Microparticles are a distinctive group of small vesicles, without nucleus, which are involved as significant modulators in several physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms. Plasma microparticles from various cellular lines have been subject of research. Data suggest that they are key players in development and manifestation of cardiovascular diseases and their presence, in high levels, is associated with chronic inflammation, endothelial damage and thrombosis. The strong correlation of microparticle levels with several outcomes in cardiovascular diseases has led to their utilization as biomarkers. Despite the limited clinical application at present, their significance emerges, mainly because their detection and enumeration methods are improving. This review article summarizes the evidence derived from research, related with the genesis and the function of microparticles in the presence of various cardiovascular risk factors and conditions. The current data provide a substrate for several theories of how microparticles influence various cellular mechanisms by transferring biological information.
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Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an increased risk of stroke, which can be prevented by the use of oral anticoagulation. Although non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have become the first choice for stroke prevention in the majority of patients with non-valvular AF, adherence and persistence to these medications remain suboptimal, which may translate into poor health outcomes and increased healthcare costs. Factors influencing adherence and persistence have been suggested to be patient-related, physician-related, and healthcare system-related. In this review, we discuss factors influencing patient adherence and persistence to NOACs and possible problem solving strategies, especially involving an integrated care management, aiming for the improvement in patient outcomes and treatment satisfaction.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia. Much focus has been directed towards AF prevention, given the morbidity, mortality, and financial cost to health care systems associated with this arrhythmia. There are a number of common conditions associated with the onset of AF, but not only limited to hypertension, diabetes, or smoking. As we understand the factors associated with incident AF, public health campaigns and targeted patient interventions are warranted to promote blood pressure control, glycemic control in patients with diabetes, smoking cessation to prevent AF, and associated comorbidity. In this narrative review, we consider some of the evidence linking these risk factors with AF. We additionally examine the role of risk factor modification in reducing AF burden. In Part 1 we address the evidence for hypertension, diabetes, and smoking as risk factors for incident AF.
Edoxaban-a non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC)- 60-mg and 30-mg once-daily dose regimens are noninferior versus well-managed warfarin for the prevention of stroke or systemic embolic events (SEE) with less major bleeding in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). There are no published data from phase 3 clinical trials specifically evaluating the use of NOACs in elderly NVAF patients, especially those considered ineligible for available oral anticoagulants. The Edoxaban Low-Dose for EldeR CARE AF patients (ELDERCARE-AF) study is a phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter study that will compare the safety and efficacy of once-daily edoxaban 15 mg versus placebo in Japanese patients with NVAF ≥80 years of age who are considered ineligible for standard oral anticoagulant therapy. A total of 800 patients (400 in each treatment group) are planned for randomization (1:1) to either edoxaban or placebo using a stratified randomization method with CHADS<sub>2</sub> index score (2 points, ≥3 points) as a factor. The primary efficacy end point is the time to first onset of stroke or SEE. The net clinical outcome is the composite of stroke, SEE, major bleeding, and all-cause mortality. The primary safety end point is the incidence of major bleeding. The treatment period will continue until 65 patients with the primary efficacy events (ie, stroke or SEE) have been observed (2- to 2.5-year expected mean treatment period). The results of ELDERCARE-AF may provide clarity as to the efficacy and safety of edoxaban for the prevention of stroke or SEE in this high-risk population.
