Highlights

Patients with type 2 myocardial infarction have a more favorable course of the disease in the long-term postinfarction period compared with patients with type 1 myocardial infarction. We have determined the differences in clinical and anamnestic characteristics of patients with type 1 and type 2 MI.

Abstract

Aim. To determine the prevalence of patients with type 2 myocardial infarction (MI) and their features in clinical practice.

Methods. The prospective study involved 204 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The inclusion criteria were as follows: diagnosed ACS at admission followed by a confirmed MI during the inpatient period according to the Fourth Universal definition of MI. The following parameters were analyzed: anthropometric parameters, clinical and anamnestic characteristics, results of laboratory tests, biochemical markers of myocardial necrosis, results of instrumental diagnostics and coronary angiography. A follow-up telephone survey was carried out a year after ACS, noting the following endpoints: repeated coronary events, death, repeated hospitalizations, adherence to medical recommendations, medication taken by the patient.

Results. Type 2 MI was diagnosed in 22 (10.8%) patients. The results of coronary angiography revealed either the absence of coronary artery (CA) stenosis or the presence of stenosis of less than 50% without indications of thrombosis in 16 (72.7%) of those patients. Chronic total occlusion of a non-infarct-related artery was found in 6 (27.3%) patients. Patients with type 2 MI were comparable in age with patients with type 1 MI. The group of patients with type 2 MI included more women (p = 0.029), fewer smokers (p = 0.037) and more cases of atrial fibrillation (AF) (p = 0.003) compared to patients with type 1 MI. The factors that were associated with type 2 MI were as follows: sinus tachycardia in 3 (13.6%) patients, paroxysmal atrial flutter or AF with ventricular tachysystole in 4 patients (18.2%).

Conclusion. Patients with type 1 MI presented with a less favorable course of the disease: we noted higher number of recurrent MI and deaths one year after the index event compared with patients with type 2 MI. The group of patients with type 2 MI consisted mostly of women, fewer smokers and patients with dyslipidemia, as well as a more frequent indication of AF compared with patients with type 1 MI.

Highlights

Intra-abdominal adipose tissue thickness (IAAT) was statistically significantly greater in patients with hypertriglyceridemia compared to patients with normal triglyceride levels. Linear regression analysis confirmed the following findings: the greater the thickness of IAAT and preperitoneal fat thickness (PFT), the higher the levels of triglycerides and very-low-density lipoproteins.

Abstract

Aim. To assess the lipid profile and distribution of adipose tissue (based on ultrasound parameters) and their role in the development of carotid artery stenosis in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).

Methods. Ultrasound parameters of adipose tissue in 125 patients, diagnosed with coronary heart disease (CHD), were studied. The average age of the patients was 68 (61.0; 74.0) years old. The sample was represented predominantly by males (58.4%).

Results. It was determined that in patients who did not reach the target levels of triglycerides (TG), the thickness of the IAAT is 15 mm more than in patients with the adequate level of this indicator (p = 0.031). Subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) values also exceeded the values ​​in individuals with low HDL levels (p = 0.050), in contrast to patients with normal HDL. Linear regression analysis (after adjusting for gender and age) showed that the increase in IAAT thickness was associated with the increase in TG (b = 0.002, p = 0.028) and VLDL (b = 0.001, p = 0.023). It was also found that only 43.4% of the examined individuals received lipid-lowering therapy, and 17.3% received an adequate dose of statins (reached the target LDL values).

Conclusion. No statistically significant patterns were found between the achievement of lipid targets and the presence of carotid stenosis. An extremely low percentage of patients taking adequate lipid-lowering therapy (17.3%) was determined, and the proportion of the people with carotid stenosis who reached the target levels of total cholesterol was 58.4%, TG – 79.3%, HDL – 31.7%, LDL – 12.2%. The thickness of the IAAT is statistically significantly higher in individuals with hypertriglyceridemia, in contrast to patients with normal TG levels. The tendencies towards statistical significance of PFT indicators in individuals with hypertriglyceridemia, minimum and maximum SAT values, depending on the level of HDL, were determined. Linear regression analysis confirmed the data obtained: the higher the thickness of IAAT and PFT, the higher the levels of TG and VLDL.

Highlights

IL-8 and MCP-1 have a significant role in the CTEPH pathogenesis, which indicates the importance of nonspecific immunity in the formation and progression of CTEPH. The coupling between cytokines and hemodynamic parameters, cardiac structural changes and plasma biochemical parameters were determined.

Abstract

Background. Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) pathogenesis is complex and not fully understood. Particular attention to the microvascular damage genesis in CTEPH is given to aseptic inflammation, which in turn could be mediated through various molecular mechanisms. According to the conflicting and incomplete data on changes in the profile of factors controlling inflammation in CTEPH, research in this field would identify new therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of CTEPH.

Aim. To study the profile of plasma proinflammatory cytokines in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and evaluate the coupling of these cytokines with the main morphofunctional and laboratory values of the disease severity.

Methods. 34 patients with CTEPH were included in this study. To characterize the group, the following methods were used: echocardiographic examination, catheterization of the right cardiac chambers. Biomarkers of heart failure, systemic inflammation, as well as erythropoiesis and iron metabolism were assessed in all patients. The control group included 10 donors. To study the proinflammatory cytokine profile in plasma, interleukins (IL) 6, 8, 18, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 were determined using standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits.

Results. Hemodynamic and morphofunctional changes in the pulmonary circulation specific to pulmonary hypertension were determined with catheterization of the right cardiac chambers and echocardiography. During plasma proinflammatory cytokines analysis, a significant increase in the level of IL-8 (p = 0.030) and MCP-1 (p = 0.031) in CTEPH group compared to the control group was observed. No significant differences for other analyzed markers were found. In the elaboration of the correlation analysis, moderate inverse coupling between proinflammatory markers and hemodynamic parameters characterizing the CTEPH severity were revealed, as well as positive correlations with parameters of remodeling of the right cardiac chambers and iron metabolism.

Conclusion. The increased levels of IL-8 and MCP-1 in patients with CTEPH identified in the present study indicate a significant role of nonspecific immunity in the formation and progression of CTEPH. The coupling between cytokines and hemodynamic parameters, structural cardiac changes and plasma biochemical parameters were determined. Based on the obtained data, it is possible to develop new medicinal substances, targeting towards proinflammatory cytokines, their receptors and signaling pathways.

Highlights

Arterial hypotension is a factor aggravating the course of heart failure in HIV-infected people in 18.3% of cases, more often accompanied by the development of left ventricular hypertrophy. The risk factor for the development of arterial hypotension in persons infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and having HF is the concentration of caspase-6 in the blood serum, which probably indicates the intensification of apoptosis processes in cardiomyocytes. The value of the glomerular filtration rate, calculated by the CKD-EPI formula with the inclusion of the level of cystatin C in the blood serum, is associated with the development of arterial hypotension.

Abstract

Aim. To study the features of arterial hypotension in HIV-infected patients with HF in comparison with patients with normal blood pressure.

Methods. The study included 44 patients with arterial hypotension (AHT) and 76 patients with normal blood pressure (BP) with heart failure (HF) and HIV admitted to a multidisciplinary hospital. All patients underwent the same number of examinations conducted personally by the author: echocardiography, noninvasive arteriography, assessment of the severity of HF using the Clinical Status Assessment Scale by V. Yu. Mareeva, six-minute walk test. Additionally, studies such as the determination of the N-terminal fragment of pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), cystatin C, caspase-6 and lipocaine 2 (NGAl) were conducted in a laboratory.

Results. HIV-infected patients with HF are prone to developing AHT in 18.3% of cases. The results of the study indicate the predominance of males with low body mass index and high alcohol consumption in the group of patients with AHT. Moreover, patients with AHT are more likely to have pericardial effusion in front of the anterior wall of the right ventricle greater than 5 mm, anemia, unsuppressed viral load, left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and hypertrophy. At the same time, the level of cystatin C in their blood serum is lower, and the glomerular filtration rate is higher than in patients without AHT. The level of caspase-6 in the blood serum was significantly higher in the group of patients with AHT.

Conclusion. HIV-infected patients with HF are prone to developing AHT in 18.3% of cases. The results of the study indicate a significant predominance of patients with LVH in the group of patients with AHT. The concentration of caspase-6 in blood serum equal to 148.35 pg/mL and higher turned out to be a risk factor for the development of AHT in HIV-infected patients with HF, probably indicating an intensification of apoptosis processes in cardiomyocytes. A glomerular filtration rate (GFR) equal to 47.5 mL/min/1.73 m² and higher, calculated using the CKD-EPI formula with the inclusion of the level of cystatin C in the blood serum, is associated with a high probability of developing AHT. The pattern obtained may indicate both the activation of apoptosis processes against the background of AHT in the cells of the heart muscle, and the preservation of GFR against this background in patients with HF and HIV infection.

Highlights

The article examines the prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and the state of central hemodynamics (CHD) in senior students.

Aim. To study the risk factors for CHD and CVD in senior students with the aim of early detection of arterial hypertension (AH) and the implementation of therapeutic and prophylactic measures.

Methods. The study involved 223 senior students of medical universities in Moscow aged 20-27 years (the mean age was 22.8±0.17 years). The following cardiovascular risk factors were assessed for each student: age, gender, smoking, physical activity, genetic predispositions; body mass index. The indicators of CHD were studied by volumetric compression oscillometry using a portable automated software-hardware complex for non-invasive research of central hemodynamics (“SHCNIR CHD vco-“Globus” device).

Results. The presence of CVD risk factors in senior students was revealed in 52.5% of cases; more than two risk factors were found in 19.3% of cases; 1^st degree arterial hypertension (AH) in 11.2% of cases; “white coat hypertension” in 10.8% of cases; genetic predisposition to CVD in 30.0% of cases; overweight in 17.0% of cases; obesity in 5.4% of cases; low physical activity in 23.8% of cases; smoking in 16.1% of cases. An altered CHD profile was found in 62.1% of students. An increase in total peripheral vascular resistance at normal blood pressure levels was noted in 31.8% of cases. Indicators of total peripheral vascular resistance, mean blood pressure, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher in the group of students with CHD risk factors.

Conclusion. Outpatient follow-up groups should include students with established risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, diagnosed AH, and with altered indicators of CHD. Preventive examinations should include a simple method for studying hemodynamics – compression oscillometry.

Highlights

For the first time, the incidence and timing of the development of postoperative pneumonia in patients undergoing surgical reconstruction of the aortic arch in the post-covid period were studied. Risk factors for pneumonia and predictors of the severe course of the disease in this cohort of patients were identified. The results obtained will make it possible to differentiate patients at risk of developing pneumonia from the general population of patients undergoing surgical reconstruction of the aortic arch for targeted perioperative prevention of this complication.

Abstract

Aim. To study the incidence of nosocomial pneumonia (NP) after aortic arch surgery, and to determine the impact of perioperative factors on the risk for its development and severity of its course.

Methods. A retrospective analysis of 66 case histories of patients who underwent aortic arch surgery in 2022 was carried out. The incidence and timing of the development of pneumonia were revealed, the severity of its course was assessed. The impact of the main demographic, clinical, perioperative factors on the risk for the pneumonia development and the severity of its course was studied.

Results. The incidence of pneumonia after aortic arch surgery was 24.2%. A relationship between smoking (OR 1.17; 95% CI [0.23; 1.43], p = 0.007), smoking index (OR 0.99; 95% CI [0.92; 1.07], p = 0.002) and the risk of NP developing as well as between the duration of mechanical ventilation and the severity of NP was found with a univariate logistic regression analysis (OR 1.26; 95% CI [1.0; 1.59], p = 0.049).

Conclusion. The risk for NP development in patients who underwent thoracic aortic surgery is associated with smoking and smoking intensity in the preoperative period. The predictor of the severe course of NP is the duration of mechanical ventilation.

Highlights

In multivessel coronary artery disease coronary artery bypass grafting under cardiopulmonary bypass using the internal thoracic artery is the accepted standard of revascularization, however, it is characterized by high trauma. Minimally invasive techniques offset this disadvantage but cannot always provide complete revascularization. Determination of feasibility and combined use of incomplete revascularization with minimally invasive techniques of coronary artery bypass may be a worthy alternative to traditional coronary bypass in a certain group of patients. At the same time, literature the data are ambiguous and deficient in the world.

Aim. To justify the use of minimally invasive coronary artery bypass technique in incomplete myocardial revascularization in patients with stable ischemic heart disease from the standpoint of efficacy and safety.

Methods. The retrospective study focuses on the analysis of minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting and off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery using sternotomy) and traditional CABG with cardiopulmonary bypass in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (n = 429) performed in the period from 2013 to 2017. Depending on the CABG technique and the type of revascularization (complete/incomplete), all patients were divided into 3 groups with two comparison subgroups in each. The completeness of revascularization was assessed using the residual SYNTAX score (rSS). The SYNTAX revascularization index (SRI) was calculated using the following formula: SRI = [1 – (rSS/bSS)] × 100. Subsequently, a two-stage (short- and long-term) analysis of the adverse events frequency was carried out.

Results. The minimally invasive incomplete revascularization (IR) group and the traditional complete revascularization (CR) group. The rSS in the IR group was 3.0 [2.0; 5.0] compared with the group without traditional CABG, whereas the SRI was 84.31 [75.00; 89.19] % compared with 100.00 [100.00; 100.00] %, respectively (p<0.001). The analysis of in-hospital period did not reveal significant differences in the number of primary and secondary endpoints. Taking into account the additional endpoints, the IR group had a lower level of intraoperative blood loss – 300 [200; 310] mL compared with 500 [400; 500] mL in the CR group (p<0.001). Moreover, the need for blood transfusion was significantly lower – by 4.27 times (95% CI: 0.124–0.441, p<0.001). The length of patients stay with IR in the intensive care unit was 4.12 times shorter (95% CI: 1,954–8,994, p<0.001). The 1-year follow-up visit revealed full comparability between the groups in terms of frequency of both primary and secondary endpoints. There were no differences in freedom from MACCE and mortality.

The minimally invasive CR group and the traditional CR group. The in-hospital period and 1-year follow-up visits showed similar outcomes, comparable to the minimally invasive IR and traditional CR groups. The minimally invasive IR group and the minimally invasive CR group. The analysis of in-hospital period and 1-year follow-up visits did not reveal any differences in endpoints. Freedom from MACСE and death was similar as well.

Conclusion. The data obtained indicate a similar safety profile and effectiveness of IR. Minimally invasive IR is appropriate with rSS ≤3 and SRI ≥84.3% and can be considered as an alternative approach to myocardial revascularization in patients for whom traditional CABG is undesirable.

Highlights

We have conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent minimally invasive aortic valve replacement, and evaluated immediate and long-term results of the surgery.

Abstract

Aim. To study the immediate and long-term results of minimally invasive aortic valve (AV) replacement.

Methods. The retrospective study included 208 patients with AV stenosis undergoing minimally invasive aortic valve replacement in the period from 2010 to 2019. The ratio of men to women was 1:1. The mean age of the patients was 63 (58–68) years old, with the minimum age being 29 years and the maximum being 81 years. The median follow-up period was 45.5 (11–68) months. Endpoints were as follows: hospital mortality, postoperative complications, long-term outcome (long-term survival, freedom from reoperation). Inclusion criteria were as follows: patients aged 18 years and older undergoing minimally invasive aortic valve replacement. Exclusion criteria were as follows: AVNeo, Ross procedure and AV replacement with aortic homograft, combined interventions (except for intervention on the ascending aorta), and standard access site.

Results. The majority of patients (199 (95.7%) underwent “J”-shaped ministernotomy through the III-IV intercostal space. As a part of the combined intervention, ascending aorta replacement was performed in 6 (2.9%) patients. The duration of cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamping was 91 (78–106) min and 68 (60–78) min, respectively. Due to conduction disorders, implantation of a pacemaker was performed in 5 (2.4%) patients, stroke was diagnosed in 1 (0.5%) patient, resternotomy for bleeding was performed in 4 (1.9%) patients, cardiac tamponade in 2 (1 %) patients, sternal infection was found in 1 (0.5%) patient. There were no complications such as AKI, perioperative MI, or hospital mortality in any patient. Five- and ten-year survival after surgical treatment of patients was 88.2% and 80.5%, respectively. Five- and ten-year freedom from reoperation on AV was 96.2% and 96.2%.

Conclusions. Minimally invasive AV replacement is a measurable procedure with negligible complication rates. Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement has shown its effectiveness in the long-term period with acceptable rates of survival and freedom from reoperation.

Highlights

• Identification of risk factors impacting the effectiveness of thoracoscopic ablation according to the box session set scheme will allow us to formulate criteria for the selection of patients with non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation for epicardial ablation of the left atrium.
• Duration of atrial fibrillation for more than 7.5 years and the volume of the left atrium indexed to the body surface area of more than 47 mL/m² statistically significantly reduce the effectiveness of thoracoscopic ablation of stable atrial fibrillation by 34.2 and 55.8% during the three-year follow-up period, respectively.
• The need to assess the function of left atrium using modern two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography technology should be considered to determine the criteria for the successful ablation of non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

The aim. To study risk factors for atrial tachyarrhythmias recurrence after thoracoscopic ablation (TSA) of non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) in the long-term follow-up period.

Methods.  The retrospective study included a series of 100 patients with non-paroxysmal AF undergoing “Box lesion set” TSA with one-stage exclusion of the left atrial (LA) appendage. The efficacy of TSA in the long-term follow-up period was evaluated using 24-h HM ECG results. A retrospective analysis of risk factors for atrial tachyarrhythmias recurrence after TSA was performed. The analysis included the main clinical characteristics of patients in the preoperative period, as well as data of transthoracic echocardiography with inclusion of left atrial strain in the reservoir and conduit phases.

Results. In the presented study, the main risk factors for atrial tachyarrhythmias recurrence after TSA were: duration of AF more than 7.5 years and LAVI more than 47 mL/m². However, univariate analysis showed that for every 1-year increase in the duration of AF, the risk of arrhythmia recurrence after TSA increased 1.07-fold [95% CI: 1.01; 1.17, p = 0.0374], and for every 10 mL/m² increase in LAVI, the risk of atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence increased 1.95-fold [95% CI: 1.49; 2.56, p<0.001]. According to the data of two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography there was a tendency towards the decrease of the parameters of left atrial strain in the reservoir phase mainly in patients with AF, which requires further more detailed study on a larger cohort of patients.

Conclusion. It is necessary to consider not only the assessment of the anatomy of the left atrium, but its function with the use of modern methods of radial imaging at the preoperative stage in order to improve the effectiveness of TSA “Box lesion set” for non-paroxysmal AF in the long-term follow-up period.

Highlights

The article reflects data of an original study on the diagnosis of early postoperative dysfunction in children under 1 year of age after correction of a ventricular septal defect. The relationship between troponin I and conventional echocardiographic parameters, left ventricular longitudinal strain (S, % LV), and parameters reflecting central hemodynamics was assessed. The predictive ability of S, % LV in predicting a decrease in cardiac index after surgery was revealed.

Abstract

Aim. To evaluate the possibility of predicting left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in the early postoperative period in children with ventricular septal defect (VSD).

Methods. The study included 204 children under 1 year of age with non-restrictive perimembranous VSD. All parameters were evaluated before surgery, 6 hours, 24 hours and 10 days after surgery. 125 healthy children were enrolled as the control group.

Results. 6 hours after surgery, there was a statistically significant decrease in LV ejection fraction (EF) (Me 55 [K3 60–K1 45] %, p = 0.0001), stroke index (SI) of LV outflow tract (LVOT) (12, 07 [16.38–8.24] mL/m², p = 0.0001), and cardiac index (CI) (1.52 [2.08–1.07] L/min/m², p = 0.0001). Arterial elasticity (AE) increased (21.4 [32.4–15.79] mm Hg/mL, p = 0.002), indicating a significant increase in afterload. Arterial compliance (AC) decreased (0.058 [0.081-0.038] mL/mm Hg, p = 0.0001), whereas ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC) value significantly increased (2 [2.54–1.67], p = 0.009). There was a dependence between LVOT SI and age (Rs = 0.45, p = 0.03), a moderate relationship between LVOT SI and VAC (Rs = –0.59, p = 0.001), a pronounced relationship between LVOT SI and AC (Rs = 0, 93, p = 0.02), pronounced relationship between LVOT SI and AE (Rs = –0.94, p = 0.03), moderate correlation between VAC and SI (Rs = –0.44, p = 0.04), weak relationship between VAC and patient age (Rs = –0.28, p = 0.03). Longitudinal deformity before surgery (b = 0.028; F = 3.9; p = 0.006) and VSD size (b = -0.08; F = 3.4; p = 0.029) were significantly associated with LV SI dynamics 6 hours after surgery. Dependence equation was as follows: 2.8 – 0.08 * VSD + 0.028 * S. A predictive ability to reduce CI 6 hours after surgery was revealed: longitudinal strain (S), % with a threshold “–” 14.3% (sensitivity 96.2%, specificity 81.6%, AUC 0.92, p<0, 00001) and VSD diameter with a threshold of 8 mm (sensitivity 75%, specificity 52%, AUC 0.69, p<0.0001).

Conclusion. In the early postoperative period, there is a decrease in systolic and LV pump function. High AE rates are associated with a decrease in AC and an increase in VAC. Preoperative predictors of SI decrease are as follows: S, %> “–” 14.3 and VSD size > 8 mm.

Highlights

Dysregulation of angiogenesis may be the pathogenetic factor of ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICMP).

Aim. To determine the content of growth factors and desquamated endothelial cells (DEC) in the blood from the coronary sinus and ulnar vein in association with the number of progenitor endothelial cells (PEC) in the blood from the ulnar vein in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), suffering and not suffering from ICMP.

Methods. The study included 30 patients with ICMР and 22 patients with CHD, and 18 healthy donors. The content of DEC (CD45^–CD146⁺) was determined in blood from the cubital vein (peripheral) and coronary sinus, and the content of DEC (CD14⁺CD34⁺VEGFR2⁺) was determined in peripheral blood by flow cytometry (antibodies “BD Biosciences”, USA). The concentrations of VEGF-A, VEGF-B, PDGF, SDF-1, SCF, FGF-1, TGF-β1 in blood plasma from both locations were evaluated by multiplex analysis (set “Cloud-Clone Corp.”, USA).

Results. The content of DEC in peripheral blood was elevated in patients with CHD of both groups, and in patients with ICMP in sinus blood was higher than in peripheral. At the same time, in patients with CHD without cardiomyopathy, an excess of PEC and SDF-1 in the blood from the ulnar vein was established in combination with an increase in the concentration of PDGF and a decrease in the content of VEGF-B in the blood from the coronary sinus relative to the parameters of systemic blood flow. In patients with ICMP, these changes were not detected, but there was an increase in the concentration of TGF-β1 in sinus blood compared with peripheral blood. Regardless of the presence of ICMP, the concentration of SCF, FGF-1, VEGF-A in the blood from the ulnar vein corresponded to the norm and that in sinus blood; the content of VEGF-A in the coronary bloodstream exceeded its systemic level.

Conclusion. In patients with ICMP, desquamation of the coronary vascular endothelium is enhanced against the background of violations of its repair processes due to insufficient (relative to CHD without cardiomyopathy) mobilization of PEC from the bone marrow due to the absence of an excess of SDF-1 in the blood and their insufficient homing into the myocardium due to weak PDGF production in the heart.

Highlights

We present an overview of publications on neurological and cardiac rehabilitation programs using virtual reality technologies. Training that involves multitasking and combining cognitive and physical tasks with interactive scenarios is most effective in terms of the improvement of the quality of life of patients with coronary artery disease. Ecotherapy in virtual environment is a promising way to reduce anxiety and stress.

The review presents the analysis of publications focused on neurological and cardiac rehabilitation programs using virtual reality technologies (VRT), involving the integration of multisensory and multidomain tasks, as well as a meta-analysis of such studies. It is shown that VRTs make it possible to simulate interactive scenarios for simulating vigorous activity with given visual, tactile and kinesthetic sensations and with the appropriate correction in accordance with the needs of various users. It is noted that when developing programs based on VRT, it is necessary to take into account the degree of immersion of users in the virtual environment and symptoms of virtual reality sickness.

The analysis of meta-reviews of published articles indicates the need to continue research in this field due to the wide variety of rehabilitation programs, used indicators of cognitive functions and health status in heterogeneous populations of healthy individuals and cardiac patients involved in training.

The results obtained allow us to conclude that neurological and cardiac rehabilitation is the most effective when it involves training with multitasking and combined cognitive and physical tasks in VR. Ecotherapy in virtual environment is a promising way to reduce anxiety and stress.

Heart failure (HF) in children can develop for various reasons, which depend on the age of the patient. For example, during the neonatal period and at an early age, the main cause is congenital heart defects, cardiomyopathy and inflammatory heart diseases. In children, the use of biomarkers for the diagnosis of HF remained mostly “scientific” due to differences in the mechanism underlying cardiac dysfunction, as well as due to the difficulties of unification due to the influence of age on the levels of the markers studied. The aim of the study is to analyze the literature and systematize biomarkers in accordance with the pathophysiological mechanisms that contribute to the development of HF in children. The authors conducted a search for publications in the PubMed, Google Scholar and eLibrary databases. New biomarkers have certain prognostic advantages, but also some limitations, especially in pediatrics due to low specificity and insufficient data on long-term use. Thus, the prognostic value of these biomarkers has not been fully confirmed and requires further study for wide clinical use. Panels with multiple markers are becoming more promising, however, more clinical studies are needed to improve the understanding of biomarker-guided therapy for HF.

Highlights

We have analyzed the parameters of cerebral hemodynamics and left ventricular functional capacity in patients with occlusion and stenosis of the contralateral internal carotid artery during vascular surgery. Considering the importance of the left ventricular functional capacity and treatment options to ensure the stability of cerebral circulation in patients with occlusion and hemodynamically significant stenosis of the contralateral carotid artery, its detailed study at all stages of vascular surgery remains necessary.

Abstract

Aim. To study cerebral hemodynamics and left ventricular functional capacity in patients with occlusion and stenosis of the contralateral internal carotid artery (ICA) to optimize treatment at the preoperative phase.

Methods. The study compared the hemodynamic parameters of the blood flow of the ICA, vertebral arteries and left ventricular functional capacity in patients with ICA occlusion and contralateral ICA stenosis, which formed the 1 group (12 patients), and patients with unilateral hemodynamically significant stenosis, which formed the 2 group (52 patients). The blood flow in the extracranial portions of the major arteries of the head and heart was assessed using ultrasound, and the arterial vascular system and brain structure was assessed using MRI and MRA.

Results. Before surgery, statistically significant differences in velocity parameters in the vertebral arteries on the occlusion side were found; on the contralateral occlusion side, velocity parameters in ICA were significantly different from the corresponding indicators in the group with unilateral stenosis; after surgery, statistically significant differences were found in the common carotid and vertebral arteries on the occlusion side; on the contralateral occlusion side, differences in velocity parameters in the common carotid, internal, and vertebral arteries were revealed in comparison with the group with unilateral stenosis. Of the indicators of the left ventricular functional capacity, only left ventricular ejection fraction differed significantly when comparing the group of patients with occlusion and stenosis of ICA and the group of patients with unilateral stenosis. Moreover, when evaluating pre- and postoperative outcomes in the group of patients with occlusion, significant differences were obtained only regarding the vertebral artery on the side of occlusion – the peak systolic blood flow velocity and the volumetric blood flow velocity significantly decreased. There were no significant differences between the common carotid, internal carotid arteries on the contralateral occlusion side, and middle cerebral arteries.

Conclusion. Carrying out a comprehensive ultrasound examination of the main arteries of the head in combination with magnetic resonance imaging of the brain is a reliable and adequate way to assess cerebral hemodynamics, changes in the vascular bed and structure of the brain. Given the extreme importance of the left ventricular functional capacity to ensure the stability of cerebral circulation in patients with occlusion of the internal carotid artery and contralateral hemodynamically significant stenosis, its detailed study before carotid endarterectomy is necessary to adjust therapeutic measures.

Highlights

The analysis of associations between the elements of the neighboughood area infrastructure and cardiovascular risk factors was performed in a high-risk population of patients with myocardial infarction. This analysis has practical importance for the comprehensive optimization of local preventive approaches.

Aim. To study the association of the neighborhood infrastructure parameters with cardiovascular risk factors in patients with myocardial infarction (MI).

Material and Methods. The study included 150 patients with MI. On the basis of their subjective opinion expressed by the Neighborhood Environmental Walkability Scale questionnaire, the infrastructure of the area of residence was analyzed, and its favorable and unfavorable parameters were identified. Cardiovascular risk factors were identified based on the survey and medical records.

Results. Among all patients with MI, the risk of arterial hypertension with MI was reduced by the presence of a dividing dirt strip in the vicinity of OR 0.32 (95% CI 0.12; 0.83) and accessible public transport OR 0.32 (95% CI 0.10; 0.95), dyslipidemia – the remote location of the restaurant OR 0.50 (95% CI 0.26; 0.97) and the place of work OR 0.32 (95% CI 0.12; 0.86), smoking – distance from a public transport stop OR 0.20 (95% CI 0.04; 0.94) and proximity to a restaurant OR 0.50 (95% CI 0.26; 0.97), physical inactivity – distance from work OR 0.08 (95% CI 0.01; 0.76), stress – remote location of a clothing store OR 0.45 (95% CI 0.22; 0.93), alcohol consumption – compliance of the living area with the conditions necessary for raising children OR 0.27 (95% CI 0.07; 0.97), insufficient consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables – remote location of a pharmacy OR 0.18 (95% CI 0.03; 0.97), the lack of dividing ground strip OR 0.10 (95% CI 0.01; 0.91) and the presence of garbage in the vicinity of OR 0.08 (95% CI 0.01; 0.53), patient satisfaction with the compliance of the living area with the conditions necessary for the upbringing of children OR 0.10 (95% CI 0.01; 0.70). Inadequate street lighting at night contributed to an increased risk of dyslipidemia, OR 3.05 (95% CI 1.04; 8.92), alcohol consumption – proximity to a clothing store OR 2.23 (95% CI 1.08; 4.57).

In citizens with MI, a decrease in the risk of arterial hypertension was associated with the presence of a dividing dirt strip in the vicinity of OSH 0.17 (95% CI 0.06; 0.49) and accessible public transport OSH 0.19 (95% CI 0.05; 0.65); stress – with the absence of alternative routes in the vicinity of OSH 0.27 (95% CI 0.09; 0.79); the risk of insufficient consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables – with the distance of the pharmacy OR 0.18 (95% CI 0.03; 0.96), the absence of a dividing dirt strip OR 0.07 (95% CI 0.01; 0.63) and sidewalks in the vicinity of OR 0.14 (95% CI 0.02; 0.89). In rural patients with MI, the risk of stress decreased with the presence of sidewalks in the vicinity of OR 0.21 (95% CI 0.05; 0.99) and accessible public transport OR 0.15 (95% CI 0.03; 0.85).

Conclusion. The identification of unfavorable parameters of the territory of residence in patients with MI should contribute to the formation of the concept of a health-preserving environment necessary for further reduction of cardiovascular risks of MI in the population.

Highlights

The developed prognostic model for assessing the risk of cardiac fibrosis in patients with STEMI with HFmrEF and HFpEF is promising from the point of view of scientific and clinical potential because similar models for predicting the risk of cardiac fibrosis in patients with index MI are not currently validated. The developed scale includes such parameters as age, LVEF, COL-1, BMI, MMP-2. The scale can be used in patients with HFmrEF and HFpEF phenotypes. Identification of patients at high risk of myocardial fibrosis will allow choosing the appropriate treatment method.

Aim. To develop a prognostic model for assessing the risk of cardiac fibrosis (CF) in patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HFpEF) and mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) a year after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) based on clinical, instrumental and biochemical data.

Methods. The prospective cohort study included 100 STEMI patients with HFmrEF (LVEF 40–49%) and with HFpEF (50% or more). Echo was performed in all patients on the 1^st, 10–12^th day and a year after onset of STEMI. Upon admission to the hospital and on the 10–12^th day after the onset of the disease, the following serum biomarker levels were determined: those associated with changes in the extracellular matrix; with remodeling and fibrosis; with inflammation, and with neurohormonal activation. At the 1-year follow-up visit, 84 patients underwent contrast-enhanced MRI to assess fibrotic tissue percentage relative to healthy myocardium.

Results. The distribution of patients by HFmrEF and HFpEF phenotypes during follow-up was as follows: HFmrEF on the 1^st day – 27%, 10^th day – 12%, after a year – 11%; HFpEF on the 1^st day – 73%, 10^th day – 88%, after a year – 89%. According to cardiac MRI at the follow-up visit (n = 84), the median distribution of fibrotic tissue percentage was 5 [1.5; 14]%. Subsequently, the threshold value of 5% was chosen for analysis: CF≥5% was found in 38 patients (the 1^st group), whereas CF<5% was noted in 46 patients (the 2^nd group). When analyzing the intergroup differences in biological marker concentrations in the in-patient setting and at the annual follow-up, it was determined that the most significant differences were associated with “ST-2” (1^st day) that in the “CF≥5%” group was 11.4 ng/mL higher on average compared to the “CF<5%” group (p = 0.0422); “COL-1” (1^st day) that in the “CF≥5%” group was 28112.3 pg/mL higher on average compared to the “CF<5%” group (p = 0.0020), and “NT-proBNP” (12^th day) that in the “CF<5 %” group was 1.9 fmol/mL higher on average compared to the “CF≥5%” group (p = 0.0339). Certain factors (age, LVEF (12^th day), collagen-1 (1^st and 12^th day), body mass index, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (12^th day) were determined and included in the prognostic model for assessing the risk of CF a year after the STEMI (AUC ROC 0.90, Chi-square test <0.0001).

Conclusion. Prognostic model (scale) based on factors such as age, left ventricular ejection fraction (12^th day), collagen-1 (1^st and 12^th day), body mass index, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (12^th day) shows high prognostic power and enables identification of patients with HFmrEF and HFpEF phenotypes and at high risk of cardiac fibrosis a year after STEMI.

Highlights

The frequency of arrhythmias during bicycle ergometry was compared in patients with and without coronary heart disease. Their diagnostic significance in diagnosing this disease was analyzed separately for men and women.

Abstract
Aim. To determine the diagnostic significance of exercise-induced cardiac arrhythmias (CAs) during bicycle ergometry (BEM) in patients with suspected coronary heart disease (CHD).

Methods. For the retrospective study, 384 case histories of patients discharged from the cardiology department between 2011 and 2020 were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data of BEM and coronary angiography were studied. The correlation between the occurrence of induction of different types of CAs during BEM and the presence of coronary artery blood flow abnormalities was investigated. Indicators of the diagnostic significance of CAs in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease, such as sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) results, were determined separately for men and women. The statistical significance of the results was assessed.

Results. Statistically significant specificity and PPV for the induction of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) without taking into account rare single monomorphic ventricular extrasystoles (VEs) in the diagnosis of CHD in men were 83.5% and 73.1%, respectively. The same indicators for VAs, excluding all single VEs, were 95.3% and 82.6% in men.

Conclusion. The induction of VAs in men on BEM, with the exception of rare single monomorphic VEs, is diagnostically significant in the detection of CHD and allows us to qualify the result of BEM as “positive”. The induction of other CAs on BEM has not shown diagnostic significance in the detection of CHD.

Highlights

According to the results of an online survey, the prevalence of COVID-19 is not associated with cardiovascular pathology, however, respondents in the group with cardiovascular diseases suffer significantly more often and more severely. Cardiovascular diseases have no impact on the level of vaccination and the incidence of post-vaccination reactions.

Abstract

Aim. To study the prevalence of COVID-19 and the clinical features of the disease among Internet users with and without cardiovascular pathology.

Methods. An anonymous online survey was conducted among users of various social networks using a questionnaire created with the help of the SurveyMonkey platform. The survey was conducted in December 2021 – January 2022, it lasted 1 month and included 23 questions regarding the clinical and demographic characteristics of respondents, the presence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), the incidence of COVID-19, the features of clinical manifestations of the disease, the severity of the course among respondents with and without cardiovascular pathology, the need for medical care, vaccinations.

Results. 752 respondents took part in the survey: 627 participants without cardiovascular pathology and 125 with CVD. More than 50.0% (51.5 vs 62.4%) of the two groups surveyed had COVID-19 (p = 0.2). 42.5% of participants without CVD and 50.7% of people with CVD had COVID-19 in the period from September 2020 to April 2021 (2^nd wave in Russia). Among the groups with and without CVD, 79.2% of individuals had coronavirus infection confirmed by any of the diagnostic methods: polymerase chain reaction (48.8% vs 50.0%), radiography (2.4% vs 2.9%), the presence of antibodies to IgG/IgM (15.1% vs 15.7%), contact with an infected person (9.8% vs 2.9%), p = 0.09. Most often, patients without CVD noted: fever, impaired sense of smell and taste, whereas participants with CVD noted: weakness, cough, shortness of breath, anxiety, depression, blood pressure destabilization. The lung lesion volume in respondents without CVD in 37.8% of cases was less than 25%, and in 43.2% of people with CVD – 25–50% (p = 0.03). Most of the patients in both groups (52.6% vs 40.6%) sought medical help at the polyclinic, the rest (39.1% vs 37.7%) resorted to self-medication. More than 65.0% of the surveyed of both groups were vaccinated against COVID-19, and more than 35.0% of them reported adverse events.

Conclusion. In respondents without CVD, the disease was more often of mild severity, and in people with CVD – of moderate severity. In participants with CVD, the lung lesion volume was more often 25–50%. All respondents noted both the complete disappearance of clinical manifestations of the disease immediately after recovery, and the long-term persistence of symptoms (up to a year). More than 35.0% of respondents preferred to self-medicate. Patients with CVD were more often hospitalized due to the severity of the disease. More than 65.0% of the survey participants of the two groups were vaccinated, and about 35.0% of them reported side effects.

Highlights

The frequency of coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NonSTEMI) in the Research Institute of Cardiology “Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences” is equal to 10%, hospital mortality is 4.3%, which corresponds to the literature data. Patients with NonSTEMI who undergo coronary artery bypass grafting in cardiac surgery centers in Tomsk, Kemerovo and Chelyabinsk do not differ in main clinical and anamnestic characteristics. Patients with NonSTEMI who undergo CABG in cardiac surgery centers in Leipzig and Kiel (Germany), have a higher surgical risk compared with patients in Russian centers, while they are operated on much earlier than in Russian centers, and there are no statistically significant differences in hospital mortality between clinics.

Abstract

Aim. To perform a comparative analysis of clinical and anamnestic characteristics and treatment outcomes in NonSTEMI patients who underwent CABG in 2020 at the Research Institute of Cardiology “Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences” and in other domestic and foreign clinics.

Methods. The retrospective study involved 23 NonSTEMI patients/ The patients clinical and anamnestic characteristics after CABG and the main outcome of treatment were analyzed. The obtained results were compared with the data of 4 other cardiac surgery clinics that were found in the literature.

Results. The frequency of CABG in NonSTEMI patients is 10%, which corresponds to the literature data. The mean age of these patients was 64.8±8.4 years, LVEF – 55.5±9.2%, the risk according to the GRACE score – 4.9±5.6%, according to the EuroSCORE – 7.3±2.1%. There were no patients with cardiogenic shock or dialysis. The duration of hospitalization prior to surgery was 7.4±5.3 days. The hospital mortality was 4.3%. The clinical and anamnestic characteristics of NonSTEMI patients who underwent CABG surgery in the clinics of Tomsk, Kemerovo (n = 66), Chelyabinsk (n = 101), Leipzig (n = 758) and Kiel (n = 461) were compared. The characteristics of patients of the Russian clinics did not differ. It was found that in Russian clinics these patients were younger, and had less severe complications of the disease, and less severe comorbid diseases in comparison with patients of the German clinics. In particular, in the Russian clinics, CABG was not performed in patients with cardiogenic shock, unlike in the German clinics. At the same time, the German clinics conduct surgery on NonSTEMI patients much earlier than in the Russian clinics: only 10–20% of patients are operated on in the Russian clinics in the first 3 days of the disease, whereas in Leipzig – 42% of patients, and in Kiel almost all patients – on the first day of the disease; there were no statistically significant differences in hospital mortality between clinics.

Conclusion. According to the results of the analysis, clinical and anamnestic characteristics of NonSTEMI patients who undergo CABG in Russian cardiac surgery centers (Tomsk, Kemerovo and Chelyabinsk) do not differ. Compared with the patients of the German cardiac surgery centers of Leipzig and Kiel, Russian patients have a lower surgical risk, they are operated on much later, there were no statistically significant differences in hospital mortality between clinics.

Highlights

This article is devoted to a review of studies on the mechanisms of cerebral protection and the effects of hypothermia on the patient.

Abstract

A large number of surgical corrections of congenital heart defects are performed around the world annually, most of them using cardiopulmonary bypass. This kind of surgery can be a pathological factor for the brain. In some patients, the kind of surgery involves the use of hypothermia. Supposedly, hypothermia should have a neuroprotective effect, however, as recent studies show, this is not always the case. This review is devoted to the mechanisms of the effect of hypothermia on the patient’s body, including not only a decrease in brain metabolism, but also a number of others. Moreover, a review of current works on the use of hypothermia in clinical practice in surgeries that do not require circulatory arrest is presented, along with an analysis of the intra- and postoperative period.