Abstract Background Observational studies have reported the incidental reduction of the frequency and severity of migraine attacks following transcatheter patent foramn ovale (PFO) for established indications. Possible physiologic mechanisms for a relationship between PFO and migraine, if such a link does exist, have been the subject of much speculation, with some researchers suggesting the possible role of PFO as a conduit for the passage of various migraine-inducing inflammatory, vasoactive triggers in cerebral circulation. Purpose The aim of this study was to compare the levels of inflammatory mediators between migraineurs and non –migraineurs and to investigate the impact of PFO closure on the inflammatory state of individuals with migraine and alleviation of migraine symptoms. Methods Forty-five patients (mean age 48.2 ± 10.8 years, 48% male) undergoing percutaneous PFO closure were enrolled in the study. Among them, 15 patients reported recurrent migraine episodes (mean age 46.4 ± 8.90 years, 86% female) while 30 individuals (mean age 49 ± 12.32 years, 70% male) were non-migraineurs. White blood cell count, C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin and d-dimers levels, as well as the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were compared between migraineurs and non-migraineurs. We additionally analyzed the inflammatory levels before and after the percutaneous PFO closure in migraineurs, correlating these changes with migraine relief assessed using the Migraine Disability Assessment Questionnaire (MIDAS) over a 6-month follow-up period. Results White blood cell count, d-dimers levels and ESR were similar in migraineurs and non-migraineurs (6,583 ± 2,251 Χ1 0.e3/uL vs 6,115 ± 1,958 Χ10.e3/uL; p-value = 0.48; 0.54 ± 0.49 μg/L vs 0.45 ± 0.29 μg/L; p- value= 0.49; 23.08 ± 16.68 mm vs 18.51 ± 14.98 mm; p- value 0.402; respectively). However, CRP and ferritin levels were significantly greater in patients with migraine compared to non- migraineurs (3.82 ± 1.87 mg/L vs 1.34 ± 1.52 mg/L; p- value =0.037 and 111.21 ± 82.70 ng/ml vs 50.12 ± 47.9 ng/ml; p- value = 0.023, respectively). Moreover, there was no significant difference between pre- and post-procedural inflammatory levels in migraineurs undergoing percutaneous PFO closure. Of note, following the procedure a reduction in CRP levels was observed without, however, reaching statistical significance. Finally, all patients observed a cessation in the occurrence of migraine attacks after closure. Conclusions Our study revealed significantly higher baseline levels of CRP and ferritin in migraineurs compared to non-migrainers with PFO. Although no alteration in inflammatory factors was observed following the procedure in migraineurs with PFO, all individuals experienced relief from migraine symptoms. Given the limitation of our study due to the small sample size, future studies may provide more insights into the potential benefits of PFO closure in specific migraine patient phenotypes.

Abstract Aims Although obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) is considered a prerequisite for myocardial ischemia, it is established that abnormalities of coronary microcirculation may restrict myocardial perfusion in the absense of CAD. Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is likely associated with elevated risk for MACEs. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to determine the prognostic value of CMD, assessed by invasive techniques, in predicting cardiovascular endpoints in patients without epicardial CAD. Methods and results We identified all studies between 1 January 2000 and 1 December 2023, where coronary flow was invasively measured and clinical outcomes were reported. We included RCTs and all prospective and retrospective studies with a control group, which measured coronary flow reserve (CFR) and/or index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR), as assessed invasively. The endpoints were all-cause mortality and MACEs, including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, hospitalization for heart failure (HF) and coronary revascularization. Twenty-five articles enrolling a total of 9.800 subjects (mean age: 55.5±10.6 years) were included with a mean follow-up period of 37 months were eventually deemed eligible for our final analysis. Of these, 3.421 (34,9%) patients had CFR<2.5 and/or IMR>25, indicating CMD, while 6.379 (65,1%) subjects were found without CMD. The analysis of the pooled results demonstrated that the presence of CMD depicted by abnormal CFR and/or IMR was associated with a substantially higher risk for all-cause mortality during a median follow-up period of 3.2 years. The odds ratio for all-cause mortality in patients with CMD compared with those without CMD was 2.31 (95% CI: 1.62 - 2.54, p<0.01). A similar effect of abnormal CFR and IMR was also observed for cardiovascular morality (HR 2.47, 95% CI: 1.81 - 3.38, p<0.01). In addition, the composite of revascularization was also assessed in the total of the selected studies. In particular, the pooled analysis demonstrated a positive association of CMD with a higher future risk for revascularization (HR 1.87, 95% CI: 1.33 – 2.62, p<0.01). The composite of hospitalization for heart failure was also assessed. In addition, the pooled analysis demonstrated a positive association between CMD and hospitalization for HF (HR 2.50, 95% CI: 1.63 - 3.85, p<0.01).A similar effect of abnormal CMD was also observed for myocardial infraction (HR 1.73, 95% CI: 1.33 - 2.24). Elevated IMR (>40) seems to be to be prognostically more relevant than abnormal CFR in the setting of acute myocardial infarction. Conclusions CMD is associated with a nearly 3-fold increase in mortality and a 2-fold increase in major adverse cardiac events. Impaired coronary flow is strongly associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality and MACEs. Future studies and randomized controlled trials are needed to identify strategies to diagnose and treat CMD.

Abstract Background Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is typically performed under the guidance of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and fluoroscopy. Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) appears to be a potential alternative to guide implantation. Purpose We sought to perform a meta-analysis comparing ICE and TEE for endocardial LAAO. Methods A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed and Google Scholar regarding published abstracts and manuscripts on July 1, 2023. Studies reporting clinical outcomes comparing ICE vs TEE for endocardial LAAO were included. Results A total of 16 studies with 123,444 patients (ICE-5,122 patients and TEE-122,667 patients) (mean age 75±4 years, 59%male) fulfilled the criteria. Five included Watchman, four included the Amplatzer Cardiac Plug/ Amulet device, and seven included both devices. There was no significant difference in CHA2DS2VASC or HAS-BLED scores between both groups. Outcomes assessed including procedural success between ICE vs TEE (risk ratio [RR], 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.01), fluoroscopy time (mean difference [MD], 1.25 minutes; 95% CI, -1.63- 4.14) and total procedure time (MD, −3.74 minutes; 95% CI, − 13.42-5.94) were found to be similar between both groups. There was also no significant difference in complications including vascular complications, bleeding events, device embolization, and stroke between both groups. Of note, patients undergoing LAA closure under ICE guidance had higher risk for pericardial effusion and/or cardiac tamponade compared to those in the TEE group (RR 1.72; 95% CI, 1.32-2.23). Conclusions Although TEE is the gold standard for perioperative guidance of LAAO, imaging with ICE is a feasible alternative associated with similar efficacy outcomes in LAAO procedures. However, further studies needed to clarify safety of ICE as an alternative perioperative imaging technique.

Abstract Background Erectile dysfunction (ED) often coexists impairing quality of life in the hypertensive aging male population. The Mediterranean diet (Med-diet) benefits cardiovascular health. Coronary flow reserve (CFR) displays the ability of the coronary circulation to increase flow. Central vascular stiffness and microalbuminuria (UMALb) represent hypertension-related target organ damage (TOD). Purpose To investigate cigarette smoking adverse effects on the Med-diet benefit in exercise capacity, coronary physiology and TOD in hypertensive males with ED. Methods We enrolled 290 hypertensive ED males (mean age: 57 yo) with no history of diabetes mellitus or overt cardiovascular disease. 121 (42%) were current cigarette smokers. Intensity of smoking referred in packs/year. All underwent a treadmill stress test (Bruce protocol), exercise capacity was validated as metabolic equivalents (METs). We measured the CFR of the LAD artery (2D echo) by performing an adenosine protocol (max dose 140μg/Kg/min over 6 min). PW Doppler measurements were achieved at the middle/distal LAD (color Doppler flow mapping). CFR was validated as ratio between peak diastolic flow velocity following drug infusion and rest. Ratios ≥ 2 indicate macro and microvascular coronary integrity. Participants were screened for the presence of UMALb (urinary albumin loss 30 – 300 mg /24 h urine volume collection). Finally a non-invasive evaluation of the carotid – femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), estimation of central pressures and augmentation index (AIx) a parameter of wave reflection amplification were performed (Sphygmocor device). ED severity and the Med-diet adherence were assessed by the SHIM-5 (range:0-25) and the Med-diet (range:0-55) scores. Higher values indicate a better erectile ability and Med-diet compliance respectively. Results In bivariate analysis the Med-diet score was positively associated with METs, CFR and the SHIM-5 score and negatively with PWV, AIx and UMALb (p< 0,05). CFR, METs and the SHIM-5 score were also positively related (p< 0,03). In linear regression analysis the Med-diet relation remained significant after correction for age, BMI, LDL, total cholesterol and systolic blood pressure. However introducing cigarette smoking as a cofounder abolished the above relations. Packs/year were positively related to AIx, UMALb and negatively to the SHIM-5 score (p< 0,05). We also divided our population according to the mean Med-diet score (27) in high and low Med-diet groups .The high score group had higher METs and SHIM-5 score and lower PWV. Smokers had higher AIx and lower SHIM-5 score (pictures). Conclusion Cigarette smoking influences microvascular physiology and peripheral wave reflection and so abolishes Med-diet benefit on exercise capacity, coronary physiology, target organ damage and erectile ability in hypertensive males with ED. It is of vital importance consult this population avoiding smoking to restore cardiovascular health and quality of life.

Abstract Background Although several retrospective and non-randomized studies support reduction of migraine frequency and severity after patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure, three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in this setting have not met their primary efficacy endpoints. In addition, currently there are is no analysis of the quality of RCTs of percutaneous PFO closure for the treatment of migraine. Purpose The present study aims to determine the reporting quality of RCTs focusing on the PFO closure for the treatment of migraine according to the revised CONsolidated Standards Of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) 2010 checklist. Methods Systematic searches of 2 databases (MEDLINE/PubMed and Cochrane library) were conducted. The search strategy identified reports on RCTs involving patients with migraine and PFO who were randomized to transcatheter device closure of PFO or medical treatment in order to investigate the effect of PFO closure for migraine. The primary objective was to establish the mean CONSORT compliance of RCTs of PFO closure for the treatment of migraine and secondary objectives were the calculation of compliance per CONSORT item and effect of CONSORT statement in high-ranked medical journals. Quality of reporting was assessed using a 37-item questionnaire based on the revised CONSORT 2010 checklist. Reporting above 75% of the items was defined as adequate compliance to the CONSORT statement. Results The search identified 3 eligible articles for analysis. The mean compliance was 69.66% ± 4.49%. Among the studies, only 1 RCT (PRIMA Trial) registered a good reporting quality (75% of the CONSORT items), whereas there were no RCTs with a CONSORT compliance less than 50% (Figure 1). Among assessed items, 19 items (51.4%) were reported in all (100%) of the articles. Also, 26 of the 37 items of the checklist (70.3%) were reported in more than half of the studies. The majority of the Results items registered an adequate reporting whereas randomization items were not so sufficiently reported overall (Figure 2). Each one of the RCTs used in the analysis were published in high-ranked medical journals (IF>30). However, none of the studies reported all 37 items achieving 100% CONSORT compliance score. Conclusions Based on the present results, quality of reporting in RCTs focusing on the PFO closure for the treatment of migraine remains suboptimal according to the CONSORT analysis. In this sense, better designed RCTs on the management of migraine by PFO closure are currently needed to guide future clinical practice.Figure 1.Figure 2.

Abstract Background Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure has been shown to reduce the risk of recurrent stroke in selected patients. On the other hand, the efficacy of PFO closure in reducing migraine attacks remains a matter of debate. Purpose We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that compared PFO closure plus medical therapy to medical therapy alone for the management of migraine. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed through December 10, 2022. The main efficacy endpoints were the complete cessation of migraine, the mean reduction in monthly migraine days and the mean reduction in monthly migraine attacks. The main safety outcome was the occurrence of major procedure related adverse events. Results Our search retrieved 667 results. Three randomized controlled trials including 448 patients were included in the final analysis. Of these, 231 patients (mean age 43.4±10.5 years) underwent PFO closure, while 217 (43.7±10.6) were treated conservatively with medical therapy. In the medical treatment group, 190 patients underwent a sham procedure. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 12 months. Overall, no significant association between PFO closure and complete migraine cessation was observed [Hazard Ration 3.31, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.72 – 15.17 – Figure 1). On the other hand, PFO closure was associated with a significant reduction in the mean number of migraine days per month [mean difference (MD): 1.23, 95% CI: 0.44-2.10, p=0.024, Figure 2A] as well as with a significant decrease in monthly migraine attacks (MD: 0.58, 95%CI : 0.25-0.91, p=0.017, Figure 2B). In respect of efficacy endpoint, a total of 9 transient, procedure related adverse events, including access-site bleeding, hematoma and tachycardia were reported in the implantation group. Conclusions PFO closure plus medical treatment compared to medical treatment alone was related with fewer and shorter migraine attacks. These results suggest clinical benefit of PFO closure in selected patients with migraine.Figure 1.Figure 2.

Abstract Background Statins may benefit cardiovascular physiology by cholesterol independent or pleiotropic actions. Target organ damage (TOD) amplifies cardiovascular risk in essential hypertension and endogenous testosterone (TT) exhibit vasoprotective effects. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is frequent in hypertensive middle aged men when androgen levels typically fall, impairing thus quality of life. Purpose To investigate the effect of statins in TT and TOD in hypertensive middle aged men with ED, independently of cholesterol levels. Methods 248 hypertensive ED males (mean age: 57 yo) with no history of diabetes mellitus or overt cardiovascular disease enrolled the study. Of those 95 (38%) were on statin therapy for treatment of dyslipidemia. There were all screened for the presence of microalbuminuria, defined as urinary albumin loss 30–300 mg in a 24 h urine volume collection. TT, total cholesterol (Tchol) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were measured on blood samples taken before 09:00 am. All individuals underwent a non invasive evaluation of the carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), estimation of central pressures and augmentation index (AIx) a parameter of wave reflection amplification (Sphygmocor device). ED severity was assessed by the SHIM-5 score (range: 0–25) and higher values indicate a better erectile ability. Results In bivariate analysis statin use was positively related to TT (p<0.05 – Figure 1) and negatively to microalbuminuria, Tchol and LDL (p<0.005). Moreover TT was negatively related to PWV, AIx, microalbuminuria (all p<0.005) and positively to the SHIM-5 score (p: 0.003). By linear regression analysis association of TT to statins remained significant after correction for age, BMI, PWV, AIx, Tchol and LDL levels. Conclusions Statin therapy benefits endogenous testosterone in hypertensive middle aged men with ED and so lessens TOD and enhances erectile ability independently of cholesterol levels. In such population group pleiotropic effects of statins may help restoring androgen levels, decrease cardiovascular risk and ameliorate quality of life. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Abstract Background Target organ damage (TOD) amplifies cardiovascular risk in essential hypertension. Erectile dysfunction (ED) refers to microvascular disease and frequently accompanies the hypertensive middle aged male population. Endogenous testosterone (TT) and statins exhibit vasoprotective effects while cigarette smoking typically relates to an adverse cardiovascular outcome. Purpose To investigate TOD in relation to cigarette smoking, statin therapy and TT in essential hypertension middle aged males with ED. Methods 223 hypertensive ED males (mean age: 59 yo) with no history of diabetes mellitus or overt cardiovascular disease enrolled the study. There were all screened for the presence of microalbuminuria, defined as urinary albumin loss 30 – 300 mg in a 24 h urine volume collection. Among them 96 (43%) were current cigarette smokers. Intensity of smoking referred in terms of packs per year. The presence and severity of ED was assessed by the SHIM-5 score (range 0–25), higher values indicate better erectile ability. All underwent a non invasive evaluation of the carotid – femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), estimation of central pressures and augmentation index (AIx) a parameter of wave reflection amplification (Sphygmocor device).Moreover left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was assessed by 2D echocardiography (Devereux formula) and intima-media thickness (cIMT) of the common carotid artery by vascular ultrasound imaging. cIMT is a marker of atheromatosis. Results Microalbuminuria detected in 89 (40%) patients was positively related to other parameters of TOD such as PWV, cIMT, LVMI (all p<0,005) and smoking habits (p=0,02) and negatively to the SHIM-5 score, TT and statin use (all p<0,01). A notably negative correlation to the intensity of smoking was the SHIM-5 score (p=0,013) and a positive the cIMT (p=0,001). Statins were positively related to TT (p=0,006).In linear regression analysis, relation of packs per year remained significant regarding microalbuminuria and the SHIM-5 after adjustment for age, body mass index, PWV, LVMI, central systolic, diastolic and pulse blood pressure. Similarly, relation of statins, TT and microalbuminuria remained significant after adjustment for age, LVMI, PWV, AIx and smoking status. Conclusion Intensive cigarette smoking accelerates silent kidney damage and sabotages erectile performance in hypertensive middle aged men with ED independently of the central hemodynamic load. Statins protect from microvascular kidney damage and the decline of testosterone probably by enhancing endothelial physiology. In such population group, simple and clinically oriented criteria may reveal early diagnosis of target organ damage and guide appropriate life-style modifications and further therapeutic judgments. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1

Abstract Introduction Arterial stiffness independently predicts cardiovascular risk and has been associated with the presence of inflammation. Chemotherapy-induced cardiac dysfunction is a major contributor to adverse morbidity and mortality rates in cancer patients. There is extensive literature describing the cardiotoxic effects of anti-cancer treatment on left ventricular systolic function, that may be the result of direct effects of the cancer treatment on heart function, or due to an indirect acceleration of atherosclerosis. However there is only little evidence regarding chemotherapy effects on arterial elastic properties. The gold standard for measuring arterial stiffness is carotid femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and it is calculated as a function of transit time and distance of the pulse wave derived from the carotid and femoral arteries. Purpose Our aim was to investigate the effect of chemotherapy in aortic stiffness in patients with lymphoma, a malignancy with known high metabolic burden. Methods Sixty-six patients (22 male, mean age 56 years) with Hodgkin (n=34) or non-Hodgkin lymphoma (n=32) were enrolled in the study. Patients with Hodgkin Lymphoma underwent therapy with Doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine and dacarbazine (ABVD). The interim of their treatment was set at 1 to 3 days prior to initiating the 3rd chemotherapy cycle. Patients with non Hodgkin Lymphoma underwent therapy with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone+rituximab (R-CHOP). Blood pressure (BP) and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (c-f PWV) were measured at baseline, interim and after completion of chemotherapy. Results Changes in systolic and diastolic BP from baseline, to interim phase and 6 weeks post therapy were insignificant (decrease by 3.87±1.37 mmHg p-0.277 and 3.05±0.92 mmHg p-0.422 respectively). Figure illustrates c-f PWV changes from baseline to interim and 6 weeks after completion of chemotherapy. As figure shows, c-f PWV progressively decreased at the interim phase and at 6–8 weeks after chemotherapy completion (by 0.37±0.14 m/s), (overall P-0.010, by ANOVA) The progressive decrease in c-f PWV remained statistically significant after adjustment for age, systolic BP and diabetes (F=5.173, P-0.009). Patients' baseline characteristics are demonstrated in table 1. Conclusion Carotid-Femoral PWV decreased at 6–8 weeks post chemotherapy in patients with lymphoma, suggesting that aortic elastic properties improve with chemotherapy in these patients. Considering that aortic stiffness increases due to systemic inflammation and that lymphomas are increased metabolic burden tumors, the significant improvement in arterial stiffness implies that the presence of inflammation caused by the malignancy may play a significant role in the arterial stiffness progression. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Abstract Background The Mediterranean diet (Med-diet) benefits cardiovascular health, and erectile dysfunction (ED) often coexists in the hypertensive aging male population were endogenous testosterone (TT) typically declines. Coronary flow reserve (CFR) displays the ability of the coronary circulation to increase flow. Wave reflection amplification as expressed by augmentation index (AIx) exhibits a vital parameter of central vascular stiffness. Purpose To investigate the possible benefits of the Med-diet in exercise capacity, central physiology, CFR and erectile ability in relation to endogenous TT in the middle aged male hypertensive population with ED. Methods 250 hypertensive males (mean age 56 yo) with ED enrolled the study. All underwent a treadmill stress test (Bruce protocol). Exercise capacity was validated as metabolic equivalents (METs). We measured separately the CFR of the left anterior descending artery by an adenosine protocol (max dose 140μg/kg/min over 6 minutes). PW Doppler measurements were achieved at the middle/distal LAD segment under the guidance of color Doppler flow mapping. CFR was validated as ratio between peak diastolic flow velocity following drug infusion and rest. Ratios ≥2 are considered as non-ischemic response, higher values indicate microvascular coronary integrity. TT was measured on blood samples taken before 09:00 am. ED severity and adherence to the Med-diet were assessed by the SHIM-5 (range: 0–25) and the Med-diet (range: 0–55) scores. Higher values indicate a better erectile ability and Med-diet compliance respectively. Finally, central pulse pressure (cPP) and AIx were noninvasively estimated as parameters of central hemodynamic load and wave reflection amplification (Sphygmocor device). Results In bivariate analysis METs were positively associated to the Med-diet, CFR, TT and the SHIM-5 score (all p<0,005) and negatively to the AIx and cPP (both p<0,025). There was also positive association of the Med-diet to the CFR, TT and the SHIM-5 score (p<0,02) and negative to the AIx and cPP (p<0,025). By linear regression analysis association of METs to TT, CFR and Med-diet remained significant after adjustment for age, BMI, diabetes mellitus, use of statins and smoking status (p<0,005). We further subdivide our population according to the TT threshold of hypogonadism (≤3 ng/ml). Hypogonadism patients exhibit a lower exercise capacity comparing to the normal TT group (picture). Conclusion The Med-diet regime benefits exercise tolerance and erectile performance in hypertensive males with ED by enhancing endogenous testosterone and so coronary and central vascular physiology. We strongly recommend this culinary preference promoting thus vascular health and the sense of well being. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Abstract Background Central pulse pressure (cPP) is an important parameter of target organ damage (TOD) in essential hypertension. Coronary flow reserve (CFR) displays the ability of both macro and microcirculation to augment flow to the myocardium while endogenous total testosterone (TT) exhibits vasodilator effects. The Mediterranean diet (Med-diet) benefits cardiovascular health and erectile dysfunction (ED) often coexists with the decline of endogenous testosterone in the aging male population. Purpose To investigate the possible benefits of the Med-diet in central PP, CFR and erectile ability in relation to endogenous TT in the primary hypertensive population with ED. Methods 247 male hypertensive patients (mean age 57 yo) with ED enrolled the study. Significant coronary artery disease was formerly excluded by a dobutamine stess echo test. We measured the CFR of the left anterior descending artery by performing an adenosine protocol (maximum dose 140 μg/kg/min over 6 minutes). Measurements by the PW Doppler were achieved at the middle/distal LAD segment under the guidance of color Doppler flow mapping. CFR was validated as ratio between peak diastolic flow velocity following drug infusion and rest. Ratios ≥2 are considered as non-ischemic response and higher values indicate microvascular coronary integrity. TT was measured in all patients on blood samples taken before 09:00 am. ED severity and adherence to the Med-diet were assessed by the SHIM-5 (range: 0–25) and the Med-diet (range: 0–55) scores. Higher values indicate a better erectile ability and Med-diet compliance respectively. Finally, cPP and augmentation index (AIx) were estimated as parameters of central hemodynamic load and wave reflection amplification respectively (sphygmocor device). Results In bivariate analysis Med-diet was favorably related to CFR (p=0.24, r=0.48), TT (p=0.01, r=0.57) and the SHIM-5 score (p=0.01, r=0.45). On the contrary, it was negatively related to cPP (p=0.15, r=−0.60) and AIx (p=0.31, r=−0.45). CFR was strongly related to TT (p=0.001, r=0.8) and the SHIM-5 score (p=0.01, r=0.41). By multiple linear regression analysis the relation of CFR, SHIM-5 and Med-diet score remained significant after adjustment for age, BMI, systolic arterial blood pressure and smoking habits. We further subdivide our population according to the mean Med-diet value (26) into high and low Med-diet adherence groups. Only in the group with the greater Med-diet adherence (n=153, 62%) there were still positive relation with the CFR, TT and SHIM-5 score as well as negative correlation to cPP and AIx (p=0.04). Conclusion In essential hypertensive males with erectile dysfunction the Med-diet regime lessens central pulse pressure while enhancing coronary flow, testosterone levels and so peripheral vascular physiology. We strongly recommend this dietary pattern as a life-style option and strategic component of holistic therapeutic approach. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Abstract A 72-year-old female patient with a past medical history of severe mitral regurgitation, atrial fibrillation and embolic cerebrovascular events was admitted to our institution. The patient was under optimal medical therapy and complained for progressive worsening of activity-related dyspnea with limitation of physical activity (NYHA III). Transthoracic echocardiography showed the presence of severe mitral regurgitation with a central jet. There was prolapse of both mitral valve leaflets and interestingly the anterior leaflet presented systolic anterior motion (SAM) at the same time. There was no significant left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOT). Further evaluation of the regurgitant mitral valve with a transesophageal echocardiography (TOE) confirmed the above findings and the mechanism of MV regurgitation was attributed to prolapse in addition to SAM of an elongated anterior leaflet. Laboratory test showed elevated NT-pro-BNP levels. A coronary angiography was performed and excluded significant coronary artery disease. The findings were assessed by our institution’s HEART TEAM and, in the presence of high surgical risk (LogEuroscore 32,76%), a decision for transcatheter mitral valve repair with a Mitral Clip implantation was taken. The Mitral Clip was succesfully implanted with immediate significant reduction of the regurgitant jet and no signs of stenotic behavior of the repaired valve. There was only mild mitral valve regurgitation. Notably, after the procedure there was elimination of the SAM and no LVOT obstruction (Figure). In accordance to the echocardiography findings, the patient demonstrated a significant clinical improvement and was discharged home 1 day after the procedure. Mitral clip implantation in this case showed improvement of the MR by reducing the SAM of the mitral valve. Abstract P1320 Figure.

Abstract Background Coronary flow reserve (CFR) in the presence of non-obstructive coronary artery disease displays the ability of microcirculation to augment flow to the myocardium. Endogenous total testosterone (TT) exhibits vasodilator effects and the Mediterranean diet (Med-diet) promotes cardiovascular health. Erectile dysfunction (ED) in a milieu of subclinical microvascular damage often coexists with the decline of endogenous testosterone of the aging male population. Purpose To investigate the effects of male hypogonadism in CFR and the relation between the Med-diet and the TT of the andropause middle aged men with ED. Methods 190 non-diabetic male patients with ED (mean age: 56yo) enrolled the study. Significant epicardial coronary artery disease was excluded after a negative for ischemia dobutamine stress echo test. We measured the CFR of the left anterior descending artery by performing an adenosine protocol (maximum dose 140μg/kg/min over 6 minutes). Measurements by the pulse wave Doppler were achieved at the middle/distal LAD segment under the guidance of color Doppler flow mapping. CFR was estimated as ratio between peak diastolic flow velocity following drug infusion and rest. CFR ratio ≥2 is considered as non-ischemic response and higher values indicate microvascular coronary integrity. TT was measured in all patients on blood samples taken before 09:00 am and hypogonadism was considered when TT <3,5 ng/ml. ED severity and adherence to the Med-diet were assessed by the SHIM-5 (range: 0–25) and the Med-diet (range: 0–55) scores. Higher values point to better erectile function and a great Med-diet compliance respectively. Finally, carotid – femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) was assessed as index of central vascular stiffness (sphygmocor device). Results In bivariate analysis CFR ratio (mean value: 2,35) was positively related to TT (p<0,001, r=0,9), the SHIM-5 and the Med-diet score (p<0,05 for both r=0,45 and r=0,5 respectively).On the contrary, it was negatively related to the PWV (p<0,05, r=−0,35). Med-diet was related to the SHIM-5 score (p=0,01, r=0,363) and to TT (p=0,02, r=0,46). In multiple linear regression analysis relation of CFR to TT remain significant (p<0,01) after adjustment for age, body mass index (BMI), LDL, PWV, smoking habits and systolic blood pressure. We further stratified our population in to hypogonadics (HYPO, n=38, 20%) and patients with normal TT levels. Poor adherence to the Med-diet was the only factor related to hypogonadism (independent sample t-test p=0,005) as compared with age, BMI and smoking. Conclusion In middle aged men with ED endogenous testosterone enhances coronary microcirculation. Moreover the Med-diet regime may blunt the fall of androgens during andropause independently of other life-style parameters. We emphasize on this culinary preference to assist coronary microvascular physiology and maintain hormonal balance.

Abstract Background Target organ damage (TOD) in essential hypertension relates to an adverse prognosis. Middle aged men are considered a population group where cardiovascular risk typically augments and erectile dysfunction (ED) that frequently accompanies both entities refers to a subclinical vascular damage process. Purpose To identify the optimal blood pressure (BP) levels in middle aged hypertensive males with ED in relation to TOD. Methods 258 ED males (mean age: 56 yo) with essential hypertension under medical treatment enrolled the study. All underwent 2D echocardiography and carotid ultrasound evaluation to determine left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and intima – media thickness (IMT) respectively. Carotid – femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AIx) were also assessed as indices of central vascular stiffness and wave reflection physiology (complior & sphygmocor devices). Office brachial blood pressure (BP) measurements where performed according to the current guidelines and an average of three consecutive values was computed. Erectile dysfunction was assessed by using the SHIM-5 score (range 0–25, lower values display a pronounced dysfunction). Results In bivariate analysis brachial systolic blood pressure (bSAP) was positively and strongly associated with LVMI (r=0,6), PWV (r=0,65), AIx (r=0,67, all p<0,001) and IMT (p<0,05, r=0,55). Erectile performance as assessed by the SHIM-5 score was negatively related to PWV, AIX and IMT (r=−0,58, r=−0,45 and r=−0,65 all p<0,001) pointing out the underlying vascular detriment. Interestingly, there were no such correlations regarding the diastolic blood pressure values. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed and the relation of bSAP with LVMI, PWV, AIx and IMT remained significant after adjustment for age, BMI, smoking habits and presence of diabetes mellitus (all p<0,05). We further subdivided our population into three groups according to the values of office bSAP for normal blood pressure (≤129mmHg, n=143,55%), high normal (130–139mmHg, n=59, 23%) and high (≥140mmHg, n=56,22%). In patients with high-normal bSAP, the parameters of PWV and LVMI were significantly higher than in patients with normal BP (independent sample t-test, p: 0,032 and 0,016 respectively). Patients of the high bSAP group as expected, had more extensive cardiac and vascular damage (LVMI, PWV and AIx). Conclusion In essential hypertensive middle aged men with erectile dysfunction, guiding therapy toward normal systolic blood pressure values as compared to the high normal benefits target organ physiology. It is clinically important to identify this vascular patients group in order to adjust regimens and further therapeutic strategies.

was obtained from the Prescription Cost Analysis system, which holds information on every prescription dispensed in the community in England, covering a population of more than 50 million people.We obtained data for all anti-platelet agents, statins, beta-blockers and ACEi/ARBs from 1998 to 2015.Results: There has been an increase in the prescription of all drugs aimed at preventing CVD over the 17 year study period except for anti-platelet agents (see Figure1).The number of prescriptions for antiplatelet agents increased linearly from 1998 to 2009 after which this number plateaued and has remained at a similar level for the subsequent 6 years.Figure 1 Conclusion: Prescriptions for drugs to reduce the risk of CVD have continually increased from 1998 to 2015 except for antiplatelet agents which plateaued in 2009.The timing of this reduction in anti-platelet prescribing coincides with the publication of two meta-analyses and a large randomised controlled trial that cast doubt on the efficacy of aspirin in primary prevention and raised concerns about the increased risk of bleeding in this population.Nonetheless, CVD prevention still remains a major challenge for the general population.