hossein farshidi

The National Persian Registry of Cardiovascular Disease (N-PROVE) has been established to provide a comprehensive database of cardiovascular diseases in the Iranian community for further investigations and to develop national guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). As with most clinical registries, a quality control audit is necessary to ensure a comprehensive and accurate registry; the current study aims to assess the validity and quality of the N-PROVE/Angiography/Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) registry. The current cross-sectional quality assessment study serves as an example of data quality assessment in N-PROVE on a sample of patients registered in the N-PROVE/Angiography/PCI registry since 2020. Accordingly, data of 194 patients, including comorbidities, angiography, and angioplasty characteristics, were collected from the N-PROVE/Angiography/PCI registry as the main database and reevaluated by a panel consisting of a cardiologist and two coronary intervention fellowships as a test database. The quality control of the population-based healthcare database, the N-PROVE/PCI, revealed that the average error rate in terms of comorbidities, angiography characteristics, angioplasty characteristics, and in total were 3.8%, 2.3%, 3%, and 3.03%, respectively. According to the findings of this study, the N-PROVE/PCI registry had an average error of less than 4% in the assessed dimensions, including comorbidities, angiography, and angioplasty characteristics. Therefore, this registry appears valid and may be used for contemporary epidemiological studies.

In Iran, one of the most important and influential sources for financing the Primary Health Care (PHC )is the government budget. This study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the allocation of the PHC budget and evaluating the equality in the allocation of these resources.

In this applied descriptive-analytical study, the study population included all of Iran's 31 provinces. Data was gathered from the registered statistics of the Ministry of Health and the Iranian Statistics Center for the years 2021 and 2022. In this research, the Gini coefficient and the Lorenz curve have been used to measure equality in the allocation of the PHC budget.

The results showed that in 2022, the PHC budget increased by 50% compared to 2021. 20 provinces received less than the national average, and 11 provinces received more than the national average. The average allocation budget in urban areas in 2021 and 2022 is 596,452 and 854,936 million rials ($2,385,808 and $2,374,822), respectively. The average allocation budget in rural areas in 2021 and 2022 is 1,144,350 and 1,752,936 million rials, respectively ($4,577,400 and $4,869,267). The numerical value of the Gini coefficient for the budget allocation in 2021 and 2022 was 0.20 and 0.19, respectively.

The Gini coefficient shows that the allocation of the PHC budget is relatively unequal. Advocacy for the reallocation of resources in the health sector based on evidence and based on the deprivation coefficient of demographic groups is one of the most basic ways to support the more deprived and less developed provinces.

lysyl oxidase (LOX) and magnesium contribute to vascular development and stability. So, this research describes the therapeutic role of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) in patient with moderate coronary artery disease (CAD) through regulating the serum levels of LOX and nitric oxide. A randomized double blind placebo-controlled clinical trial with 76 moderate CAD patients divided into four groups. They randomized to use of capsules containing placebo or MgSO4 (300mg) daily during 6 months. So experiments are designed to include Mg-treated- groups with 1and 2 atherosclerotic plaque (Mg-VR1, and Mg -VR2) and placebo-treated- participants with 1 and 2 atherosclerotic plaque (placebo -VR1, placebo -VR2). Every 3 months, LOX, homocysteine, nitrite, and lipid profiles levels were measured. The women and men with moderate CAD who had age of more than 55 and 50 years respectively were included. Total cholesterol and TG (triglycerides) was significantly decreased 6 months after intervention (p<0. 01). Decrease of serum homocysteine level was seen in all groups during the study but the reduction in placebo groups were more than Mg- treated groups (p<0.001). 3months after treatment with MgSO4, LOX was maintained in high levels and returns to base line at 6 months follow up (p<0.001). The rise of nitrite level in placebo -VR2 groups was significantly greater than Mgso4-VR2 treatment (p<0.001). magnesium sulfate may prevent the progression of arteriosclerosis through modulating LOX and homocysteine level and prevent increasing of nitrite level. This randomized study has been approved by Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials with IRCT20151028024756N3 code

Prediabetes is associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). The current study aimed to investigate the association between impaired fasting glucose (IFG), CAD, and coronary artery stenosis severity.

This case-control study was performed on 35-70 year-old non-diabetic individuals. Patients who had coronary artery stenosis ≥ 50% at least in one coronary artery and those with stenosis < 50% on angiography were considered as case and control groups, respectively. Patients were selected from Shahid Mohammadi Educational Medical Center in Bandar Abbas in 2018-2019. Age, gender, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia, family history of CAD, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), creatinine, and lipid profiles were compared between the two groups.

There were 52 subjects in each case and control group. The mean age of participants (N = 104) was 54.83 ± 9.36, and 71.2% of them were male. The mean of FPG (P < 0.0001), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (P = 0.02), triglyceride (P = 0.007), and the HbA1c (P = 0.011) were significantly higher in the case group than in the control group. Moreover, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were significantly lower in the CAD group compared to the control group (P = 0.006). Furthermore, binary logistic regression demonstrated that the chance of IFG was (OR: 12.49), HbA1c (OR: 12.28), and LDL (OR: 1.05) in people with CAD.

IFG and elevated HbA1c levels are significantly associated with an increased risk of CAD in the Iranian adult population.

Controlling hypertension is a key component in the management of cardiovascular risk factors and is an essential part of the prevention strategy.

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in seven integrated health centers covering most families in Bandar Abbas from July 2019 to February 2020. The sample size was estimated to include 968 individuals. Independent samples t-test and Chi-square test were used to compare groups. In addition, some factors affecting uncontrolled blood pressure were identified using logistic regression.

In this study, 68.4% and 31.6% were women and men, respectively, of whom 136 cases were single, while 756 cases were married. With an increase in age, the prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension in both genders showed a significant increase (P < 0.001). Univariate logistic regression (crude odds ratios, ORs) demonstrated that age over 60 years, smoking, diabetes mellitus, physical inactivity, and the use of salt were the most important factors influencing the presence of uncontrolled hypertension. According to the results of the multivariable logistic regression model, smoking was the most important factor affecting the inability to control hypertension since controlling the effect of other variables triggered the chance of not controlling hypertension in smokers as 2.76 times higher than in non-smokers (adjusted OR: 2.76, 95% confidence interval: 1.05-7.26).

Since using table salt, a sedentary lifestyle, and smoking count as risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, necessary prevention and treatment planning are strongly recommended to control modifiable risk factors in this city through public education.

 The COVID-19 pandemic has raised a serious challenge for health care systems, a challenge which requires taking effective and intensive measures to provide patient care. COVID-19 can cause damages to various organs, including heart, through causing various changes in the inflammatory and coagulation systems. Some cases of cardiac injury can display mistakable signs of myocardial infarction (MI). Cardiac injury can mimic acute conditions such as MI.

 In this study, a case of a 33-year-old man with an initial diagnosis of MI by ST-elevation was investigated. He later developed pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) after being treated with fibrinolytic and anticoagulants; after further investigations, however, he was found not afflicted with primary MI. Our findings may have proven useful in demonstrating the unexpected effects of anticoagulants on COVID-19.

 Miss-diagnosing these cases as well as administrating effective treatment for COVID-19 patients may have posed real risks to the patients and made it difficult to manage them due to the high risk of death and the lack of differential diagnosis of the given patients.

Determining cardiovascular disease (CVD) research priorities is essential given the high burden of these diseases, limited financial resources, and competing priorities. This study aimed to determine the research priorities in CVD field in Iran using standard indigenous methods.

An extensive search was done in relevant international and national studies. Then, an indigenous standard multistage approach based on multicriteria decision analysis steps was adapted to local situation and implemented. This process included forming a working group of experts in priority setting methodology, identifying the context and prioritization framework, discussing the methodology with the National Network of CVD Research  NCVDR) members who ultimately determined the priority research topics, weighted topics criteria, ranked topics, and reviewed all determined  esearch priorities for final report.

Thirteen cardiovascular research priorities were determined by the NCVDR members. The first  ive priorities based on their scores include studies in hypertension, prevention and control of ischemic heart disease (IHD) and its risk  actors, burden of IHD, Registration of CVDs, and COVID?19 and CVDs.

Cardiovascular research priorities were determined using a standard indigenous approach by national experts who are the NCVDR members. These priorities can be used by researchers and health decision makers.

There is limited evidence regarding the risk factors and nutritional patterns in patients with premature coronary artery disease (PCAD). This study aims to investigate the relationship between different dietary patterns and risk factors in patients with PCAD.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on PCAD patients, including men younger than 55 years and women younger than 65 years, who underwent coronary angiography in the Angiography Department of the Shahid Mohamadi Hospital, Bandar Abbas, Iran. Anthropometric and clinical examination, demographic questionnaires, and containing dietary intake and physical activity questionnaires were filled for all participants.

The most prevalent risk factors for obstructive PCAD in the 65 selected patients were family history of coronary artery disease (CAD) (73%), hypertension (52%), and overweight/obesity (50%). Daily consumption of hydrogenated fats (P = 0.008) and high-fat milk (P < 0.001) were significantly higher in obstructive PCAD patients compared to non-obstructive and non-PCAD patients. Daily consumption of fruits was significantly higher in non-obstructive and non-PCAD patients compared to obstructive PCAD patients (P = 0.039).

Family history of CAD, hypertension, and obesity were found to be the most common risk factors among obstructive PCAD patients.  According to the findings, increased consumption of high-fat milk and hydrogenated fats may increase the risk of PCAD, whereas, daily consumption of fruits may reduce the risk of PCAD.

To investigate the effects of comprehensive, integrated interventions on dyslipidemia Knowledge and Practices (LIPOKAP) using population and high-risk approaches.

The baseline of this national, multicentric community trial was conducted on three groups: the general population (adults over the age of 18 and their children aged 6-18), patients with dyslipidemia and their caregivers, and health professionals (physicians, nurses, health providers, and health workers). The general population was selected using multi-stage random sampling, while patients and health professionals were recruited using the consecutive sampling method. The research was carried out in urban and rural areas of five Iranian counties. The sampling method and sample size were similar in baseline and post-intervention surveys. Approximately 8-month intervention programs were carried out on the target groups, which generally included educational strategies. The intervention activities addressed the management, prevention, and control and were tailored to each target group, focusing on lifestyle and self-care. 

All questionnaires’ content validity ratio, content validity index, and Cronbach’s alpha were over 0.68, 0.83, and 0.73, respectively. We enrolled 2456 adults and 850 of their children, 3331 dyslipidemia patients, 1699 caregivers, and 1800 health professionals.

The validity and reliability of all developed questionnaires that can examine knowledgeand practice  changes as a result of intervention activities were acceptable.

Tobacco use (TU) has been increasing in Iran and turned into a major national healthcare concern. Therefore, the present research aimed to explore the prevalence of TU and its predictors in Bandar Kong in the south of Iran.

The baseline data from the Bandare Kong Cohort Study were used in a prospective study of 4,035 subjects (40-70 years old) in Hormozgan province from 2016 to 2018. Adjusted and crude odds ratios (OR) were used at 95% confidence interval (CI) to determine the predictors of TU.

Hookah smoking (HS) was found to be the most prevalent type of smoking (17.60%, 95% CI: 16.41-18.78%), followed by second-hand smoking (17%, 95% CI: 15.81-18.14%) and cigarette smoking (9%, 95% CI: 8.11-9.89%), respectively. Age, gender, education, alcohol consumption, and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) were the main predictors of cigarette and HS. Marital status, place of residence, and psychological problems were the predictors of HS (OR = 0.1.65, 95% CI: 1.11, 2.45, P = 0.01), and body mass index (BMI) (OR = 0.95, 95% CI: .93, 0.98, P = 0.002) and drug abuse (OR = 4.52, 95% CI: 3.11, 6.55, P < 0.001) were the predictors of cigarette smoking.

Male gender, higher age, rural residence, low education, alcohol consumption, drugs, second-hand smoking, and history of depression were among the main risk factors of smoking behavior. The results indicated a considerable need for more educational and preventive programs for each risk factor involved in smoking behavior especially for HS, exposure to ETS, and its consequences in the population of Bandar Kong.

Around the globe, tobacco use is a major risk factor that is associated with diseases, especially noncontagious diseases. Iran has not been an exception and has witnessed an exponential growth in tobacco use. This rising trend motivated the present study to explore the correlates of tobacco use in the south of Iran in Hormozgan Province.

This cross-sectional study was carried out in 2017 on 4,872 residents of Hormozgan who were selected through multi-stratified cluster sampling. The data were collected by researcher-made questionnaires which were analyzed in SPSS 19. A logistic regression analysis was run to find the foremost correlates of tobacco use.

The findings indicated that 1,085 (22.3%) of the sample used tobacco. Based on the obtained data, 25.1% and 20.3% of participants were males and females, respectively. The major correlates of tobacco use were found to be masculinity, higher age (P < 0.001), citizenship (P < 0.001), and low education level (P < 0.001). The unemployed or those with simple jobs showed a higher tendency to use tobacco compared to the more professional (P < 0.001). Finally, single participants demonstrated a higher rate of using tobacco in comparison with married ones (P < 0.001).

Significant differences were found between rural and urban residents, those with low and high education levels, men and women, the unemployed and employed participants, as well as the single and married ones. Accordingly, considering effective factors accounting for these divergences and designing effective interventions can help moderate the effect of these factors in controlling tobacco use in the future in Hormozgan.

Smoking hookah during the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic is a dangerous factor which could exacerbate the symptoms of the illness. The present study aimed at determining the relationship between knowledge and attitudes toward the negative effects of smoking hookah on the exacerbation of COVID-19 symptoms and the role of some effective socio-demographic factors.

This descriptive-analytical study was conducted (February 2021 to April 2021) among 933 women over the age of 15 who smoked hookah in Hormozgan province. A self-made questionnaire was completed by women after its preparation and online checking of its validity and reliability.

The mean and standard deviation of knowledge and attitude scores were 5.13 ± 2.19 and 25.20 ± 4.75, respectively. In this study, 65% of the subjects had adequate knowledge and 48.7% had a positive attitude. However, the predictors of adequate knowledge were: subjects aged over 50 compared to those aged 35-50 years [1.975 (1.029-3.794)], subjects with university degrees compared to those with primary school, high school or diploma degrees [2.445 (1.476-4.049)], [5.508 (3.305-9.178)], [3.991 (1.981-8.042)], subjects with good economic status compared to those with poor economic status [1.966 (1.218-3.175)], and age of onset of smoking hookah after 30 compared to the onset age between 15 and 30 as well as below 15 [2.563 (1.030-6.379)], [6.308 (2.249-17.693)]. There was no statistically significant relationship between any of the demographic factors and attitudes.

In general, increasing knowledge and changing attitudes about the relationship between smoking hookah and exacerbation of the COVID-19 symptoms can be an effective step in reducing hookah use during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings can provide policymakers with valuable insights and information on the importance of community-wide training programs.

For several years now, primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) has been considered an effective treatment for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Efforts have been made to reduce the time interval between the patient’s admission to the hospital and PPCI. We evaluated the effect of the time interval between patients’ admission to the emergency department and PPCI on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with STEMI.
The target population comprised patients who were admitted to the Emergency Department of Shahid Mohammadi Hospital with acute STEMI and scheduled for PPCI between 2017 and 2018. Eventually, 174 patients, who met the inclusion criteria, were investigated using a questionnaire, and the data were analyzed by SPSS20.
From the 174 patients diagnosed with acute STEMI, 72% were male and 28% were female. The mean age of the patients was 57.2 years (SD= ±13). A statistically significant linear relationship existed between symptom-to-balloon time and LVEF (P≤0.05), but no statistically significant linear relationship existed between the door-to-balloon time (DBT) and LVEF (P≤0.05).
Reducing symptom-to-balloon time in PPCI for patients with acute STEMI could preserve LVEF and improve prognosis. (Iranian Heart Journal 2022; 23(2): 68-74)

Patients who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) receive anticoagulants, most commonly heparin to prevent thrombotic events during the procedure. Opioid addicts may require higher doses of heparin for PCI. We aimed to compare the effect of heparin on activated clotting time (ACT) between opioid addicts and non-addicts prior to and during PCI.

This comparative study included 107 patients scheduled for elective PCI, of whom 50 were opioid addicts and 57 non-addicts. Patients’ baseline characteristics including age, gender, weight, comorbidities, drug history, and smoking were recorded. Prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), international normalized ratio (INR), and platelet count were measured in venous blood samples collected from all participants. All patients underwent PCI through femoral access. They received 100 IU/kg heparin right at the beginning of the procedure. ACT was measured at 2 and 30 minutes.

Age, gender, weight, and the amount of heparin used were comparable between groups. As for general characteristics, the number of patients with hyperlipidemia was significantly higher in non-addicts (P = 0.031), and cigarette smoking was higher in opioid addicts (P < 0.001). No significant difference was found between the groups regarding PT, PTT, INR, and platelet count (P > 0.050). ACT at 2 and 30 min were significantly lower in opioid addicts (P < 0.001). Taking other variables into account, ACT at 2 min was directly correlated with drug history of aspirin in opioid addicts (P = 0.031) and inversely correlated with cigarette smoking in non-addicts (P = 0.023).

Opioid addicts may require higher doses of heparin in PCI for the prevention of thrombotic complications compared to non-addicts.

To promote mitigation strategies and public health response, this study aimed to evaluate the population-based seroprevalence of anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies in Hormozgan province.

The study was conducted within 10 districts of Hormozgan province with 1325 participants for three months by considering three-month successive follow-ups to evaluate the durability of humoral immunity. The participants completed the questionnaire, and blood samples were taken followed by immunoassay SARS-CoV-2 ELISA testing.

In general, 717 (54.1%) males and 596 (45.9%) females participated in this study. In phase one, 147 (11.1%) and 182 (14.7%) tested positive for immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG, respectively. Upon three months, 13.8% and 17.8% tested positive for IgG and at least for one of the antibodies. Based on the results, 606 (45.7%) cases reported no symptoms while 673 (50.8%) of them reflected at least one. Among 798 (60.2%) participants, the most common symptoms were headache (n = 244, 18.4%), sore throat (n = 186, 14.0%), weakness (n = 150, 11.3%), muscular pain (n = 139, 10.5%), and sputum cough (n = 134, 10.1%). The odds of the antibodies in females was 1.37 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.82, P = 0.03). In phase 2, 43 (5.3%) participants persisted positive for IgG while 559 (73%) tested negative for IgG. Finally, 20% of the suffered participants tested positive for IgG until nine months.

Although IgG antibodies decreased in the first six months, their titers persisted stable for nine months. It seems our population has not reached a desirable level of protection. It is stressed that mass vaccination is needed to prevent future epidemic waves.

Long-term use of central venous catheters is common in cancer patients for chemotherapy. The remaining of these catheters after the end of the treatment period can be associated with complications such as thrombosis and catheter fragmentation.

This report presents a 42-year-old woman with a history of colon cancer whose inner part of the vascular access was detached from the outer part after removing the central venous catheter, and the catheter remained inside the internal jugular vein. After preparing the patient’s chest X-ray, the catheter was removed from the femoral vein by percutaneous retrieval and successfully taken out using the snaring technique.

Overall, percutaneous retrieval is a safe way to remove intravascular foreign bodies that can prevent major surgical complications.

Heart failure is one of the most common cardiovascular disorders and also it is one of the main problems of general health in the current society. Considering the role of health literacy in improving the quality of life of patients, the present study was conducted to determine the health literacy status of patients with heart failure hospitalized in Shahid Mohammadi Hospital in Bandar Abbas and its relationship with quality of life in these patients. This cross-sectional study was performed on 200 patients with heart failure hospitalized in Shahid Mohammadi Hospital in Bandar Abbas in 2019. Sampling was random sampling in even days of week. Data was collected by two questionnaires including standard questionnaire of health literacy and the Minnesota Quality of Life Questionnaire (MLHF). The reliability of each scale was tested by Cronbach alpha. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation test using SPSS 21 software. The average level of health literacy and the quality of life were 34.60 and 79.10, respectively. Health literacy cannot be ranked as a predictor of quality of life in heart failure patients. However, a significant relationship was observed between functional, communicational and critical dimension of health literacy and mental dimension of quality of life. Participants in our study had poor quality of life. Their health literacy also was inadequate. Although this study did not find any meaningful relationship between health literacy and quality of life, attention to improving the level of health literacy and quality of life in all dimensions in this group of patients seems necessary.

With the onset of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, hospitalization and treatment of non-covid patients decreased worldwide. The aim of this study is to evaluate the admission and treatment of patients with coronary artery diseases (CADs) by examining coronary Cath labs activities in some centers of Iran during the COVID-19 period.

A retrospective, multi-center survey was conducted in four cites in Iran which participated in National Persian Registry Of CardioVascular diseasE (N-PROVE). Two periods of COVID-19 occurrence peak in Iran were compared with the same date in 2019. Information was collected on the number of diagnostic and therapeutic coronary catheterizations in both stable ischemic heart diseases (SIHDs) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) settings.

In the first peak of COVID-19 pandemic, coronary angiographies and angioplasties decreased by 37 and 38% compared to the same period in 2019, respectively. The most common indication for coronary angiography during this period was ACS [especially ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI)]; however, at the time of peak decrease, the SIHDs were the most. In the second peak of COVID-19 pandemic in Iran, 34% and 27% decrease in diagnostic and therapeutic coronary procedures were seen, respectively. During this period, the number of elective admissions increased, although it was still lower than that in 2019. The tendency to rescue percutaneous coronary intervention increased in most centers during the COVID-19 era, especially in the second peak.

A significant reduction in the coronary Cath lab activity has been observed during the COVID-19 pandemic that can indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity.

Anxiety is one of the most important mental problems in patients who are candidate for coronary angiography, which can have negative physiological and psychological consequences and ultimately lead to the increased hospital stay, increased patient need for analgesics, increased costs and increased incidence of angiographic complications. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of aromatherapy on anxiety in patients undergoing coronary angiography.

In this randomized clinical trial, 80 patients undergoing coronary angiography referred to the post-cath. ward of Shahid Mohammadi hospital in Bandar Abbas in 2018 were selected and allocated into two groups of intervention and control through the random numbers table. In the intervention group, the eye pads impregnated with 0.2 ml of peppermint oil were used, and in the control group, the pads impregnated with 0.2 ml of placebo were placed on their chest for 20 minutes. Patient’s anxiety levels were recorded before and after the intervention. A demographic characteristics questionnaire and the Spielberger standard questionnaire were used for the data collection. The   data were analyzed by the SPSS software version 24 using the descriptive and inferential statistical methods in accordance with the objectives of the study.

The results of data analysis showed that aromatherapy reduced the anxiety of patients in the intervention group, which was significantly different from the control group (P=0.006). Paired t-test also showed that in the intervention group, the mean score of anxiety after the intervention was significantly lower than that of before the intervention (P<0.001), however this difference was not significant in the control group (P=0.90).

Based on the findings of the study, we can conclude that aromatherapy with the inhalation of peppermint aroma has been effective in reducing anxiety in patients undergoing coronary angiography. It is recommended that nurses use aromatherapy as a non-pharmacological approach to reduce the patientschr('39') anxiety.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diabetes mellitus can influence coronary artery disease (CAD) independently. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and CAD in type 2 diabetic patients (T2DM).

This cross sectional study evaluated 3624 T2DM patients with clinical presentation of CAD whose documents were registered in angiography center of Shahid Mohammadi Hospital in Bandar Abbas, Iran during 18 months. GFR was measured by MDRD method and divided into 5 subgroups: GFR< 15, 15≤ GFR< 30, 30≤ GFR< 60, 60≤ GFR< 90 and GFR≥ 90. Then the association of 5 subgroups of GFR with coronary angioplasty in T2DM patients was evaluated. T-test was used to compare the mean of quantitative variables, and chi-squared test for qualitative variables. Using SPSS- 22 the collected data were analyzed and P-value< 0.05 was significant.

Among 3624 T2DM patients, 36% had GFR< 60 (ml/min/1.73m2).The highest frequency percentage of coronary angioplasty (53%) was observed in the GFR stage 3 (30-60) ml/min/1.73m2. A significant inverse association was observed between the GFR of T2DM patients and the frequency of CAD. (P-value< 0.001). There was also a significant association between GFR< 60 and history of hypertension and dyslipidemia. (P-value< 0.001).

A reduced GFR in patients with diabetes has associations with CAD.

 From the general health perspective, the epidemiology of COVID-19 in Hormozgan Province, a region in the south of Iran marked by heavy traffic, can provide useful information to help control the epidemic of the disease in other provinces and the whole country.

 Thus, the present research aimed to epidemiologically analyze COVID-19 patients and patients with severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) based on hospital data in Hormozgan Province.

 In the present observational, analytical, cross-sectional study, the epidemiologic data of all 2,055 patients with the symptoms of acute respiratory problems who visited hospitals in Hormozgan between February 20, 2020, and April 19, 2020, were analyzed and reported. Patients’ demographic information included gender, age, and background diseases. Tabulated data, frequencies, and percentages were used for descriptive statistics, and the chi-squared test and odds ratios were used for inferential statistics.

 The ratios of male to female among people with COVID-19 and respiratory infection were 1.15 and 1.12, respectively. The mean age of the participants was 42.8 ± 21 years. The results revealed that contact with patients had the highest odds ratio (5.41 - 9.30, OR = 7.09) regarding COVID-19 as compared to SARI. Reduced sense of smell (1.86 - 12.87, OR = 4.89), muscular pain (1.24 - 2.14, OR = 1.63), coughs (1.14 - 1.86, OR = 1.46), and fever (1.14 - 1.83, OR = 1.45) showed to have the highest odds ratios concerning the symptoms. As for background diseases, cardiovascular disease (1.004 - 2.110, OR = 1.455), asthma (OR = 1.603, 1.040 - 2.473), and pulmonary chronic disease (1.456 - 3.854, OR = 2.369) had the highest odds ratios.

 The present findings showed a statistically significant correlation between age and affliction with COVID-19. Moreover, the most prevalent symptoms of the disease were reduced sense of smell, muscular pain, coughs, and fever, as already mentioned in similar studies. The present research showed that patients with cardiovascular disease, asthma, or chronic pulmonary disease had the highest risk of COVID-19.

High blood pressure is known as a major risk factor for myocardial infarction and renal impairment. Various factors, including the pattern of food intake and physical activity, are effective in the incidence of hypertension.

This study aimed at evaluating the relationship between dietary factors and hypertension in Hormozgan Province, South of Iran.

This descriptive study was conducted on 5075 adults aged more than 18 years from Hormozgan in 2016. Samples were selected through cluster sampling and randomly. The subjects’ information, including demographic information, dietary intake, anthropometric status, and blood pressure, were collected.

The high blood pressure in men was higher than in women. There was a significant relationship between systolic and diastolic blood pressure and age, body mass index, wrist and waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio. There was a statistically significant reverse relationship between hypertension and fruits intake, dairy products, fish, and decrease meat and nonalcoholic drink consumption.

Regarding the high prevalence of hypertension among people and its strong association with food intake, improving dietary patterns should be considered as an essential preventive action.

Fish intake is known as a healthy dietary pattern that can reduce cardiovascular risk factors, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cerebrovascular risks. Regarding the geography of Hormozgan province as a costal area, current study was designed to assess the intake of this food rich in omega3 in towns, districts, and villages of Hormozgan Province.   

In this descriptive analytical and cross-sectional study, samples were selected by multistage random cluster sampling. Data were collected by a researcher made questionnaire containing demographic and fish intake variables. Data were analyzed using SPSS software.

In this study, 5074 people from Hormozgan province who were older than 18 years were participated. Out of which, 41% were male, 85.2% were married, and 29.8% were illiterate. Jask and Bandar lenge citizens had the highest and Hajiabad had the lowest fish intake. In addition, 64.9% of urban and 76.8% of rural population in Hormozgan Province had fish intake more than twice per week. This study showed a significant relationship between fish consumption and residence place, education, monthly income, marital status, occupation, and age.

Regarding the role of fish intake in community health and low fish intake in educated individuals, young people, and those with specialized jobs in Hormozgan province, it is necessary to conduct applied research to identify the effective factors and barriers in increasing fish consumption and to design effective interventions to increase fish consumption in the studiesd population.

Heart failure (HF) is one of the most prevalent cardiovascular disorders. Patients with HF need self-care behaviors and, thus, need to be equipped with health literacy to make informed decisions. This study aimed to evaluate health literacy among patients with HF hospitalized in Shahid Mohammadi Hospital, Bandar Abbas, Iran, and its effect on self-care behaviors.

The present cross-sectional correlational investigation was conducted on 192 patients with HF ed via convenience sampling. The data collection instruments were HF health literacy in 3 domains and the European Heart Failure Self-care Behavior scale. The data were analyzed using SPSS, version 23, and descriptive statistics were used along with the Pearson correlation coefficient.

The mean score of health literacy and self-care was 34.6 and 30, respectively. A statistically significant correlation was found between the functional dimension of health literacy and self-care. Thus, a higher health literacy rate was associated with more self-care efforts. The mean score of health literacy varied among the subjects with different education levels.

Considering the statistically significant relationship between health literacy and self-care, it is essential to pay attention to the promotion of the whole dimension of health literacy among patients with HF, especially those of lower education levels, in order to improve their level of self-care. Effective interventions are required to improve patients’ skills in the critical analysis of information and to promote their power of making therapeutic decisions. (Iranian Heart Journal 2020; 21(2): 57-63)

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CIN-AKI) is a serious complication of coronary angiography. Given the weaknesses in the common protective methods used to prevent CIN-AKI, a safe and effective strategy is needed. RIPC has been shown to have a nephroprotective effect.

We aimed to determine the protective effect of RIPC on CIN-AKI after angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in low-risk patients.

In our study, 140 low-risk patients who needed angiography or PCI, were assigned to either RIPC or control group. In each group, serum creatinine and urinary neutrophil gelatinaseassociated lipocalin (uNGAL) were measured before the procedure. Serum creatinine was measured daily for 2 days and uNGAL was measured 6 and 24 hours after the procedure. Diagnosis of AKI was,
according to the Kidney Disease; Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria (2012).

The mean age in the remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) group was 56.8 ± 11.4 years and 56.3 ± 11.8 years in the control group. We observed no significant difference regarding patient’s characteristic and renal biomarkers at baseline. There was no significant difference in the incidence of AKI (P = 0.116). The uNGAL increased by 36.2% 6-hour after the procedure in patients with AKI, while at the same time, this biomarker increased only by 4.3% in patients without AKI.

We concluded that RIPC, with 3 cycles of 5-minute ischemia and 5-minute reperfusion, did not decrease CIN-AKI or altering renal biomarkers course in low-risk patients undergoing coronary angiography or PCI. Additionally, uNGAL, seems to be an appropriate biomarker for early diagnosis of CIN-AKI, 6 hours after contrast media exposure.