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
Improving Detection of CAD and Prognosis with PET/CT Quantitative Absolute Myocardial Blood Flow Measurements
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the role of PET MPI in the detection of CAD, focussing on the added value of MBF for diagnosis and prognostication.Recent FindingsPositron emission tomography (PET) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) is increasingly used for the risk stratification of patients with suspected or established coronary artery disease (CAD). PET MPI provides accurate and reproducible non-invasive quantification of myocardial blood flow (MBF) at rest and during hyperemia, providing incremental information over conventional myocardial perfusion alone.SummaryInclusion...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - November 8, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
An Update on the Role of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Cancer Patients
AbstractPurpose of ReviewCardiac magnetic resonance imaging has a significant and expanding role to play in contemporary cardio-oncology. This review seeks to explore the current and future roles of this imaging modality in the cardio-oncology setting.Recent FindingsCardiac magnetic resonance imaging is required in diagnosing, monitoring and treating all types of cardiotoxicities (acute coronary syndromes, arrhythmias, myocarditis, pericardial disease, heart failure) and in all types of cancers (breast, gastrointestinal, renal, prostate, haematological etc.). Newer imaging sequences and techniques can help provide addition...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - November 7, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Role of Cardiac Computed Tomography in Planning Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement (TMVR)
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTranscatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) is an evolving and rapidly expanding field within structural interventions, offering renewed treatment options for patients with high-risk mitral valve disease. We aim to highlight and illustrate the importance of cardiac CT in the planning of TMVR.Recent FindingsAs TMVR has evolved, so has the specific nuances of cardiac CT planning, we now understand the importance of accurate annular sizing and valve simulation to predict complications such as neo-LVOT obstruction and paravalvular leak (PVL). More so than any other modality, cardiac CT remains instru...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - November 5, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Mitral Annular Disjunction: Associated Pathologies and Clinical Consequences
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo provide an overview of mitral annular disjunction (MAD) and to discuss important challenges in diagnosis and management of MAD.Recent FindingsMAD has regained interest in the context of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP), coined as the “arrhythmic” MVP syndrome. In addition, MAD in isolation was recently suggested to be associated with severe arrhythmia and SCD.SummaryThere is a lack of consensus on the definition of MAD and the imaging modality to be used for diagnosing MAD, and the therapeutic implications of MAD remain uncertain. Furthermore, the exact...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - November 4, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Sleep and Circadian Disturbance in Cardiovascular Risk
AbstractPurpose of ReviewWe discuss the relationship between sleep and circadian factors with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, including physiologic, behavioral, and psychological mechanisms along this pathway.Recent FindingsThe relationship between short and long sleep duration, as well as insomnia, with CVD risk is well-established. Recent work has highlighted how other sleep factors, such as sleep regularity (i.e., consistency of sleep timing), multidimensional sleep health, and circadian factors like chronotype and social jetlag, relate to CVD risk. Sleep-focused interventions (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy for ...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - November 3, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Optimal, Early Postoperative Management of Cardiac Transplant and Durable Left Ventricular Assist Recipients
AbstractPurpose of ReviewSummarize developments in the early postoperative care of patients undergoing cardiac transplantation or left ventricular assist device implantation. Provide a practical approach with personal insights to highly complex patients at risk for prolonged hospitalization.Recent FindingsAdvancements in technology allow for percutaneous mechanical circulatory support of both the right and left ventricles either isolated or combined via subclavian and neck vessels. Since the adult heart allocation system has been changed to reduce waitlist mortality, the use of temporary mechanical circulatory support has ...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - November 3, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
The Role of Depression on Treatment Adherence in Patients with Heart Failure –a Systematic Review of the Literature
ConclusionThe detection of depression in the setting of HF should be crucial to HF patients ’ physical health and quality of life. Future research should take depression into account, exploring this area through self-report and qualitative interview as well. (Source: Current Cardiology Reports)
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - November 3, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Cardiac Manifestations of Post-Acute COVID-19 Infection
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThere is emerging evidence that the post-acute and chronic phases of COVID-19 infection are associated with various significant cardiovascular sequelae.Recent FindingsLong COVID has been shown to be associated with multiple cardiovascular sequelae including direct myocardial injury, arrhythmias, and cardiomyopathies. Hypotheses on the mechanism of myocardial injury include direct viral infiltration and autoimmune dysregulation. Long COVID is associated with persistent cardiac ischemia in patients with no previous history of coronary disease, atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, and the development o...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - November 2, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Mental Stress-Induced Myocardial Ischemia
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo summarize recent evidence on mental stress-induced myocardial ischemia (MSIMI), its mechanisms, and clinical significance.Recent FindingsMSIMI can occur in patients with normal cardiac stress testing, is only weakly related to severity of coronary artery disease (CAD), and it is often silent. Among patients with CAD, MSIMI is associated with a twofold increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events compared to those who do not have MSIMI. Certain groups such as young women with myocardial infarction and those with psychological comorbidities are more susceptible to MSIMI. Abnormal microvas...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - November 2, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease: Implications for Future Research and Clinical Care
AbstractPurpose of ReviewPosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). We explore the literature linking PTSD to CVD, potential mechanisms, interventions, and clinical implications. We outline gaps in current literature and highlight necessary future research.Recent FindingsPTSD has been independently associated with deleterious effects on cardiovascular health through biological, behavioral, and societal pathways. There are evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions and pharmacotherapies for PTSD that may mitigate its impact on CVD. However, there are limited st...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - October 28, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Computational Analysis of Cardiac Contractile Function
AbstractPurpose of ReviewHeart failure results in the high incidence and mortality all over the world. Mechanical properties of myocardium are critical determinants of cardiac function, with regional variations in myocardial contractility demonstrated within infarcted ventricles. Quantitative assessment of cardiac contractile function is therefore critical to identify myocardial infarction for the early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention.Recent FindingsCurrent advancement of cardiac functional assessments is in pace with the development of imaging techniques. The methods tailored to advanced imaging have been widely us...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - October 27, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
