABG and continue to diverge through out the follow-up period.
Conclusions: A post-discharge regimen of statins independently reduces overall and 1 year mortality. These results confirm those of earlier studies within a contemporary surgical population and support the current clinical guidelines.
Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and carotid plaques in young Nepalese p...Paul Schoenhagen
Abstract
Background: Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and carotid plaques are non-invasive surrogate markers of early evaluation of coronary artery disease (CAD) and sub clinical atherosclerosis. The objective of the study was to evaluate CIMT and carotid plaques in less than 45 years old Nepalese patients with angiographically proven CAD.
Methods: A total of 54 patients with angiographically documented CAD at less than 45 years of age were enrolled. CAD was confirmed by coronary angiography. Demographic profile was obtained. High resolution B-mode ultrasound was used to detect the CIMT and carotid plaques.
Results: The study population included 44 males and 10 females, with a mean ± SD age of 38.4±4.3 years (range, 25-44 years). Cardiovascular risks factors included smoking in 81%, Hypertension in 52%, diabetes in 19% and alcohol consumption in 78% of patients. Lipid profile (mean ± SD) was normal except for elevated triglyceride (TG) levels of 204±130.8 mg/dL. By angiography, 64.8% had single vessel disease, 26% had double vessel disease and 9.2% had triple vessel disease. Ultrasound detected either thickened CIMT or presence of plaques in 46 (85.2%) cases (group-A) and 8 (14.8%) had negative (normal) carotid study (group-B). Among the 46 patients with positive findings 63% had carotid plaques and 37% had thickened CIMT only. The majority (69%) of the carotid plaques were detected at the carotid bulbs. In total population, carotid plaque was detected in 53.7% of cases. There was no statistical significant difference of age, body mass index (BMI) and lipid level between group-A and group-B.
Conclusions: Increased CIMT and carotid plaques are detected in majority of the young Nepalese patients with angiographically documented CAD. The majority of carotid plaques are detected at the carotid bulbs. Routine carotid ultrasound study in young individuals with CAD risk factors appears worthwhile.
Impact of statins and beta-blocker therapy on mortality after coronary artery...Paul Schoenhagen
Abstract
Background: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients after first-time isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) and assessed the impact of a discharge regimen including beta-blockers and statin therapy and their relationship to long-term all cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).
Methods: We identified patients age >18 years, undergoing first time isolated CABG from 1993 to 2005. Patients were identified using the Cardiovascular Information Registry (CVIR). We collected follow-up information at 30, 60, 90 days and yearly follow-up. The registry is approved for use in research by the institutional review broad.
Results: We identified 5,205 patients who underwent single isolated CABG between January 1993 and December 2005. The mean age was 64.5±9.7 years and over 70% were male. There was a significant difference in the low density lipoproteins (LDL) concentration between those with or without statin medications (134±41.9 mg/dL) (no statin) vs. 126±44.8 mg/dL (with statin), P=0.001. A discharge regimen with statin therapy was associated with and overall reduction in 30 day, 1 year and long-term mortality. In addition, overall the triple ischemic endpoint of death, myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke was also significantly lower in the statin vs. no-statin group. In addition, statin and beta-blockers exerted synergistic effect on overall mortality outcomes short-term and in the long-term. We note that the predictors of overall death include no therapy with statin therapy and age [hazard ratios (HR) 1.1, 95% CI: 1.04-1.078, P<0.001] and presence of renal failure (HR 2.0, P=0.005). The estimated 11-year Kaplan Meier curves for mortality between the two groups starts to diverge immediately post discharge after single isolated CABG and continue to diverge through out the follow-up period.
Conclusions: A post-discharge regimen of statins independently reduces overall and 1 year mortality. These results confirm those of earlier studies within a contemporary surgical population and support the current clinical guidelines.
Cardiac imaging in prosthetic paravalvular leaksPaul Schoenhagen
Abstract: Prosthetic paravalvular leaks (PVL) is an uncommon but serious complication after surgical valve replacement. Although surgery has been the traditional treatment of choice in hemodynamically significant PVL, percutaneous transcatheter closure is emerging as a novel and less invasive option for patients with high operative risk. Cardiac imaging, especially two- and three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography, plays an essential role in the diagnosis, guidance of intervention and subsequently in the evaluation of the outcomes of the procedure. The aim of this manuscript is to review the role of cardiac imaging techniques in the interventional management of patients with symptomatic PVL.
Telehealth Psychology Building Trust with Clients.pptxThe Harvest Clinic
Telehealth psychology is a digital approach that offers psychological services and mental health care to clients remotely, using technologies like video conferencing, phone calls, text messaging, and mobile apps for communication.
R3 Stem Cells and Kidney Repair A New Horizon in Nephrology.pptxR3 Stem Cell
R3 Stem Cells and Kidney Repair: A New Horizon in Nephrology" explores groundbreaking advancements in the use of R3 stem cells for kidney disease treatment. This insightful piece delves into the potential of these cells to regenerate damaged kidney tissue, offering new hope for patients and reshaping the future of nephrology.
The dimensions of healthcare quality refer to various attributes or aspects that define the standard of healthcare services. These dimensions are used to evaluate, measure, and improve the quality of care provided to patients. A comprehensive understanding of these dimensions ensures that healthcare systems can address various aspects of patient care effectively and holistically. Dimensions of Healthcare Quality and Performance of care include the following; Appropriateness, Availability, Competence, Continuity, Effectiveness, Efficiency, Efficacy, Prevention, Respect and Care, Safety as well as Timeliness.
One of the most developed cities of India, the city of Chennai is the capital of Tamilnadu and many people from different parts of India come here to earn their bread and butter. Being a metropolitan, the city is filled with towering building and beaches but the sad part as with almost every Indian city
CHAPTER 1 SEMESTER V - ROLE OF PEADIATRIC NURSE.pdfSachin Sharma
Pediatric nurses play a vital role in the health and well-being of children. Their responsibilities are wide-ranging, and their objectives can be categorized into several key areas:
1. Direct Patient Care:
Objective: Provide comprehensive and compassionate care to infants, children, and adolescents in various healthcare settings (hospitals, clinics, etc.).
This includes tasks like:
Monitoring vital signs and physical condition.
Administering medications and treatments.
Performing procedures as directed by doctors.
Assisting with daily living activities (bathing, feeding).
Providing emotional support and pain management.
2. Health Promotion and Education:
Objective: Promote healthy behaviors and educate children, families, and communities about preventive healthcare.
This includes tasks like:
Administering vaccinations.
Providing education on nutrition, hygiene, and development.
Offering breastfeeding and childbirth support.
Counseling families on safety and injury prevention.
3. Collaboration and Advocacy:
Objective: Collaborate effectively with doctors, social workers, therapists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated care for children.
Objective: Advocate for the rights and best interests of their patients, especially when children cannot speak for themselves.
This includes tasks like:
Communicating effectively with healthcare teams.
Identifying and addressing potential risks to child welfare.
Educating families about their child's condition and treatment options.
4. Professional Development and Research:
Objective: Stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in pediatric healthcare through continuing education and research.
Objective: Contribute to improving the quality of care for children by participating in research initiatives.
This includes tasks like:
Attending workshops and conferences on pediatric nursing.
Participating in clinical trials related to child health.
Implementing evidence-based practices into their daily routines.
By fulfilling these objectives, pediatric nurses play a crucial role in ensuring the optimal health and well-being of children throughout all stages of their development.
Navigating Challenges: Mental Health, Legislation, and the Prison System in B...Guillermo Rivera
This conference will delve into the intricate intersections between mental health, legal frameworks, and the prison system in Bolivia. It aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current challenges faced by mental health professionals working within the legislative and correctional landscapes. Topics of discussion will include the prevalence and impact of mental health issues among the incarcerated population, the effectiveness of existing mental health policies and legislation, and potential reforms to enhance the mental health support system within prisons.
The Importance of Community Nursing Care.pdfAD Healthcare
NDIS and Community 24/7 Nursing Care is a specific type of support that may be provided under the NDIS for individuals with complex medical needs who require ongoing nursing care in a community setting, such as their home or a supported accommodation facility.
How many patients does case series should have In comparison to case reports.pdfpubrica101
Pubrica’s team of researchers and writers create scientific and medical research articles, which may be important resources for authors and practitioners. Pubrica medical writers assist you in creating and revising the introduction by alerting the reader to gaps in the chosen study subject. Our professionals understand the order in which the hypothesis topic is followed by the broad subject, the issue, and the backdrop.
https://pubrica.com/academy/case-study-or-series/how-many-patients-does-case-series-should-have-in-comparison-to-case-reports/