A recent study published in the June 2024 issue of Cardiology has revealed significant findings regarding the impact of polyvascular atherosclerotic disease (PolyVD) and inflammation on clinical outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Led by Bay et al., researchers explored the relationship between inflammatory risk factors and patient outcomes post-PCI.
Delving into PolyVD and hsCRP Levels
The study focused on patients who underwent PCI for chronic coronary disease at a tertiary center over eight years. PolyVD, characterized by a history of cerebrovascular and/or peripheral artery disease, and elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels, exceeding 3 mg/L, were of particular interest. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), encompassing all-cause mortality, spontaneous MI, or target vessel revascularization (TVR).
Key Insights from the Research
Among the 10,359 participants, 17.4% had PolyVD, while the remaining 82.6% were in the non-PolyVD group. Patients with PolyVD displayed elevated hsCRP levels compared to those without PolyVD. Strikingly, 33.6% of the PolyVD cohort had elevated hsCRP levels, in contrast to 24.7% in the non-PolyVD cohort. Importantly, individuals with both PolyVD and high hsCRP levels exhibited notably higher rates of adverse events at the one-year follow-up. Furthermore, the study identified an independent association between elevated hsCRP and MACE specifically in the PolyVD population.
Application in Clinical Practice
The study underscores the ongoing risk of complications post-PCI in patients with PolyVD and inflammation. This suggests a promising opportunity for utilizing anti-inflammatory therapies to mitigate risks in this specific patient group.
This research provides valuable insights into refining patient care strategies for individuals undergoing PCI, emphasizing the importance of tailored approaches based on PolyVD and inflammatory risk profiles.