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Background: An imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory mechanisms is indicated in the pathophysiology of atherosclerotic plaque. The coronary artery and carotid disease, despite sharing similar risk factors, are developed separately. The aim of this study was to analyze possible mechanisms between trace element hair–scalp concentrations and whole blood counts that favor atherosclerotic plaque progression in certain locations. Methods: There were 65 (36 (55%) males and 29 (45%) females) patients with a median age of 68 (61–73) years enrolled in a prospective, preliminary, multicenter analysis. The study group was composed of 13 patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD group) referred for surgical revascularization due to multivessel coronary disease, 34 patients with carotid artery disease (carotid group) admitted for vascular procedure, and 18 patients in a control group (control group). Results: There was a significant difference between the CAD and carotid groups regarding lymphocyte (p = 0.004) counts. The biochemical comparison between the coronary and carotid groups revealed significant differences regarding chromium (Cr) (p = 0.002), copper (Cu) (p < 0.001), and zinc (Zn) (p < 0.001) concentrations. Spearman Rank Order Correlations between lymphocyte counts and trace elements in the analyzed groups were performed, revealing a strong correlation with zinc (R = 0.733, p < 0.001) in the control group (non-CAD, non-carotid). Conclusion: Significant differences in hair–scalp concentrations related to atherosclerosis location were observed in our analysis. The interplay between zinc concentration and lymphocyte count may play a pivotal role in cardiovascular disease development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Estimates suggest that up to 10% of global annual cardiovascular deaths could be related to environmental factors. Not only air pollution components, but also noise exposure and climate changes, are highlighted as nontraditional causes of cardiovascular morbidity. The aim of this study was to identify possible urbanization risk factors for the progression of coronary artery disease in a group of patients with chronic coronary syndrome. (2) Method: There were 77 patients (50 (65%) males and 27 (35%) females) with a median age of 70 (60–74) years who underwent repetitive angiography due to chronic coronary syndrome between 2018 and 2022. The Gensini score was calculated for assessment of coronary artery disease advancement. Environmental factors including neighboring developments were taken into account in this analysis, including housing, commercial, and industrial developments within 300, 500, and 700 m distances (buffer) from the place of habitation. (3) Results: The multivariable analysis results for prediction of Gensini score progression in relation to 700 m buffer urbanization pointed out the significance of hyperlipidemia (OR: 4.24, 95% CI 1.34–13.39, p = 0.014), initial Gensini score (OR: 1.02, 95% CI 1.00–1.05, p = 0.112), and neighborhood housing (OR: 0.03, 95% CI 0.01–0.49, p = 0.025). (4) Conclusions: Hyperlipidemia and housing neighborhood can be regarded as possible factors for coronary disease progression in patients with chronic coronary syndrome with the use of optimal medical therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: The increase in cardiovascular risk related to air pollution has been a matter of interest in recent years. The role of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) has been postulated as a possible factor for premature death, including cardiovascular death. The role of long-term exposure to PM10 is less known. The aim of the study was to assess the individual relationship between air pollution in habitation and the development of coronary artery disease. (2) Methods: Out of 227 patients who underwent coronary angiography, 63 (38 men and 25 women) with a mean age of 69 (63–74) years, with nonsignificant atherosclerotic changes at the initial examination, were included in the study. The baseline and repeated coronary angiography were compared to reveal patients with atherosclerotic progression and its relation to demographic and clinical factors and exposure to air pollution in the habitation place. (3) Results: In the performed analysis, we found a significant correlation between Syntax score in de novo lesions and BMI (Spearman's rho −0.334, p = 0.008). The significant and strong correlation between median annual PM10 values of 20 µg/m3 and at least 25 µg/m3 in air pollution and the risk of de novo coronary disease was noticed (Spearman's rho = 0.319, p = 0.011 and Spearman's rho = 0.809, p < 0.001, respectively). (4) Conclusions: There is a positive correlation between long-term exposure to PM10 air pollution and coronary artery disease progression, demonstrated by the increase in Syntax score. The presented analysis revealed increased morbidity at lower PM10 concentrations than generally recommended thresholds. Therefore, further investigations concerning air pollution's influence on cardiovascular risk should be accompanied by promoting lifestyle changes in the population and revisiting the needs for environmental guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]