Mayra Tisminetzky | UMMS - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Mayra Tisminetzky

Current Psychiatry Reviews, 2011

... Assessing Depression in Patients with an Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Literature Review Mayra T... more ... Assessing Depression in Patients with an Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Literature Review Mayra Tisminetzky*,a,e, Ruben Miozzob,f, Robert Goldberg c,e and Thomas McLaughlina,b,d,e ... Huffman 31 Prospec-tive 131 80% 62.2 MI 80% new MIs 23% Hx DD ...

Circulation, Mar 25, 2014

The American Journal of Cardiology, 2014

Although acute myocardial infarction (AMI) occurs primarily in the elderly, this disease also aff... more Although acute myocardial infarction (AMI) occurs primarily in the elderly, this disease also affects young adults. Few studies have, however, presented data on relatively young patients hospitalized with AMI. The objectives of this population-based study were to examine recent trends in the magnitude, clinical characteristics, management, and in-hospital and long-term outcomes associated with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in patients aged 30 to 54 years. We reviewed the medical records of 955 residents of the Worcester (Massachusetts) metropolitan area aged 30 to 54 years who were hospitalized for an initial STEMI or NSTEMI in 6 biennial periods from 1999 to 2009 at 11 greater Worcester medical centers. From 1999 to 2009, the proportion of young adults hospitalized with an STEMI decreased from approximately 2/3 to 2/5 of all patients with an initial AMI. Patients with STEMI were less likely to have a history of heart failure, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and kidney disease than those with NSTEMI. Both groups received similar effective medical therapies during their acute hospitalization. In-hospital clinical complications and mortality were low and no significant differences in these end points were observed between patients with STEMI and NSTEMI or with regard to 1-year postdischarge death rates (1.9% vs 2.8%). The present results demonstrate recent decreases in the proportion of relatively young patients diagnosed with an initial STEMI. Patients with STEMI and NSTEMI had similar in-hospital outcomes and long-term survival. Trends in these and other important outcomes warrant continued monitoring.

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 2015

To describe decade- long trends (1999-2009) in the rates of not undergoing cardiac catheterizatio... more To describe decade- long trends (1999-2009) in the rates of not undergoing cardiac catheterization and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in individuals aged 65 and older presenting with an ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) and factors associated with not undergoing these procedures. Observational population-based study. Worcester, Massachusetts, metropolitan area. Individuals aged 65 and older hospitalized for an STEMI in six biennial periods between 1999 and 2009 at 11 central Massachusetts medical centers (N = 960). Analyses were conducted to examine the characteristics of people who did not undergo cardiac catheterization overall and stratified into two age strata (65-74, ≥75). Between 1999 and 2009, dramatic declines (from 59.4% to 7.5%) were observed in the proportion of older adults who did not undergo cardiac catheterization at all greater Worcester hospitals. These declines were observed in individuals aged 65 to 74 (58.4-6.7%) and in those aged 75 and older (69.4-13.5%). The proportion of individuals not undergoing PCI after undergoing cardiac catheterization decreased from 36.6% in 1999 to 6.5% in 2009. Women, individuals with a prior MI, those with do-not-resuscitate orders, and those with various comorbidities were less likely to have undergone these procedures than comparison groups. Older adults who develop an STEMI are increasingly likely to undergo cardiac catheterization and PCI, but several high-risk groups remain less likely to undergo these procedures.

Background: Diabetic patients have more complications and higher hospital mortality rates after a... more Background: Diabetic patients have more complications and higher hospital mortality rates after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) than patients without diabetes (DM). Increased morbidity and mortality among diabetic patients suffering an AMI is especially concerning given the increasing prevalence of obesity and diabetes in the U.S. and worldwide. The objectives of this study were to describe recent trends in the frequency, patient characteristics, treatment practices, and in-hospital outcomes associated with STEMI and NSTEMI in diabetic compared with non-diabetic patients hospitalized with AMI. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 6,903 persons, known to be either diabetic (n =2,329) or non-diabetic (n=4,574 ) who were hospitalized for STEMI or NSTEMI between 1997 and 2009 at all 11 greater Worcester medical centers. Results: Diabetic patients presenting with both STEMI and NSTEMI were more likely to be older, female, and obese, and to have a higher prevalence of comorbidities compared with nondiabetics. Diabetic patients were more likely to develop important in-hospital complications including heart failure (39% vs.27%),and atrial fibrillation (18% vs.16%), and had a longer hospital stay (6.3 days vs.5.4 days) compared to non-diabetics. Diabetic patients were significantly more likely to be treated with an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker and a diuretic. The proportion of patients undergoing cardiac catheterization during their index hospitalization for AMI approximately doubled during the period under study, while the proportion treated with PCI increased by 3 to 4-fold. The proportion of diabetic and non-diabetic patients undergoing cardiac catheterization was similar, though diabetics were less likely to be treated with PCI and more likely to receive CABG than non-diabetics. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher among diabetics than non-diabetics for both STEMI (13% vs. 10%) and NSTEMI (11% vs. 9%) Conclusions: During the period 1997 to 2009, the use of effective therapies for all patients presenting with AMI has improved, with a concomitant decrease in in-hospital complications and mortality . Nonetheless, diabetic patients experienced , more complications, and worse inhospital outcomes compared to non-diabetics.

The American Journal of Medicine, 2015

As adults live longer, multiple chronic conditions have become more prevalent over the past sever... more As adults live longer, multiple chronic conditions have become more prevalent over the past several decades. We describe the prevalence of, and patient characteristics associated with, cardiac and non-cardiac-related multimorbidities in patients discharged from the hospital after an acute coronary syndrome. We studied 2,174 patients discharged from the hospital after an acute coronary syndrome at 6 medical centers in Massachusetts and Georgia between April, 2011 and May, 2013. Hospital medical records yielded clinical information including presence of 8 cardiac-related and 8 non-cardiac-related morbidities on admission. We assessed multiple psychosocial characteristics during the index hospitalization using standardized in-person instruments. The mean age of the study sample was 61 years, 67% were men, and 81% were non-Hispanic whites. The most common cardiac-related morbidities were hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes (76%, 69%, and 31%, respectively). Arthritis, chronic pulmonary disease, and depression (20%, 18%, and 13%, respectively) were the most common non-cardiac morbidities. Patients with ≥4 morbidities (37% of the population) were slightly older and more frequently female than those with 0-1 morbidity; they were also heavier and more likely to be cognitively impaired (26% vs. 12%), have symptoms of moderate/severe depression (31% vs. 15%), high perceived stress (48% vs. 32%), a limited social network (22% vs. 15%), low health literacy (42% vs. 31%), and low health numeracy (54% vs. 42%). Multimorbidity, highly prevalent in patients hospitalized with an acute coronary syndrome, is strongly associated with indices of psychosocial deprivation. This emphasizes the challenge of caring for these patients, which extends well beyond acute coronary syndrome management.

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews, 2016

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews, 2016

The American journal of cardiology, Jan 29, 2016

There are limited contemporary data available describing recent trends in the magnitude and chara... more There are limited contemporary data available describing recent trends in the magnitude and characteristics of patients who are rehospitalized multiple times after hospital discharge for an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We reviewed the medical records of 4,480 residents of the Worcester, Massachusetts, metropolitan area, who were discharged from 3 Central Massachusetts medical centers after an AMI in 6 biennial periods from 2001 to 2011 and were followed for all-cause and cause-specific hospital readmissions over the subsequent 6 months. The average age of our study population was 68 years, 89% were white, and 41% were women. Overall, ∼1 of every 3 patients had a readmission to the hospital within 6 months after hospital discharge for an AMI. The proportion of patients who were readmitted to the hospital 1, 2, or 3 times for any cause within 6 months remained unchanged during the years under study (20%, 8%, and 6%, respectively); 59% of these readmissions were cardiac related. ...

ABSTRACT Background: Depression is a prevalent disorder in patients with acute coronary syndromes... more ABSTRACT Background: Depression is a prevalent disorder in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), a recent review has documented use of assessment tools in research settings. This document is intended as a practical guide for primary care clinicians. Aims: To examine the psychometric properties of the instruments utilized to assess depression in patients with ACS in primary care. Methods: We identified studies published between 1990 and 2006 that used standardized validated questionnaires to assess depression. Results: Of the studies reviewed, 85% assessed depression within a week of hospitalization for ACS. Sensitivity ranged from 75% in the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale to 88% in the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Specificity ranged from 62 % for the Geriatric Depression Scale to 88% for the PHQ-9. While the BDI was the instrument most frequently used, the PHQ-9 that is a public domain instrument was the questionnaire with the highest sensitivity and specificity. Conclusions: Evaluating depression in patients with ACS in clinical setting is complicated by the lack of uniform criteria in choosing appropriate instruments.

ABSTRACT Study Objectives: Current literature reports that Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in ado... more ABSTRACT Study Objectives: Current literature reports that Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adolescents is a serious problem frequently unrecognized and untreated. Study Methods: Participants were 2,465 adolescents who presented for a routine well care, or with physical illness accompanied by symptoms suggestive of MDD to a twenty two pediatric practices in suburban Boston from July 2003 to May 2004. Demographic characteristics were retrieved from the medical records and assessment of MDD relied upon the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) Study Results: Findings indicated that the prevalence of MDD in this group was 5%; prevalence of minor depression was 10% and prevalence of suicidal ideation among the whole sample was10%. We found that concerns about appearance, health concerns and problems with family or friends were the most important stressors associated with MDD and minor depression. Family history of alcoholism and depression were both important predictors of MDD and minor depression in this group. Finally, among those adolescents with MDD, 42% had moderately severe to severe illness. Practical Implications: Our findings indicate that MDD in adolescents residing in the community is a major public health concern that needs to be addressed to detect and initiate early treatment. Moreover, levels of suicidal ideation were common among those with MDD and were associated with functional decline

Background: Diabetic patients have more complications and higher hospital mortality rates after a... more Background: Diabetic patients have more complications and higher hospital mortality rates after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) than patients without diabetes (DM). Increased morbidity and mortality among diabetic patients suffering an AMI is especially concerning given the increasing prevalence of obesity and diabetes in the U.S. and worldwide. The objectives of this study were to describe recent trends in the frequency, patient characteristics, treatment practices, and in-hospital outcomes associated with STEMI and NSTEMI in diabetic compared with non-diabetic patients hospitalized with AMI. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 6,903 persons, known to be either diabetic (n =2,329) or non-diabetic (n=4,574 ) who were hospitalized for STEMI or NSTEMI between 1997 and 2009 at all 11 greater Worcester medical centers. Results: Diabetic patients presenting with both STEMI and NSTEMI were more likely to be older, female, and obese, and to have a higher prevalence of comorbidities compared with nondiabetics. Diabetic patients were more likely to develop important in-hospital complications including heart failure (39% vs.27%),and atrial fibrillation (18% vs.16%), and had a longer hospital stay (6.3 days vs.5.4 days) compared to non-diabetics. Diabetic patients were significantly more likely to be treated with an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker and a diuretic. The proportion of patients undergoing cardiac catheterization during their index hospitalization for AMI approximately doubled during the period under study, while the proportion treated with PCI increased by 3 to 4-fold. The proportion of diabetic and non-diabetic patients undergoing cardiac catheterization was similar, though diabetics were less likely to be treated with PCI and more likely to receive CABG than non-diabetics. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher among diabetics than non-diabetics for both STEMI (13% vs. 10%) and NSTEMI (11% vs. 9%) Conclusions: During the period 1997 to 2009, the use of effective therapies for all patients presenting with AMI has improved, with a concomitant decrease in in-hospital complications and mortality . Nonetheless, diabetic patients experienced , more complications, and worse inhospital outcomes compared to non-diabetics.

Clinics in geriatric medicine, 2016

The authors aim to synthesize the current literature on the magnitude and impact of multimorbidit... more The authors aim to synthesize the current literature on the magnitude and impact of multimorbidity on clinical outcomes in older adults with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Most studies reported a significant association between the number of morbidities and the risk of dying. Multimorbidity was assessed either by counting the number of conditions or by use of the Charlson or Elixhauser indices. There are limited data available on the magnitude and impact of multimorbidity on clinical outcomes in patients with CVD and essentially no data on universal health outcomes (eg, health-related quality of life, symptom burden, and function).

Data Revues 00029149 Unassign S0002914914000460, Jan 14, 2014

Much of our knowledge about the characteristics, clinical management, and postdischarge outcomes ... more Much of our knowledge about the characteristics, clinical management, and postdischarge outcomes of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is derived from clinical studies in middleaged and older subjects with little contemporary information available about the descriptive epidemiology of AMI in relatively young men and women. The objectives of our populationbased study were to describe >3-decade-long trends in the clinical features, treatment practices, and long-term outcomes of young adults aged 35 to 54 years discharged from the hospital after AMI. The study population consisted of 2,142 residents of the Worcester (Massachusetts) metropolitan area who were hospitalized with AMI at all central Massachusetts medical centers during 16 annual periods from 1975 to 2007. Our primarily male study population had an average age of 47 years. Patients hospitalized during the most recent decade (1997 to 2007) under study were more likely to have a history of hypertension and heart failure than those hospitalized during earlier study years. Patients were less likely to have developed heart failure or stroke during their hospitalization in the most recent compared with the initial decade under study (heart failure 13.7% and stroke 0.7% vs 20.9% and 2.0%, respectively). One-and 2-year postdischarge death rates also decreased significantly between 1975 to 1986 (6.2% and 9.0%, respectively) and 1988 to 1995 (2.6% and 4.9%). These trends were concomitant with the increasing use of effective cardiac therapies and coronary interventions during hospitalization. The present results provide insights into the changing characteristics, management, and improving long-term outcomes of relatively young patients hospitalized with AMI. Ó

The American journal of cardiology, Jan 2, 2016

There are limited contemporary data available describing the characteristics of patients who neit... more There are limited contemporary data available describing the characteristics of patients who neither died nor were readmitted to the hospital during the first year after hospital discharge for an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in comparison with those who died and/or were readmitted to the hospital during this high-risk period. Residents of the Worcester, Massachusetts, metropolitan area discharged after an AMI from 3 central Massachusetts hospitals on a biennial basis from 2001 to 2011 comprised the study population. The average age of this population (n = 4,268) was 69 years, 62% were men, and 92% were white. From 2001 to 2011, 43.5% of patients were classified as low-risk survivors of an AMI, 12.3% died, and 44.2% did not die but had at least 1 rehospitalization during the subsequent year. The proportion of low-risk survivors increased from 42.6% to 46.4%, whereas the proportion of those who died within a year after hospital discharge decreased from 14.3% to 10.5%, respectivel...

Circulation, Mar 25, 2014

Data Revues 00029149 Unassign S0002914914007048, Mar 1, 2014

Although acute myocardial infarction (AMI) occurs primarily in the elderly, this disease also aff... more Although acute myocardial infarction (AMI) occurs primarily in the elderly, this disease also affects young adults. Few studies have, however, presented data on relatively young patients hospitalized with AMI. The objectives of this population-based study were to examine recent trends in the magnitude, clinical characteristics, management, and in-hospital and long-term outcomes associated with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in patients aged 30 to 54 years. We reviewed the medical records of 955 residents of the Worcester (Massachusetts) metropolitan area aged 30 to 54 years who were hospitalized for an initial STEMI or NSTEMI in 6 biennial periods from 1999 to 2009 at 11 greater Worcester medical centers. From 1999 to 2009, the proportion of young adults hospitalized with an STEMI decreased from approximately 2/3 to 2/5 of all patients with an initial AMI. Patients with STEMI were less likely to have a history of heart failure, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and kidney disease than those with NSTEMI. Both groups received similar effective medical therapies during their acute hospitalization. In-hospital clinical complications and mortality were low and no significant differences in these end points were observed between patients with STEMI and NSTEMI or with regard to 1-year postdischarge death rates (1.9% vs 2.8%). The present results demonstrate recent decreases in the proportion of relatively young patients diagnosed with an initial STEMI. Patients with STEMI and NSTEMI had similar in-hospital outcomes and long-term survival. Trends in these and other important outcomes warrant continued monitoring.

Circulation, Mar 25, 2014

The American Journal of Medicine, 2015

As adults live longer, multiple chronic conditions have become more prevalent over the past sever... more As adults live longer, multiple chronic conditions have become more prevalent over the past several decades. We describe the prevalence of, and patient characteristics associated with, cardiac and non-cardiac-related multimorbidities in patients discharged from the hospital after an acute coronary syndrome. We studied 2,174 patients discharged from the hospital after an acute coronary syndrome at 6 medical centers in Massachusetts and Georgia between April, 2011 and May, 2013. Hospital medical records yielded clinical information including presence of 8 cardiac-related and 8 non-cardiac-related morbidities on admission. We assessed multiple psychosocial characteristics during the index hospitalization using standardized in-person instruments. The mean age of the study sample was 61 years, 67% were men, and 81% were non-Hispanic whites. The most common cardiac-related morbidities were hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes (76%, 69%, and 31%, respectively). Arthritis, chronic pulmonary disease, and depression (20%, 18%, and 13%, respectively) were the most common non-cardiac morbidities. Patients with ≥4 morbidities (37% of the population) were slightly older and more frequently female than those with 0-1 morbidity; they were also heavier and more likely to be cognitively impaired (26% vs. 12%), have symptoms of moderate/severe depression (31% vs. 15%), high perceived stress (48% vs. 32%), a limited social network (22% vs. 15%), low health literacy (42% vs. 31%), and low health numeracy (54% vs. 42%). Multimorbidity, highly prevalent in patients hospitalized with an acute coronary syndrome, is strongly associated with indices of psychosocial deprivation. This emphasizes the challenge of caring for these patients, which extends well beyond acute coronary syndrome management.

Current Psychiatry Reviews, 2011

... Assessing Depression in Patients with an Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Literature Review Mayra T... more ... Assessing Depression in Patients with an Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Literature Review Mayra Tisminetzky*,a,e, Ruben Miozzob,f, Robert Goldberg c,e and Thomas McLaughlina,b,d,e ... Huffman 31 Prospec-tive 131 80% 62.2 MI 80% new MIs 23% Hx DD ...

Circulation, Mar 25, 2014

The American Journal of Cardiology, 2014

Although acute myocardial infarction (AMI) occurs primarily in the elderly, this disease also aff... more Although acute myocardial infarction (AMI) occurs primarily in the elderly, this disease also affects young adults. Few studies have, however, presented data on relatively young patients hospitalized with AMI. The objectives of this population-based study were to examine recent trends in the magnitude, clinical characteristics, management, and in-hospital and long-term outcomes associated with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in patients aged 30 to 54 years. We reviewed the medical records of 955 residents of the Worcester (Massachusetts) metropolitan area aged 30 to 54 years who were hospitalized for an initial STEMI or NSTEMI in 6 biennial periods from 1999 to 2009 at 11 greater Worcester medical centers. From 1999 to 2009, the proportion of young adults hospitalized with an STEMI decreased from approximately 2/3 to 2/5 of all patients with an initial AMI. Patients with STEMI were less likely to have a history of heart failure, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and kidney disease than those with NSTEMI. Both groups received similar effective medical therapies during their acute hospitalization. In-hospital clinical complications and mortality were low and no significant differences in these end points were observed between patients with STEMI and NSTEMI or with regard to 1-year postdischarge death rates (1.9% vs 2.8%). The present results demonstrate recent decreases in the proportion of relatively young patients diagnosed with an initial STEMI. Patients with STEMI and NSTEMI had similar in-hospital outcomes and long-term survival. Trends in these and other important outcomes warrant continued monitoring.

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 2015

To describe decade- long trends (1999-2009) in the rates of not undergoing cardiac catheterizatio... more To describe decade- long trends (1999-2009) in the rates of not undergoing cardiac catheterization and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in individuals aged 65 and older presenting with an ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) and factors associated with not undergoing these procedures. Observational population-based study. Worcester, Massachusetts, metropolitan area. Individuals aged 65 and older hospitalized for an STEMI in six biennial periods between 1999 and 2009 at 11 central Massachusetts medical centers (N = 960). Analyses were conducted to examine the characteristics of people who did not undergo cardiac catheterization overall and stratified into two age strata (65-74, ≥75). Between 1999 and 2009, dramatic declines (from 59.4% to 7.5%) were observed in the proportion of older adults who did not undergo cardiac catheterization at all greater Worcester hospitals. These declines were observed in individuals aged 65 to 74 (58.4-6.7%) and in those aged 75 and older (69.4-13.5%). The proportion of individuals not undergoing PCI after undergoing cardiac catheterization decreased from 36.6% in 1999 to 6.5% in 2009. Women, individuals with a prior MI, those with do-not-resuscitate orders, and those with various comorbidities were less likely to have undergone these procedures than comparison groups. Older adults who develop an STEMI are increasingly likely to undergo cardiac catheterization and PCI, but several high-risk groups remain less likely to undergo these procedures.

Background: Diabetic patients have more complications and higher hospital mortality rates after a... more Background: Diabetic patients have more complications and higher hospital mortality rates after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) than patients without diabetes (DM). Increased morbidity and mortality among diabetic patients suffering an AMI is especially concerning given the increasing prevalence of obesity and diabetes in the U.S. and worldwide. The objectives of this study were to describe recent trends in the frequency, patient characteristics, treatment practices, and in-hospital outcomes associated with STEMI and NSTEMI in diabetic compared with non-diabetic patients hospitalized with AMI. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 6,903 persons, known to be either diabetic (n =2,329) or non-diabetic (n=4,574 ) who were hospitalized for STEMI or NSTEMI between 1997 and 2009 at all 11 greater Worcester medical centers. Results: Diabetic patients presenting with both STEMI and NSTEMI were more likely to be older, female, and obese, and to have a higher prevalence of comorbidities compared with nondiabetics. Diabetic patients were more likely to develop important in-hospital complications including heart failure (39% vs.27%),and atrial fibrillation (18% vs.16%), and had a longer hospital stay (6.3 days vs.5.4 days) compared to non-diabetics. Diabetic patients were significantly more likely to be treated with an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker and a diuretic. The proportion of patients undergoing cardiac catheterization during their index hospitalization for AMI approximately doubled during the period under study, while the proportion treated with PCI increased by 3 to 4-fold. The proportion of diabetic and non-diabetic patients undergoing cardiac catheterization was similar, though diabetics were less likely to be treated with PCI and more likely to receive CABG than non-diabetics. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher among diabetics than non-diabetics for both STEMI (13% vs. 10%) and NSTEMI (11% vs. 9%) Conclusions: During the period 1997 to 2009, the use of effective therapies for all patients presenting with AMI has improved, with a concomitant decrease in in-hospital complications and mortality . Nonetheless, diabetic patients experienced , more complications, and worse inhospital outcomes compared to non-diabetics.

The American Journal of Medicine, 2015

As adults live longer, multiple chronic conditions have become more prevalent over the past sever... more As adults live longer, multiple chronic conditions have become more prevalent over the past several decades. We describe the prevalence of, and patient characteristics associated with, cardiac and non-cardiac-related multimorbidities in patients discharged from the hospital after an acute coronary syndrome. We studied 2,174 patients discharged from the hospital after an acute coronary syndrome at 6 medical centers in Massachusetts and Georgia between April, 2011 and May, 2013. Hospital medical records yielded clinical information including presence of 8 cardiac-related and 8 non-cardiac-related morbidities on admission. We assessed multiple psychosocial characteristics during the index hospitalization using standardized in-person instruments. The mean age of the study sample was 61 years, 67% were men, and 81% were non-Hispanic whites. The most common cardiac-related morbidities were hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes (76%, 69%, and 31%, respectively). Arthritis, chronic pulmonary disease, and depression (20%, 18%, and 13%, respectively) were the most common non-cardiac morbidities. Patients with ≥4 morbidities (37% of the population) were slightly older and more frequently female than those with 0-1 morbidity; they were also heavier and more likely to be cognitively impaired (26% vs. 12%), have symptoms of moderate/severe depression (31% vs. 15%), high perceived stress (48% vs. 32%), a limited social network (22% vs. 15%), low health literacy (42% vs. 31%), and low health numeracy (54% vs. 42%). Multimorbidity, highly prevalent in patients hospitalized with an acute coronary syndrome, is strongly associated with indices of psychosocial deprivation. This emphasizes the challenge of caring for these patients, which extends well beyond acute coronary syndrome management.

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews, 2016

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews, 2016

The American journal of cardiology, Jan 29, 2016

There are limited contemporary data available describing recent trends in the magnitude and chara... more There are limited contemporary data available describing recent trends in the magnitude and characteristics of patients who are rehospitalized multiple times after hospital discharge for an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We reviewed the medical records of 4,480 residents of the Worcester, Massachusetts, metropolitan area, who were discharged from 3 Central Massachusetts medical centers after an AMI in 6 biennial periods from 2001 to 2011 and were followed for all-cause and cause-specific hospital readmissions over the subsequent 6 months. The average age of our study population was 68 years, 89% were white, and 41% were women. Overall, ∼1 of every 3 patients had a readmission to the hospital within 6 months after hospital discharge for an AMI. The proportion of patients who were readmitted to the hospital 1, 2, or 3 times for any cause within 6 months remained unchanged during the years under study (20%, 8%, and 6%, respectively); 59% of these readmissions were cardiac related. ...

ABSTRACT Background: Depression is a prevalent disorder in patients with acute coronary syndromes... more ABSTRACT Background: Depression is a prevalent disorder in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), a recent review has documented use of assessment tools in research settings. This document is intended as a practical guide for primary care clinicians. Aims: To examine the psychometric properties of the instruments utilized to assess depression in patients with ACS in primary care. Methods: We identified studies published between 1990 and 2006 that used standardized validated questionnaires to assess depression. Results: Of the studies reviewed, 85% assessed depression within a week of hospitalization for ACS. Sensitivity ranged from 75% in the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale to 88% in the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Specificity ranged from 62 % for the Geriatric Depression Scale to 88% for the PHQ-9. While the BDI was the instrument most frequently used, the PHQ-9 that is a public domain instrument was the questionnaire with the highest sensitivity and specificity. Conclusions: Evaluating depression in patients with ACS in clinical setting is complicated by the lack of uniform criteria in choosing appropriate instruments.

ABSTRACT Study Objectives: Current literature reports that Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in ado... more ABSTRACT Study Objectives: Current literature reports that Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adolescents is a serious problem frequently unrecognized and untreated. Study Methods: Participants were 2,465 adolescents who presented for a routine well care, or with physical illness accompanied by symptoms suggestive of MDD to a twenty two pediatric practices in suburban Boston from July 2003 to May 2004. Demographic characteristics were retrieved from the medical records and assessment of MDD relied upon the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) Study Results: Findings indicated that the prevalence of MDD in this group was 5%; prevalence of minor depression was 10% and prevalence of suicidal ideation among the whole sample was10%. We found that concerns about appearance, health concerns and problems with family or friends were the most important stressors associated with MDD and minor depression. Family history of alcoholism and depression were both important predictors of MDD and minor depression in this group. Finally, among those adolescents with MDD, 42% had moderately severe to severe illness. Practical Implications: Our findings indicate that MDD in adolescents residing in the community is a major public health concern that needs to be addressed to detect and initiate early treatment. Moreover, levels of suicidal ideation were common among those with MDD and were associated with functional decline

Background: Diabetic patients have more complications and higher hospital mortality rates after a... more Background: Diabetic patients have more complications and higher hospital mortality rates after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) than patients without diabetes (DM). Increased morbidity and mortality among diabetic patients suffering an AMI is especially concerning given the increasing prevalence of obesity and diabetes in the U.S. and worldwide. The objectives of this study were to describe recent trends in the frequency, patient characteristics, treatment practices, and in-hospital outcomes associated with STEMI and NSTEMI in diabetic compared with non-diabetic patients hospitalized with AMI. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 6,903 persons, known to be either diabetic (n =2,329) or non-diabetic (n=4,574 ) who were hospitalized for STEMI or NSTEMI between 1997 and 2009 at all 11 greater Worcester medical centers. Results: Diabetic patients presenting with both STEMI and NSTEMI were more likely to be older, female, and obese, and to have a higher prevalence of comorbidities compared with nondiabetics. Diabetic patients were more likely to develop important in-hospital complications including heart failure (39% vs.27%),and atrial fibrillation (18% vs.16%), and had a longer hospital stay (6.3 days vs.5.4 days) compared to non-diabetics. Diabetic patients were significantly more likely to be treated with an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker and a diuretic. The proportion of patients undergoing cardiac catheterization during their index hospitalization for AMI approximately doubled during the period under study, while the proportion treated with PCI increased by 3 to 4-fold. The proportion of diabetic and non-diabetic patients undergoing cardiac catheterization was similar, though diabetics were less likely to be treated with PCI and more likely to receive CABG than non-diabetics. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher among diabetics than non-diabetics for both STEMI (13% vs. 10%) and NSTEMI (11% vs. 9%) Conclusions: During the period 1997 to 2009, the use of effective therapies for all patients presenting with AMI has improved, with a concomitant decrease in in-hospital complications and mortality . Nonetheless, diabetic patients experienced , more complications, and worse inhospital outcomes compared to non-diabetics.

Clinics in geriatric medicine, 2016

The authors aim to synthesize the current literature on the magnitude and impact of multimorbidit... more The authors aim to synthesize the current literature on the magnitude and impact of multimorbidity on clinical outcomes in older adults with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Most studies reported a significant association between the number of morbidities and the risk of dying. Multimorbidity was assessed either by counting the number of conditions or by use of the Charlson or Elixhauser indices. There are limited data available on the magnitude and impact of multimorbidity on clinical outcomes in patients with CVD and essentially no data on universal health outcomes (eg, health-related quality of life, symptom burden, and function).

Data Revues 00029149 Unassign S0002914914000460, Jan 14, 2014

Much of our knowledge about the characteristics, clinical management, and postdischarge outcomes ... more Much of our knowledge about the characteristics, clinical management, and postdischarge outcomes of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is derived from clinical studies in middleaged and older subjects with little contemporary information available about the descriptive epidemiology of AMI in relatively young men and women. The objectives of our populationbased study were to describe >3-decade-long trends in the clinical features, treatment practices, and long-term outcomes of young adults aged 35 to 54 years discharged from the hospital after AMI. The study population consisted of 2,142 residents of the Worcester (Massachusetts) metropolitan area who were hospitalized with AMI at all central Massachusetts medical centers during 16 annual periods from 1975 to 2007. Our primarily male study population had an average age of 47 years. Patients hospitalized during the most recent decade (1997 to 2007) under study were more likely to have a history of hypertension and heart failure than those hospitalized during earlier study years. Patients were less likely to have developed heart failure or stroke during their hospitalization in the most recent compared with the initial decade under study (heart failure 13.7% and stroke 0.7% vs 20.9% and 2.0%, respectively). One-and 2-year postdischarge death rates also decreased significantly between 1975 to 1986 (6.2% and 9.0%, respectively) and 1988 to 1995 (2.6% and 4.9%). These trends were concomitant with the increasing use of effective cardiac therapies and coronary interventions during hospitalization. The present results provide insights into the changing characteristics, management, and improving long-term outcomes of relatively young patients hospitalized with AMI. Ó

The American journal of cardiology, Jan 2, 2016

There are limited contemporary data available describing the characteristics of patients who neit... more There are limited contemporary data available describing the characteristics of patients who neither died nor were readmitted to the hospital during the first year after hospital discharge for an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in comparison with those who died and/or were readmitted to the hospital during this high-risk period. Residents of the Worcester, Massachusetts, metropolitan area discharged after an AMI from 3 central Massachusetts hospitals on a biennial basis from 2001 to 2011 comprised the study population. The average age of this population (n = 4,268) was 69 years, 62% were men, and 92% were white. From 2001 to 2011, 43.5% of patients were classified as low-risk survivors of an AMI, 12.3% died, and 44.2% did not die but had at least 1 rehospitalization during the subsequent year. The proportion of low-risk survivors increased from 42.6% to 46.4%, whereas the proportion of those who died within a year after hospital discharge decreased from 14.3% to 10.5%, respectivel...

Circulation, Mar 25, 2014

Data Revues 00029149 Unassign S0002914914007048, Mar 1, 2014

Although acute myocardial infarction (AMI) occurs primarily in the elderly, this disease also aff... more Although acute myocardial infarction (AMI) occurs primarily in the elderly, this disease also affects young adults. Few studies have, however, presented data on relatively young patients hospitalized with AMI. The objectives of this population-based study were to examine recent trends in the magnitude, clinical characteristics, management, and in-hospital and long-term outcomes associated with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in patients aged 30 to 54 years. We reviewed the medical records of 955 residents of the Worcester (Massachusetts) metropolitan area aged 30 to 54 years who were hospitalized for an initial STEMI or NSTEMI in 6 biennial periods from 1999 to 2009 at 11 greater Worcester medical centers. From 1999 to 2009, the proportion of young adults hospitalized with an STEMI decreased from approximately 2/3 to 2/5 of all patients with an initial AMI. Patients with STEMI were less likely to have a history of heart failure, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and kidney disease than those with NSTEMI. Both groups received similar effective medical therapies during their acute hospitalization. In-hospital clinical complications and mortality were low and no significant differences in these end points were observed between patients with STEMI and NSTEMI or with regard to 1-year postdischarge death rates (1.9% vs 2.8%). The present results demonstrate recent decreases in the proportion of relatively young patients diagnosed with an initial STEMI. Patients with STEMI and NSTEMI had similar in-hospital outcomes and long-term survival. Trends in these and other important outcomes warrant continued monitoring.

Circulation, Mar 25, 2014

The American Journal of Medicine, 2015

As adults live longer, multiple chronic conditions have become more prevalent over the past sever... more As adults live longer, multiple chronic conditions have become more prevalent over the past several decades. We describe the prevalence of, and patient characteristics associated with, cardiac and non-cardiac-related multimorbidities in patients discharged from the hospital after an acute coronary syndrome. We studied 2,174 patients discharged from the hospital after an acute coronary syndrome at 6 medical centers in Massachusetts and Georgia between April, 2011 and May, 2013. Hospital medical records yielded clinical information including presence of 8 cardiac-related and 8 non-cardiac-related morbidities on admission. We assessed multiple psychosocial characteristics during the index hospitalization using standardized in-person instruments. The mean age of the study sample was 61 years, 67% were men, and 81% were non-Hispanic whites. The most common cardiac-related morbidities were hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes (76%, 69%, and 31%, respectively). Arthritis, chronic pulmonary disease, and depression (20%, 18%, and 13%, respectively) were the most common non-cardiac morbidities. Patients with ≥4 morbidities (37% of the population) were slightly older and more frequently female than those with 0-1 morbidity; they were also heavier and more likely to be cognitively impaired (26% vs. 12%), have symptoms of moderate/severe depression (31% vs. 15%), high perceived stress (48% vs. 32%), a limited social network (22% vs. 15%), low health literacy (42% vs. 31%), and low health numeracy (54% vs. 42%). Multimorbidity, highly prevalent in patients hospitalized with an acute coronary syndrome, is strongly associated with indices of psychosocial deprivation. This emphasizes the challenge of caring for these patients, which extends well beyond acute coronary syndrome management.