Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) to albumin ratio (GAR) has been shown to be helpful to diagnose and determine the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is a guide recommended non-invasive test that provides information about the presence, severity, and morphology of coronary plaques. In this study, our main aim was to investigate the relationship between the presence, morphology, and severity of coronary plaques detected via CCTA and GAR in patients with low to moderate risk for undiagnosed CAD. Nine hundred and sixty six patients were included who underwent CCTA. The severity of CAD and plaque morphology were investigated. CT-adapted Leaman score (CT-LeSc) was calculated to determine the extent of the CAD. The study population was further evaluated in three groups according to tertiles of GAR. Atherosclerotic plaques were more common in the male gender and older patients with conventional cardiovascular risk factors. GAR was significantly lower in patients with normal CCTA than in patients with a non-obstructive plaque or obstructive plaque on CCTA. Patients in upper GAR tertiles had a higher coronary calcium score (CACS) and CT-LeSc. GAR was one of the independent predictors to predict severe stenotic plaque and high CACS. GAR can independently predict the presence, extent, and severity of CAD determined by CT-LeSc. We believe as a cheap, safe, and widely available tool, GAR would be useful in the diagnosis of CAD.

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the importance of preprocedural uric acid (UA) level in predicting fractional flow reserve (FFR) results of intermediate coronary lesions in patients with stable coronary artery disease undergoing coronary angiography. Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed 293 patients who underwent FFR measurement to determine the significance of intermediate coronary stenosis detected by conventional coronary angiography. Patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 (n = 127) included patients with FFR of 0.80 (hemodynamically nonsignificant lesions). Uric acid levels were assessed in both groups with the enzymatic colorimetric method by clinical chemistry autoanalyzer. Results: The mean UA level was significantly higher in patients whose FFR indicated hemodynamically significant coronary lesions (UA: 5.43 +/- 1.29 mg/dL in Group 1 vs. 4.51 +/- 1.34 mg/dL in Group 2, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Elevated UA levels are associated with hemodynamically significant coronary lesions measured with FFR. Uric acid may he used as a predictor of hemodynamically compromised coronary lesions before FFR procedures.

Objective: To compare the efficacy, safety, and patient compliance of tele-cardiac rehabilitation (T-CR) versus center-based cardiac rehabilitation (C-CR) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). A secondary aim was to assess the effects of both interventions on quality of life (QoL) and kinesiophobia.Methods: This nonrandomized, patient-preference controlled trial included 40 CAD patients (83% post-myocardial infarction) at a university hospital. Participants selected either C-CR or T-CR. The four-week intervention included supervised in-hospital exercise (C-CR) or telemonitored exercise with heart rate feedback (T-CR). The primary outcome was peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak). Secondary outcomes included VO2 at ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VO2 at VAT), time to VAT, oxygen pulse, QoL, Fear of Activity in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease (Fact-CAD) scores, and exercise adherence.Results: Baseline VO2 peak was higher in the T-CR group (23.2±3.5 vs. 19.4±4.2, p=0.004). Rehabilitation improved VO2 peak (p<0.001), VO2 at VAT (p=0.004), and time to VAT (p<0.001) in both groups. Fact-CAD scores decreased (p=0.004), and QoL improved (p<0.001). However, C-CR led to greater kinesiophobia reduction (p=0.038) and slightly higher QoL improvements (p=0.05). T-CR participants completed more exercise sessions (14.9±2.9 vs. 12.0±0, p<0.001), with no serious adverse events reported.Conclusion: T-CR is a safe and effective alternative to C-CR, providing similar physiological benefits. However, C-CR may be superior in reducing kinesiophobia. Future studies should assess long-term adherence and psychological outcomes in diverse populations.

Dear EditorI read with great interest the randomised controlled trial by Sönmez et al. comparing moderate-intensity continuous training (MCT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in patients...

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