Papers by Saleh S Alghamdi

Tobacco Induced Diseases, Dec 2, 2019
The prevalence of waterpipe smoking is increasing globally. The involvement of waterpipe smoking ... more The prevalence of waterpipe smoking is increasing globally. The involvement of waterpipe smoking as an independent risk factor for the development of myocardial infarction is an area in need of further research. Our study examines the possible relationship between waterpipe smoking and myocardial infarction. METHODS In this incident case-control study, we enrolled 148 cases with myocardial infarction and 148 participants in the control group. Using logistic regression models, odds ratios and 95% CIs were calculated for the association between waterpipe smoking and myocardial infarction, while adjusting for possible confounders. RESULTS Myocardial infarction was associated significantly with current waterpipe smoking (OR=4.08; 95% CI: 1.37-12.10), ever waterpipe smoking (OR=3.6; 95% CI: 1.31-10.19), and exclusive waterpipe smoking (OR=10.26; 95% CI: 2.22-47.29). Exclusive cigarette smoking was also associated significantly with the development of myocardial infarction (OR=4.6; 95% CI: 1.98-11.04). CONCLUSIONS Waterpipe smoking is associated with myocardial infarction. Our findings reveal the need for targeted interventions to reduce the prevalence of this globally spreading form of tobacco smoking.

PLOS ONE, 2019
Background Prior acute coronary syndrome (ACS) registries in Saudi Arabia might not have accurate... more Background Prior acute coronary syndrome (ACS) registries in Saudi Arabia might not have accurately described the true demographics and cardiac care of patients with ACS. We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of a representative sample of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Saudi Arabia. Methods We conducted a 1-month snapshot , prospective, multi-center registry study in 50 hospitals from various health care sectors in Saudi Arabia. We followed patients for 1 month and 1 year after hospital discharge. Patients with AMI included those with or without ST-segment elevation (STEMI or NSTEMI, respectively). This program survey will be repeated every 5 years. Results Between May 2015 and January 2017, we enrolled 2233 patients with ACS (mean age was 56 [standard deviation = 13] years; 55.6% were Saudi citizens, 85.7% were men, and 65.9% had STEMI). Coronary artery disease risk factors were high; 52.7% had diabetes mellitus and 51.2% had hypertension. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) was utilized in only 5.2% of cases. Revascularization for patients with STEMI included thrombolytic therapy (29%), primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI); (42.5%), neither (29%), or a pharmacoinvasive approach (3%). Non-Saudis with STEMI were less likely to undergo primary PCI compared to Saudis (35.8% vs. 48.7%; respectively, p <0.001), and women were less likely than men to achieve a door-to-balloon time of <90 min (42% vs. 65%; respectively, p = 0.003). Around half of the patients with NSTEMI did not undergo a coronary angiogram. Allcause mortality rates were 4%, 5.8%, and 8.1%, in-hospital, at 1 month, and at 1 year, respectively. These rates were significantly higher in women than in men. Conclusions There is an urgent need for primary prevention programs, improving the EMS infrastructure and utilization, and establishing organized ACS network programs. AMI care needs further improvement, particularly for women and non-Saudis.
Journal of the Saudi Heart Association, 2018
Background: Low pulse pressure predicts long-term mortality in chronic heart failure, but its pro... more Background: Low pulse pressure predicts long-term mortality in chronic heart failure, but its prognostic value in acute heart failure is less understood. The present study was designed to examine the prognostic value of pulse pressure in acute heart failure. Methods: Pulse pressure was tested for its impact on short-and long-term mortality in all patients admitted with acute heart failure from October 2009 to December 2010 in eighteen tertiary centers in Saudi Arabia (n ¼ 2609). All comparisons were based on the median value (50 mmHg). Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction was defined as less than 40%. Results: Low pulse pressure was associated with increased short-term mortality in the overall population (

Long-Term Mortality Rates in Acute De Novo Versus Acute-on-Chronic Heart Failure: From the Heart Function Assessment Registry Trial in Saudi Arabia
Angiology, Jan 17, 2014
The heart function assessment registry trial in Saudi Arabia (HEARTS) is a national multicenter p... more The heart function assessment registry trial in Saudi Arabia (HEARTS) is a national multicenter project that compared de novo versus acute-on-chronic heart failure (ACHF). This is a prospective registry in 18 hospitals in Saudi Arabia between October 2009 and December 2010. The study enrolled 2610 patients: 940 (36%) de novo and 1670 (64%) ACHF. Patients with ACHF were significantly older (62.2 vs 60 years), less likely to be males (64% vs 69%) or smokers (31.6% vs 36.7%), and more likely to have history of diabetes mellitus (65.7% vs 61.3%), hypertension (74% vs 65%), and severe left ventricular dysfunction (52% vs 40%). The ACHF group had a higher adjusted 3-year mortality rate (hazard ratio, 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3-2.0; P < .001). Patients with ACHF had significantly higher long-term mortality rates than those with de novo acute heart failure (HF). Multidisciplinary HF disease management programs are highly needed for such high-risk populations.
European Journal of Heart Failure, 2014
The patients included 66% men and 85.5% Saudis, with a median age (interquartile range) of 61.4 (... more The patients included 66% men and 85.5% Saudis, with a median age (interquartile range) of 61.4 (15) years; 64% had acute on chronic heart failure (HF), 64.1% diabetes mellitus, 70.6% hypertension, and 55.7% CAD. Exacerbating factors for hospital admission included acute coronary syndromes (37.8%), infections (20.6%), non-compliance with low-salt diet (25.2%), and non-compliance with HF medications (20%). An LVEF <40% was found in 73%. In-hospital use of evidence-based medications was high. All-cause cumulative mortality rates at 30 days, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years were 8.3, 13.7, 19.5, 23.5, and 24.3%, respectively. Important independent predictors of mortality were history of stroke, acute on chronic HF, systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg upon presentation, estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min, and haemoglobin <10 g/dL.

Angiology, 2017
Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) therapy is indicated after myocardial infarction in p... more Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) therapy is indicated after myocardial infarction in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) with an ejection fraction ≤40% and lacking contraindications. We analyzed clinical presentations, predictors, and outcomes of MRA-eligible patients within a prospective registry of patients with AHF from 18 hospitals in Saudi Arabia, from 2009 to 2010. For this subgroup, mortality rates were followed until 2013, and the clinical characteristics, management, predictors, and outcomes were compared between MRA-treated and non-MRA-treated patients. Of 2609 patients with AHF, 387 (14.8%) were MRA eligible, of which 146 (37.7%) were prescribed MRAs. Compared with non-MRA-treated patients, those prescribed MRAs more commonly exhibited non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, acute on chronic heart failure, past history of ischemic heart disease, and severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction; were more commonly administered oral furosemide and dig...

Pediatric Cardiology, 2009
Congenital Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is an inherited cardiac arrhythmia disorder characterized by p... more Congenital Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is an inherited cardiac arrhythmia disorder characterized by prolongation of the QT interval; patients are predisposed to ventricular tachyarrhythmias and fibrillation leading to recurrent syncope or sudden cardiac death. We have performed clinical and genetic investigation in six Saudi Arabian families with history of sudden unexplained death of children. Clinical symptoms, ECG phenotypes and genetic findings led to the diagnosis of LQT1 in two families (recessive) and LQT2 in four families (three recessive and one dominant). Onset of arrhythmia was more severe in all recessive carriers and occured during early childhood in all recessive LQT1 patients. Arrhythmia originated at the intrauterine stages of life in the recessive LQT2 patients. LQT1 causing mutation c.387 -5 T>A in KCNQ1 gene and LQT2 causing mutation c.3208 C>T in KCNH2 gene are presumably founder mutations in the Assir province of Saudi Arabia. Further, all LQTS causing mutations detected in this study are novel and have not been reported in other populations.

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association, 2018
Background: The prognostic impact of hyperglycemia (HG) in acute heart failure (AHF) is controver... more Background: The prognostic impact of hyperglycemia (HG) in acute heart failure (AHF) is controversial. Our aim is to examine the impact of HG on short-and long-term survival in AHF patients. Methods: Data from the Heart Function Assessment Registry Trial in Saudi Arabia (HEARTS) for patients who had available random blood sugar (RBS) were analyzed. The enrollment period was from October 2009 to December 2010. Comparisons were performed according to the RBS levels on admission as either <11.1 mmol/L or 11.1 mmol/ L. Primary outcomes were hospital adverse events and short-and long-term mortality rates. Results: A total of 2511 patients were analyzed. Of those, 728 (29%) had HG. Compared to non-HG patients, hyperglycemics had higher rates of hospital, 30-day, and 1-year mortality rates (8.8% vs. 5.6%; p = 0.003, 10.4% vs. 7.2%; p = 0.007, and 21.8% vs. 18.4%; p = 0.04, respectively). There were no differences between the two groups in 2-or 3-year mortality rates. After adjustment for relevant confounders, HG remained an independent predictor for hospital and 30-day mortality [odds ratio (OR) = 1.6; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07-2.42; p = 0.021, and OR = 1.55; 95% CI 1.07-2.25; p = 0.02, respectively]. Conclusion: HG on admission is independently associated with hospital and short-term mortality in AHF patients. Future research should focus on examining the impact of tight glycemic control on outcomes of AHF patients.

The Prognostic Impact Of Pulse Pressure In Acute Heart Failure: Insights From The HEARTS Registry
Journal of the Saudi Heart Association
Background Low pulse pressure predicts long-term mortality in chronic heart failure, but its prog... more Background Low pulse pressure predicts long-term mortality in chronic heart failure, but its prognostic value in acute heart failure is less understood. The present study was designed to examine the prognostic value of pulse pressure in acute heart failure. Methods Pulse pressure was tested for its impact on short- and long-term mortality in all patients admitted with acute heart failure from October 2009 to December 2010 in eighteen tertiary centers in Saudi Arabia (n = 2609). All comparisons were based on the median value (50 mmHg). Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction was defined as less than 40%. Results Low pulse pressure was associated with increased short-term mortality in the overall population (OR = 1.61; 95 CI 1.17, 2.22; P 0.004 and OR = 1.51; 95% CI 1.13, 2.01; P = 0.005, for hospital and thirty-day mortality, respectively), and short-term and two-year mortality in the reduced ejection fraction group (OR = 1.81; 95% CI 1.19, 2.74; P = 0.005, OR = 1.69; 95% CI 1.17, 2.45; P = 0.006, and OR = 1.29; 95% CI 1.02, 1.61; P = 0.030 for hospital, thirty-day, and two-year mortality, respectively). This effect remained after adjustment for relevant clinical variables; however, pulse pressure lost its predictive power both for short-term and long-term mortality after the incorporation of systolic blood pressure in the model. Conversely, low pulse pressure was an independent predictor of improved survival at two and three years in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (OR = 0.43; 95% CI 0.24, 0.78, P = 0.005 and OR = 0.49; 95% CI 0.28, 0.88; P = 0.016, respectively). Conclusion In acute heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, the prognostic value of low pulse pressure was dependent on systolic blood pressure. However, it inversely correlated with long-term survival in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
2. Right ventricle remodelling by strain and strain rate after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Hospitalized With Heart Failure: Patient Characteristics and Outcomes From the HEARTS Registry
Angiology
Effect of atrial fibrillation (AF) on short- and long-term outcomes in heart failure (HF) is cont... more Effect of atrial fibrillation (AF) on short- and long-term outcomes in heart failure (HF) is controversial. Accordingly, we examined this relationship in a national multicenter project using data from the Hearts Function Assessment Registry Trial in Saudi Arabia that studied the clinical features and outcomes of patients admitted with de novo and acute on chronic HF. Out of 2593 patients with HF, 449 (17.8%) had AF at presentation. Patients with AF were more likely to be males and older (mean age 65.2 ± 15.0 vs 60.5 ± 14.8 years) to have a history of ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (3.1% vs 1.9%) or cerebrovascular accident (15.0% vs 8.5%). However, they were less likely to have diabetes (66.0% vs 55.9%) or coronary artery disease (55.6% vs 42.3%). The 1-, 2-, and 3-year crude mortality rates were significantly higher in patients with AF (23.2% vs 18.3%, 27.4% vs 22.3%, and 27.8% vs 23.2%, respectively). However, there was no significant difference in mortality after adjusting for covariates. Thus, in patients admitted with HF, AF upon presentation was not associated with increased mortality.
The prognostic impact of hyperglycaemia on clinical outcomes in acute heart failure: Insights from the hearts registry
Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Sex Differences in Patients With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: Insights From the Heart Function Assessment Registry Trial in Saudi Arabia
Angiology, 2015
We assessed sex-specific differences in clinical features and outcomes of patients with acute hea... more We assessed sex-specific differences in clinical features and outcomes of patients with acute heart failure (AHF). The Heart function Assessment Registry Trial in Saudi Arabia (HEARTS), a prospective registry, enrolled 2609 patients with AHF (34.2% women) between 2009 and 2010. Women were older and more likely to have risk factors for atherosclerosis, history of heart failure (HF), and rheumatic heart and valve disease. Ischemic heart disease was the prime cause for HF in men and women but more so in men (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; .001). Women had higher rates of hypertensive heart disease and primary valve disease (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; .001, for both comparisons). Men were more likely to have severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction. On discharge, a higher use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, β-blockers, and aldosterone inhibitors was observed in men (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; .001 for all comparisons). Apart from higher atrial fibrillation in women and higher ventricular arrhythmias in men, no differences were observed in hospital outcomes. The overall survival did not differ between men and women (hazard ratio: 1.0, 95% confidence interval: 0.8-1.2, P = .981). Men and women with AHF differ significantly in baseline clinical characteristics and management but not in adverse outcomes.

Barbed reposition pharyngoplasty (BRP) for OSAHS: a feasibility, safety, efficacy and teachability pilot study. “We are on the giant’s shoulders”
European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, 2015
A new palatal procedure for snoring/obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is described. The procedure was... more A new palatal procedure for snoring/obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is described. The procedure was named as barbed reposition pharyngoplasty (BRP). The technique is described step by step. The new surgical technique was carried out in ten adult OSA patients with mean age of 53.4 ± 12.4 years (average 30-70) with confirmed retropalatal obstruction. In this pilot study; we assessed the feasibility by calculating the number of cases that failed to be operated and converted to other palatal technique during the same surgical setting, safety was assessed by evaluating both intra-operative and post-operative complications, teachability measured by the learning curve of our team members (the time of surgical procedure). In this study, the technique is proved to be feasible in all cases. There were no significant intra-operative or post-operative complications. Objective clinical improvement was confirmed by polysomnography 6 months post-operative with significant decrease in mean AHI from 43.65 ± 26.83 to 13.57 ± 15.41 (P = 0.007), daytime sleepiness assessed by Epworth Sleepiness Scale from 11.6 ± 4.86 to 4.3 ± 2 (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.01), ODI from 44.7 ± 27.3 to 12.9 ± 16.3 (P = 0.004). Operative time decreased over the course of the study with an initial steep ascent in technical skill acquisition followed by more gradual improvement, and a steady decrease in operative time to as short as 20 min. Our preliminary results suggest that BRP technique is feasible, safe and effective in management of OSA patients. Moreover, it is easy to learn even for not experienced surgeons, less time consuming and with no significant complications.
PT036 Gender differences in acute decompensated heart failure patients: Insights from the Heart function Assessment Registry Trial in Saudi Arabia (HEARTS)
Global Heart, 2014

Long-Term Mortality Rates in Acute De Novo Versus Acute-on-Chronic Heart Failure: From the Heart Function Assessment Registry Trial in Saudi Arabia
Angiology, Jan 17, 2014
The heart function assessment registry trial in Saudi Arabia (HEARTS) is a national multicenter p... more The heart function assessment registry trial in Saudi Arabia (HEARTS) is a national multicenter project that compared de novo versus acute-on-chronic heart failure (ACHF). This is a prospective registry in 18 hospitals in Saudi Arabia between October 2009 and December 2010. The study enrolled 2610 patients: 940 (36%) de novo and 1670 (64%) ACHF. Patients with ACHF were significantly older (62.2 vs 60 years), less likely to be males (64% vs 69%) or smokers (31.6% vs 36.7%), and more likely to have history of diabetes mellitus (65.7% vs 61.3%), hypertension (74% vs 65%), and severe left ventricular dysfunction (52% vs 40%). The ACHF group had a higher adjusted 3-year mortality rate (hazard ratio, 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3-2.0; P < .001). Patients with ACHF had significantly higher long-term mortality rates than those with de novo acute heart failure (HF). Multidisciplinary HF disease management programs are highly needed for such high-risk populations.
European Journal of Heart Failure, 2014
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Papers by Saleh S Alghamdi