Целью данного исследования входила оценка влияния комбинированного препарата розувастатина с эзетимибом на уровни липидов, С-реактивного белка крови и показатели артериальной жесткости у лиц с гиперлипидемией 2а типа. Материал и методы. В исследование включили 40 человек, завершили курс лечения 37 человек (59% женщин, средний возраст 57±8 лет). Перед началом исследования и через 12 недель приема фиксированной комбинации розувастатина с эзетимибом 20/10 мг в сыворотке крови определяли уровни общего холестерина, триглицеридов, ХС ЛВП, глюкозы, ферментов крови, С-реактивного белка. Содержание холестерина липопротеидов низкой плотности (ХС ЛНП) вычисляли по формуле Фридвальда. Для оценки артериальной жесткости применяли три метода: ультразвуковое исследование сонных артерий, аппланационная тонометрия, объемная сфигмография. Результаты. На фоне терапии продемонстрировано значимое снижение общего холестерина, триглицеридов, ХС ЛНП, С-реактивного белка, глюкозы на 41, 25, 56, 38 и 6%, соответственно. Не отмечено изменения параметров артериальной жесткости при УЗИ: индекс жесткости β, коэффициентов растяжимости и податливости. В то же время выявлено снижение показателя артериальной жесткости по данным аппланационной тонометрии - каротидно-феморальной скорости пульсовой волны с 9,4±1,5 до 9,0±1,1 м/с (р< 0,01) на фоне значимого снижения уровня артериального давления, при этом антигипертензиваня терапия не изменялась. Заключение. В результате терапии комбинированным препаратом розувастатина с эзетимибом 20/10 мг в течение 3 месяцев показано значимое снижение уровня холестерина липопротеидов низкой плотности, С-реактивного белка и улучшение показателя артериальной жесткости каротидно-феморальной скорости пульсовой волны

Aim: to measure the echogenicity of atherosclerotic plaques (AP) of carotid arteries to assess the dynamics of atherosclerosis and risk of cardiovascular outcomes (CVO) in patients with different CVD risk. Materials and methods. The study included 223 patients: 80 patients (47 males) with moderate CVD risk (mean age: 53 years, range: 39-66) (Group 1) and 143 patients (123 males) with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and high CVD risk (mean age: 57, range: 32-83) years (Group 2). All patients were examined at the Chazov National Medical Research Center of Cardiology. Patients underwent a standard clinical examination, biochemical blood test with lipid profile determination, and ultrasound duplex scanning. Patients with ACS were re-examined after 1-1.5 years and patients with moderate CVD risk were re-examined after 1 and 7 years. Results. We analyzed 181 APs in Group 1 and 378 APs in Group 2. Analysis of gray-scale median (GSM) at the first and second visit showed a significant increase in GSM in both groups: from 67.02 [54.13; 82.85] to 73.5 [59.5; 88.7] (p<0.0001) in Group 1, and from 49.3 [39.73;63.64] to 50.7 [40.04;66.54] (p<0.05) in Group 2. An increase in GSM was observed in 79% of patients in Group 1, in 53% of patients in Group 2. Unfavorable CVO (CVO+) developed after 7 years in 7 (8.8%) patients in Group 1, and after 1 year in 23 (23%) patients in Group 2. In Group 1, an increase in GSM was observed only in patients with favorable prognosis (CVO-): from 67.7[52.13; 79.0] to 77.5[64.12; 91.0] (n=148 AP, p<0.05), in patients with CVO+, GSM increased non-significantly from 60.1[53.5; 66.5] to 66.5[55.0; 71.6] (n=18 AP, p=NS). In Group 2, a significant increase in GSM was observed in patients with CVO-: from 48.7[39.0; 63.4] to 51.3[40.0; 67.4] (n=141 AP, p<0.01), in patients with CVO+, GSM decreased from 51.6[42.9; 72.5] to 50.2[40.4; 65.0] (n=43 AP, p=NS). In Group 2, GSM significantly increased by 2.75 (6.05%) from the initial value (p<0.05) in patients with CVO-, while patients with CVO+ showed a significant decrease in the average GSM of AP by 3.33 (7.8%) (p<0.05). Using ROC analysis, a Δ% GSM value of 6.96% was found (area under the curve 0.628 ± 0.0465 [95% CI 0.556 - 0.696], p = 0.0058). According to Cox regression analysis, the risk of CVO increased by 2.16 times with a decrease in GSM AP in the carotid arteries over time by ≥ 6.96% (НR=2.16; 95% CI=1.331 – 3.507); p=0.009. Conclusion. The ultrasound method of measuring the echogenicity of an atherosclerotic plaque of the carotid artery using GSM parameter can be effective for assessing the dynamics of atherosclerosis and prognosis of adverse cardiovascular events in patients with high and moderate CVD risk

Aim. To evaluate the prognostic value of GDF-15 in relation the development of bleeding and events in stable CAD patients, receiving combined antithrombotic therapy. Materials and methods. The data was obtained from the prospective registry REGATA, 343 CAD patients (249 males), median age 68 [IQR 62; 75] years) were enrolled. Patients with sinus rhythm and concomitant PAD received acetylsalicylic acid in combination with rivaroxaban 2.5 mg bid (31.8%) or clopidogrel (24.8%). Other 43.4% with concomitant atrial fibrillation (AF) received direct oral anticoagulants in combination with antiplatelet therapy after elective percutaneous coronary interventions. Median follow-up was 12 months [IQR 9.0; 18.0]. The safety end point was major and clinically relevant bleedings (type 2–5) according to the BARC classification. Plasma samples for GDF-15 identification were taken at the inclusion and analyzed using ELISA assay. Results. Frequency of BARC 2–5 bleedings was 16% (BARC 2 – 46; BARC 3 – 9; BARC 4–5 – 0), median GDF-15 level was 1185.0 pg/ml [850.0; 1680.0]. In patients with AF and concomitant MFA, the level of GDF-15 was significantly higher than in the subgroups of patients with only AF or MFA (p=0.0022). According to the quintile analysis, GDF-15 values in the top three quintiles of distribution (cut-off value 943 pg/ml) were associated with higher frequency of bleeding events: 23.2% versus 5.1%; p=0.0001. The multivariable logistic regression model demonstrated that bleeding events were independently associated with GDF-15 level943 pg/ml (OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.11–6.30; p=0.0275), AF (OR 2.61, 95% CI 1.41–4.83; p=0.0023) and chronic kidney disease (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.03–3.60; p=0.0401). Clinical factors determining the risk of bleeding events also determined a GDF-15 elevation. Conclusion. Assessment of GDF-15 level may improve bleeding risk stratification in CAD patients with concomitant AF and/or PAD receiving combined antithrombotic therapy.

We present reversible cardiomyopathy in a patient recovered from severe COVID-19. In addition to heart failure, the patient had thrombosis of abdominal aorta, lower extremity arteries and kidney infarction. At admission, the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 18%. Primary diagnosis was SARSCoV2-induced myocarditis. However, cardiac MRI with delayed gadolinium enhancement revealed no fibrosis or active myocarditis. Troponin was normal. Atrial fibrillation persisted. Arrhythmia was first verified a week before COVID-19. Previously effective treatment failed to support adequate heart rate after COVID-19. Angiography revealed subtotal stenosis of the left anterior descending artery. After strict rate control and percutaneous coronary intervention, the patient was discharged on optimal medical therapy. Six months later, LVEF was 45%. Pulmonary vein isolation and cardioversion were performed. One week later, LVEF was 60%. In our opinion, this was a mixed cardiomyopathy with predominant role of AF and myocardial ischemia. Probably, COVID-19 modulated natural course of cardiovascular pathology. We also discuss potential contribution of COVID-19 to the course of cardiovascular pathology in long-term period of disease. © 2023, Media Sphera Publishing Group. All rights reserved.

Russian Society of Cardiology, National Society of Preventive Cardiology

The guidelines have been developed for internists, general practitioners, emergency physicians, and paramedics. The guidelines are based on expert consensus papers, accumulated clinical and scientific experience. The methodology for organizing and conducting ultrasound-assisted examinations is described in detail. Algorithms for diagnosing the main syndromes in internal medicine practice are presented to help the practitioner. Particular attention is paid to the methodology of ultrasoundassisted examinations. These guidelines will be of interest to doctors, heads of medical facilities, as well as students of medical universities.

Aim . To assess asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis in patients with moderate cardiovascular risk over a 7-year prospective follow-up using non-invasive ultrasound markers. Material and methods . Eighty patients (47 men and 33 women) aged 53,1±5,9 years with moderate Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) level, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of 2,7-4,8 mmol/l and asymptomatic hemodynamically insignificant (stenosis <50%) carotid atherosclerosis (CA). Patients underwent CA ultrasound (PHILIPS IU22) at baseline and after 7 years. Plaque number, maximum plaque height, total plaque height, total CA stenosis, visual plaque morphology, gray-scale median (GSM), and intima- media thickness of the right and left common CAs were assessed. All patients were prescribed atorvastatin therapy at a dose of 10-40 mg until a target LDL-С level <2,6 mmol/l was achieved. Results. During the follow-up period, a significant increase was noted in the number of plaques, the maximum and total plaque height, total CA stenosis, and intima- media thickness of the right and left common CAs. An increase in GSM was detected in 79% of plaques on statin therapy. Plaque echoicity increased by 4,90 [0,51; 17,41] (p <0,001) or 7,2% [0,7%; 29%] (p<0,001) over seven years. Regression analysis adjusted for sex and age showed the dependence of GSM changes (ΔGSM) on changes in the LDL-C level (ΔLDL-C) (p=0,049). With a decrease in LDL-C by 1 mmol/l, an increase in average GSM was noted by 5,9 (0,03-11,78). The maximum plaque height increased significantly after 7-year follow-up from 1,80 [1,50; 2,20] to 2,00 [1,63; 2,68] mm (p=0,044). In patients who reached a LDL-C level of 1,8 mmol/l, the maximum plaque height decreased more than in patients who did not reach this level (-0,07 [-0,45; 0,14] mm and 0,20 [-0,05; 0,40] mm, respectively (p=0,028)). Regression analysis adjusted for sex and age did not reveal a relationship between the change of maximum plaque height with ΔLDL-C and Δhigh-density lipoprotein cholesterol, but with LDL-C level after 7 years. Conclusion . Statin therapy in patients with CA stenosis <50% stabilizes the plaques due to echogenicity increase. LDL-C <1,8 mmol/l can lead to a decrease in maximum plaque height.

Introduction. Thrombotic complications (TC) in different vascular systems dictate the fate of high-risk patients. In cardiological practice, patients with advanced atherosclerotic vascular disease (MFA) represent the most vulnerable group. Malignant neoplasm (MN) is one of the most significant risk factors for developing TCs, especially in the context of antineoplastic therapy. The presence of significant differences in the mechanisms of thrombogenesis in malignant neoplasms and atherosclerosis determines the appropriateness of a comparative study of markers of coagulation activation and endothelial damage in order to identify common features and differences specific to each pathology. Aim. To examine markers of coagulation activation and growth factors in active cancer and advanced atherosclerotic vascular disease, to identify their common features and differences specific to each pathology. Materials and methods. A total of 22 patients with MN (Group 1) and 58 patients with MFA (Group 2) were enrolled in the study. The assessed biomarkers included: von Willebrand factor (VWF), D-dimer, growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A). Results. Patients with MN had an increased likelihood of disease progression within 6 months at D-dimer level > 1121 ng/mL (OR = 10.5; 95% CI 1.4–81.0, p = 0.014) or VWF > 189% (OR 10.5, 95% CI 1.36–81.0, p = 0.014); the likelihood of death within two years of follow-up at D-dimer level > 1121 ng/mL (OR = 7.0; 95% CI 0.97–50.57, p = 0.04), or VWF > 203% (OR = 10, 5, 95% CI 1.36–81.06, p = 0.014). In patients with MFA, the likelihood of prognosis determining events within one-year of follow-up was determined by increased levels of VWF > 157% (OR = 9.2, 95% CI 1.02–82.8, p = 0.048) and GDF-15 > 1548 pg/ml (OR = 5.7; 95% CI 1.09–29.5, p = 0.04). Conclusions. Endothelial damage and coagulation activation are more pronounced in patients with MN than in patients with MFA. In patients with malignant neoplasms, the outcomes were associated with D-dimer and VWF levels, and in patients with MFA – with VWF and GDF-15 levels.

The Russian Society of Cardiology (RKO) With the participation of: The National Society for the Study of Atherosclerosis (NOA), the Russian Association of Endocrinologists (RAE), the Russian Society of Cardiosomatic Rehabilitation and Secondary Prevention (RosOKR), the Russian Scientific Medical Society of Therapists (RNMOT), the Eurasian Association of Cardiologists, the Eurasian Association of Therapists (EAT), the Russian Association of Gerontologists and Geriatricians

Aim . To evaluate the contribution of subclinical atherosclerosis to the stratification of patients with a SCORE risk of cardiovascular events (CVEs) <5% based on a 10-year follow-up. Material and methods . The study included 379 patients with SCORE risk of CVEs <5% (82 men, 297 women). In 2009, all patients underwent clinical examination, carotid artery (CA) ultrasound with the detection of plaques, total CA occlusion, intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery (CCA). The plaque number was determined as the total number of all plaques in 6 following segments: both CCAs, both CCA bifurcations and both internal carotid arteries. The total stenosis was calculated as the sum of stenoses in 6 CA segments in %. In 2019, a telephone survey of patients was conducted with a questionnaire assessing the following CVEs: all-cause death, cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, myocardial revascularization, cardiovascular hospitalizations, and composite endpoint. Results . The initial patients’ age ranged from 35 to 67 years (51,1±7,5 years). Plaques from 20% to 50% were detected in 303 participants (79,94%). Over the past 10 years, there have been 5 cardiovascular deaths (1,3%), 7 MIs (1,8%), 5 cases of unstable angina (1,3%), 12 cases of myocardial revascularization (3,2%), 15 strokes (4,0%), 51 cardiovascular hospitalizations (13,5%). The proportion of patients with registered endpoints (CVE+) was 22,4% (n=85). The groups of patients with and without CVEs differed in the level of systolic blood pressure (BP) and blood triglycerides, and did not differ in the level of diastolic BP, lipid profile, glucose, heart rate, smoking status, sex, and age. In the CVE+ group, there were higher values of CCA IMT (0,65 (0,64; 0,70) mm vs 0,62 (0,62; 0,66) mm, p<0,05), total CA stenosis (102,5 (88,1; 120,8)% vs 80 (72,5; 88,1)%, p=0,01), and the CA plaque amount (4,0 (2,8; 3,9) vs 3,0 (2,6; 3,1), p=0,01), respectively. Total CA stenosis was an independent predictor of CVEs when adjusted for sex, age, systolic and diastolic BP (β=0,149; p<0,05), but not for lipid profile. A ROC-analysis revealed a cut-off point for total CA stenosis of 82,5% (AUC=0,598, 95% confidence interval 0,5243-0,673, p<0,05). Conclusion . The total CA stenosis has shown itself to be an independent predictor of CVEs in patients with a SCORE risk <5%.

Aim . To study predictors of radial artery occlusion (RAO) and ways to prevent it after interventions using radial access. Material and methods . The study consisted of prospective and retrospective parts. The total number of included patients was 2284. Patients undergoing interventions by radial access in various medical organizations were retrospectively considered. The prospective study included 1284 patients who were subject to interventional treatment. Patients were randomized into two groups as follows: in group 1, hemostasis was performed within 4 hours, in group 2 — >6 hours. All patients underwent a bedside Barbeau test with a pulse oximeter and an ultrasound of access arteries to determine the radial artery patency/occlusion. Results . The RAO rate in the retrospective part was 21,8%, while in the prospective one — 10,1% with long-term hemostasis and 1,4% with short-term hemostasis (p<0,001). Predictors of RAO were type 2 diabetes (odds ratio (OR), 1,9, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1,1-3,4, p=0,03) and an increase in hemostasis duration by 1 hour (OR, 1,2, 95% CI, 1,1-1,3, p<0,001). When analyzing the retrospective part, the predictors of RAO were body mass index (OR, 1,06, 95% CI, 1,02-1,09, p=0,002), female sex (OR, 0,6, 95% CI, 0,4-0,9, p=0,02), smoking (OR, 1,38, 95% CI, 1-1,91, p=0,047). The administration of statins in different dosages, as well as antihypertensive and anti-ischemic agents, did not have a significant effect on the RAO rate. Conclusion . The main predictors of RAO were type 2 diabetes, an increase in hemostasis duration, female sex, smoking, and the artery-to-introducer diameter ratio. Taking statins, anti-ischemic and antihypertensive agents does not have a protective effect on RAO rate.

Introduction Recent studies are aimed to find laboratory predictors of bleeding complications in patients receiving various regimens of antithrombotic therapy. One of these biomarkers is GDF-15. Purpose To study the significance of GDF-15 in relation to the development of bleeding outcomes in CAD patients with multifocal atherosclerosis, receiving combined antithrombotic therapy. Methods The data was obtained from the prospective registry REGATA-1 (NCT04347200). 122 patients (90 males), median age 69 [IQR 64; 76] yrs) with CAD and peripheral atherosclerosis of at least one vascular territory (≥ 50%), were enrolled. Half of the patients (47.5%) with sinus rhythm received acetylsalicylic acid in combination with rivaroxaban 2.5 mg bid. Other patients (52.5%) with concomitant atrial fibrillation received direct oral anticoagulants in combination with antiplatelet therapy after elective PCI. Median follow-up was 10 months [IQR 7.0;12.0]. The safety end point was BARC 2–5 bleedings. Plasma samples for GDF-15 identification were taken at the inclusion and analyzed using ELISA. Results Frequency of BARC 2–5 bleedings was 14%. Median GDF-15 level was 1248.5 pg/ml [947.8; 1791.0]. According to the quartile analysis, GDF-15 values in the top three quartiles of the distribution (cut-off value > 948 pg/ml) were associated with higher frequency of bleeding events: 3.1% versus 17.8%, P = 0.0411. Bleeding-free survival in groups, formed depending on the level of GDF-15 (948 > and ≤ 948 pg/ml), was 96.7% vs. 82.2%, respectively, Log-Rank P = 0.0408. Conclusions Increase in GDF-15 level (> 948 pg/ml) is associated with the development of BARC 2-5 bleedings in CAD patients with multifocal atherosclerosis, receiving combined antithrombotic therapy.