Biomedical subjects

Tomasz Stys

Publications and source records attributed to Tomasz Stys.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2026

Addition of CAD polygenic risk score to coronary artery calcium score enhances prediction of MACE.

BACKGROUND: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is prevalent in the United States, highlighting the need for accurate risk prediction to inform primary prevention strategies. While multivariate risk models like the Framingham Risk Score and ACC/AHA Pooled Cohort Equations are commonly utilized, novel risk markers, such as the coronary artery calcium score (CACS) and polygenic risk score (PRS), are increasingly gaining recognition. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the diagnostic utility of CACS and CAD PRS, both individually and in combination, for predicting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of a cohort comprising 1,380 predominantly Caucasian participants from the Sanford Health System. CAD PRS was constructed using genetic variants, while CACS was assessed via cardiac computed tomography (CT). Statistical analyses evaluated the relationship between each modality and MACE. RESULTS: Both CAD PRS and CACS were significantly associated with future MACE. Following the adjustment for covariates, the area under the curve (AUC) for both the CACS and PRS models was comparable, indicating similar predictive capabilities for MACE. However, the combination of CAD PRS with CACS significantly enhanced predictive accuracy, outperforming either modality alone. CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores the value of integrating CACS and CAD PRS in predicting MACE. The synergistic effect of CAD PRS combined with CACS markedly improves predictive power. Further research and prospective studies are necessary to validate these findings and assess their clinical implications. Investigating the interactions between PRS and CACS will be crucial for refining cardiovascular risk prediction and optimizing prevention strategies.

cardiac genetics↗

PubMed2004

Trends in use of herbal and nutritional supplements in cardiovascular patients.

BACKGROUND: Use of herbs and nutritional supplements (known as naturoceuticals) is increasing in the USA, with about 50% of Americans taking naturoceuticals and spending over 10 billion dollars per year for them. This raises concerns regarding their use instead of proven therapies, their side effects, and drug interaction potential. HYPOTHESIS: The study sought to characterize cardiology patients who used supplements and to examine whether their use was diagnosis or doctor dependent, whether it affected patients' compliance, and what supplements were used. METHODS: In all, 187 patients attending our cardiology clinic were interviewed, examined, and followed for up to 1 year. The users and nonusers of naturoceuticals were compared. RESULTS: Supplements were used in 106 patients (an average of 3.1 naturoceutical per patient). There were no significant differences in their use by gender, age, primary care doctor specialty, or cardiovascular medications prescribed (except for statins). Patients with a history of myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, hyperlipidemia, and a family history of coronary artery disease were more likely to use the supplements. Average low-density lipoprotein (106 vs. 108 mg/dl), average blood pressure (132/77 vs. 138/78 mmHg), and average hemoglobin (Hb)A1c (8.7 vs. 7.7%) showed no statistically significant differences between users and nonusers. Patients most commonly took multivitamins, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin B, folate, garlic, calcium, coenzyme Q10, and gingko. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that naturoceutical use is widespread among cardiovascular patients and it is difficult to predict clinically who the users are. Fortunately, according to our limited compliance measures, it appears that the naturoceutical use has not affected patients' compliance with traditional medications. Also, possibly a detrimental interaction potential between traditional medications and naturoceuticals has been demonstrated.

Cardiovascular Diseases↗

PubMed2003

The monolithic fetal pacemaker: prototype lead design for closed thorax deployment.

Prenatal sudden cardiac death and hydrops fetalis are often due to complete heart block. However, no pacing modality exists for intrauterine application for fetal bradycardia. A prototype lead for a novel fetal pacemaker has been developed and used in a direct pacing model. It has been demonstrated that the lead can be safely and successfully deployed using a hypochondriac and transdiaphragmatic or subxiphoid approach. Pacing with ventricular capture was evident with the widening of QRS duration from 50.2 +/- 9.8 to 95.1 +/- 12.8 ms (P = 0.0001). Further studies by echocardiogram revealed an increase in the pulse with pacing, confirming pacing. This study documents proof-of-concept for closed thorax over-the-wire deployment of a novel lead design applicable to fetal pacing. By combining the lead design with microcircuitry and a small power source, it is possible to create a monolithic fetal pacemaker system capable of being deployed in utero.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Innovative endovascular defibrillator lead use in superior vena cava obstruction.

BACKGROUND: We describe an unusual case of severe heart failure (HF) and rapid atrial fibrillation (AF) improved through ablation and pacemaker implant despite superior vena cava obstruction (SVCO). METHODS: SVCO precluded upper body venous access to the heart for procedural rate control. Both AV Junctional ablation and permanent endovascular lead placement were achieved through the inferior vena cava (IVC). RESULTS: Clinical improvement from NYHA Class IV to Class II HF was observed with effective nonpharmacologic ventricular rate control. CONCLUSIONS: HF patients with rapid AF and SVCO can achieve ventricular rate control through lower body venous access to the heart utilizing 100-cm endovascular defibrillator rate sensing leads.

Atrial Fibrillation↗