Effects of loneliness and isolation on cardiovascular diseases:a two sample Mendelian Randomization Study

BACKGROUND Loneliness and isolation are associated with multiple cardiovascular diseases(CVDs),but there is a lack of research on whether they were causally linked.We conducted a Mendelian Randomization(MR)study to explore causal relationships between loneliness and isolation and multiple CVDs.METHODS Single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with loneliness and isolation were identified from a genome-wide association study(GWAS)of 455,364 individuals of European ancestry in the IEU GWAS database.Summary data for 15 CVDs were also obtained from the IEU GWAS database.We used three MR methods including inverse variance weighting,MR-Egger,and weighted median estimation to assess the causal effect of exposure on outcomes.Cochran's Q test and MR-Egger intercept test were used to evaluate the heterogeneity and pleiotropy.RESULTS MR analysis showed that loneliness and isolation were significantly associated with essential hypertension(OR=1.07,95%CI:1.03-1.12),atherosclerotic heart disease(OR=1.04;95%CI:1.02-1.06),myocardial infarction(OR=1.02;95%CI:1-1.04)and angina(OR=1.04;95%CI=1.02-1.06).No heterogeneity and pleiotropy effects were found in this study.CONCLUSIONS Causal relationship of loneliness and isolation with CVDs were found in this study.

The cardiovascular system at high altitude:A bibliometric and visualization analysis

BACKGROUND When exposed to high-altitude environments,the cardiovascular system undergoes various changes,the performance and mechanisms of which remain controversial.AIM To summarize the latest research advancements and hot research points in the cardiovascular system at high altitude by conducting a bibliometric and visualization analysis.METHODS The literature was systematically retrieved and filtered using the Web of Science Core Collection of Science Citation Index Expanded.A visualization analysis of the identified publications was conducted employing CiteSpace and VOSviewer.RESULTS A total of 1674 publications were included in the study,with an observed annual increase in the number of publications spanning from 1990 to 2022.The United States of America emerged as the predominant contributor,while Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia stood out as the institution with the highest publication output.Notably,Jean-Paul Richalet demonstrated the highest productivity among researchers focusing on the cardiovascular system at high altitude.Furthermore,Peter Bärtsch emerged as the author with the highest number of cited articles.Keyword analysis identified hypoxia,exercise,acclimatization,acute and chronic mountain sickness,pulmonary hypertension,metabolism,and echocardiography as the primary research hot research points and emerging directions in the study of the cardiovascular system at high altitude.CONCLUSION Over the past 32 years,research on the cardiovascular system in high-altitude regions has been steadily increasing.Future research in this field may focus on areas such as hypoxia adaptation,metabolism,and cardiopulmonary exercise.Strengthening interdisciplinary and multi-team collaborations will facilitate further exploration of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying cardiovascular changes in high-altitude environments and provide a theoretical basis for standardized disease diagnosis and treatment.

Combining GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors for cardiovascular disease prevention in type 2 diabetes:A systematic review with multiple network meta-regressions

BACKGROUND Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists(GLP-1RA)and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors(SGLT-2I)are associated with significant cardiovascular benefit in type 2 diabetes(T2D).However,GLP-1RA or SGLT-2I alone may not improve some cardiovascular outcomes in patients with prior cardiovascular co-morbidities.AIM To explore whether combining GLP-1RA and SGLT-2I can achieve additional benefit in preventing cardiovascular diseases in T2D.METHODS The systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA recommendations.The protocol was registered on PROSPERO(ID:42022385007).A total of 107049 participants from eligible cardiovascular outcomes trials of GLP-1RA and SGLT-2I were included in network meta-regressions to estimate cardiovascular benefit of the combination treatment.Effect modification of prior myocardial infarction(MI)and heart failure(HF)was also explored to provide clinical insight as to when the INTRODUCTION The macro-and micro-vascular benefits of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists(GLP-1RA)and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors(SGLT-2I)are independent of their glucose-lowering effects[1].In patients with type 2 diabetes(T2D),the major cardiovascular outcome trials(CVOT)showed that dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors(DPP-4I)did not improve cardiovascular outcomes[2],whereas cardiovascular benefit of GLP-1RA or SGLT-2I was significant[3,4].Further subgroup analyses indicated that the background cardiovascular risk should be considered when examining the cardiovascular outcomes of these newer glucose-lowering medications.For instance,prevention of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)was only seen in those patients with baseline atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease[3,4].Moreover,a series of CVOT conducted in patients with heart failure(HF)have demonstrated that(compared with placebo)SGLT-2I significantly reduced risk of hospitalization for HF or cardiovascular death,irrespective of their history of T2D[5-8].However,similar cardiovascular benefits were not observed in those with myocardial infarction(MI)[9,10].Cardiovascular co-morbidities are not only approximately twice as common but are also associated with dispropor-tionately worse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with T2D,compared to the general population[11].Therefore,it is of clinical importance to investigate whether the combination treatment of GLP-1RA and SGLT-2I could achieve greater cardiovascular benefit,particularly when considering patients with cardiovascular co-morbidities who may not gain sufficient cardiovascular protection from the monotherapies.This systematic review with multiple network meta-regressions was mainly aimed to explore whether combining GLP-1RA and SGLT-2I can provide additional cardiovascular benefit in T2D.Cardiovascular outcomes of these newer antidiabetic medications were also estimated under effect modification of prior cardiovascular diseases.This was to provide clinical insight as to when the combination treatment might be prioritized.

Protective effects of oleic acid and polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil on cardiovascular diseases

The Mediterranean diet has long been recognized as one of the most effective ways to prevent and improve cardiovascular disease.Extra virgin olive oil(EVOO)is the typical sources of fat in the Mediterranean diet which have been shown to have noteworthy nutritional value and positive impact on human health.It is worth noting that EVOO owes its superior nutritional value to its bioactive composition.The main component of EVOO is monounsaturated fatty acids(MUFAs)in the form of oleic acid.Oleic acid accounts for up to 70%-80%of EVOO.Secondly,EVOO contains approximately more than 30 phenolic compounds,of which HT is essential for the protection against cardiovascular diseases.In this review,we focused on the potential mechanisms of oleic acid and polyphenols combat cardiovascular diseases risk in terms of oxidative stress,inflammation,blood pressure,endothelial function and cholesterol.This review might provide a reference for the studies on cardiovascular protective effects of EVOO.

Clonal hematopoiesis:a shared risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and tumors

Clonal hematopoiesis(CH)is a clonally expanded population of hematopoietic stem cells carrying somatic mutations that differentiate through multilineage hematopoiesis to form terminally differentiated mature hematopoietic cells carrying markers of the clonal mutation.Genes integral to critical cellular processes such as epigenetic regulation,DNA damage response,and inflammation frequently carry these mutations.Clonal hematopoiesis becomes increasingly prevalent with age and is associated with an increased risk of hematological tumors and some nonhematological conditions.Recent insights have revealed that the mutations driving CH are not only implicated in hematologic neoplasms but also possess the potential to influence cardiovascular pathogenesis.Here,we reviewed up-to-date findings about the roles of CH in cardiovascular diseases and tumors and explored the clinical significance of CH,as well as look forward to future related studies,so as to provide valuable references for future research and clinical practice.

Association of acute glycemic parameters at admission with cardiovascular mortality in the oldest old with acute myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVES Stress-related glycemic indicators,including admission blood glucose(ABG),stress-hyperglycemia ratio(SHR),and glycemic gap(GG),have been associated with worse outcomes after acute myocardial infarction(AMI).However,data regarding their prognostic value in the oldest old with AMI are unavailable.Therefore,this study aimed to investigate the association of stress-related glycemic indicators with short-and long-term cardiovascular mortality(CVM)in the oldest old(≥80 years)with AMI.METHODS In this prospective study,a total of 933 consecutive old patients with AMI admitted to FuWai hospital(Beijing,China)were enrolled.On admission,ABG,SHR,and GG were assessed and all participants were classified according to their quartiles.Kaplan-Meier,restricted cubic splines(RCS),and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between these glycemic indicators and CVM within 30 days and long-term follow-up.RESULTS During an average of 1954 patient-years of follow-up,a total of 250 cardiovascular deaths were recorded.Kaplan-Meier analyses showed the lowest CVM in quartile 1 of ABG and in quartile 2 of SHR and GG.After adjusting for potential covariates,patients in quartile 4 of ABG,SHR,and GG had a respective 1.67-fold(95%CI:1.03-2.69;P=0.036),1.80-fold(95%CI:1.16-2.79;P=0.009),and 1.78-fold(95%CI:1.14-2.79;P=0.011)higher risk of long-term CVM risk compared to those in the reference groups(quartile 1 of ABG and quartile 2 of SHR and GG).Furthermore,RCS suggested a J-shaped relationship of ABG and a Ushaped association of SHR and GG with long-term CVM.Additionally,we observed similar associations of these acute glycemic parameters with 30-day CVM.CONCLUSIONS Our data first indicated that SHR and GG consistently had a U-shaped association with both 30-day and longterm CVM among the oldest old with AMI,suggesting that they may be useful for risk stratification in this special population.

Influencing Factors on Cardiovascular Health in China

The Annual Report on Cardiovascular Health and Diseases in China(2022)intricate landscape of cardiovascular health in China.This is the first section of the report,which dissects influential factors across diverse domains.The investigation identifies tobacco use as a paramount concern,portraying China as the global epicenter of tobacco consumption.Cigarette smoking,exacerbated by second-hand smoke exposure,emerges as a critical and preventable risk factor,contributing to a surge in attributable deaths over the past three decades.In the realm of dietary nutrition,the study discerns an overall improvement,yet discerns worrisome deviations,notably an escalating fat intake surpassing recommended guidelines.The shifting dietary structure reveals diminished consumption of cereals and vegetables juxtaposed with an uptick in animal foods,while excessive intake of cooking oil and salt persists,straying substantially from endorsed levels.The exploration of physical activity patterns unfolds a nuanced narrative.Varied trends are observed among students,with concerns arising from sedentary behaviors and inadequate adherence to recommended guidelines.The analysis spans a trajectory of declining physical activity in Chinese adults,coupled with an alarming surge in sedentary leisure time,ultimately linking these factors to heightened risks of cardiovascular diseases and increased adiposity.An examination of overweight and obesity trends uncovers a relentless upward trajectory,projecting substantial prevalence by 2030.Noteworthy prevalence rates underscore the imperative for targeted interventions to curtail this burgeoning health crisis,with the anticipated prevalence extending to nearly two-thirds of the adult population.Psychological factors,notably depression,constitute an integral facet of cardiovascular health.Prevalence rates among patients with coronary artery disease and acute myocardial infarction underscore the intricate interplay between mental health and cardiovascular outcomes.Additionally,persistent depressive symptoms are shown to significantly elevate the risk of cardiovascular diseases and mortality.This first section underscores the multifaceted challenges facing cardiovascular health in China,emphasizing the imperative for tailored interventions across tobacco control,dietary habits,physical activity,obesity management,and psychological well-being to mitigate the escalating burden of cardiovascular diseases in the population.

Cardiovascular Risk Factors in China

The Annual Report on Cardiovascular Health and Diseases in China(2022) intricate landscape of cardiovascular health in China. This section dissects cardiovascular risk factors in China which including hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, metabolic syndrome and air pollution. Hypertension prevalence has steadily increased in China,with efforts to control it facing challenges in achieving optimal rates, especially in rural areas. Interventions like salt substitutes and intensive blood pressure control show promise but need improvement. Abnormal lipid levels, indicative of dyslipidemia,have risen significantly, posing a risk for cardiovascular diseases. Despite efforts, many patients struggle to achieve target lipid levels, necessitating improved treatment strategies. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus affect millions of adults in China,with long-term complications adding to the disease burden. Early intervention and effective management are crucial to mitigate its impact. Prevalent among older adults, chronic kidney disease is associated with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases, necessitating comprehensive management approaches. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome, characterized by a cluster of risk factors, has increased in both adults and adolescents, calling for lifestyle modifications and public health interventions. Ambient and household air pollution remain significant environmental risk factors, despite some improvements in air quality. Continued efforts to reduce emissions are essential for mitigating associated health risks. Addressing these risk factors requires a multifaceted approach, including public health initiatives, policy interventions, and individual-level strategies to promote healthy lifestyles and reduce environmental exposures. Surveillance and research efforts are crucial for monitoring trends and developing effective strategies to lessen the burden of cardiovascular diseases in China.

Epidemiology and current management of cardiovascular disease in China

The Annual Report on Cardiovascular Health and Diseases in China(2022) intricate landscape of cardiovascular health in China. This is the fourth section of the report with a specific focus on epidemiology and current management of cardiovascular disease(CVD) in China. This section of the report highlights the epidemiological trends of CVD in China. It reveal a concerning rise in prevalence, with approximately 330 million affected individuals, including significant numbers with stroke, coronary artery disease(CAD), heart failure, and other conditions. CVD stands as the primary cause of mortality among both urban and rural populations, accounting for nearly half of all deaths in 2020. Mortality rates are notably higher in rural areas compared to urban centers since 2009. While age-standardized mortality rates have decreased, the absolute number of CVD deaths has increased, primarily due to population aging. Ischemic heart disease, hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes are the leading causes of CVD-related deaths. Notably, the burden of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease has risen substantially, with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease-related deaths increasing from 1990 to 2016. The incidence of ischemic stroke and ischemic heart disease has shown similar increasing trends over the past three decades. CAD mortality, particularly acute myocardial infarction, has been on the rise, with higher mortality rates observed in rural areas since 2016. The prevalence of CAD has increased significantly, with over 11 million patients identified in 2013. Studies assessing hospital performance in managing acute coronary syndrome reveal gaps in adherence to guideline-recommended strategies, with disparities in care quality across hospitals. However, initiatives like the China Patient-centered Evaluative Assessment of Cardiac Events(PEACE)-Retrospective AMI Study and the Improving Care for Cardiovascular Disease in China-Acute Coronary Syndrome(CCC-ACS) project aim to improve patient outcomes through enhanced care protocols. Moreover, advancements in medical technology, such as quantitative flow ratio-guided lesion selection during percutaneous coronary intervention, show promise in improving clinical outcomes for patients undergoing intervention.

Community-based prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases

The Annual Report on Cardiovascular Health and Diseases in China(2022)intricate landscape of cardiovascular health in China.This is the third section of the report with a specific focus on community-based prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases(CVD).This section of the report underscores the importance of initiatives outlined in the"Healthy China 2030 Plan,"emphasizing the comprehensive prevention and control strategy for chronic diseases.A key aspect of this plan involves the establishment of national demonstration areas aimed at comprehensive prevention and control of chronic diseases.By 2020,488 such areas had been set up across China,surpassing the initial target and covering a significant proportion of counties and districts.The report highlights the successful implementation of these strategies in Lishan district,Anshan city,where demonstration areas for comprehensive prevention and control of chronic diseases were launched in 2013.Over the course of seven years,the number of healthy units increased substantially,leading to improvements in managing risk factors for CVD among residents.Significant reductions in prevalence rates of overweight,obesity,smoking,passive smoking,and drinking were observed,along with the development of healthier behaviors among residents.Similarly,Qiaokou district in Wuhan City,designated as a national demonstration area in 2014,implemented comprehensive public health promotion initiatives.Notably,special clinics for hypertension intervention were established,contributing to an increase in self-reported rates of hypertension,a slight decrease in prevalence,and a remarkable improvement in the control rate among treated patients.Overall,these efforts underscore the effectiveness of community-based approaches in driving positive health outcomes and advancing the comprehensive prevention and control of chronic diseases,particularly cardiovascular diseases,in China.

Alcohol drinking triggered decrease of oxidative balance score is associated with high all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in hypertensive individuals:findings from NHANES 1999–2014

BACKGROUND Oxidative stress is closely associated with hypertensive outcomes.The oxidative balance score(OBS)measures oxidative stress exposure from dietary and lifestyle elements.The objective of this study was to investigate the association between OBS and mortality in hypertensive patients.METHODS This study included 7823 hypertensive patients from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(NHA-NES)1999-2014.Several models,including Cox regression,restricted cubic splines(RCS),Kaplan-Meier survival analysis,subgroup,and sensitivity analyses,were exploited to investigate the relationship between OBS and the risk of mortality.RESULTS Controlling for all potential confounders,a significantly inverse association was observed between elevated OBS and all-cause[hazard ratio(HR)=0.90,95%CI:0.85-0.95]and cardiovascular mortality(HR=0.85,95%CI:0.75-0.95).With adjustment for covariates,significant associations between lifestyle OBS and mortality risks diminished,whereas associations between dietary OBS and these mortality risks remained robust(all-cause mortality:HR=0.91,95%CI:0.86-0.96;cardiovascular mortality:HR=0.85,95%CI:0.76-0.96).RCS demonstrated a linear relationship between OBS and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality risk(P_(nonlinear)=0.088 and P_(nonlinear)=0.447,respectively).Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated that the mortality rate was lower with a high OBS(P<0.001).The consistency of the association was demonstrated in subgroup and sensitivity analyses.RCS after stratification showed that among current drinkers,those with higher OBS had a lower risk of mortality compared with former or never drinkers.CONCLUSIONS In hypertensive individuals,there was a negative association between OBS and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.Encouraging hypertensive individuals,especially those currently drinking,to maintain high levels of OBS may be beneficial in improving their prognosis.

DPP-4 inhibitors and GLP-1RAs:cardiovascular safety and benefits

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists(GLP-1RAs)and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors are commonly used treatments for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Both anti-diabetic treatments function by playing key modulatory roles in the incretin system.Though these drugs have been deemed effective in treating T2DM,the Food and Drug Administration(FDA)and some members of the scientific community have questioned the safety of these therapeutics relative to important cardiovascular endpoints.As a result,since 2008,the FDA has required all new drugs for glycemic control in T2DM patients to demonstrate cardiovascular safety.The present review article strives to assess the safety and benefits of incretin-based therapy,a new class of antidiabetic drug,on the health of patient cardiovascular systems.In the process,this review will also provide a physiological overview of the incretin system and how key components function in T2DM.

Status of cardiovascular disease in China

Cardiovascular disease(CVD)has become the leading cause of death and disability in the global population and imposes a significant economic burden on global health systems.Prevalent cases of total CVD nearly doubled from 271 million in 1990 to 523 million in 2019,and the number of CVD deaths steadily increased from 12.1 million in 1990,reaching 18.6 million in 2019.The global trends for disabilityadjusted life years and years of life lost also increased significantly,and years lived with disability doubled from 17.7 million to 34.4 million over that period.

The role of Interleukin-1 family in cardiovascular disease and its research progress

The interleukin-1 family is a group of important cytokines that play a key regulatory role in the immune and inflammatory response(including infectious and non-bacterial injuries).Nowadays,the interleukin-1 family mainly includes 11 cytokines and has multiple roles in the pathology and physiology of inflammation.Moreover,accumulating number of research show that the interleukin-1 family and its receptors are involved in the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases.Therefore,we show here the review involving hotspots of the interleukin-1 family in the process of inflammation and its target therapy in cardiovascular diseases,including atherosclerosis,myocardial infarction and heart failure.

Social isolation, loneliness and subsequent risk of major adverse cardiovascular events among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)are more vulnerable to social disconnection compared with the general population;however,there are few relevant studies investigating this issue.Aims To investigate whether social isolation or loneliness may be associated with subsequent risk of developing major adverse cardiovascular events,whether these associations vary according to fatal and non-fatal outcomes and how behavioural,psychological and physiological factors mediate these associations.Methods This longitudinal analysis included data from 19360 individuals with T2DM at baseline(2006-2010)from the UK Biobank.Social isolation and loneliness were measured using self-report questionnaires.The study outcomes included the first events of myocardial infarction(MI)or stroke(n=2273)and all-cause(n=2820)or cardiovascular disease-related mortality through linked hospital data ordeath registries.Results Over a median follow-up of 12.4 years(interquartile range(IQR):11.6-13.3 years),participants who were more socially isolated(most social isolation vs least social isolation)experienced increased risks for all-cause(hazard ratio(HR):1.33,95%confidence interval(Cl):1.19 to 1.47)and cardiovascular disease(HR:1.36,95%Cl:1.17 to 1.59)mortality but not first Ml or stroke.Loneliness(yes vs no)was associated with a greater risk for a composite of incident MI or stroke(HR:1.37,95%Cl:1.19 to 1.57)but not mortality.Social isolation was associated with fatal Ml and stroke,whereas loneliness was associated with non-fatal Ml and stroke.The significant associations of social isolation and loneliness with outcomes were mainly mediated by behavioural factors(mediating proportion:17.8%-28.2%and 17.6%-17.8%,respectively).Conclusions Among individuals with T2DM,social isolation and loneliness are associated with a greater risk of developing major adverse cardiovascular events,with differences in both risks stratified according to fatal and non-fatal events and underlying mediating factors.

Advancements in understanding inflammatory responses and the development of cardiovascular diseases under cold stimulation

Cold stimulation has been linked to acute myocardial infarction and other cardiovascular diseases.Residents in the frigid zones,such Heilongjiang Province,experience a higher incidence of adverse cardiovascular events during winter,posing a significant health threat and increasing the overall medical burden.Cold stimulation serves as an detrimental stressor,inducing inflammation in the body.Therefore,understanding the role of inflammatory responses induced by cold stimulation in the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases is of paramount importance.Given the impact of cold on inflammation in cardiovascular diseases and the expanding array of anti-inflammatory methods for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases,delving into the inflammatory responses mediated by can significantly complement cardiovascular disease management.This review explorest the synergistic relationship between cold stimulation and inflammation induction,elucidating how this interplay influences the occurrence and progression of cardiovascular diseases.

Association of mineral and bone biomarkers with adverse cardiovascular outcomes and mortality in the German Chronic Kidney Disease(GCKD)cohort

Mineral and bone disorder(MBD)in chronic kidney disease(CKD)is tightly linked to cardiovascular disease(CVD).In this study,we aimed to compare the prognostic value of nine MBD biomarkers to determine those associated best with adverse cardiovascular(CV)outcomes and mortality.In 5217 participants of the German CKD(GCKD)study enrolled with an estimated glomerular filtration rate(eG FR)between 30–60 mL·min-1 per 1.73 m2 or overt proteinuria,serum osteoprotegerin(OPG),C-terminal fibroblast growth factor-23(FGF23),intact parathyroid hormone(iP TH),bone alkaline phosphatase(BAP),cross-linked C-telopeptide of type 1 collagen(CTX1),procollagen 1intact N-terminal propeptide(P1NP),phosphate,calcium,and 25-OH vitamin D were measured at baseline.Participants with missing values among these parameters(n=971)were excluded,leaving a total of 4246 participants for analysis.During a median follow-up of6.5 years,387 non-CV deaths,173 CV deaths,645 nonfatal major adverse CV events(MACEs)and 368 hospitalizations for congestive heart failure(CHF)were observed.OPG and FGF23 were associated with all outcomes,with the highest hazard ratios(HRs)for OPG.In the final Cox regression model,adjusted for CV risk factors,including kidney function and all other investigated biomarkers,each standard deviation increase in OPG was associated with non-CV death(HR 1.76,95%CI:1.35–2.30),CV death(HR 2.18,95%CI:1.50–3.16),MACE(HR 1.38,95%CI:1.12–1.71)and hospitalization for CHF(HR 2.05,95%CI:1.56–2.69).Out of the nine biomarkers examined,stratification based on serum OPG best identified the CKD patients who were at the highest risk for any adverse CV outcome and mortality.

Current and recent cigarette smoking in relation to cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortality in an elderly male Chinese population

OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between current and former smoking and the risk of mortality in elderly Chinese men.METHODS Our study participants were elderly(≥60 years)men recruited in a suburban town of Shanghai.Cigarette smoking status was categorized as never smoking,remote(cessation>5 years)and recent former smoking(cessation≤5 years),and light-to-moderate(≤20 cigarettes/day)and heavy current smoking(>20 cigarettes/day).Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic splines were used to examine the associations of interest.RESULTS The 1568 participants had a mean age of 68.6±7.1 years.Of all participants,311 were never smokers,201 were remote former smokers,133 were recent former smokers,783 were light-to-moderate current smokers and 140 were heavy current smokers.During a median follow-up of 7.9 years,all-cause,cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular deaths occurred in 267,106 and 161 participants,respectively.Heavy current smokers had the highest risk of all-cause and non-cardiovascular mortality,with an adjusted hazard ratio(HR)of 2.30(95%CI:1.34-4.07)and 3.98(95%CI:2.03-7.83)versus never smokers,respectively.Recent former smokers also had a higher risk of all-cause(HR=1.62,95%CI:1.04-2.52)and non-cardiovascular mortality(HR=2.40,95%CI:1.32-4.37)than never smokers.Cox regression restricted cubic spline models showed the highest risk of all-cause and non-cardiovascular mortality within 5 years of smoking cessation and decline thereafter.Further subgroup analyses showed interaction between smoking status and pulse rate(≥70 beats/min vs.<70 beats/min)in relation to the risk of all-cause and non-cardiovascular mortality,with a higher risk in current versus never smokers in those participants with a pulse rate below 70 beats/min.CONCLUSIONS Cigarette smoking in elderly Chinese confers significant risks of mortality,especially when recent former smoking is considered together with current smoking.

Unveiling shared genetic pathways in cardiovascular diseases:towards personalized therapies and holistic treatment approaches

Cardiovascular diseases(CVDs),encompassing diverse pathologies such as atherosclerosis,hypertension,cardiomyopathy,arrhythmia,and valvular diseases,represent a significant public health challenge,severely undermining human health[1].According to the World Health Organization,CVDs claimed approximately 17.9 million deaths in 2019,representing 32%of all global deaths[2,3].The risk of CVDs morbidity and mortality increases with age,with the majority of CVDs and deaths occurring in elderly aged 75 years and older[4,5].In developed nations,CVDs are the principal cause of mortality,while in developing countries,they are a leading cause of death as well.

Lifestyle improvement and the reduced risk of cardiovascular disease:the China-PAR project

BACKGROUND The benefits of healthy lifestyles are well recognized. However, the extent to which improving unhealthy lifestyles reduces cardiovascular disease(CVD) risk needs to be discussed. We evaluated the impact of lifestyle improvement on CVD incidence using data from the China-PAR project(Prediction for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk in China).METHODS A total of 12,588 participants free of CVD were followed up for three visits after the baseline examination. Changes in four lifestyle factors(LFs)(smoking, diet, physical activity, and alcohol consumption) were assessed through questionnaires from the baseline to the first follow-up visit. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios(HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals(CIs). The risk advancement periods(RAPs: the age difference between exposed and unexposed participants reaching the same incident CVD risk) and population-attributable risk percentage(PAR%) were also calculated.RESULTS A total of 909 incident CVD cases occurred over a median follow-up of 11.14 years. Compared with maintaining 0-1healthy LFs, maintaining 3–4 healthy LFs was associated with a 40% risk reduction of incident CVD(HR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.45–0.79)and delayed CVD risk by 6.31 years(RAP:-6.31 [-9.92,-2.70] years). The PAR% of maintaining 3–4 unhealthy LFs was 22.0%compared to maintaining 0-1 unhealthy LFs. Besides, compared with maintaining two healthy LFs, improving healthy LFs from 2to 3–4 was associated with a 23% lower risk of CVD(HR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.60–0.98).CONCLUSIONS Long-term sustenance of healthy lifestyles or improving unhealthy lifestyles can reduce and delay CVD risk.