Atrial Fibrillation Complicating Acute Myocardial Infarction: Prevalence, Impact, and Management Considerations
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAtrial fibrillation (AF) and myocardial infarction (MI) often coexist, and this overlapping nature leads to heightened morbidity and increases the need for comprehensive risk management strategies. The precise trajectory and implications of atrial fibrillation complicating myocardial infarction remain subjects of debate, with divergent reports presenting varying accounts. This review seeks to provide an in-depth exploration of the existing literature to cover the predictors, implication, and available management of new onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMI)....
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - March 14, 2024 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Cerebral Embolic Protection Devices for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Review of the Literature and Future Perspectives
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTranscatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been a revolutionary therapy in the treatment of aortic valve stenosis. The risk of stroke associated with TAVR has decreased significantly since its introduction; however, it remains a devastating complication when it does occur.Recent FindingsMany of the strokes associated with TAVR occur peri-procedurally and are thought to be due to embolic debris entering the cerebrovascular circulation. A number of different cerebral embolic protection devices (CEPD) have been developed and are in various stages of testing and use.SummaryThe results from clini...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - March 12, 2024 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Acute Coronary Syndrome in Women: An Update
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe goal of this manuscript is to provide a concise summary of recent developments in the approach to and treatment of women with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).Recent FindingsThis review covers terminology updates relating to ACS and myocardial injury and infarction. Updates on disparities in recognition, treatments, and outcomes of women with ACS due to atherosclerotic coronary artery disease are covered. Other causes of ACS, including spontaneous coronary artery dissection and myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary artery disease are discussed, given the increased frequency in women ...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - March 11, 2024 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Diagnosis and Management of Congenital Coronary Artery Fistulas in Adults
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review describes the presentation, diagnosis, and management of congenital coronary artery fistulas (CAFs) in adults.Recent FindingsCAFs are classified as coronary-cameral or coronary arteriovenous fistulas. Fistulous connections at the distal coronary bed are more likely to be aneurysmal with higher risk of thrombosis and myocardial infarction (MI). Medium-to-large or symptomatic CAFs can manifest as ischemia, heart failure, and arrhythmias. CAF closure is recommended when there are attributable symptoms or evidence of adverse coronary remodeling. Closure is usually achievable using transcath...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - March 11, 2024 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Cardiorespiratory and Muscular Fitness in Children and Adolescents with Obesity
AbstractPurpose of ReviewExamine the current state of literature related to the impact of obesity in children and adolescents on health-related physical fitness and the resultant cardiometabolic disease risk.Recent FindingsCardiorespiratory fitness of children and adolescents has declined over the past few decades which corresponds with an increase in obesity rates. Children with obesity are more likely to have low cardiorespiratory fitness which is associated with higher cardiometabolic disease risk and poorer mental health. The impact of obesity on muscular fitness in children and adolescents is more difficult to ascerta...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - March 9, 2024 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Management Considerations for Acute Coronary Syndromes in Chronic Kidney Disease
AbstractPurpose of ReviewPropensity of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to adverse outcomes of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) derives, in part, from imperfection in management. Dearth of data resulting from underrepresentation of patients with CKD in ACS trials and underuse of evidence-based testing and therapy compound biological risks inherent to CKD. We sought in this narrative review to critically appraise contemporary evidence and offer suggested approaches to practicing clinicians for the optimization of ACS management in patients with CKD.Recent FindingsUpdated multisociety chest pain guidelines emphasize ...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - March 7, 2024 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Updates on Non-Statin LDL-Lowering Therapy
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThere is ample evidence of the benefits and safety of low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-lowering therapies in the prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. While statins remain the first-line agent for LDL reduction, several new therapies are now available. This narrative review provides an overview of currently available non-statin LDL-lowering agents, specifically mechanisms of action and data on efficacy and safety. It also discusses recommendations on their use in clinical practice.Recent FindingsEzetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, and bempedoic acid have proven safe and efficacious in reducin...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - March 4, 2024 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Mechanical Circulatory Support for High-Risk Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review will focus on the indications of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) for high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and then analyze in detail all MCS devices available to the operator, evaluating their mechanisms of action, pros and cons, contraindications, and clinical data supporting their use.Recent FindingsOver the last decade, the interventional cardiology arena has witnessed an increase in the complexity profile of the patients and lesions treated in the catheterization laboratory. Patients with significant comorbidity burden, left ventricular dysfunction, impaired hemod...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - February 26, 2024 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
The Global Epidemic of Metabolic Fatty Liver Disease
The objective of this manuscript is to examine the current literature on the epidemiology of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), its correlation with cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes, as well as to evaluate the update in nomenclature from non-alcoholic liver disease (NAFLD).Recent FindingsThe update of diagnostic criteria from NAFLD to MASLD reduces the stigma associated with alcohol consumption and poor health choices. It also shines a light on the crucial role of cardiometabolic risk factors in disease pathophysiology. The incidence and prevalence of MASLD are projected to increase s...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - February 20, 2024 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Echogenomics: Echocardiography in Heritable Aortopathies
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe aim of this article is to review the current echocardiographic considerations in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with inherited aortopathies.Recent FindingsAortic dilation is a key feature in heritable aortopathies, and dissection is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. New genetic and histopathologic findings are helpful in better understanding these conditions. Non-invasive imaging modalities, including echocardiogram, computerized tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, are essential in monitoring these patients, as well as providing new prognostic factors of arterial sti...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - February 19, 2024 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Understanding the Genetic and Non-Genetic Interconnections in the Aetiology of Syndromic Congenital Heart Disease: An Updated Review: Part 2
AbstractPurpose of ReviewApproximately 30% of syndromic cases diagnosed with CHD, which lure us to further investigate the molecular and clinical challenges behind syndromic CHD (sCHD). The aetiology of sCHD in a majority of cases remains enigmatic due to involvement of multiple factors, namely genetic, epigenetic and environmental modifiable risk factors for the development of the disease. Here, we aim to update the role of genetic contributors including chromosomal abnormalities, copy number variations (CNVs) and single gene mutations in cardiac specific genes, maternal lifestyle conditions, environmental exposures and e...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - February 15, 2024 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Open Surgical Therapy for Peripheral Artery Disease
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe surgical management of symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) has changed in the last few decades. Improvement in endovascular technology has resulted in more complex lesion once reserved for open surgery being addressed in an endovascular fashion. Even with these advances, there are lesions and patients that are better managed with an open surgical procedure. The aim of this review is to describe the most commonly performed open surgical procedures for PAD.Recent FindingsThe recently published Best Endovascular versus Best Surgical Therapy (BEST-CLI) trial was an international, prospectiv...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - February 12, 2024 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Lysophosphatidic Acid-Mediated Inflammation at the Heart of Heart Failure
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe primary aim of this review is to provide an in-depth examination of the role bioactive lipids —namely lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and ceramides—play in inflammation-mediated cardiac remodeling during heart failure. With the global prevalence of heart failure on the rise, it is critical to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms contributing to its pathogenesis. Traditional studies have emphasized factors such as oxidative stress and neurohormonal activation, but emerging research has shed light on bioactive lipids as central mediators in heart failure pathology. By elucidating these ...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - February 10, 2024 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Update on the Role of Colchicine in Cardiovascular Disease
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review focuses on the use of colchicine to target inflammation to prevent cardiovascular events among those at-risk for or with established coronary artery disease.Recent FindingsColchicine is an anti-inflammatory drug that reduces cardiovascular events through its effect on the IL-1 β/IL-6/CRP pathway, which promotes the progression and rupture of atherosclerotic plaques. Clinical trials have demonstrated that colchicine reduces cardiovascular events by 31% among those with chronic coronary disease, and by 23% among those with recent myocardial infarction. Its ability to dampe n inflammation...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - February 10, 2024 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Fulminant Myocarditis Temporally Associated with COVID-19 Vaccination
In conclusion, COVID-19 vaccine-associated FM differs from non-fulminant forms, suggesting potential specific mechanisms in these rare and severe forms. Mortality in vaccine-associated FM remains high, in line with other forms of FM. (Source: Current Cardiology Reports)
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - February 7, 2024 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research