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  • 1.
    Abdelsayed, Mena
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Bytyci, Ibadete
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Universi College, Bardhosh, Prishtina, Kosovo.
    Rydberg, Annika
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Henein, Michael Y.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George University London, UK; Institute of Fluid Dynamics, Brunel University, London, UK.
    Left Ventricular Contraction Duration Is the Most Powerful Predictor of Cardiac Events in LQTS: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis2020In: Journal of Clinical Medicine, E-ISSN 2077-0383, Vol. 9, no 9, article id 2820Article, review/survey (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Long-QT syndrome (LQTS) is primarily an electrical disorder characterized by a prolonged myocardial action potential. The delay in cardiac repolarization leads to electromechanical (EM) abnormalities, which adds a diagnostic value for LQTS. Prolonged left ventricular (LV) contraction was identified as a potential risk for arrhythmia. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the best predictor of all EM parameters for cardiac events (CEs) in LQTS patients. Methods: We systematically searched all electronic databases up to March 2020, to select studies that assessed the relationship between echocardiographic indices—contraction duration (CD), mechanical dispersion (MD), QRS onset to peak systolic strain (QAoC), and the EM window (EMW); and electrical indices— corrected QT interval (QTC), QTC dispersion, RR interval in relation to CEs in LQTS. This meta-analysis included a total of 1041 patients and 373 controls recruited from 12 studies. Results: The meta-analysis showed that LQTS patients had electrical and mechanical abnormalities as compared to controls—QTC, WMD 72.8; QTC dispersion, WMD 31.7; RR interval, WMD 91.5; CD, WMD 49.2; MD, WMD 15.9; QAoC, WMD 27.8; and EMW, WMD −62.4. These mechanical abnormalities were more profound in symptomatic compared to asymptomatic patients in whom disturbances were already manifest, compared to controls. A CD ≥430 ms had a summary sensitivity (SS) of 71%, specificity of 84%, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) >19.5 in predicting CEs. EMW and QTC had a lower accuracy. Conclusions: LQTS is associated with pronounced EM abnormalities, particularly prolonged LV myocardial CD, which is profound in symptomatic patients. These findings highlight the significant role of EM indices like CD in managing LQTS patients.

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  • 2. Abdukalikova, Anara
    et al.
    Kleyko, Denis
    Osipov, Evgeny
    Wiklund, Urban
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences, Radiation Physics.
    Detection of Atrial Fibrillation From Short ECGs: Minimalistic Complexity Analysis for Feature-Based Classifiers2018In: 2018 Computing in Cardiology Conference (CinC), IEEE, 2018Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    In order to facilitate data-driven solutions for early detection of atrial fibrillation (AF), the 2017 CinC conference challenge was devoted to automatic AF classification based on short ECG recordings. The proposed solutions concentrated on maximizing the classifiers F-1 score, whereas the complexity of the classifiers was not considered. However, we argue that this must be addressed as complexity places restrictions on the applicability of inexpensive devices for AF monitoring outside hospitals. Therefore, this study investigates the feasibility of complexity reduction by analyzing one of the solutions presented for the challenge.

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  • 3.
    Abedpour Dehkordi, Adel
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
    Nayeri, H.
    Naderi, G. A.
    Dinani, N. Jafari
    Boshtam, M.
    Interleukin-6 reduces paraoxonase-1 activity in a dose-dependent manner: evidence for a potential novel lipoprotein-based modulatory mechanism2016In: Atherosclerosis, ISSN 0021-9150, E-ISSN 1879-1484, Vol. 252, p. E113-E114Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Objectives: The anti-oxidant/anti-inflammatory nature of HDL is mainly associated with paraoxonase-1 (PON1). Previous studies have revealed an inverse correlation between Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and PON1 expression. The current study investigates the effect of IL-6 on serum PON1 activity in vitro, given the potential structural capability of PON1 to host multiple ligands. Methods: PON1 activity was measured spectrophotometrically (234 nm) using paraoxon substrate in the presence of concentrations of IL-6 than control samples. A sequence alignment using the FASTA sequence was manually conducted to identify possible homologies between PON1 and the IL-6-binding protein. Statistical analysis was conducted using GraphPad Prism v5.0. Results: PON1 enzyme activity decreased by 15%, 26% (P<0.05) and 55% (P<0.001) in the presence of 4, 10 and 20 pg/ml of IL-6, respectively. in comparison with the controls. Student t. test was used as statistical method (p<0.05: statistically significant). There are potential homologies between PON1 active sites and know IL-6-binding residues. Conclusions: This study shows that IL-6 directly reduce the PON1 activity in a dose-dependent manner. This observation supports some studies indicating inverse correlation between PON1 and IL-6. However, as opposed to the gene-mediated approach, this study suggest that IL-6 may act directly through specific binding to PON1 (biochemical modulation). X ray crystallography can further scrutinize the present finding.

  • 4.
    Abrahams-Gessel, Shafika
    et al.
    Center for Health Decision Science, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, MA, Boston, United States.
    Gómez-Olivé, F. Xavier
    Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard University, MA, Cambridge, United States; Medical Research Council/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Africa Wits-INDEPTH Partnership for Genomic Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
    Tollman, Stephen M.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Global Health. Medical Research Council/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Africa Wits-INDEPTH Partnership for Genomic Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
    Wade, Alisha N.
    Medical Research Council/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Africa Wits-INDEPTH Partnership for Genomic Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
    Du Toit, Jacques D.
    Medical Research Council/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
    Ferro, Enrico G.
    Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, MA, Boston, United States; Harvard Medical School, MA, Boston, United States.
    Kabudula, Chodziwadziwa W.
    Medical Research Council/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Africa Wits-INDEPTH Partnership for Genomic Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
    Gaziano, Thomas A.
    Center for Health Decision Science, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, MA, Boston, United States; Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard University, MA, Cambridge, United States; Cardiovascular Medicine Division, Brigham & Women's Hospital, MA, Boston, United States.
    Improvements in Hypertension Control in the Rural Longitudinal HAALSI Cohort of South African Adults Aged 40 and Older, From 2014 to 20192023In: American Journal of Hypertension, ISSN 0895-7061, E-ISSN 1941-7225, Vol. 36, no 6, p. 324-332Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: Over half of the South African adults aged 45 years and older have hypertension but its effective management along the treatment cascade (awareness, treatment, and control) remains poorly understood.

    METHODS: We compared the prevalence of all stages of the hypertension treatment cascade in the rural HAALSI cohort of older adults at baseline and after four years of follow-up using household surveys and blood pressure data. Hypertension was a mean systolic blood pressure >140 mm Hg or diastolic pressure >90 mm Hg, or current use of anti-hypertension medication. Control was a mean blood pressure <140/90 mm Hg. The effects of sex and age on the treatment cascade at follow-up were assessed. Multivariate Poisson regression models were used to estimate prevalence ratios along the treatment cascade at follow-up.

    RESULTS: Prevalence along the treatment cascade increased from baseline (B) to follow-up (F): awareness (64.4% vs. 83.6%), treatment (49.7% vs. 73.9%), and control (22.8% vs. 41.3%). At both time points, women had higher levels of awareness (B: 70.5% vs. 56.3%; F: 88.1% vs. 76.7%), treatment (B: 55.9% vs. 41.55; F: 79.9% vs. 64.7%), and control (B: 26.5% vs. 17.9%; F: 44.8% vs. 35.7%). Prevalence along the cascade increased linearly with age for everyone. Predictors of awareness included being female, elderly, or visiting a primary health clinic three times in the previous 3 months, and the latter two also predicted hypertension control.

    CONCLUSIONS: There were significant improvements in awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension from baseline to follow-up and women fared better at all stages, at both time points.

  • 5.
    Abramsson, Linnea
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB).
    Backman, Annica C.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Nursing.
    Lövheim, Hugo
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Geriatric Medicine. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine at Umeå University (WCMM).
    Edvardsson, David
    School of Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe University, VIC, Bundoora, Australia.
    Gustafsson, Maria
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB).
    Use of heart failure medications in older individuals and associations with cognitive impairment2023In: BMC Geriatrics, ISSN 1471-2318, E-ISSN 1471-2318, Vol. 23, no 1, article id 524Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: To achieve the best treatment of heart failure, it is important to use all recommended drugs at their target doses. Given that underuse of medications can occur in individuals with cognitive impairment, we investigated the filled prescriptions and target doses of heart failure medication for older individuals with and without cognitive impairment as well as associated factors.

    Methods: The study was based on two separate datasets. The first dataset, which was based on data from questionnaires sent to nursing homes in Sweden, included 405 individuals with heart failure. The data were linked with the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register and the National Patient Register to obtain information regarding filled prescriptions of heart failure medications and heart failure diagnoses among the population. In the second dataset, medical records of individuals aged 75 years or older admitted to a hospital in northern Sweden were reviewed and individuals with heart failure were identified. Target doses of heart failure medications were evaluated in 66 individuals who lived at home.

    Results: Filled prescriptions of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and loop diuretics were significantly more common in individuals without cognitive impairment (OR 1.087; 95% CI 1.026–1.152, p < 0.05) and (OR 1.057; 95% CI 1.017–1.098, p < 0.05), respectively. There were no significant differences between individuals with and without cognitive impairment in terms of achieving target doses for any of the drug classes. A higher age was associated with fewer filled prescriptions and less ability to reach the target doses of beta blockers (OR 0.950; 95% CI 0.918–0.984, p < 0.05) and (OR 0.781; 95% CI 0.645–0.946, p < 0.05), respectively.

    Conclusions: Our results suggest that individuals with cognitive impairment are partly undertreated for heart failure in that they had fewer filled prescriptions of important heart medications. Separately, the relatively low proportion of older individuals reaching target doses is an important observation and indicates that treatment of heart failure could be further optimised among older individuals.

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  • 6. Achouiti, A.
    et al.
    Vogl, T.
    Urban, Constantin
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS).
    Hommes, T. J.
    van Zoelen, M. A.
    Florquin, S.
    Roth, J.
    van 't Veer, C.
    de Vos, A. F.
    van der Poll, T.
    Myeloid related protein (mrp) 8/14 contributes to an antibacterial host response against klebsiella (k.) pneumoniae2012In: Shock, ISSN 1073-2322, E-ISSN 1540-0514, Vol. 37, no S1, p. 56-56Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 7. Acosta, Stefan
    et al.
    Nilsson, Torbjörn K
    Department of Clinical Chemistry, Örebro University Hospital.
    Current status on plasma biomarkers for acute mesenteric ischemia2012In: Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis, ISSN 0929-5305, E-ISSN 1573-742X, Vol. 33, no 4, p. 355-361Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Clinical diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia is difficult. The aim of this review is to provide current status on the search for an accurate plasma biomarker for acute mesenteric ischemia. A search using the medical subject heading terms marker and mesenteric ischemia or intestinal ischemia or superior mesenteric artery occlusion or mesenteric venous thrombosis in the Medline and Embase databases from 1980 to 2011. Studies without a control group or a control group consisted of healthy individuals (human studies), or studies on intestinal reperfusion were excluded. Twenty animal and twelve human studies were identified. In human studies, the studied series of patients had a control group that had a need of laparotomy (n = 2), suspected acute mesenteric ischemia (n = 7), acute abdomen (n = 2) or systemic inflammatory response syndrome (n = 1). D: -dimer has been found to be the most consistent highly sensitive early marker, but specificity was low. The follow-up study on α-glutathione S-transferase yielded inferior sensitivity and accuracy than the preliminary study, clearly questioning the value of this marker. Intestinal fatty acid binding globulin (I-FABP) and D: -lactate are both interesting markers, but the results were conflicting. Different cut-off levels have been used in the studies on I-FABP. The encouraging preliminary result of cobalt-albumin and urinary FABP as an accurate marker needs to be addressed in other study populations. The early clinical and laboratory diagnosis of intestinal ischemia remains a challenge. None of the proposed plasma-derived tests for acute mesenteric ischemia has as yet entered routine clinical practice. The proposed biomarkers need to be evaluated in a prospective clinical research project in patients with acute abdomen.

  • 8. Agewall, Stefan
    et al.
    Rydén, Lars
    Perk, Joep
    Rosengren, Annika
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine. Skellefteå Research Unit.
    Hellénius, Mai-Lis
    Ros, Inger
    Efterlyses: politik mot hjärtinfarkt2013In: Läkartidningen, ISSN 0023-7205, E-ISSN 1652-7518, Vol. 110, no 13-14, p. 664-Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 9. Ahmeti, A.
    et al.
    Bytyci, F.
    Bielecka-Dabrowa, A.
    Bytyci, I.
    Henein, Michael Y.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
    Prognostic value of left atrial volume index in acute coronary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis2021In: Atherosclerosis, ISSN 0021-9150, E-ISSN 1879-1484, Vol. 331, p. E268-E268, article id P662Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 10. Ahmeti, Artan
    et al.
    Bytyci, Feriz S.
    Bielecka-Dabrowa, Agata
    Bytyci, Ibadete
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine. Clinic of Cardiology, University Clinical Centre of Kosovo, Prishtina, Kosovo.
    Henein, Michael Y.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Molecular and Clinic Research Institute, St George University, London, UK; Brunel University, London, UK.
    Prognostic value of left atrial volume index in acute coronary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis2021In: Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging, ISSN 1475-0961, E-ISSN 1475-097X, p. 128-135Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: In the absence of mitral valve disease, increased left atrial volume (LAV) is a marker of diastolic dysfunction and long-standing elevated left ventricle (LV) pressure. The aim of this study was to assess the role of increased baseline LAV in predicting clinical outcome of patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

    Methods: We systematically searched all electronic databases up to September 2020 in order to select clinical trials and observational studies, which assessed the predictive role of LAV indexed (LAVI) on clinical outcome in patients with ACS. Primary clinical endpoints were as follows: major adverse cardiac events (MACE), all-cause mortality and hospitalization. Secondary endpoints were in-hospital complications.

    Results: A total of 2,705 patients from 11 cohort studies with a mean follow-up 18.7 +/- 9.8 months were included in the meta-analysis. Patients with low LAVI had low risk for MACE (15.9% vs. 33.7%; p < .01), long-term all-cause mortality (9.14% vs. 18.1%; p < .01), short-term mortality (3.31% vs. 9.38%; p = .02) and lower hospitalization rate (11.6% vs. 25.5%; p < .01) compared to patients with increased LAVI. Atrial fibrillation and cardiogenic shock as in-hospital events were lower (p < .05 for all) in patients with low LAVI but ventricular fibrillation/tachycardia was not different between groups (p = .14).

    Conclusion: Increased LAVI is an independent predictor of outcome in patients with ACS. Thus, assessment of LA index in these patients is important for better risk stratification and guidance towards optimum clinical management.

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  • 11. Ahmeti, Artan
    et al.
    Henein, Michael Y.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine. Molecular & Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George University London.
    Ibrahimi, Pranvera
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Clinic of Cardiology, University Clinical Centre of Kosova.
    Elezi, Shpend
    Haliti, Edmond
    Poniku, Afrim
    Batalli, Arlind
    Bajraktari, Gani
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Clinic of Cardiology, University Clinical Centre of Kosova; Medical Faculty, University of Prishtina.
    Quality of life questionnaire predicts poor exercise capacity only in HFpEF and not in HFrEF2017In: BMC Cardiovascular Disorders, ISSN 1471-2261, E-ISSN 1471-2261, Vol. 17, article id 268Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: The Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) is the most widely used measure of quality of life (QoL) in HF patients. This prospective study aimed to assess the relationship between QoL and exercise capacity in HF patients.

    Methods: The study subjects were 118 consecutive patients with chronic HF (62 +/- 10 years, 57 females, in NYHA I-III). Patients answered a MLHFQ questionnaire in the same day of complete clinical, biochemical and echocardiographic assessment. They also underwent a 5 min walk test (6-MWT), in the same day, which grouped them into; Group I: <= 300 m and Group II: > 300 m. In addition, left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF), divided them into: Group A, with preserved EF (HFpEF) and Group B with reduced EF (HFrEF).

    Results: The mean MLHFQ total scale score was 48 (+/- 17). The total scale, and the physical and emotional functional MLHFQ scores did not differ between HFpEF and HFpEF. Group I patients were older (p = 0.003), had higher NYHA functional class (p = 0.002), faster baseline heart rate (p = 0.006), higher prevalence of smoking (p = 0.015), higher global, physical and emotional MLHFQ scores (p < 0.001, for all), larger left atrial (LA) diameter (p = 0.001), shorter LV filling time (p = 0.027), higher E/e' ratio (0.02), shorter isovolumic relaxation time (p = 0.028), lower septal a' (p = 0.019) and s' (p = 0.023), compared to Group II. Independent predictors of 6-MWT distance for the group as a whole were increased MLHFQ total score (p = 0.005), older age (p = 0.035), and diabetes (p = 0.045), in HFpEF were total MLHFQ (p = 0.007) and diabetes (p = 0.045) but in HFrEF were only LA enlargement (p = 0.005) and age (p = 0.013. A total MLHFQ score of 48.5 had a sensitivity of 67% and specificity of 63% (AUC on ROC analysis of 72%) for limited exercise performance in HF patients.

    Conclusions: Quality of life, assessment by MLHFQ, is the best correlate of exercise capacity measured by 6-MWT, particularly in HFpEF patients. Despite worse ejection fraction in HFrEF, signs of raised LA pressure independently determine exercise capacity in these patients.

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  • 12.
    Akhtar, Zubair
    et al.
    Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, NSW, Sydney, Australia; Programme on Emerging Infections, Infectious Diseases Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
    Götberg, Matthias
    Department of Cardiology, Skane University Hospital, Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
    Erlinge, David
    Department of Cardiology, Skane University Hospital, Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
    Christiansen, Evald H.
    Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
    Oldroyd, Keith G.
    Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom.
    Motovska, Zuzana
    Cardiocenter, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague and University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Prague, Czech Republic.
    Erglis, Andrejs
    Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia.
    Hlinomaz, Ota
    International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne University Hospital and Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
    Jakobsen, Lars
    Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
    Engstrøm, Thomas
    Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
    Jensen, Lisette O.
    Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
    Fallesen, Christian O.
    Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
    Jensen, Svend E.
    Department of Cardiology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark and Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.
    Angerås, Oskar
    Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden and Institute of Medicine, Department of molecular and clinical medicine, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Calais, Fredrik
    Örebro University, Faculty of Health, Department of Cardiology, Örebro, Sweden.
    Kåregren, Amra
    Västmanlands sjukhus Västerås, Västerås, Sweden.
    Lauermann, Jörg
    Department of Cardiology, Jönköping, Region Jönköping County, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
    Mokhtari, Arash
    Department of Cardiology, Skane University Hospital, Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
    Nilsson, Johan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Persson, Jonas
    Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Danderyd University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Islam, Abu K.M.M.
    National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
    Rahman, Afzalur
    National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
    Malik, Fazila
    National Heart Foundation Hospital & Research Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
    Choudhury, Sohel
    National Heart Foundation Hospital & Research Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
    Collier, Timothy
    Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.
    Pocock, Stuart J.
    Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.
    Pernow, John
    Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
    MacIntyre, Chandini R.
    Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, NSW, Sydney, Australia; Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Fröbert, Ole
    Örebro University, Faculty of Health, Department of Cardiology, Örebro, Sweden; College of Public Service & Community Solutions, Arizona State University, AZ, Tempe, United States; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Aarhus University Hospital, Arhus, Denmark; Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
    Optimal timing of influenza vaccination among patients with acute myocardial infarction: findings from the IAMI trial2023In: Vaccine, ISSN 0264-410X, E-ISSN 1873-2518, Vol. 41, no 48, p. 7159-7165Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Influenza vaccination reduces the risk of adverse cardiovascular events. The IAMI trial randomly assigned 2571 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) to receive influenza vaccine or saline placebo during their index hospital admission. It was conducted at 30 centers in 8 countries from October 1, 2016 to March 1, 2020. In this post-hoc exploratory sub-study, we compare the trial outcomes in patients receiving early season vaccination (n = 1188) and late season vaccination (n = 1344). The primary endpoint was the composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), or stent thrombosis at 12 months. The cumulative incidence of the primary and key secondary endpoints by randomized treatment and early or late vaccination was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. In the early vaccinated group, the primary composite endpoint occurred in 36 participants (6.0%) assigned to influenza vaccine and 49 (8.4%) assigned to placebo (HR 0.69; 95% CI 0.45 to 1.07), compared to 31 participants (4.7%) assigned to influenza vaccine and 42 (6.2%) assigned to placebo (HR 0.74; 95% CI 0.47 to 1.18) in the late vaccinated group (P = 0.848 for interaction on HR scale at 1 year). We observed similar estimates for the key secondary endpoints of all-cause death and CV death. There was no statistically significant difference in vaccine effectiveness against adverse cardiovascular events by timing of vaccination. The effect of vaccination on all-cause death at one year was more pronounced in the group receiving early vaccination (HR 0.50; 95% CI, 0.29 to 0.86) compared late vaccination group (HR 0.75; 35% CI, 0.40 to 1.40) but there was no statistically significant difference between these groups (Interaction P = 0.335). In conclusion, there is insufficient evidence from the trial to establish whether there is a difference in efficacy between early and late vaccination but regardless of vaccination timing we strongly recommended influenza vaccination in all patients with cardiovascular diseases.

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  • 13.
    Al Mousli, Julia
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Handläggning av aortaroten vid akut typ A aortadissektion2020Independent thesis Basic level (professional degree), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
  • 14.
    Albano, Amanda
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences.
    Gustavsson, Sandra
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
    Wiklund, Urban
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences.
    Grönlund, Christer
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences.
    Echocardio-variability - Low and high frequency beat-to-beat variability in echocardiographic signals2013In: Computing in Cardiology 2013, 2013, p. 767-770, article id 6713490Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Measurement signals originating from the cardiovascular system are known to comprise oscillating components and beat-to-beat variability, e.g., heart-rate variability and blood pressure variability. In clinical echocardiographic procedures, typically only a few cardiac cycles are acquired. This pilot study analyses the beat-to-beat variability of echocardiographic variables (echocardio-variability) in minute long acquisitions. 

  • 15.
    Alenius Dahlqvist, Jenny
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Karlsson, Marcus
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences, Radiation Physics.
    Wiklund, Urban
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences, Radiation Physics.
    Hörnsten, Rolf
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Rydberg, Annika
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Handheld ECG in analysis of arrhythmia and heart rate variability in children with Fontan circulation2014In: Journal of Electrocardiology, ISSN 0022-0736, E-ISSN 1532-8430, Vol. 47, no 3, p. 374-382Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Our aim was to evaluate the intermittent use of a handheld ECG system for detecting silent arrhythmias and cardiac autonomic dysfunction in children with univentricular hearts. Methods: Twenty-seven patients performed intermittent ECG recordings with handheld devices during a 14-day period. A manual arrhythmia analysis was performed. We analyzed heart rate variability (HRV) using scatter plots of all interbeat intervals (Poincare plots) from the total observation period. Reference values of HRV indices were determined from Holter-ECGs in 41 healthy children. Results: One asymptomatic patient had frequent ventricular extra systoles. Another patient had episodes with supraventricular tachycardia (with concomitant palpitations). Seven patients showed reduced HRV. Conclusions: Asymptomatic arrhythmia was detected in one patient. The proposed method for pooling of intermittent recordings from handheld or similar devices may be used for detection of arrhythmias as well as for cardiac autonomic dysfunction.

  • 16.
    Alenius Dahlqvist, Jenny
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Wiklund, Urban
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences, Radiation Physics.
    Karlsson, Marcus
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences, Radiation Physics.
    Hanséus, Katarina
    Strömvall-Larsson, Eva
    Nygren, Anders
    Eliasson, Håkan
    Rydberg, Annika
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Sinus node dysfunction in patients with Fontan circulation: could heart rate variability be a predictor for pacemaker implantation?2019In: Pediatric Cardiology, ISSN 0172-0643, E-ISSN 1432-1971, Vol. 40, no 4, p. 685-693Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Sinus node dysfunction (SND) causes significant morbidity in patients after Fontan surgery. Heart rate variability (HRV) reflects the autonomic regulation of the heart, and changes in HRV have been associated with SND in adults. We aimed to study whether changes in HRV could be detected in 24-h electrocardiographic (ECG) recordings in Fontan patients with SND. We compared HRV results from two patient groups; patients with Fontan circulation who later required a pacemaker due to severe SND (n = 12) and patients with Fontan circulation and SND, without indication for pacemaker treatment (n = 11), with two control groups; patients with Fontan circulation without SND (n = 90) and healthy controls (n = 66). The Poincare plot index SD2 (representing changes in heart rate over 24-h) and the very low-frequency (VLF) HRV component were significantly higher in both SND groups, both compared with healthy controls and patients with Fontan circulation without SND. In SND patients with pacemakers, SD2 and VLF were slightly reduced compared to SND patients without pacemaker (p = 0.06). In conclusion, in Fontan patients with SND the HRV is significantly higher compared to healthy controls and Fontan patients without SND. However, in patients with severe SND requiring pacemaker, SD2 and VLF tended to be lower than in patients with SND without pacemaker, which could indicate a reduced diurnal HRV in addition to the severe bradycardia. This is a small study, but our results indicate that HRV analysis might be a useful method in the follow-up of Fontan patients regarding development of SND.

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  • 17. Ali, Ashfaq
    et al.
    Varga, Tibor V.
    Stojkovic, Ivana A.
    Schulz, Christina-Alexandra
    Hallmans, Göran
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biobank Research.
    Barroso, Ines
    Poveda, Alaitz
    Renström, Frida
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biobank Research.
    Orho-Melander, Marju
    Franks, Paul W.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine. Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA.
    Do Genetic Factors Modify the Relationship Between Obesity and Hypertriglyceridemia?: Findings From the GLACIER and the MDC Studies2016In: Circulation: Cardiovascular Genetics, ISSN 1942-325X, E-ISSN 1942-3268, Vol. 9, no 2, p. 162-171Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background Obesity is a major risk factor for dyslipidemia, but this relationship is highly variable. Recently published data from 2 Danish cohorts suggest that genetic factors may underlie some of this variability.

    Methods and Results We tested whether established triglyceride-associated loci modify the relationship of body mass index (BMI) and triglyceride concentrations in 2 Swedish cohorts (the Gene-Lifestyle Interactions and Complex Traits Involved in Elevated Disease Risk [GLACIER Study; N=4312] and the Malmo Diet and Cancer Study [N=5352]). The genetic loci were amalgamated into a weighted genetic risk score (WGRS(TG)) by summing the triglyceride-elevating alleles (weighted by their established marginal effects) for all loci. Both BMI and the WGRS(TG) were strongly associated with triglyceride concentrations in GLACIER, with each additional BMI unit (kg/m(2)) associated with 2.8% (P=8.4x10(-84)) higher triglyceride concentration and each additional WGRS(TG) unit with 2% (P=7.6x10(-48)) higher triglyceride concentration. Each unit of the WGRS(TG) was associated with 1.5% higher triglyceride concentrations in normal weight and 2.4% higher concentrations in overweight/obese participants (P-interaction=0.056). Meta-analyses of results from the Swedish cohorts yielded a statistically significant WGRS(TG)xBMI interaction effect (P-interaction=6.0x10(-4)), which was strengthened by including data from the Danish cohorts (P-interaction=6.5x10(-7)). In the meta-analysis of the Swedish cohorts, nominal evidence of a 3-way interaction (WGRS(TG)xBMIxsex) was observed (P-interaction=0.03), where the WGRS(TG)xBMI interaction was only statistically significant in females. Using protein-protein interaction network analyses, we identified molecular interactions and pathways elucidating the metabolic relationships between BMI and triglyceride-associated loci.

    Conclusions Our findings provide evidence that body fatness accentuates the effects of genetic susceptibility variants in hypertriglyceridemia, effects that are most evident in females.

  • 18. Almroth, Henrik
    et al.
    Höglund, Niklas
    Department of Cardiology, Heart Centre, University Hospital, S-901 85 Umeå, Sweden.
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Englund, Anders
    Jensen, Steen
    Department of Cardiology, Heart Centre, University Hospital, S-901 85 Umeå, Sweden.
    Kjellman, Björn
    Tornvall, Per
    Rosenqvist, Mårten
    Atorvastatin and persistent atrial fibrillation following cardioversion: a randomized placebo-controlled multicentre study2009In: European Heart Journal, ISSN 0195-668X, E-ISSN 1522-9645, Vol. 30, no 7, p. 827-833Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    AIMS: To evaluate the effect of atorvastatin in achieving stable sinus rhythm (SR) 30 days after electrical cardioversion (CV) in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS AND RESULTS: The study included 234 patients. The patients were randomized to treatment with atorvastatin 80 mg daily (n = 118) or placebo (n = 116) in a prospective, double-blinded fashion. Treatment was initiated 14 days before CV and was continued 30 days after CV. The two groups were well-balanced with respect to baseline characteristics. Mean age was 65 +/- 10 years, 76% of the patients were male and 4% had ischaemic heart disease. Study medication was well-tolerated in all patients but one. Before primary endpoint 12 patients were excluded. In the atorvastatin group 99 patients (89%) converted to SR at electrical CV compared with 95 (86%) in the placebo group (P = 0.42). An intention-to-treat analysis with the available data, by randomization group, showed that 57 (51%) in the atorvastatin group and 47 (42%) in the placebo group were in SR 30 days after CV (OR 1.44, 95%CI 0.85-2.44, P = 0.18). CONCLUSION: Atorvastatin was not statistically superior to placebo with regards to maintaining SR 30 days after CV in patients with persistent AF.

  • 19.
    Anan, Intissar
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine at Umeå University (WCMM). Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Suhr, Ole B.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Liszewska, Katarzyna
    Department of Medicine, Piteå Hospital, Piteå, Sweden.
    Baranda, Jorge Mejia
    Department of Medicine, Piteå Hospital, Piteå, Sweden.
    Pilebro, Björn
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Wixner, Jonas
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Ihse, Elisabet
    Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
    Amyloid fibril composition type is consistent over time in patients with Val30Met (p. Val50Met) transthyretin amyloidosis2022In: PLOS ONE, E-ISSN 1932-6203, Vol. 17, no 3, article id e0266092Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: We have previously shown that transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis patients have amyloid fibrils of either of two compositions; type A fibrils consisting of large amounts of C-terminal TTR fragments in addition to full-length TTR, or type B fibrils consisting of only full-length TTR. Since type A fibrils are associated with an older age in ATTRVal30Met (p.Val50Met) amyloidosis patients, it has been discussed if the TTR fragments are derived from degradation of the amyloid deposits as the patients are aging. The present study aimed to investigate if the fibril composition type changes over time, especially if type B fibrils can shift to type A fibrils as the disease progresses.

    Material and methods: Abdominal adipose tissue biopsies from 29 Swedish ATTRVal30Met amyloidosis patients were investigated. The fibril type in the patients initial biopsy taken for diagnostic purposes was compared to a biopsy taken several years later (ranging between 2 and 13 years). The fibril composition type was determined by western blot.

    Results: All 29 patients had the same fibril composition type in both the initial and the follow-up biopsy (8 type A and 21 type B). Even patients with a disease duration of more than 12 years and an age over 75 years at the time of the follow-up biopsy had type B fibrils in both biopsies.

    Discussion: The result clearly shows that the amyloid fibril composition containing large amounts of C-terminal fragments (fibril type A) is a consequence of other factors than a slow degradation process occurring over time.

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  • 20.
    Andersen, Leon
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
    Appelblad, Micael
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
    Wiklund, Urban
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences, Radiation Physics.
    Sundström, Nina
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences, Radiation Physics.
    Svenmarker, Staffan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
    Our initial experience of monitoring the autoregulation of cerebral blood flow during cardiopulmonary bypass2023In: The journal of extra-corporeal technology, ISSN 0022-1058, Vol. 55, no 4, p. 209-217Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: Cerebral blood flow (CBF) is believed to be relatively constant within an upper and lower blood pressure limit. Different methods are available to monitor CBF autoregulation during surgery. This study aims to critically analyze the application of the cerebral oxygenation index (COx), one of the commonly used techniques, using a reference to data from a series of clinical registrations.

    METHOD: CBF was monitored using near-infrared spectroscopy, while cerebral blood pressure was estimated by recordings obtained from either the radial or femoral artery in 10 patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. The association between CBF and blood pressure was calculated as a moving continuous correlation coefficient. A COx index > 0.4 was regarded as a sign of abnormal cerebral autoregulation (CA). Recordings were examined to discuss reliability measures and clinical feasibility of the measurements, followed by interpretation of individual results, identification of possible pitfalls, and suggestions of alternative methods.

    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Monitoring of CA during cardiopulmonary bypass is intriguing and complex. A series of challenges and limitations should be considered before introducing this method into clinical practice.

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  • 21.
    Andersson, Anne
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences, Oncology.
    Enblad, Gunilla
    Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Section Experimental and Clinical Oncology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
    Erlanson, Martin
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences, Oncology.
    Johansson, Ann Sofie
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences, Oncology.
    Molin, Daniel
    Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Section Experimental and Clinical Oncology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
    Tavelin, Björn
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences, Oncology.
    Näslund, Ulf
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Melin, Beatrice S.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences, Oncology.
    High risk of cardiovascular side effects after treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma: is there a need for intervention in long-term survivors?2021In: Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences, ISSN 0300-9734, E-ISSN 2000-1967, Vol. 126, article id e6117Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients have a good prognosis after adequate treatment. Previous treatment with mantle field irradiation has been accompanied by an increased long-term risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study identified co-morbidity factors for the development of cardiovascular side effects and initiated an intervention study aimed to decrease morbidity and mortality of CVD in HL survivors.

    Design: Hodgkin lymphoma patients aged ≤45 years diagnosed between 1965 and 1995 were invited to participate. In total, 453 patients completed a questionnaire that addressed co-morbidity factors and clinical symptoms. Of these, 319 accepted to participate in a structured clinical visit. The statistical analyses compared individuals with CVD with those with no CVD.

    Results: Cardiovascular disease was reported by 27.9%. Radiotherapy (odds ratio [OR]: 3.27), hypertension and hypercholesterolemia were shown to be independent risk factors for the development of CVD. The OR for CVD and valve disease in patients who received radiotherapy towards mediastinum was 4.48 and 6.07, respectively. At clinical visits, 42% of the patients were referred for further investigation and 24% of these had a cardiac ultrasound performed due to previously unknown heart murmurs.

    Conclusion: Radiotherapy towards mediastinum was an independent risk factor for CVD as well as hypercholesterolemia and hypertension. A reasonable approach as intervention for this cohort of patients is regular monitoring of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia and referral to adequate investigation when cardiac symptoms appear. Broad knowledge about the side effects from radiotherapy in the medical community and well-structured information regarding late side effects to the patients are all reasonable approaches as late effects can occur even 40 years after cancer treatment.

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  • 22.
    Andersson, Elin M.
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Psychology.
    Johansson, Helene
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Nordin, Steven
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Psychology.
    Lindvall, Kristina
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Cognitive and emotional reactions to pictorial-based risk communication on subclinical atherosclerosis: a qualitative study within the VIPVIZA trial2023In: Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care, ISSN 0281-3432, E-ISSN 1502-7724, Vol. 41, no 1, p. 69-80Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objectives, setting and subjects: Atherosclerosis screening with ultrasound is non-invasive and can be used as part of risk communication. The potential of personalised and pictorial-based risk communication is assessed in VIPVIZA, a population-based randomised controlled trial that aims at optimising cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention by investigating the impact of visualisation of subclinical atherosclerosis. The present aim was to explore cognitive and emotional reactions evoked by the intervention as well as attitudes to any implemented life style changes in VIPVIZA participants in the intervention group with improved health status and furthermore to study possible interactions between these factors. Understanding mechanisms of action was central since non-adherence to preventive guidelines are often faced in clinical practice. Design: In-depth interviews with 14 individuals were analysed with qualitative content analysis. Results: Cognitive and emotional processes were highly interlinked and described by the main theme Cognitive and emotional reactions in strong interplay for orchestration of health oriented behavioural change. The informants’ descriptions revealed two distinctly different psychological processes which constituted the two subthemes, Problem-focused coping and Encouragement-driven process. Conclusions: The results highlight that an interaction between emotional reactions and efficacy beliefs is important in facilitating behavioural change. Furthermore, the results underscore the importance of the risk message being perceived as clear, accurate, reliable and also emotionally engaging and thereby show why atherosclerosis screening and pictorial-based risk communication have the potential to contribute to effective CVD prevention strategies and shared decision making in primary care.

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  • 23.
    Andersson, Elin M.
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Psychology.
    Lindvall, Kristina
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Wennberg, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
    Johansson, Helene
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Nordin, Steven
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Psychology.
    From risk communication about asymptomatic atherosclerosis to cognitive and emotional reactions and lifestyle modification2023In: BMC Psychology, E-ISSN 2050-7283, Vol. 12, no 1, article id 47Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Non-adherence in the general population to preventive guidelines on cardiovascular disease calls for an interdisciplinary approach acknowledging psychological factors of relevance for risk communication and lifestyle modification. Evidence is building up regarding the advantage of sharing arterial imaging evidence of subclinical atherosclerosis with asymptomatic individuals, but there is limited understanding of how this relates to mechanisms of importance for behavioural change. Longitudinal studies on associations between patients’ reactions and lifestyle modification are missing. The population-based randomized controlled trial VIPVIZA investigates the impact of pictorial information about subclinical atherosclerosis, added to traditional risk factor-based communication. The intervention includes a personalized, colour-coded and age-related risk communication strategy and a motivational conversation, and has been shown to reduce cardiovascular disease risk. 

    Methods: In the present study we assessed cognitive and emotional reactions to the intervention, and how these reactions are associated to lifestyle modification. The participants’ evaluation of the risk communication was assessed in the intervention group (n=1749). Lifestyle modification was assessed with a lifestyle index based on physical activity, diet, smoking and alcohol consumption at baseline and after 3 years. Associations between cognitive and emotional response and lifestyle modification were tested with analyses of covariance in a subset of participants (n=714-857).

    Results: The intervention increased understanding of personal CVD risk, the possibility to influence the risk, and how to influence the risk. Severity of atherosclerosis was associated with emotional reactions, but emotions of strong negative valence were uncommon. Cognitive response and emotional arousal evoked by the intervention were positively associated with lifestyle modification, whereas negative emotions in isolation were not. High level of cognitive response in combination with high level of emotional arousal was found to be most beneficial for lifestyle modification.

    Conclusions: The results demonstrate the potential of communicating asymptomatic atherosclerosis with a pictorial, colour-coded and age-related strategy, also including a motivational conversation. Furthermore, the results show the importance of CVD risk communication evoking engagement, and that an interaction between cognitive and emotional reactions might be central for sustained lifestyle modification. Our results also indicate that, in an asymptomatic population, atherosclerosis screening may strengthen disease prevention and health promotion.

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  • 24.
    Andersson, Jonas
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Inflammation and lifestyle in cardiovascular medicine2010Doctoral thesis, comprehensive summary (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Despite major advances in the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis the last several decades, cardiovascular disease still accounts for the majority of deaths in Sweden. With the population getting older, more obese and with rising numbers of diabetics, the cardiovascular disease burden may increase further in the future.

    The focus in cardiovascular disease has shifted with time from calcification and narrowing of arteries to the biological processes within the atherosclerotic plaque. C-reactive protein (CRP) has emerged as one of many proteins that reflect a low grade systemic inflammation and is suitable for analysis as it is more stable and easily measured than most other inflammatory markers. Several large prospective studies have shown that CRP is not only an inflammatory marker, but even a predictive marker for cardiovascular disease. C-reactive protein is associated with several other risk factors for cardiovascular disease including obesity and the metabolic syndrome.

    Our study of twenty healthy men during a two week endurance cross country skiing tour demonstrated a decline in already low baseline CRP levels immediately after the tour and six weeks later.

    In a study of 200 obese individuals with impaired glucose tolerance randomised to a counselling session at their health care centre or a one month stay at a wellness centre, we found decreased levels of CRP in subjects admitted to the wellness centre. The effect remained at one, but not after three years of follow-up.

    In a prospective, nested, case-referent study with 308 ischemic strokes, 61 intracerebral haemorrhages and 735 matched referents, CRP was associated with ischemic stroke in both uni- and multivariate analyses. No association was found with intracerebral haemorrhages. When classifying ischemic stroke according to TOAST criteria, CRP was associated with small vessel disease. The CRP 1444 (CC/CT vs. TT) polymorphism was associated with plasma levels of CRP, but neither with ischemic stroke nor with intracerebral haemorrhage.

    A study on 129 patients with atrial fibrillation was used to evaluate whether inflammation sensitive fibrinolytic variables adjusted for CRP could predict recurrence of atrial fibrillation after electrical cardioversion. In multivariate iv models, lower PAI-1 mass was associated with sinus rhythm even after adjusting for CRP and markers of the metabolic syndrome.

    In conclusion, lifestyle intervention can be used to reduce CRP levels, but it remains a challenge to maintain this effect. CRP is a marker of ischemic stroke, but there are no significant associations between the CRP1444 polymorphism and any stroke subtype, suggesting that the CRP relationship with ischemic stroke is not causal. The fibrinolytic variable, PAI-1, is associated with the risk of recurrence of atrial fibrillation after electrical cardioversion after adjustment for CRP. Our findings suggest a pathophysiological link between atrial fibrillation and PAI-1, but the relation to inflammation remains unclear.

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  • 25.
    Andersson, Jonas
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Fall, Tove
    Delicano, Rachel
    Wennberg, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Family Medicine.
    Jansson, Jan-Håkan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    GDF-15 is associated with sudden cardiac death due to incident myocardial infarction2020In: Resuscitation, ISSN 0300-9572, E-ISSN 1873-1570, Vol. 152, p. 165-169Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Aims: Preventing sudden cardiac death (SCD) due to acute myocardial infarction (MI) in previously healthy patients is challenging. Proteomic analysis may lead to an understanding of biological mechanisms and provide predictive biomarkers.

    Methods: In this prospective, nested case-control study from northern Sweden, 87 candidate cardiovascular protein biomarkers were studied in 244 individuals who later died within 24 h from an incident MI and 244 referents without MI and individually matched for age, sex and date of health examination and alive at the date of event in the index person. Association analysis was conducted using conditional logistic regression. Bonferroni correction was applied to avoid false positive findings.

    Results: Ten proteins were associated with future SCD due to acute MI in the non-adjusted analysis. The strongest association were found for growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.79 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.41, 2.25) per standard deviation increase in protein, and urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor with an OR of 1.66 (95% CI 1.34, 2.06). In models adjusted for lipid levels, body mass index, education, smoking, hypertension and C-reactive protein, only association with GDF-15 remained (OR 1.47 (95% 1.11, 1.95)).

    Conclusion: Elevated levels of GDF-15 are associated with increased risk of SCD within 24 h of incident MI. Further research may enable the use of GDF-15 together with other clinical and biological markers to guide primary preventive interventions for individuals at high risk for SCD.

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  • 26.
    Andersson, Jonas
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Johansson, Lars
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Ladenvall, Per
    Wiklund, Per-Gunnar
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Stegmayr, Birgitta
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Jern, Christina
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    C-reactive protein is a determinant of first-ever stroke: prospective nested case-referent study2009In: Cerebrovascular Diseases, ISSN 1015-9770, E-ISSN 1421-9786, Vol. 27, no 6, p. 544-551Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a determinant of stroke, but there are no prospective studies on CRP and first ischemic stroke divided into etiologic subtypes. Our primary aim was to study CRP as a determinant of ischemic stroke, classified according to Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) criteria, and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in a prospective study. A secondary aim was to study the relationship between the 1444C>T polymorphism, plasma levels of CRP and stroke.

    METHODS: The study was a prospective population-based case-referent study nested within the Northern Sweden Cohorts. We defined 308 cases of ischemic stroke and 61 ICH. Two controls for each case were defined from the same cohort.

    RESULTS: The OR for the highest (>3 mg/l) versus lowest group (<1 mg/l) of CRP was 2.58 (95% CI 1.74-3.84) for ischemic stroke and 1.63 (95% CI 0.67-3.93) for ICH. In a multivariate model including traditional risk factors, CRP remained associated with ischemic stroke (OR 2.06; 95% CI 1.29-3.29). Small-vessel disease was associated with CRP in the multivariate model (OR 3.88; 95% CI 1.10-13.7). The CRP 1444 (CC/CT vs. TT) polymorphism was associated with plasma levels of CRP but neither with ischemic stroke nor with ICH.

    CONCLUSIONS: This prospective population-based study shows that CRP is significantly associated with the risk of having a first ischemic stroke, especially for small-vessel disease. No significant associations were found between the CRP 1444C>T polymorphism and any stroke subtype.

  • 27.
    Andersson, Jonas
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Mellberg, Caroline
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Otten, Julia
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Ryberg, Mats
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Rinnström, Daniel
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Larsson, Christel
    Lindahl, Bernt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Hauksson, Jon
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences. d Department of Radiography and Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.
    Johansson, Bengt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Olsson, Tommy
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Left ventricular remodelling changes without concomitant loss of myocardial fat after long-term dietary intervention2016In: International Journal of Cardiology, ISSN 0167-5273, E-ISSN 1874-1754, Vol. 216, p. 92-96Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Accumulation of myocardial triglycerides (MTG) is associated with impaired left ventricular (LV) remodelling and function in obese and diabetic subjects. The role of MTG accumulation in development of heart failure in this group of patients is unknown. Short-term studies suggest that diets that lead to weight loss could mobilize MTG, with a favourable effect on cardiac remodelling. In a 24-month, randomized, investigator-blinded study, we assessed the effect of two different diets and subsequent weight loss on cardiac function and MTG in postmenopausal women. Methods: Sixty-eight healthy postmenopausal women with body mass index [BMI] >= 27 kg/m(2) were randomized to an ad libitum Palaeolithic diet (PD) or a Nordic Nutrition Recommendation (NNR) diet for 24 months. Morphology, cardiac function, and MTG levels were measured using magnetic resonance (MR) scanning, including proton spectroscopy at baseline and 6 and 24 months. Results: Despite mean weight losses of 4.9 (1.0) kg (NNR) and 7.8 (1.1) kg (PD), the MTG content did not change over time (p = 0.98 in the NNR and p = 0.11 in the PD group at 24 months). Reduced left ventricular mass was observed in both diet groups over 24 months. Blood pressure was reduced at 6 months, but returned to baseline levels at 24 months. End diastolic volume, stroke volume, and cardiac output decreased over time. No differences between diet groups were observed. Conclusions: Diet intervention and moderate weight loss over 24 months improved LV remodelling but did not alter MTG levels in overweight/obese postmenopausal women.

  • 28.
    Andersson, Jonas
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Rosenqvist, Mårten
    Tornvall, Per
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    NT-proBNP predicts maintenance of sinus rhythm after electrical cardioversion.2015In: Thrombosis Research, ISSN 0049-3848, E-ISSN 1879-2472, Vol. 135, no 2, p. 289-291Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia. NT-proBNP is a fragment of the prohormone brain natriuretic peptide. Previous studies indicate that increased levels of NT-proBNP are associated with higher recurrence rates of AF after electrical cardioversion. Our null hypothesis was that NT-proBNP does not predict recurrence of AF after restoration of sinus rhythm.

    METHODS: We performed a hypothesis generating study within a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized, prospective multicentre study of the effects of atorvastatin on recurrence of AF after electrical cardioversion. 199 patients with persistent AF and an indication for cardioversion were included in the present substudy. NT-proBNP was assessed prior to cardioversion. Cardioversion was performed according to local standard clinical practice on an elective outpatient basis. Patients were followed-up one month after cardioversion.

    RESULTS: 181 patients had a successful cardioversion and 91 of the study group remained in sinus rhythm at day 30. Recurrence of AF was observed in 108 patients at day 30. An optimal cutpoint for NT-proBNP at 500 ng/L predicted recurrence of AF after cardioversion (OR 2.94; 95% CI 1.30-6.63). In multivariate analysis adjusting for age, sex, hypertension, and treatment group strengthened the results (OR 3,56; 95% CI 1,44-8,81). When analysing the ROC curve of NT-proBNP in baseline and atrial fibrillation at day 30 the result was 0.57.

    CONCLUSION: NT-proBNP levels are a predictor of recurrence of AF 30 days after cardioversion. ROC curves indicates that the practical value of NT-proBNP for the individual patient is limited.

  • 29.
    Andersson, Jonas
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Wennberg, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Family Medicine.
    Lundblad, Dan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Escher, Stefan A
    Jansson, Jan-Håkan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Diabetes mellitus, high BMI and low education level predict sudden cardiac death within 24 hours of incident myocardial infarction2016In: European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, ISSN 2047-4873, E-ISSN 2047-4881, Vol. 23, no 17, p. 1814-1820Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: More than half of cardiovascular mortality occurs outside the hospital, mainly due to consistently low survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

    METHODS: This is a prospective, nested, case-control study derived from the Västerbotten Intervention Programme and the World Health Organization's Multinational Monitoring of Trends and Determinants in Cardiovascular Disease study in northern Sweden (1986-2006). To determine predictors for sudden cardiac death risk factors for cardiovascular disease were compared between incident myocardial infarction with sudden cardiac death (n = 363) and survivors of incident myocardial infarction (n = 1998) using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

    RESULTS: Diabetes had the strongest association with sudden cardiac death out of all evaluated risk factors (odds ratio (OR) 1.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.30-2.59), followed by low education (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.19-2.01), high body mass index (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02-1.08) and male sex (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.001-2.01).

    CONCLUSIONS: The pattern of risk factors for incident myocardial infarction is different among survivors and those who die within 24 hours. The risk factors that contribute the most to death within 24 hours are diabetes mellitus, high body mass index and low education level, and can be addressed at both the public health level and by general practitioners.

  • 30.
    Andersson, Kennet
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences, Radiation Physics.
    Suhr, Ole B.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Faes, Luca
    Wiklund, Urban
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences, Radiation Physics.
    Directed coherence analysis in patients with severe autonomic dysfunction2014In: 2014 8th conference of the European Study Group on Cardiovascular Oscillations (ESGCO), IEEE conference proceedings, 2014, p. 167-168Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Many different approaches have been applied to analyse the coupling between cardiovascular signals. This study evaluated the use of directed coherence, based on multivariate autoregressive modelling, for analysis of cardiovascular signals in patients with transthyretin amyloidosis, a rare disease where severe autonomic dysfunction is common.

  • 31.
    Andersson, T. A.
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Larsen, F.
    Karolinska Inst, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Carlberg, Bo
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Söderberg, Stefan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Pulmonary embolism in Sweden, a national cohort and survival analysis2012In: European Heart Journal, ISSN 0195-668X, E-ISSN 1522-9645, Vol. 33, no suppl. 1, p. 29-29Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 32.
    Andersson, T.
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
    Carlberg, Bo
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Larsen, F.
    Soderberg, Stefan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Searching for CTEPH: a Swedish National Follow-Up after en Episode of Acute Pulmonary Embolism2016In: The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation, ISSN 1053-2498, E-ISSN 1557-3117, Vol. 35, no 4, p. S149-S149Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 33.
    Andersson, Therese
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
    Acute Pulmonary Embolism: not just an acute condition after all2022Doctoral thesis, comprehensive summary (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is the third most common cardiovascular disease following myocardial infarction and stroke. Despite diagnostic improvements, the diagnosis of PE is still associated with many difficulties, as the symptoms of an acute PE are nonspecific. Even though an acute PE is associated with a high short-term mortality, less attention has been given to long-term mortality. In addition, the clinical course following an acute PE may be accompanied by substantial morbidity, and one feared complication is chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), a progressive pulmonary vasculopathy. In addition to CTEPH, increasing evidence suggests that a large proportion of patients report persistent functional impairment several years after an acute PE. Recently, the term chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease (CTEPD) has been proposed for those with remaining symptoms and signs of residual thrombotic material in the pulmonary arteries. 

    Methods and Results: A nation-wide Swedish cohort of all patients (n= 5793) diagnosed with an acute PE in 2005 was identified. The incidence of PE was 0.6/1000 person-years, and during a 4-year follow-up, the mortality was more than doubled compared with an age- and sex-matched control group. We found that the acute PE associated with multiple comorbidities, and with cardiovascular diseases in particular. All surviving patients in 2007 (n=3510) were invited to answer a questionnaire regarding dyspnea and related comorbidities. We demonstrated a substantially higher prevalence of both exertional dyspnea (53.0% vs. 17.3%) and wake-up dyspnea (12% vs. 1.7%) in patients compared to controls from the Northern Sweden MONICA study. Furthermore, PE associated independently with dyspnea in a multivariable analysis. Through a manual review of approximately 10 % of the patient’s medical records, a positive predictive value of 79% was found for the PE diagnosis. Post-PE patients with remaining dyspnea and/or previously known risk factors for CTEPH development were referred for blood sampling and levels of N-terminal (NT)-prohormone (pro) brain-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) were determined. Thereafter, they were referred to their local hospital for a pulmonary ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) scintigraphy and echocardiography. Approximately 45% of the V/Q-scans showed perfusion defects and 27 % of echocardiographies showed signs of pulmonary hypertension. In total, 24 cases of CTEPH were identified, resulting in a prevalence of 0.4 % (95 % confidence interval 0.2 %–0.6 %). 

    Conclusion: An acute PE is a serious event, associated with decreased survival, multiple comorbidities, frequent dyspnea, and pathological investigational findings. The term CTEPD seems reasonable as it captures that this is a disease of the pulmonary vasculature, and that pharmacological and surgical interventions used for CTEPH may be useful. Regardless, proper follow-up after acute PE is essential for timely identification of patients in need of appropriate investigations and care.

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  • 34.
    Andersson, Therese
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Isaksson, Anja
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Khalil, Hesham
    Department of Cardiology, King Fahad General Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
    Lapidus, Leif
    Department of Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Carlberg, Bo
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Söderberg, Stefan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Validation of the Swedish National Inpatient Register for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism in 20052022In: Pulmonary Circulation, ISSN 2045-8932, E-ISSN 2045-8940, Vol. 12, no 1, article id e12037Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The Swedish National Inpatient Register (NPR) has near-complete coverage of in-hospital admissions and ICD codes in Sweden. Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious condition presenting challenges regarding diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. Here we aimed to validate the accuracy of acute PE diagnosis in the NPR, investigational findings, antithrombotic treatment, and follow-up of PE patients in Sweden. From a nation-wide cohort of all patients with in-hospital diagnoses of acute PE (ICD-10-SE codes I26.0–I26.9) in 2005 (n = 5793), we selected those from two Swedish regions for thorough manual review of hospital records. We identified 599 patients with PE diagnoses according to the ICD-10 coding system. We excluded 58 patients with admissions related to previous PE (47; 8%) or incorrect ICD codes (11; 2%), leaving 501 patients with probable PE diagnoses. We confirmed the diagnosis in 441 (79%) cases, which was based on imaging (435 patients; 73%) or autopsy (6; 1%). In the remaining 60 (11%) cases, the PE diagnosis was based on clinical findings and can therefore not be confirmed. Of the surviving patients with PE, 231 (47%) were offered follow-up within 6 months after the acute event. At follow-up, 67 patients (29%) had symptoms requiring clinical attention (dyspnoea or reduced general condition). The Swedish NPR showed acceptable accuracy for PE diagnosis, and could be reliably used for register-based research regarding acute PE.

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  • 35.
    Andersson, Therese
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Nilsson, Lars
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Larsen, Flemming
    Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Section of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Carlberg, Bo
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Söderberg, Stefan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Long-term sequelae following acute pulmonary embolism: a nationwide follow-up study regarding the incidence of CTEPH, dyspnea, echocardiographic and V/Q scan abnormalities2023In: Pulmonary Circulation, ISSN 2045-8932, E-ISSN 2045-8940, Vol. 13, no 4, article id e12306Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    We aimed to follow a nationwide cohort of patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) without any exclusions to generate information regarding long-term symptoms, investigational findings and to determine the prevalence of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). We hypothesized that this approach would yield generalizable estimates of CTEPH prevalence and incidence. All individuals diagnosed with acute PE in Sweden in 2005 were identified using the National Patient Register. In 2007, survivors were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding current symptoms. Those with dyspnea were referred for further examinations with laboratory tests, electrocardiogram (ECG), and a ventilation/perfusion scan (V/Q scan). If CTEPH was suspected, a referral to the nearest pulmonary arterial hypertension-center was recommended. Of 5793 unique individuals with PE diagnosis in 2005, 3510 were alive at the beginning of 2007. Altogether 53% reported dyspnea at some degree whereof a large proportion had V/Q scans indicating mismatched defects. Further investigation revealed 6 cases of CTEPH and in parallel 18 cases were diagnosed outside this study. The overall prevalence of CTEPH was 0.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.2%–0.6%) and 0.7% (95% CI: 0.4%–1.0%) among the survivors. The cumulative incidence of CTEPH in the group of patients who underwent a V/Q scan was 1.1% (95% CI: 0.2%–2.0%). There was a high mortality following an acute PE, a high proportion of persistent dyspnea among survivors, whereof several had pathological findings on V/Q scans and echocardiography. Only a minority developed CTEPH, indicating that CTEPH is the tip of the iceberg of post-PE disturbances.

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  • 36.
    Andersson, Therese
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Söderberg, Stefan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Incidence of acute pulmonary embolism, related comorbidities and survival: analysis of a Swedish national cohort2017In: BMC Cardiovascular Disorders, ISSN 1471-2261, E-ISSN 1471-2261, Vol. 17, article id 155Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) in Sweden and any regional differences. To assess short-and long-term survival analysis after an episode of PE, before and after excluding patients with known malignancies, and to determine the most common comorbidities prior to the PE event. Methods: All in-hospital patients, including children, diagnosed with acute PE in 2005 were retrieved from the Swedish National Patient Registry (NPR) and incidence rates were calculated. All registered comorbidities from 1998 until the index events were collected and survival up to 4 years after the event were calculated and compared to matched controls. Results: There were 5793 patients of all ages diagnosed with acute PE in 2005 resulting in a national incidence of 0.6/1000/year. The mean age was 70 years and 52% were women. The most frequent comorbidities were cardiac-, vascular-, infectious-and gastrointestinal diseases, injuries and malignancies. The mortality rates were more than doubled in patients with recent PE compared to that in a matched control group (49.1% vs 21.9%), and the excess mortality remained after exclusion of deaths occurring within one year and after exclusion of patients with any malignancy prior to the event. Conclusions: PE is associated with high age as well as with multiple comorbidities, and with an increased shortand long-term mortality. This study highlights the importance of a proper follow-up after an acute PE.

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  • 37. Antoni, Gunnar
    et al.
    Lubberink, Mark
    Estrada, Sergio
    Axelsson, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences, Radiation Physics.
    Carlson, Kristina
    Lindsjö, Lars
    Kero, Tanja
    Långström, Bengt
    Granstam, Sven-Olof
    Rosengren, Sara
    Vedin, Ola
    Wassberg, Cecilia
    Wikstrom, Gerhard
    Westermark, Per
    Sörensen, Jens
    In Vivo Visualization of Amyloid Deposits in the Heart with C-11-PIB and PET2013In: Journal of Nuclear Medicine, ISSN 0161-5505, E-ISSN 1535-5667, Vol. 54, no 2, p. 213-220Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Cardiac amyloidosis is a differential diagnosis in heart failure and is associated with high mortality. There is currently no noninvasive imaging test available for specific diagnosis. N-[methyl-C-11]2-(4'-methylamino-phenyl)-6-hydroxybenzothiazole (C-11-PIB) PET is used in the evaluation of brain amyloidosis. We evaluated the potential use of C-11-PIB PET in systemic amyloidosis affecting the heart. Methods: Patients (n = 10) diagnosed with systemic amyloidosis-including heart involvement of either monoclonal immunoglobulin light-chain (AL) or transthyretin (ATTR) type- and healthy volunteers (n = 5) were investigated with PET/CT using C-11-PIB to study cardiac amyloid deposits and with C-11-acetate to measure myocardial blood flow to study the impact of global and regional perfusion on PIB retention. Results: Myocardial C-11-PIB uptake was visually evident in all patients 15-25 min after injection and was not seen in any volunteer. A significant difference in C-11-PIB retention in the heart between patients and healthy controls was found. The data indicate that myocardial amyloid deposits in patients diagnosed with systemic amyloidosis could be visualized with C-11-PIB. No correlation between C-11-PIB retention index and myocardial blood flow as measured with C-11-acetate was found on the global level, whereas a positive correlation on the segmental level was seen in a single patient. Conclusion: C-11-PIB and PET could be a method to study systemic amyloidosis of type AL and ATTR affecting the heart and should be investigated further both as a diagnostic tool and as a noninvasive method for treatment follow-up.

  • 38. Antoniewicz, L.
    et al.
    Kabele, Mikael
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Lundback, M.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
    Bosson, Jenny A.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Increased Arterial Stiffness In Chronic Swedish Snus Users2017In: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, ISSN 1073-449X, E-ISSN 1535-4970, Vol. 195Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 39. Antoniewicz, Lukasz
    et al.
    Brynedal, Amelie
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Hedman, Linnea
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Division of Nursing, Department of Health Science, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden..
    Lundbäck, Magnus
    Bosson, Jenny A.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Acute Effects of Electronic Cigarette Inhalation on the Vasculature and the Conducting Airways2019In: Cardiovascular Toxicology, ISSN 1530-7905, E-ISSN 1559-0259, Vol. 19, no 5, p. 441-450Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The use of electronic cigarettes has increased exponentially since its introduction onto the global market in 2006. However, short- and long-term health effects remain largely unknown due to the novelty of this product. The present study examines the acute effects of e-cigarette aerosol inhalation, with and without nicotine, on vascular and pulmonary function in healthy volunteers. Seventeen healthy subjects inhaled electronic cigarette aerosol with and without nicotine on two separate occasions in a double-blinded crossover fashion. Blood pressure, heart rate, and arterial stiffness measured by pulse wave velocity and pulse wave analysis were assessed at baseline, and then at 0 h, 2 h, and 4 h following exposure. Dynamic spirometry and impulse oscillometry were measured following vascular assessments at these time points, as well as at 6 h following exposure. e-Cigarette aerosol with nicotine caused a significant increase in heart rate and arterial stiffness. Furthermore, e-cigarette aerosol-containing nicotine caused a sudden increase in flow resistance as measured by impulse oscillometry, indicating obstruction of the conducting airways. Both aerosols caused an increase in blood pressure. The present study indicates that inhaled e-cigarette aerosol with nicotine has an acute impact on vascular and pulmonary function. Thus, chronic usage may lead to long-term adverse health effects. Further investigation is warranted.

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  • 40.
    Antoniewicz, Lukasz
    et al.
    Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Danderyd University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine II, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
    Kabele, Mikael
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Nilsson, Ulf
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Pourazar, Jamshid
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Rankin, Gregory
    Bosson, Jenny A.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Lundbäck, Magnus
    Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Danderyd University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Chronic snus use in healthy males alters endothelial function and increases arterial stiffness2022In: PLOS ONE, E-ISSN 1932-6203, Vol. 17, no 6, article id e0268746Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Snus usage is commonly touted as a safer alternative to cigarette smoking. However, recent studies have demonstrated possible adverse cardiovascular effects in chronic snus users. The present study evaluates the effects of chronic snus use on vascular function by assessing central arterial stiffness and endothelial vasodilatory function in healthy chronic snus users as compared to matched non-users.

    Methods and results: Fifty healthy males (24 snus users, 26 age-matched controls) with a mean age of 44 years were included in the study. Arterial stiffness was assessed employing both pulse wave velocity and pulse wave analysis. Endothelial vasodilatory function was measured by venous occlusion plethysmography, utilizing intra-arterial administration of acetylcholine, glyceryl trinitrate and bradykinin to further gauge endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilatory function. Arterial stiffness was significantly higher in chronic snus users as compared to controls: pulse wave velocity [m/s]: 6.6±0.8 vs 7.1±0.9 resp. (p = 0.026), augmentation index corrected for heart rate [%]: 0.1±13.2 vs 7.3±7.8 resp. (p = 0.023). Endothelial independent vasodilation, i.e. the reaction to glyceryl trinitrate, was significantly lower in snus users as measured by venous occlusion plethysmography.

    Conclusions: The results of this study show an increased arterial stiffness and an underlying endothelial dysfunction in daily snus users as compared to matched non-tobacco controls. These findings indicate that long-term use of snus may alter the function of the endothelium and therefore reinforces the assertion that chronic snus use is correlated to an increased risk of development of cardiovascular disease.

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  • 41.
    Antoniewicz, Lukasz
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine. Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine, Danderyd Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Novo, Mirza
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Bosson, Jenny A.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine.
    Lundbäck, Magnus
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine.
    Brief exposure to Swedish snus causes divergent vascular responses in healthy male and female volunteers2018In: PLOS ONE, E-ISSN 1932-6203, Vol. 13, no 4, article id e0195493Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Introduction: The use of Swedish oral moist snuff, known as snus, has for a long time been limited to the Scandinavian countries. With declining cigarette sales in the western world, tobacco companies have looked to the development of alternative tobacco products. In 2006 snus products were launched in the US. Even though several studies have demonstrated negative health effects, snus is often depicted as harmless.

    The aim of the present study was to investigate acute vascular effects of snus as measured by arterial stiffness as well as blood pressure and heart rate.

    Methods: Two separate randomized double-blind crossover studies with the same study design were pooled for analysis. Twenty-nine healthy snus-users (17 females, 12 males) were included. Snus (Göteborgs Rapé) and tobacco free snus (Onico) were administered in a randomized order at two separate visits. Arterial stiffness, blood pressure and heart rate were measured at baseline as well as every five minutes for 40 minutes during exposure. Following snus removal, measurements continued for 30 minutes post exposure. Arterial stiffness was measured using pulse wave velocity (Vicorder) and pulse wave analysis (Sphygmocor).

    Results: Compared to placebo, snus significantly increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as heart rate, however, only in females (p = 0.004, p = 0.006 and p<0.001 respectively). No changes were seen in arterial stiffness measurements in either gender.

    Conclusion: We observed an increase in blood pressure and heart rate only in females, but not in males due to snus usage as compared to placebo. This novel finding was surprising and needs to be further investigated considering most of the earlier studies have mainly focused on male snus users and the increasing usage of snus among females.

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  • 42. Apers, Silke
    et al.
    Kovacs, Adrienne H.
    Luyckx, Koen
    Alday, Luis
    Berghammer, Malin
    Budts, Werner
    Callus, Edward
    Caruana, Maryanne
    Chidambarathanu, Shanthi
    Cook, Stephen C.
    Dellborg, Mikael
    Enomoto, Junko
    Eriksen, Katrine
    Fernandes, Susan M.
    Jackson, Jamie L.
    Johansson, Bengt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Khairy, Paul
    Kutty, Shelby
    Menahem, Samuel
    Rempel, Gwen
    Sluman, Maayke A.
    Soufi, Alexandra
    Thomet, Corina
    Veldtman, Gruschen
    Wang, Jou-Kou
    White, Kamila
    Moons, Philip
    Assessment of Patterns of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Adults with Congenital Heart disease - International Study (APPROACH-IS): Rationale, design, and methods2015In: International Journal of Cardiology, ISSN 0167-5273, E-ISSN 1874-1754, Vol. 179, p. 334-342Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Data on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) are inconsistent and vary across the world. Better understanding of PROs and their differences across cultural and geographic barriers can best be accomplished via international studies using uniform research methods. The APPROACH-IS consortium (Assessment of Patterns of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Adults with Congenital Heart disease - International Study) was created for this purpose and investigates PROs in adults with CHD worldwide. This paper outlines the project rationale, design, and methods. Methods/design: APPROACH-IS is a cross-sectional study. The goal is to recruit 3500-4000 adults with CHD from 15 countries in five major regions of the world (Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South America). Self-report questionnaires are administered to capture information on PRO domains: (i) perceived health status (12-item Short-form Health Survey & EuroQOL-5D); (ii) psychological functioning (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale); (iii) health behaviors (Health-Behavior Scale-Congenital Heart Disease); and (iv) quality of life (Linear Analog Scale & Satisfaction With Life Scale). Additionally, potential explanatory variables are assessed: (i) socio-demographic variables; (ii) medical history (chart review); (iii) sense of coherence (Orientation to Life Questionnaire); and (iv) illness perceptions (Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire). Descriptive analyses and multilevel models will examine differences in PROs and investigate potential explanatory variables. Discussion: APPROACH-IS represents a global effort to increase research understanding and capacity in the field of CHD, and will have major implications for patient care. Results will generate valuable information for developing interventions to optimize patients' health and well-being. 

  • 43. Appelros, Peter
    et al.
    Stegmayr, Birgitta
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Terént, Andreas
    Riks-Stroke och hur fallgropar vid tolkning av resultaten undviks2008In: Läkartidningen, ISSN 0023-7205, E-ISSN 1652-7518, Vol. 105, no 8, p. 529-533Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 44.
    Arnberg, Elsa
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Eldhagen, Per
    Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Sweden.
    Löfbacka, Viktor
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Venkateshvaran, Ashwin
    Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Sweden.
    Pilebro, Björn
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    RWT/SaVR-A Simple and Highly Accurate Measure Screening for Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis2022In: Journal of Clinical Medicine, E-ISSN 2077-0383, Vol. 11, no 14, article id 4120Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: Cardiac amyloidosis is an underdiagnosed condition and simple methods for accurate diagnosis are warranted. We aimed to validate a novel, dual-modality approach to identify transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA), employing echocardiographic relative wall thickness (RWT), and ECG S-wave from aVR (SaVR), and compare its accuracy with conventional echocardiographic approaches.

    MATERIAL AND METHODS: We investigated 102 patients with ATTR-CA and 65 patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), all with septal thickness &gt; 14 mm. We validated the accuracy of echocardiographic measures, including RWT, RWT/SaVR, posterior wall thickness (PWT), LV mass index (LVMI), left atrial volume index (LAVI), global longitudinal strain (GLS), and relative apical sparing (RELAPS) to identify ATTR-CA diagnosed using DPD-scintigraphy or abdominal fat biopsy.

    RESULTS: PWT, RWT, RELAPS, troponin, and RWT/SaVR were significantly higher in ATTR-CA compared to LVH. RWT/SaVR &gt; 0.7 was the most accurate parameter to identify ATTR-CA (sensitivity 97%, specificity 90% and accuracy 91%). RELAPS was found to have much less accuracy (sensitivity 74%, specificity 76% and accuracy 73%).

    CONCLUSION: We can confirm the very strong diagnostic accuracy of RWT/SaVR to identify ATTR-CA in patients with septal thickness &gt; 14 mm. Given its high sensitivity and specificity, RWT/SaVR &gt; 0.7 has the potential to implement as a non-invasive, simple, and widely available diagnostic tool when screening for ATTR-CA.

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  • 45. Arnlov, Johan
    et al.
    Ruge, Toralph
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Surgery.
    Ingelsson, Erik
    Larsson, Anders
    Sundström, Johan
    Lind, Lars
    Serum Endostatin and Risk of Mortality in the Elderly Findings From 2 Community-Based Cohorts2013In: Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, ISSN 1079-5642, E-ISSN 1524-4636, Vol. 33, no 11, p. 2689-2695Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objective Experimental data imply that endostatin, a proteolytically cleaved fragment of collagen XVIII, could be involved in the development of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Prospective data concerning the relation between circulating endostatin and mortality are lacking. Accordingly, we aimed to study associations between circulating endostatin and mortality risk. Approach and Results Serum endostatin was analyzed in 2 community-based cohorts: the Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS; women 50%, n=931; mean age, 70 years; median follow-up, 7.9 years) and the Uppsala Longitudinal Study of Adult Men (ULSAM; n=748; mean age, 77 years; median follow-up, 9.7 years). During follow-up, 90 participants died in PIVUS (1.28/100 person-years at risk), and 417 participants died in ULSAM (6.7/100 person-years at risk). In multivariable Cox regression models adjusted for age and established cardiovascular risk factors, 1 SD higher ln(serum endostatin level) was associated with a hazard ratio of mortality of 1.39 and 95% confidence interval, 1.26 to 1.53, on average in both cohorts. In the ULSAM cohort, serum endostatin was also associated with cardiovascular mortality (177 deaths; hazard ratio per SD of ln[endostatin] 1.45, 95% confidence interval [1.25-1.71]) and cancer mortality (115 deaths; hazard ratio per SD of ln[endostatin] 1.35, 95% confidence interval [1.10-1.66]). Conclusions High serum endostatin was associated with increased mortality risk in 2 independent community-based cohorts of the elderly. Our observational data support the importance of extracellular matrix remodeling in the underlying pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease and cancer.

  • 46.
    Arvidsson, Sandra
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
    Cardiac function in hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis: an echocardiographic study2016Doctoral thesis, comprehensive summary (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) is a lethal disease in which misfolded transthyretin (TTR) proteins accumulate as insoluble aggregates in tissues throughout the body. A common mutation is the exchange of valine to methionine at place 30 (TTR V30M), a form endemically found in the northern parts of Sweden. The main treatment option for ATTR amyloidosis is liver transplantation as the procedure halts production of mutated transthyretin. The disease is associated with marked phenotypic diversity ranging from predominant cardiac complications to pure neuropathy. Two different types of fibril composition – one in which both fragmented and full-length TTR are present (type A) and one consisting of only full-length TTR (type B) have been suggested to account for some phenotypic differences. Cardiac amyloidosis is associated with increased myocardial thickness and the disease could easily be mistaken for other entities characterised by myocardial thickening, such as sarcomeric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The aims in this thesis were to investigate echocardiographic characteristics in Swedish ATTR amyloidosis patients, and to identify markers aiding in differentiating ATTR heart disease from HCM. Another objective was to examine the impact of fibril composition and sex on the phenotypic variation in amyloid heart disease.

    Methods: A total of 122 ATTR amyloidosis patients that had undergone thorough echocardiographic examinations were included in the studies. Analyses of ventricular geometry as well as assessment of systolic and diastolic function were performed, using both conventional echocardiographic methods and speckle tracking technique. ECG analysis was conducted in study I, allowing measurement of QRS voltage. In study I and study II ATTR patients were compared to patients with HCM. In addition, 30 healthy controls were added to study II.

    Results: When parameters from ECG and echocardiography were investigated, the results revealed that the combination of QRS voltage <30 mm (<3 mV) and an interventricular/posterior wall thickness quotient <1.6 could differentiate cardiac ATTR amyloidosis from HCM. Differences in degree of right ventricular involvement were also demonstrated between HCM and ATTR amyloidosis, where ATTR patients displayed a right ventricular apical sparing pattern whereas the inverse pattern was found in HCM. Analysis of fibril composition revealed increased LV wall thickness in type A patients compared to type B, but in addition type A women displayed both lower myocardial thickness and more preserved systolic function as compared to type A males. When cardiac geometry and function were evaluated pre and post liver transplantation in type A and B patients, significant deterioration was detected in type A but not in type B patients after liver transplantation.

    Conclusions: Increasing awareness of typical cardiac amyloidotic signs by echocardiography is important to reduce the risk of delayed diagnosis. Our classification model based on ECG and echocardiography could aid in differentiating ATTR amyloidosis from HCM. Furthermore, the apical sparing pattern found in the right ventricle may pose another clue for amyloid heart disease, although it requires to be studied further. Furthermore, we disclosed that type A fibrils, male sex and increasing age were important determinants of increased myocardial thickness. As type A fibril patients displayed rapid cardiac deterioration after liver transplantation other treatment options should probably be sought for this group of patients.

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  • 47.
    Arvidsson, Sandra
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Henein, Michael Y
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Wikström, Gerhard
    Suhr, Ole B.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Right ventricular involvement in transthyretin amyloidosis2018In: Amyloid: Journal of Protein Folding Disorders, ISSN 1350-6129, E-ISSN 1744-2818, Vol. 25, no 3, p. 160-166Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: The extent of right ventricular (RV) involvement in transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) is unknown.

    Objectives: This study sought to establish the degree of RV involvement in ATTR amyloidosis, and compare findings with RV involvement in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

    Methods: Forty-two patients with ATTR amyloidosis and echocardiographic evidence of cardiac amyloidosis (cardiac ATTR), 19 ATTR patients with normal left ventricular (LV) wall thickness (non-cardiac ATTR), 25 patients with diagnosed HCM and 30 healthy controls were included in this study. Echocardiographic measurements for conventional parameters, as well as RV global and segmental strain, were recorded.

    Results: When comparing RV structure and function between cardiac ATTR amyloidosis and HCM patients, only segmental strain differed between the two groups. In cardiac ATTR amyloidosis, we found an RV apex-to-base strain gradient with highest deformation in the apex. This pattern was reversed in patients with HCM.

    Conclusions: RV involvement is common in cardiac ATTR patients. The present study also detected an RV apical sparing pattern in patients with ATTR cardiomyopathy, similar to what has previously been described for the left ventricle in these patients. This pattern was not seen in HCM patients. Further studies are needed to assess the clinical importance of these findings.

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  • 48.
    Arvidsson, Sandra
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Pilebro, Björn
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Westermark, Per
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Suhr, Ole B
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Amyloid Cardiomyopathy in Hereditary Transthyretin V30M Amyloidosis - Impact of Sex and Amyloid Fibril Composition2015In: PLOS ONE, E-ISSN 1932-6203, Vol. 10, no 11, article id e0143456Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    PURPOSE: Transthyretin V30M (ATTR V30M) amyloidosis is a phenotypically diverse disease with symptoms ranging from predominant neuropathy to exclusive cardiac manifestations. The aims of this study were to determine the dispersion of the two types of fibrils found in Swedish ATTR V30M patients -Type A consisting of a mixture of truncated and full length ATTR fibrils and type B fibrils consisting of full length fibrils, and to estimate the severity of cardiac dysfunction in relation to fibril composition and sex.

    MATERIAL AND METHODS: Echocardiographic data were analysed in 107 Swedish ATTR V30M patients with their fibril composition determined as either type A or type B. Measurements of left ventricular (LV) dimensions and evaluation of systolic and diastolic function including speckle tracking derived strain were performed. Patients were grouped according to fibril type and sex. Multivariate linear regression was utilised to determine factors of significant impact on LV thickness.

    RESULTS: There was no significant difference in proportions of the two types of fibrils between men and women. In patients with type A fibrils, women had significantly lower median septal (p = 0.007) and posterior wall thicknesses (p = 0.010), lower median LV mass indexed to height (p = 0.008), and higher septal strain (p = 0.037), as compared to males. These differences were not apparent in patients with type B fibrils. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that fibril type, sex and age all had significant impact on LV septal thickness.

    CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a clear difference between sexes in the severity of amyloid heart disease in ATTR V30M amyloidosis patients. Even though type A fibrils were associated with more advanced amyloid heart disease compared to type B, women with type A fibrils generally developed less cardiac infiltration than men. The differences may explain the better outcome for liver transplanted late-onset female patients compared to males.

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  • 49. Asberg, Signild
    et al.
    Eriksson, Marie
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Umeå School of Business and Economics (USBE), Statistics.
    Henriksson, Karin M
    Terént, Andreas
    Reduced risk of death with warfarin: results of an observational nationwide study of 20 442 patients with atrial fibrillation and ischaemic stroke2013In: International Journal of Stroke, ISSN 1747-4930, E-ISSN 1747-4949, Vol. 8, no 8, p. 689-695Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: Warfarin is demonstrated to be superior in efficacy over antiplatelet agents for the prevention of stroke, but the relationship between warfarin and mortality is less clear. Our aim was to investigate this relationship in a large cohort of unselected patients with atrial fibrillation and ischaemic stroke.

    METHODS: This observational study was based on patients who were discharged alive and registered in the Swedish Stroke Register in 2001 through 2005. Vital status was retrieved by linkage to the Swedish Cause of Death Register. We calculated a propensity score for the likelihood of warfarin prescription at discharge from hospital. The risk of death and 95% confidence intervals were estimated in Cox regression models.

    RESULTS: Out of the 20 442 patients with atrial fibrillation and ischaemic stroke (mean age = 79·5 years), 31% (n = 6399) were prescribed warfarin. After adjustment for the propensity score, warfarin was associated with a reduced risk of death (0·67; 95% confidence interval, 0·63-0·71). The crude rate (per 100 person-years) of fatal non-haemorrhagic stroke was lower in patients who received warfarin (1·60; 95% confidence interval, 1·34-1·89) compared to those who received antiplatelet (6·83; 95% confidence interval, 6·42-7·25). The rates (per 100 person-years) of fatal haemorrhagic stroke were 0·21 (95% confidence interval, 0·12-0·32) and 0·43 (95% confidence interval, 0·34-0·55) in patients prescribed warfarin and antiplatelet therapy, respectively.

    CONCLUSIONS: In addition to its established benefit for stroke prevention, warfarin therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation and ischaemic stroke was associated with a reduced risk of death, without an increased risk of fatal haemorrhagic stroke.

  • 50.
    Asplund, Kjell
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Håller vi på att vinna kampen mot hjärtinfarkt och slaganfall i norra Sverige?2004In: Skytteanska samfundets årsskrift Thule 2004, 2004, p. 75-82Chapter in book (Other (popular science, discussion, etc.))
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