Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Hypertension: Barriers and Opportunities to Improve Blood Pressure Control
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo characterize the barriers and opportunities associated with racial and ethnic disparities in blood pressure (BP) control.Recent FindingsBlood pressure (BP) control rates in the USA have worsened over the last decade, with significantly lower rates of control among people from racial and ethnic minority groups, with non-Hispanic (NH) Black persons having 10% lower control rates compared to NH White counterparts. Many factors contribute to BP control including key social determinants of health (SDoH) such as health literacy, socioeconomic status, and access to healthcare as well as low awareness r...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - January 9, 2023 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
The Role of Imaging in Preventive Cardiology in Women
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe prevalence of CVD in women is increasing and is due to the increased prevalence of CV risk factors. Traditional CV risk assessment tools for prevention have failed to accurately determine CVD risk in women. CAC has shown to more precisely determine CV risk and is a better predictor of CV outcomes. Coronary CTA provides an opportunity to determine the presence of CAD and initiate prevention in women presenting with angina. Identifying women with INOCA due to CMD with use of cPET or cMRI with MBFR is vital in managing these patients. This review article outlines the role of imaging in preventive ...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - December 28, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Chronic Total Occlusion Interventions in Patients with Reduced Ejection Fraction
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewThe goal of this paper is to review the current evidence surrounding CTO PCI in patients with low EF, the most high-risk population to treat. We also present pertinent case examples and offer practical tips to increase success and lower complications when performing CTO PCI in patients with low EF.Recent FindingsIn a prospective randomized control study, greater improvement in angina frequency and quality of life, assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire, was achieved by CTO PCI compared to optimal medical therapy. Furthermore, after successful CTO PCI, improvements in health status were si...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - December 28, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
The Role of Echocardiography in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
AbstractPurpose of ReviewExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasingly used to temporarily support patients in severe circulatory and/or respiratory failure. Echocardiography is a core component of successful ECMO deployment. Herein, we review the role of echocardiography at different phases on extracorporeal support including candidate identification, cannulation, maintenance, complication vigilance, and decannulation.Recent FindingsDuring cannulation, ultrasound is used to confirm intended vascular access and appropriate inflow cannula positioning. While on ECMO, echocardiographic evaluation of ventricular...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - December 26, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
The Role of Multimodality Cardiac Imaging in Patients Undergoing Cancer Treatment
AbstractPurpose of ReviewModern therapeutics have led to improved survival for many types of cancer but have also been associated with adverse effects including potentially life-threatening cardiotoxicities. We sought to review the uses of multimodality cardiac imaging for risk stratification, prevention, and identification of cardiotoxicities in patients undergoing cancer treatment.Recent FindingsAdvancements in both echocardiography and emerging modalities, like cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and cardiac computed tomography, continue to improve the pre- and during therapy cardiac evaluation of cancer patients. Echoca...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - December 17, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Dyssynchronous Heart Failure: A Clinical Review
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewDyssynchrony occurs when portions of the cardiac chambers contract in an uncoordinated fashion. Ventricular dyssynchrony primarily impacts the left ventricle and may result in heart failure. This entity is recognized as a major contributor to the development and progression of heart failure. A hallmark of dyssynchronous heart failure (HFd) is left ventricular recovery after dyssynchrony is corrected. This review discusses the current understanding of pathophysiology of HFd and provides clinical examples and current techniques for treatment.Recent FindingsData show that HFd responds poorly to me...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - November 29, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
New Way to “SCORE” Risk: Updates on the ESC Scoring System and Incorporation into ESC Cardiovascular Prevention Guidelines
AbstractPurpose of ReviewPrior European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines endorsed the SCORE 10-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk calculator to inform the total risk approach to CVD prevention, including the use of preventive interventions like lipid lowering therapies. However, SCORE was released in 2003, did not allow for estimation of fatal and non-fatal CVD events, and was limited to adults aged 40 to 70 years. The ESC’s Cardiovascular Risk Collaboration (CRC) was tasked with updating SCORE (SCORE2) and with extending the upper age range of adults eligible for risk estimation (SCORE2-OP). This review summ...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - November 28, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
COVID-19 Vaccine –Related Myocardial and Pericardial Inflammation
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo review myocarditis and pericarditis developing after COVID-19 vaccinations and identify the management strategies.Recent FindingsCOVID-19 mRNA vaccines are safe and effective. Systemic side effects of the vaccines are usually mild and transient. The incidence of acute myocarditis/pericarditis following COVID-19 vaccination is extremely low and ranges 2 –20 per 100,000. The absolute number of myocarditis events is 1–10 per million after COVID-19 vaccination as compared to 40 per million after a COVID-19 infection. Higher rates are reported for pericarditis and myocarditis in COVID-19 infectio...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - November 28, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Air Pollution and the Heart: Updated Evidence from Meta-analysis Studies
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAlthough environmental exposure such as air pollution is detrimental to cardiovascular disease (CVD), the effects of different air pollutants on different CVD endpoints produced variable findings. We provide updated evidence between air pollutants and CVD outcomes including mitigation strategies with meta-analytic evidence.Recent FindingsAn increased exposure to any class of air pollutants including particulate matter (PM), gas, toxic metals, and disruptive chemicals has been associated with CVD events. Exposure to PM < 2.5 μm has been consistently associated with most heart diseases and...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - November 25, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
The Role of Nurse Practitioners in the Management of Heart Failure Patients and Programs
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe goal of this paper is to highlight the multifaceted approach heart failure (HF) nurse practitioners (NPs) use to manage patients. We were seeking to answer if NPs have the scope of clinical skills to manage the complexity of HF patients.Recent FindingsNP care in HF has been shown to reduce readmissions, improve timeliness of visits, decrease cost, and improve quality outcomes in small heterogeneous studies.SummaryThe evidence supports that NPs provide multifaceted, patient-centered care for at all stages on the continuum of HF. Our goals as NPs are to reduce the healthcare financial strain and ...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - November 25, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Correction to: Advanced Echocardiographic Techniques in Cardio-Oncology: the Role for Early Detection of Cardiotoxicity
(Source: Current Cardiology Reports)
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - November 24, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Caregiver Distress and Coronary Artery Disease: Prevalence, Risk, Outcomes, and Management
AbstractPurpose of ReviewCaregivers of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) are integral to the health care system and contribute substantially to patients ’ management. The purpose of this review is to provide a narrative synthesis of existing research on caregiving for patients who experienced an acute coronary syndrome (MI/unstable angina) and/or coronary revascularization (PCI/CABG).Recent FindingsThirty-one articles are included in this review. Overall, caregiver distress is low to moderate, ranging from 6 to 67% of caregivers, and seems to dissipate over time for most caregivers. Interventions have demonstra...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - November 23, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Contemporary Data on the Status and Medical Management of Acute Heart Failure
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAcute heart failure (AHF) is among the leading causes for unplanned hospital admission. Despite advancements in the management of chronic heart failure, the prognosis of AHF remains poor with high in-hospital mortality and increased rates of unfavorable post-discharge outcomes. With this review, we aim to summarize current data on AHF epidemiology, focus on the different patient profiles and classifications, and discuss management, including novel therapeutic options in this area.Recent FindingsThere is significant heterogeneity among patients admitted for AHF in their baseline characteristics, hea...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - November 16, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Radiolabeled Thioflavin-T Derivative PET Imaging for the Assessment of Cardiac Amyloidosis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewCardiac amyloidosis (CA) is an often under-recognized cause of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The goal of the current paper was to review imaging modalities available for detecting cardiac amyloidosis. We wished to determine what modalities are available for the diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis and what modalities could be utilized in the future.Recent FindingsEarly and delayed planar imaging of the chest currently plays a central role in the workup and diagnosis of CA. However, novel positron emission tomography (PET) tracers could play a large role in CA imaging in the future. Th...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - November 15, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Cardiometabolic Profile and Outcomes in Migrant Populations: A Review of Comparative Evidence from Migrants in Europe in Relation to Their Country of Origin
ConclusionStudies assessing the impact of migration by comparing migrating populations and the population of origin on diabetes and adiposity outcomes have gained interest. So far, the available evidence is highly heterogeneous to inform public health strategies in the receiving countries. We recommend further research including a more robust methodology and in-depth characterization of the migrant populations. (Source: Current Cardiology Reports)
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - November 8, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
