Long-Term Prognosis of Different Reperfusion Strategies for ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Chinese County-Level Hospitals:Insight from China Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry

Objective To evaluate the long-term prognosis of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)treated with different reperfusion strategies in Chinese county-level hospitals Methods A total of 2,514 patients with STEMI from 32 hospitals participated in the China Acute Myocardial Infarction registry between January 2013 and September 2014.The success of fibrinolysis was assessed according to indirect measures of vascular recanalization.The primary outcome was 2-year mortality.Results Reperfusion therapy was used in 1,080 patients(42.9%):fibrinolysis(n=664,61.5%)and primary percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)(n=416,38.5%).The most common reason for missing reperfusion therapy was a prehospital delay>12 h(43%).Fibrinolysis[14.5%,hazard ratio(HR):0.59,95%confidence interval(CI)0.44–0.80]and primary PCI(6.8%,HR=0.32,95%CI:0.22–0.48)were associated with lower 2-year mortality than those with no reperfusion(28.5%).Among fibrinolysistreated patients,510(76.8%)achieved successful clinical reperfusion;only 17.0%of those with failed fibrinolysis underwent rescue PCI.There was no difference in 2-year mortality between successful fibrinolysis and primary PCI(8.8%vs.6.8%,HR=1.53,95%CI:0.85–2.73).Failed fibrinolysis predicted a similar mortality(33.1%)to no reperfusion(33.1%vs.28.5%,HR=1.30,95%CI:0.93–1.81).Conclusion In Chinese county-level hospitals,only approximately 2/5 of patients with STEMI underwent reperfusion therapy,largely due to prehospital delay.Approximately 30%of patients with failed fibrinolysis and no reperfusion therapy did not survive at 2 years.Quality improvement initiatives are warranted,especially in public health education and fast referral for mechanical revascularization in cases of failed fibrinolysis.

Triglyceride glucose index predicts in-hospital mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction who underwent primary angiography

OBJECTIVES To assess the correlation between triglyceride glucose(TyG)index and in-hospital mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI).METHODS A total of 2190 patients with STEMI who underwent primary angiography within 12 h from symptom onset were selected from the prospective,nationwide,multicenter CAMI registry.TyG index was calculated with the formula:Ln[fasting triglycerides(mmol/L)×fasting glucose(mmol/L)/2].Patients were divided into three groups according to the tertiles of TyG index.The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality.RESULTS Overall,46 patients died during hospitalization,in-hospital mortality was 1.5%,2.2%,2.6%for tertile 1,tertile 2,and tertile 3,respectively.However,TyG index was not significantly correlated with in-hospital mortality in single-variable logistic regression analysis.Nonetheless,after adjusting for age and sex,TyG index was significantly associated with higher mortality when regarded as a continuous variable(adjusted OR=1.75,95%CI:1.16-2.63)or categorical variable(tertile 3 vs.tertile 1:adjus-ted OR=2.50,95%CI:1.14-5.49).Furthermore,TyG index,either as a continuous variable(adjusted OR=2.54,95%CI:1.42-4.54)or categorical variable(tertile 3 vs.tertile 1:adjusted OR=3.57,95%CI:1.24-10.29),was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality after adjusting for multiple confounders in multivariable logistic regression analysis.In subgroup analysis,the pro-gnostic effect of high TyG index was more significant in patients with body mass index<18.5 kg/m2(P interaction=0.006).CONCLUSIONS This study showed that TyG index was positively correlated with in-hospital mortality in STEMI patients who underwent primary angiography,especially in underweight patients.

Top Five Stories of the Cellular Landscape and Therapies of Atherosclerosis:Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives

Atherosclerosis(AS)is characterized by impairment and apoptosis of endothelial cells,continuous systemic and focal inflammation and dysfunction of vascular smooth muscle cells,which is documented as the traditional cellular paradigm.However,the mechanisms appear much more complicated than we thought since a bulk of studies on efferocytosis,transdifferentiation and novel cell death forms such as ferroptosis,pyroptosis,and extracellular trap were reported.Discovery of novel pathological cellular landscapes provides a large number of therapeutic targets.On the other side,the unsatisfactory therapeutic effects of current treatment with lipid-lowering drugs as the cornerstone also restricts the efforts to reduce global AS burden.Stem cell-or nanoparticle-based strategies spurred a lot of attention due to the attractive therapeutic effects and minimized adverse effects.Given the complexity of pathological changes of AS,attempts to develop an almighty medicine based on single mechanisms could be theoretically challenging.In this review,the top stories in the cellular landscapes during the initiation and progression of AS and the therapies were summarized in an integrated perspective to facilitate efforts to develop a multi-targets strategy and fill the gap between mechanism research and clinical translation.The future challenges and improvements were also discussed.

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.

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.

The prognostic value of collateral circulation in coronary chronic total occlusion underwent percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND The prognostic value of coronary collateral circulation(CC)in patients undergoing chronic total occlusion(CTO)percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)is underdetermined.The purpose of the study was to assess the prognostic value of current two CC grading systems and their association with long-term outcomes in patients with CTO underwent PCI.METHODS We consecutively enrolled patients with single-vessel CTO underwent PCI between January 2010 and December2013.All patients were categorized into well-developed or poor-developed collaterals group according to angiographic Werner's CC(grade 2 vs.grade 0–1)or Rentrop(grade 3 vs.grade 0–2)grading system.The primary endpoint was 5-year cardiac death.RESULTS Of 2452 enrolled patients,the overall technical success rate was 74.1%.Well-developed collaterals were present in686 patients(28.0%)defined by Werner's CC grade 2,and in 1145 patients(46.7%)by Rentrop grade 3.According to Werner's CC grading system,patients with well-developed collaterals had a lower rate of 5-year cardiac death compared with those with poordeveloped collaterals(1.6%vs.3.3%,P=0.02),those with suboptimal recanalization was associated with higher rate of 5-year cardiac death compared with optimal recanalization(4.7%vs.0.8%,P=0.01)and failure patients(4.7%vs.1.6%,P=0.12).However,the similar effect was not shown in Rentrop grading system.CONCLUSIONS In patients with the single-vessel CTO underwent PCI,well-developed collaterals by Werner's CC definition were associated with lower rate of 5-year cardiac death.Werner's CC grading system had a greater prognostic value than Rentrop grading system in patients with CTO underwent PCI.

Diagnostic performance of intravascular ultrasound-based fractional flow reserve in evaluating of intermediate left main stenosis

BACKGROUND The recently introduced ultrasonic flow ratio(UFR),is a novel fast computational method to derive fractional flow reserve(FFR)from intravascular ultrasound(IVUS)images.In the present study,we evaluate the diagnostic performance of UFR in patients with intermediate left main(LM)stenosis.METHODS This is a prospective,single center study enrolling consecutive patients with presence of intermediated LM lesions(diameter stenosis of 30%-80%by visual estimation)underwent IVUS and FFR measurement.An independent core laboratory assessed offline UFR and IVUS-derived minimal lumen area(MLA)in a blinded fashion.RESULTS Both UFR and FFR were successfully achieved in 41 LM patients(mean age,62.0±9.9 years,46.3%diabetes).An acceptable correlation between UFR and FFR was identified(r=0.688,P<0.0001),with an absolute numerical difference of 0.03(standard difference:0.01).The area under the curve(AUC)in diagnosis of physiologically significant coronary stenosis for UFR was 0.94(95%CI:0.87-1.01),which was significantly higher than angiographic identified stenosis>50%(AUC=0.66,P<0.001)and numerically higher than IVUS-derived MLA(AUC=0.82;P=0.09).Patient level diagnostic accuracy,sensitivity and specificity for UFR to identify FFR≤0.80 was 82.9%(95%CI:70.2-95.7),93.1%(95%CI:82.2-100.0),58.3%(95%CI:26.3-90.4),respectively.CONCLUSION In patients with intermediate LM diseases,UFR was proved to be associated with acceptable correlation and high accuracy with pressure wire-based FFR as standard reference.The present study supports the use of UFR for functional evaluation of intermediate LM stenosis.

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.

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.

Different prognostic association of systolic blood pressure at different time points with postdischarge events in patients hospitalized for decompensated heart failure

Background The association of systolic blood pressure(SBP) with mortality in heart failure(HF) patients is paradoxical, and the time points of baseline SBP are also different across prior studies. We hypothesized that the levels of SBP at admission and at discharge had different associations with postdischarge events. Methods The study population included patients hospitalized for decompensated HF in the Heart Failure Center of Fuwai Hospital from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2014. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular(CV) death and heart transplantation. Multivariate Cox proportional-hazards and restricted cubic spline analyses were used to assess the relationships between SBP at different time points and outcomes. Results In total, 2005 patients were included with a median follow-up of 48.4 months. The median age was 59 years, and 69.9% were male. Multivariate Cox analyses showed that compared with SBP < 105 mm Hg, higher SBP at admission was associated with better long-term primary outcome(105–119 mm Hg, HR = 0.764, P = 0.005;120-134 mm Hg, HR = 0.658, P < 0.001;≥ 135 mm Hg, HR = 0.657, P = 0.001). Patients whose discharge SBP was higher than 135 mm Hg had a similar primary outcome as those with SBP < 105 mm Hg(HR = 0.969, P = 0.867), and the results remained unchanged even after adjusting for admission SBP(HR = 1.235, P = 0.291). The results of restricted cubic spline analysis indicated similar associations. Conclusions Lower but not higher SBP at admission is associated with more CV deaths/heart transplantations(a reverse J-shaped curve). In contrast, there is a U-shaped association between discharge SBP and CV mortality/heart transplantation.

Contemporary trends on expenditure of hospital care on total cancer and its subtypes in China during 2008-2017

Objective:To describe the contemporary trends in total,inpatient,and outpatient expenditure on major subtypes of cancer in different classifications of hospitals in China's Mainland.Methods:Home page of Inpatient Medical Records(HIMRs)and Hospital Annual Reports(HARs)were used to estimate hospital care expenditure on cancer.Inpatient payments and their share of cancer were calculated with the top-down method.Kriging spatial interpolation methods were used at the county level and summed at the province level.Outpatient expenditure was estimated with inpatient expenditure and the ratios of outpatient to inpatient payments in specialized cancer hospitals,stratified by province.Total expenditure on cancer was the sum of both payments.Log-linear regression was applied to estimate annual percentage change(APC)of expenditure.Results:Total expenses for cancer of Chinese residents reached up to 304.84 billion Chinese Yuan(CNY)in2017,accounting for 5.8%of the total health expenses(THE).After adjusting for consumer price index(CPI),medical expenses for cancer have increased from 63.30 billion CNY in 2008 to 249.56 billion CNY in 2017[APC:15.2%,95%confidence interval(95%CI):13.4%-17.0%].The APC was slightly higher than THE around 2013,while was lower after 2013.During 2008-2017,the ratio of inpatient to outpatient costs for cancer decreased from4.3:1 to 3.8:1.The inpatient payments for cancer mainly happened in grade 3 general hospitals,East China,and among lung,colorectal,and stomach cancer;while the fastest increase was found in West China,and among thyroid,prostate,and colorectal cancer.Conclusions:During 2008-2017,the rapid growth trend of medical expenses for cancer has been effectively controlled with the continuous deepening of medical reform and improvements of residents’health care.More attention should be paid to potential increases of medical costs caused by technological progress and demand release.Socialized and multi-channel insurance financing modes should be explored in the future.

Research-training needs of clinical nurses: A nationwide study among tertiary hospitals in China

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate Chinese tertiary hospital nurses' research output,research ability,and their related training needs regarding scientific research methodology and analyze the relations among them.Methods: A nationwide survey was conducted in China on a large sample of tertiary hospital nurses (n =27,335) recruited from 22 provinces,autonomous regions,and municipalities.A validated,self-designed questionnaire,consisted of a common questionnaire,the Science Research Skills Self-Rating Questionnaire (SRSQ) and the Scientific Research Training Needs Questionnaire (SRTNQ) were used to assess nurses' research output,self-rated research skills and research-training needs.Results: The nurses' scientific research participation rates (with 4.13%,7.85%,5.35%,and 2.04% in research projects,research attendance,papers published,and patent,respectively) and their self-rated research skills 25.00 (12.50,37.50) were very low.However,the research training needs were relatively high 53.12(37.50,75.00).Significant differences in research participation rates (research projects,research attendance,papers published,and patent),scientific research skills,and research-training needs were determined by age,highest education level,nursing experience,employment,technical title,administrative post,and clinical tutoring experience (P< 0.05).Female and male nurses had different research participation rates (only research projects and studies published) and scientific research skills (P < 0.05).Positive correlations were observed among research output,scientific research skills,and researchtraining needs (P < 0.01).Conclusions: Nurses' scientific research participation and self-rated research ability were below the optimal despite that they had relatively high research-training needs.Nurses should be provided further research training with tailored content to their characteristics and capacity.

The aging burden of hospitalization for heart failure in Chinese populations:evidence from the Macao Heart Failure Study

Objective To assess the aging burden of hospitalization for heart failure in Chinese populations in Macao.Methods The Macao Heart Failure Study consists of patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of acute heart failure(AHF)at Centro Hospitalar Conde de São Januário(the only public hospital that provides medical care for the approximately 600,000 residents of Macao)from January 2014 to December 2016.First,we investigated the relationship between socioeconomic development and epidemiological characteristics of HF in Macao.Then we assessed the patients’clinical features and outcomes according to the age groups.Results A total of 967 patients were included in the final analysis.The median age at admission was 82 years old.The advanced age at the admission of HF in Macao was significantly associated with a high-income level and the aging population structure.Marked heterogeneity existed in the epidemiological characteristics,clinical features,utilization of evidence-based therapies,short-and long-term outcomes,and prognostic utility of clinical variables among the different age groups.Conclusion Rapid economic development and significantly aging populations have produced a profound impact on the epidemiological characteristics of HF in Chinese populations.Acute decompensated heart failure(ADHF)is predominantly a disease of the elderly in Macao,and a significant heterogeneity exists in the clinical features,managements,and outcomes among different age groups.Age-based risk stratification models and multidisciplinary HF teams are urgently needed to improve the management and outcomes of hospitalized heart failure(HHF)patients.

Doctor-reported hospital management of acute coronary syndrome in China: A nationwide survey of 1029 hospitals in 30 provinces

Background: Despite recent improvements in the hospital treatment of ACS, little is known about current cardiological practice in China or use of evidence-based approach in Chinese hospitals. Methods: A questionnaire about doctor-reported hospital management of ACS was posted to the head of the cardiology department of 1397 hospitals across 30 provinces of China. Reported use of various clinical procedures and treatments were analysed and compared between different types of hospital. Results: Of the 1029 (74%) hospitals that responded, 43% were tier III (tertiary) hospitals. For STEMI, primary PCI was used as the main reperfusion therapy by 50.2% of tier III and 9.3% of tier II/I (secondary) hospitals. Most of hospitals also used various proven therapy routinely for STEMI and NSTEMI/UA, including anti-platelet therapy (98% and 93%), anticoagulant (96% and 90%), statin (97% and 94%), oral β-blockers (87% and 86%) and ACE-I (88% and 83%). However, certain therapies with little or no proven value (eg, G.I.K., magnesium and Chinese tradition medicine) remained used routinely by 25% - 40% of tier II/I hospitals. After discharge, statin, antiplatelet, β-blockers and ACE-I were reportedly used routinely by 85% - 95% of the responders for secondary prevention. Conclusions: With a few exceptions, doctor-reported hospital management of ACS in China is largely consistent with that recommended by current guidelines. Large nationwide registries are needed to assess long-term adherence to treatments after hospital discharge.

Variations in non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction care across three levels of hospitals in China:analysis from the China Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry

Objective To explore the variation of treatment and outcomes for NSTEMI across different-level hospitals, which potentially influenced by unbalanced economy and disparate medical care.Methods The China AMI registry consists of 108 hospitals across three levels (province, prefecture and county) throughout China.

Beta-blockers and 1-year clinical outcomes in hospitalized heart failure patients with atrial fibrillation

OBJECTIVE To assess the association between beta-blockers and 1-year clinical outcomes in heart failure(HF)patients with atrial fibrillation(AF),and further explore this association that differs by left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)level.METHODS We enrolled hospitalized HF patients with AF from China Patient-centered Evaluative Assessment of Cardiac Events Prospective Heart Failure Study.COX proportional hazard regression models were employed to calculate hazard ratio of betablockers.The primary outcome was all-cause death.RESULTS Among 1762 HF patients with AF(756 women[41.4%]),1041(56%)received beta-blockers at discharge and 1272(72.2%)had an LVEF>40%.During one year follow up,all-cause death occurred in 305(17.3%),cardiovascular death occurred in203 patients(11.5%),and rehospitalizations for HF occurred in 622 patients(35.2%).After adjusting for demographic characteristics,social economic status,smoking status,medical history,anthropometric characteristics,and medications used at discharge,the use of beta-blockers at discharge was not associated with all-cause death[hazard ratio(HR):0.86;95%Confidence Interval(CI):0.65-1.12;P=0.256],cardiovascular death(HR:0.76,95%CI:0.52-1.11;P=0.160),or the composite outcome of all-cause death and HF rehospitalization(HR:0.97,95%CI:0.82-1.14;P=0.687)in the entire cohort.There were no significant interactions between use of beta-blockers at discharge and LVEF with respect to all-cause death,cardiovascular death,or composite outcome.In the adjusted models,the use of beta-blockers at discharge was not associated with all-cause death,cardiovascular death,or composite outcome across the different levels of LVEF:reduced(<40%),mid-range(40%-49%),or preserved LVEF(≥50%).CONCLUSION Among HF patients with AF,the use of beta-blockers at discharge was not associated with 1-year clinical outcomes,regardless of LVEF.

Short-term exposure to fine particulate matter and hospital admission for stroke:a meta-analysis

Objective Air pollution is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases throughout the world.Fine particulate matter(PM)air pollution alone is responsible for over three million deaths each year.Large and growing literature has explored whether short-term exposure to fine particulate matter is associated with stroke,but results from prior studies have been inconsistent.To fill this gap,we assessed the evidence quantitatively from epidemiological time-series studies published worldwide and determined whether short-term exposure to fine particulate matter(<2.5μm or<10μm)diameter[PM2.5 and PM10]was associated with increased risk of hospital admission for stroke(including ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke).