Oats are predominantly a European and North American crop, as they have cool moist climate; Russia, Canada, the United States, Finland, and Poland are leading oat producing countries. Oats have been used as livestock and human foods since ancient times. Oats (Avena sativa) is a class of cereal grain essentially grown for human consumption as well as for livestock fodder. Food industry fundamentally alter agricultural commodities into foods making it edible, palatable as well as appealing; by innumerable physical and chemical operations increasing shelf-life, bioavailability of the nutrients, stabilizing colour, flavour along with increase in the economic value of the grain. Recent observational and human interventional studies indicate that oats can have an impact on various non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes; obesity and hypertension etc. Therefore it is important to increase awareness of oats and its health benefits among individuals thereby encouraging them to increase the frequency of oats in the diet. In the year 1997, USFDA approved the use of a health claim "3g/day of oat Beta- glucan may help lower blood total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) cholesterol". Over all consumption of oats has increased in the recent years due to its nutritional benefits; presence of Beta-glucan, antioxidants like Avenanthramides, vitamin E (tocotrienols and tocopherols).

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Background: Treatment of the left ventricular thrombus (LVT) with Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) such as warfarin may lead to longer hospitalization. Thus, the potential of non-VKA oral anticoagulants as alternative to warfarin need to be explored. This study aims to investigate the size reduction or resolution of LVT with apixaban compared to conventional warfarin. Materials and Methods: This is a pilot, prospective, single-center, randomized, single-blinded outcome study with patients diagnosed with LVT. Patients diagnosed with LVT by echocardiography were randomized into two treatment groups: apixaban or warfarin, with target international normalized ratio 2–3. Echocardiography was repeated at weeks 6 and 12 to assess the LVT size. The percentage of reduction or total resolution during the first 12 weeks was the primary endpoint. Repeated measure ANCOVA was used to evaluate the differences in left ventricular (LV) thrombus size between treatment groups. Results: Twenty-seven patients were recruited: 14 were treated with apixaban and 13 patients with warfarin. Thirteen patients completed treatment in the apixaban arm with one patient lost to follow-up, and one death observed. In the warfarin arm, nine patients completed the study follow-up, and four died during the follow-up. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) reduction in LV thrombus size in apixaban arm was 65.1% (SD 31.3) versus warfarin arm, 61.5% (SD 44.0) at the 12^th week follow-up (P = 0.816). Safety outcomes were similar with both treatment arms. Conclusions: This pilot study suggests that apixaban may have similar effectiveness and safety to warfarin for LVT resolution.

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Cardiometabolic risk is a condition in which the possibilities of developing vascular diseases including hypertension, metabolic syndrome, obesity, type 2 diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and stroke are significantly enhanced as a consequence of the presence of various risk factors, which are known to promote these conditions. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) cause one-third of all deaths worldwide. Noncommunicable Disease Risk Factor Collaboration, in their seminal article in the Lancet (April 2016), concluded that “if the post-2000 trends continue in the incidence and rise of diabetes, the probability of meeting the global target of halting the rise in the prevalence of diabetes by 2025–2020 level worldwide is lower than one percent.“ According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, today, 2.1 billion people, nearly 30% of the global population, are either obese or overweight – a new, first-of-a-kind analysis of trend data from 180 countries. As part of the 2020 impact goals, the American Heart Association (AHA) has set out seven ideal health goals; not smoking, maintaining a normal weight, increased physical activity, a healthy diet, normal blood lipid levels, normal blood pressure, and a normal fasting glucose. An analysis of the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey showed that individuals who met five of the seven ideal metrics of AHA had a 78% reduction in the hazard ratio for all-cause mortality. The INTERHEART study estimated that modifiable risk factors accounted for 90% of the population attributable risk for heart disease in men and 94% of the risk in women. Consistent with this, Khera et al. (NEJM: 375:2349–582,016) showed that in four studies with over 55,000 participants, a favorable lifestyle intervention was associated with nearly 50% lower risk for coronary artery disease, in spite of the genetic risk. In this overview, we discuss some prevention strategies for the major cardiometabolic conditions such as hypertension, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and ischemic heart disease. We also discuss results of studies in which reversal of these disease conditions has been claimed.

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Background: Myocardial infarction (MI), the most common cardiovascular disease, has assumed an epidemic proportion today. Higher prevalence of MI is reported from India (a low-middle income country) with the state of Kerala topping the list. Limited data exist on the impact of psychosocial factors on MI in India. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 cases (with MI) and 100 controls (without MI and matched for age and gender) were selected using consecutive sampling from a tertiary hospital in Trivandrum, Kerala, India. Data on depression, anxiety and stress were collected using the depression, anxiety and stress scales (DASS 21). Chi-square test was used to study the association of the variables under study with MI. Multivariate logistic regression was used to control for confounders. The unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 99% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. Results: Depression (35% vs. 20%, P = 0.024), anxiety (41% vs. 14%, P < 0.001) and stress (36% vs. 15%, P = 0.002) had a statistically significant association with MI on comparing cases vs. controls. Higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress were associated with an increased risk of MI with OR of 2.790, 6.429, and 3.470, respectively. Conclusion: Depression, anxiety and stress were associated with MI. Prospective studies are required to confirm our findings.

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Fragmented QRS is defined as the presence of R' wave or notching of R or S wave in the presence of narrow QRS. It indicates heterogeneous depolarization of the ventricular myocardium that can occur due to ischemia, fibrosis, or scar. It may also be a marker of coronary microvascular dysfunction. In the context of epicardial coronary artery disease, it is associated with multivessel disease and greater incidence of cardiac events. It has been shown to be an indicator of higher incidence of arrhythmias and sudden death in arrhythmic right ventricular dysplasia, Brugada syndrome, and acquired long QT syndrome. Its regression following cardiac resynchronization therapy suggests electrical reverse remodeling. It has also been shown to be a marker of myocardial involvement in congenital heart diseases and is helpful in diagnosing subclinical cardiac involvement in various systemic diseases.

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Background and Objectives: Physical inactivity is an important cardiovascular risk factor. This study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with insufficient physical activity (PA) in urban and rural Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India, among adults aged 30–64 years. Methodology: A cross-sectional World Health Organization STEPS survey was carried out in 48 wards of Vellore Municipality and nine rural villages of Tamil Nadu in 2010–2012. Adults (n = 6164, men 43.9%) aged 30–64 years were interviewed using the Global PA Questionnaire (2390 urban and 3774 rural). Insufficient PA was defined as not meeting the recommendation of 150 min of moderate aerobic PA, or 75 min of vigorous aerobic PA, or an equivalent combination, achieving at least 600 metabolic equivalent-minutes per day. Results: The prevalence of insufficient PA was 63.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 61.3%–65.3%) in the urban area and 40.6% (95% CI: 39.0%–42.2%) in the rural area. Women had a higher prevalence of insufficient PA compared to men, in both urban (70.8% vs. 53.8%) and rural (44.5% vs. 35.6%) areas. Those with higher education (odds ratio [OR]: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.20–1.53) and who were unemployed (OR: 2.97, 95% CI: 2.59–3.39) reported insufficient PA which was significantly higher than their counterparts. While urban participants had higher leisure time PA, rural participants had higher work- and travel-related PA. Conclusions: The high prevalence of insufficient PA found in this study shows that targeted interventions are needed to reduce insufficient PA, especially for women and urban populations.

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Objective: The present study was undertaken in young patients of ischemic heart disease (IHD) to assess clinical, biochemical and angiographic profile, conventional and newer risk factors, and correlation of risk factors with significant and nonsignificant coronary artery disease (CAD). Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted in 70 cases of young IHD (male ≤35 years and females ≤40 years). Patients were evaluated for clinical, biochemical and angiographic profiles, and conventional risk factors such as dyslipidemia, hypertension (HT), diabetes mellitus (DM), and family history of premature CAD (PCAD). Newer risk factors such as lipoprotein (a) (Lp [a]), homocysteine, and plasma fibrinogen were also assessed in some (n = 44) cases. Results: Mean age of patients was 32.97 ± 3.93 years; 11 (15.7%) were women. Various risk factors such as tobacco/gutka chewing, HT, smoking, DM, and family history of PCAD were observed in 35.7%, 22.8%, 17.1%, 11.5%, and 8.6% of patients, respectively. Nearly 77.6% of patients presented with anterior wall myocardial infarction and 61.4% were having moderate left ventricular dysfunction on echocardiography. Total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TGs), and TC/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TC/HDL-C) were increased in 38.6%, 41.4%, 32.9%, and 25.7% patients, respectively. Newer risk factors such as Lp (a), homocysteine, and plasma fibrinogen were elevated in 61.4%, 77.3%, and 18.2% of patients, respectively. On coronary angiography, single-vessel disease was found in more than half of the patients (57.1%) followed by double-vessel disease (11.5%) and triple-vessel disease (7.1%). Coronary angiogram was normal in 24.3% of patients. Positive family history of PCAD, serum TGs, TC/HDL-C, and LDL-C/HDL-C were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with significant CAD as compared to nonsignificant CAD, whereas no such correlation was found in relation to newer risk factors. Conclusion: Indian males in South Asian population appear more prone to develop CAD; therefore, screening for risk factors should start at an earlier age. Smoking and tobacco chewing cessation, promotion of physical activities, and healthy dietary pattern have to be strongly encouraged in this vulnerable group.

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The habitual level of physical activity of the human race has significantly and abruptly declined in the last few generations due to technological developments. The professional societies and government health agencies have published minimum physical activity requirement guidelines to educate the masses about the importance of exercise and to reduce cardiovascular (CV) and all-cause mortality at the population level. There is growing participation in marathon running by amateur, middle-aged cases with a belief that more intense exercise will give incremental health benefits. Experts have cautioned the nonathlete amateurs about the "exercise paradox" and probable deleterious effects of high-intensity prolonged exercise on CV and musculoskeletal system. The epidemiological studies suggest a "reverse J shaped" relationship between running intensity and CV mortality. The highest benefits of reduction in CV and all-cause mortality are achieved at a lower intensity of running while the benefits tend to get blunted at a higher intensity of running. The physicians should have a balanced discussion with the amateur runners training for a marathon, about risks and benefits of high-intensity exercise, and should evaluate them to rule out the occult coronary disease.

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Measurement of cardiac biomarkers has become routine for the care of patients with heart failure (HF). While troponin and natriuretic peptides are well-entrenched in the guidelines, soluble ST2 (sST2) is a novel biomarker that has shown consistent performance and is ready for clinical use. Multiple studies support the use of sST2 in both acute and chronic HF for prognostication. We suggest a novel scheme to guide HF management based on ambulatory sST2 levels.

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Background: Earlobe crease (ELC) has been found to be associated with the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in many studies; however, studies from India are limited. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of CAD in those with ELC and to assess the correlation of ELC with severity of CAD. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, multicenter study; 1400 patients undergoing coronary angiogram were approached, but 1070 patients were analyzed after excluding patients with ear piercings and other ear diseases. Patients were classified into no ELC, mild ELC, and severe ELC according to Ishi et al. Results: Seven hundred and eighty patients had CAD proven by coronary angiography. Of these, 74% (580/780) had an ELC either mild or severe. The patients with ELC had a significantly higher incidence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hypercholesterolemia. However, the prevalence of smoking and family history of premature cardiovascular death were similar in both the groups. The prevalence of CAD was found to be significantly higher (odds ratio [OR]: 4.22 [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.18–5.61], P < 0.0001) among the patients with ELC (580/698) in comparison to patients without ELC (200/372). The prevalence of multivessel disease (MVD) was found to be significantly higher among the ELC-positive patients than ELC-negative patients (OR: 5.03 [95% CI: 3.61–6.90], P < 0.0001). Moreover, MVD was significantly more prevalent in patients (OR: 6.27 [95% CI: 4.23–9.29], P < 0.0001) in the severe ELC group (150/190) in comparison to the mild ELC group (190/508). Conclusion: ELC is an important clinical sign which should be examined carefully for its presence as well as severity. Both presence and severity of crease were related to occurrence and severity of CAD, respectively, in our study. Long-term cohort studies involving multiple ethnicity populations are necessary to determine the role of ELC in development as well as prognosis of CAD.

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Coronary vasospasm and myocarditis are both recognized mimics of ST elevation myocardial infarction with normal coronary arteries. The occurrence of both pathologies in the same patient has rarely been described. We report a case of a 27-year-old man initially presenting with history and electrocardiogram (ECG) findings consistent with acute myocarditis who subsequently developed severe chest pain and new ST elevation, mimicking a myocardial infarction. Subsequent coronary angiography was normal, indicative of coronary vasospasm being the cause of ECG changes and symptoms. Previous case reports with a similar presentation are reviewed and potential mechanisms causing this association discussed.

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Introduction: Coronary artery disease is an important public health issue in India. Over the last few decades, several studies have led to an understanding of the disease with respect to Indian population. However, lacunae still exist in several aspects of this burning health issue. There is a lack of data on acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in the young Indian population. Our study targeted an important subgroup of Indian population which is the young Indian women. In this study, we present a brief overview of the clinical and laboratory characteristics of young Indian women who presented in our Institute with ACS. Methods: A total of 63 female patients aged ≤45 years with a diagnosis of ACS after satisfying inclusion-exclusion criteria were chosen for the study. Baseline demographics, laboratory investigations, electrocardiogram, echocardiographic assessment, and coronary angiogram with subsequent treatment approach and outcomes were recorded. Results: Dyslipidemia was the most common prevalent risk factors among the study patients, while diabetes and hypertension were other common risk factors noted. Among 63 patients admitted with ACS, 77% (n = 21) received primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and 11.1% (n = 7) received thrombolytic therapy. The average duration of hospital stay was 4 ± 1 day. Conclusion: It was observed that dyslipidemia was major risk factor for ACS among young Indian woman included in our study. Other risk factors included diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Chest pain (95.2%) was the most common complaint. In 76% cases, the coronary angiogram revealed single vessel disease with left anterior descending coronary artery being the culprit vessel in 69.8% cases. Majority of the participants had preserved left ventricular function at the time of discharge. Nearly 85% of our patients received PCI as the revascularization strategy of choice.

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Background: Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) continues to create havoc in the developing countries even decades after its discovery. It is entirely preventable through primordial, primary, and secondary level intervention. Secondary prevention is a reasonable treatment option in patients in India, but it suffers due to poor adherence which remains the main impediment to its implementation. The aim is to study the compliance with benzathine penicillin as secondary prophylaxis in RHD patients and to establish the patient-related factors for adherence and reasons for missing of doses. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of RHD patients presenting to our institute. The demographic data, clinical history, and details of penicillin prophylaxis were noted. The patient was labeled as compliant or noncompliant depending on frequency and duration of prophylaxis as prescribed. Potential factors between the two groups have been analyzed by univariate and binary logistic regression. Results: The study cohort of 500 patients consisted of 261 compliant and 239 noncompliant patients. Average age of presentation was 29 ± 13 years with females outnumbering the males. Noncompliance with secondary prophylaxis was more prevalent among male (P = 0.003), low socioeconomic class (P = 0.0009), uneducated (P = 0.000018), and the rural population (P = 0.025) while those with previous history of rheumatic fever (RF) were found to be more compliant (P = 0.04). Recurrences of RF were more common in those not on regular prophylaxis (P = 0.011). The most common reason cited for noncompliance was the absence of proper counseling followed by a sense of well-being, injection site pain and financial constraints. Conclusion: Compliance with secondary penicillin prophylaxis is essential to ensure eradication of RHD. Education about the importance and necessity of prophylaxis would improve compliance. A close patient and health personnel relationship is important in improving adherence to secondary prophylaxis.

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Background: Limited evidence is available among Indian patients regarding significance of microalbuminuria (MA) in context of hypertension and future cardiovascular morbidity. Therefore, the current study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of MA in hypertensive patients and to examine its correlation with severity of hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and common carotid intima-media thickness (CCIMT). Material and Methods: Fifty treatment-naïve hypertensive patients (16–80 years of age) were prospectively enrolled. All patients underwent basic metabolic profile, urine evaluation, echocardiography, and measurement of CCIMT, and the data were evaluated. Results: MA (defined as urinary albumin excretion in the range of 30–300 mg/24 h) was present in 44% of patients with newly detected essential hypertension. A significant number of patients with MA had abnormally high mean left ventricular mass index as compared to those without MA. In addition, a positive correlation was also observed between MA and LVH. Furthermore, mean CCIMT was found to be higher in patients with MA (P < 0.001), with 69.2% of the patients with MA having elevated mean CCIMT. The CCIMT had a positive correlation with both MA and LVH. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the presence of MA in a significant number of newly detected and untreated patients of essential hypertension. Further, MA had a statistically significant relationship with LVH and CCIMT. Thus, screening of all recently diagnosed patients of essential hypertension for MA may be a reasonable strategy to predict the presence of future cardiovascular risk.

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Aims and Objectives: The Wellysis S-PAtch Cardio versus Conventional Holter Ambulatory Electrocardiographic Monitoring (PACER) trial consists of multiple arms. First arm is a prospective, interventional, nonrandomized, single group assignment, diagnostic substudy with intention to treat. This head-to-head trial aims to compare the diagnostic yield, or ability to detect arrhythmias – especially paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) – of the conventional Ambulatory Holter monitoring device with the Wellysis S-Patch Cardio, a novel, low-profile device consisting of a single positive bipolar lead corresponding to the standard limb lead II (n = 10). Second arm is a validation substudy of the Wellysis S-Patch Cardio device in terms of overall performance (n = 86). Background: It is widely recognized that technology can improve the health of populations in countries around the world. Smartphone technology is at the forefront of innovation in low-, middle-, and high-income countries. The smartphone technology has already improved the doctor–patient interaction, reducing costs and improving care for patients. Methodology: In the comparator arm, patients who satisfied the eligibility criteria as well as referred for ambulatory ECG monitoring were consented and enrolled prospectively to have the Holter monitor and the Wellysis S-Patch Cardio device placed simultaneously (n = 10) for 24–48 h and the incidence of clinically significant arrhythmias were compared. A feedback questionnaire was given to patients/paramedics and clinicians after completion of the study. The overall performance (patient, paramedic and clinician feedback and questionnaire derived subjective composite index of comfort, usability, interference with daily activities, adverse events, adaptability, robustness, repeatability, durability, clinical analysis, clarity of recorded signals, efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness) of Wellysis S-Patch Cardio device was compared with multi lead Holter Monitor in this head to head trial (n = 10). In the validation arm patients who satisfied the eligibility were consented and enrolled prospectively to have the Wellysis S-Patch Cardio device placed (n = 86) for 24–48 h and the incidence of clinically significant arrhythmias noted. Results: Preliminary results from the comparator arm (n = 10), Mc Nemars analysis, revealed odds ratio 1.000, 95% confidence interval 0.072–13.796, χ² = 0.250, DF = 1, P < 0.6171; supporting the null hypothesis-Wellysis S-Patch Cardio is comparable to Holter in terms of Overall Performance (comfort, usability, interference with daily activities, adverse events, adaptability, robustness, repeatability, durability, clinical analysis, clarity of recorded signals, efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness). Conclusion: Multi lead ambulatory Holter monitoring remains the gold standard for arrhythmia detection. However, Wellysis S-Patch Cardio device has a definite complementary role in the detection of PAF in cryptogenic stroke patients.

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QT interval extends from the beginning of QRS complex to the end of T wave. Thus, it includes the duration of ventricular depolarization (QRS) and repolarization (J point to end of T wave). It corresponds to the duration of cellular action potential. “long-” and “short”-QT intervals are considered as risk markers for cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death. In the last decade, there have been significant advances in our understanding about measurement and significance of QT interval. We have made an attempt to review the literature to find the limitations and queries surrounding the present status of measurement of QT interval and its significance as a risk marker for cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death.

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Cilnidipine is a promising fourth-generation calcium channel blocker which along with inhibition of the L-type Ca ²⁺ channels in vascular smooth muscle cells, also inhibits the N-type Ca ²⁺ channels in sympathetic neurons. As a result, in addition to hypotensive action secondary to vascular relaxation, it also demonstrates significant sympatholytic action, whereby it attenuates platelet activation (and consequent arterial thrombosis), tachycardia, oxidative stress, and also inhibits activation of renin-angiotensin system in blood vessels. By virtue of the latter effect, they relieve constriction of postglomerular vessels and thereby ameliorate glomerular hypertension and render renoprotective effect. Besides these, cilnidipine also improves insulin resistance, nitric oxide production, and protects against retinal neuronal injury. Thus, it is expected to be a very useful addition in the current armamentarium for the treatment of hypertension.

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Background: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR), despite numerous evidence of a positive impact on morbidity and mortality, still remains underutilized due to multifactorial reasons. Physician endorsement has been shown to be a very powerful predictor of CR referral. The objective of the study was to describe physicians' attitudes and preferences regarding referral of patients to CR. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of a stratified random sample of 160 physicians specializing in cardiology was conducted at the Philippine Heart Center. One hundred and four physicians responded (65% response rate) to a survey that investigated clinical factors and perceptions affecting referral. Included in the survey was a hypothetical case scenario that elicited open-ended responses affecting physician management preferences. Results: About 78.9% of the physicians stated that they would refer the hypothetical case to CR although there were varied responses in their management practices. The most important factor affecting CR referral was financial limitation, followed by geographic location and issues on program accessibility and benefit. While there is general agreement regarding knowledge of the indications of CR, there is a disparity in the responses with regard to actual referral and management preferences. Conclusions: Financial considerations, accessibility, perceived benefit, and health-care system-related aspects are some of the identified factors that affect physician preferences toward referral to CR. Assessment of physician attitudes and factors affecting CR referral practices provides insight regarding potential targets of improvement to ensure adequate CR referral and provision.

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Objective: The objective of the study is to study the usefulness of electrocardiography in localizing the culprit vessel in acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the electrocardiogram (ECG) findings by comparing them with coronary angiographic findings. Materials and Methods: This study is prospective observational study, conducted on fifty patients in tertiary care center attached to medical college. Patients with ST-segment elevation in ECG was evaluated to identify culprit vessel and later correlated with their coronary angiography. Results: Among fifty patients in the study, 34 had anterior wall, and 16 had inferior wall myocardial infarction. ST↑ >1 mm in V4R, ST↓V3/ST↑LIII <0.5 were equally sensitive for diagnosing proximal right coronary artery occlusion. For left circumflex occlusion, ST elevation in lead III >lead II was the most sensitive and ratio of ST↓V3/ST↑LIII >1.2 was the most specific criterion. In anterior wall STEMI, 52.9% patients had occlusion proximal to first septal (S1), 17.6% had occlusion proximal to first diagonal (D1), 8.8% had occlusion distal to S1, and 20.5% had occlusion distal to D1. Q wave in aVL had maximum sensitivity for identifying occlusion proximal to D1 and Q wave in leads V4-V6 for occlusion distal to S1. Conclusion: The admission ECG in patients with STEMI is valuable not only for determining early reperfusion treatment, but also provides important information to guide clinical decision-making.

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Background: Frozen shoulder is a condition characterized by pain and global restriction of movement with loss of external rotation. Cardiac surgery may predispose frozen shoulder as patients tend to immobilize their upper limbs after surgery. Objectives: The aim of this study is to analyze the clinical profile of patients presenting with symptoms of periarthritis shoulder and to determine the incidence of frozen shoulder among patients undergoing cardiac surgery as well as to find the factors associated with its development. Methods: It is a clinical observational study done in the Cardiology Department of Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai, between August 2015 and May 2016, on 100 patients who underwent cardiac surgery and attended the follow-up session as an outpatient. Data were collected by face-to-face interview using a standardized questionnaire. Respondents presenting with pain and restricted movement of shoulder joint with positive limitation in lateral rotation, abduction, and medial rotation (LAM) test were considered to have frozen shoulder. Each participant was followed up for 3 months postcardiac surgery. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 53.63 ± 13.03 years, and 65% were males. Of the 100 participants, 20 (20%) developed frozen shoulder. Age (P < 0.01), diabetes mellitus (<0.01), hypertension (P < 0.001), type of surgery (P < 0.02), and regularity of physiotherapy follow-up (P < 0.01) had significant association with positive LAM test on univariate analysis. However, on multivariate logistic regression analysis, only hypertension and physiotherapy regularity were found to have a trend toward a significant independent association with the occurrence of frozen shoulder (P = 0.090 and 0.097, respectively). Conclusion: The present study shows that cardiac surgery increases the risk of developing frozen shoulder during the early postoperative period. Statistically significant correlation existed between positive LAM test and age of the patients, presence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension, type of cardiac surgery, and the regularity of physiotherapy follow-up.

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Context: It has been hypothesized that diagonal earlobe crease (DELC), “Frank's sign” is indicative of coronary artery disease (CAD) and/or diabetes mellitus (DM). Several studies have confirmed an association between DELC and cardiac morbidity, mortality, and hypertension (HTN). However, some studies have not found any significant association. Aims: This study aims to find out the prevalence of DELC and its association with CAD, DM, and HTN. Settings and Design: Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad Corporation area. This was a cross-sectional analytical study. Subjects and Methods: Study participants: Adults from 18 to 60 years age. Inclusion criteria: willing to participate in the study Exclusion criteria: Wearing heavy ear rings and excessive normal generalized wrinkling of the skin. Sample size: Sample size 6310, determined after a pilot study revealing DELC in 1.5%. Sampling technique: Two-stage cluster sampling. Duration of study: 6 months. Study tools: Predesigned, pilot tested pro forma. Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS 22 software. Prevalence and percentages were calculated, and Chi-square test was applied. Results: Out of 6638 participants, 179 had DELC. The prevalence of bilateral DELC was 2.7%. The prevalence was significantly high among males (4.13%) and in the 51–60 years age group (5.29%). The prevalence of Grade 3 DELC was high and 91% of young adults had Grade 3 DELC. There were 408 (6.15%) participants who gave a history of CAD, 827 (12.46%) of DM, and 670 (10.09%) HTN. Significantly high association observed between DELC and CAD, DM, and HTN. CAD, DM, and HTN were significantly associated with Grade 3. Conclusions: The prevalence of bilateral DELC was 2.7% and is significantly associated with CAD, DM, and HTN.

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The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) has been increasing over the years and is one of the leading causes of deaths in the Indian population. While women may have a lower risk of CVD, as compared to men, during the early phases of life, it has been determined that in the later stages of life, more number of women suffer from CVD as compared to men. Moreover, women might also experience disproportionately high mortality due to CVD. Obesity is among one of the most important reasons underlying greater burden of CVD in women. The problem of obesity is continuously growing even in developing countries like India and is more common in females and urban populations. Females are particularly prone to weight gain because of certain bodily changes which they have to go through during their life span. Obesity is associated with several risk factors such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, which increase the risk of CVD. Additionally, obesity also leads to various other health problems such as uterine cancer, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, and breast cancer. Accordingly, prevention and management of obesity is an important health goal and diet plays an integral role in this. Diets rich in foods with high glycemic index (GI), high sodium content and low fruit and vegetable intake have been correlated with greater risk of CVD. Therefore, foods with low GI should be incorporated in the diets. In general, diets rich in dietary fiber have been associated with lower plasma cholesterol levels. Adequate intake of dietary fiber, phytochemicals, and antioxidants such as polyphenols, isothiocyanates, carotenoids, flavonoids, ascorbic acid and folates in the form of fresh fruits and vegetables offer cardioprotective benefits.

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Coronary micro vessels are not visible on coronary angiography. These include prearterioles, arterioles, and capillaries. Significant number of patients of angina have coronary microvascular dysfunction alone or in combination with stenosis and/or spasm of epicardial coronary arteries. Its management is challenging. Several different therapeutic options have been tried with variable success. The present review provides overview of the available evidence with various therapeutic modalities for the treatment of microvascular angina.

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