Persistent or Recurrent Angina Following Percutaneous Coronary Revascularization
AbstractPurpose of ReviewPersistent or recurrent angina after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has substantial patient morbidity and economic impact. As knowledge of the pathophysiology of this condition has evolved, new tools for accurate diagnosis and treatment have become available. We provide a current, comprehensive review of mechanisms of post-PCI angina, diagnostic strategies, and therapeutic options.Recent FindingsThe routine use of functional testing during PCI may enable more accurate revascularization. Coronary vasomotor disorders commonly cause angina after PCI in the absence of obstructive epicardial C...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - October 26, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Guidance of Transcatheter Mitral and Tricuspid Valve Repair by Echocardiography
This article outlines the applications of transcatheter valve repair therapy for mitral and tricuspid regurgitation based on the current cardiovascular guidelines and a growing body of evidence.SummaryIn this review, we provide a stepwise approach echocardiography in the guidance of the MitraClip device as currently the only FDA-approved transcatheter edge-to-edge repair device. (Source: Current Cardiology Reports)
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - October 25, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Assessment of Cardiac Sarcoidosis: FDG PET and BMIPP SPECT
AbstractPurpose of ReviewCardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is an inflammatory disease of unknown etiology that can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias, heart failure, and death. Advanced cardiac imaging modalities have improved the clinician ’s ability to detect this disease. The purpose of this review is to discuss the recent evidence of cardiac metabolic imaging as assessed by [18F]FDG PET and [123I]BMIPP SPECT in the evaluation of CS patients.Recent Findings[18F]FDG PET is the gold standard to identify myocardial inflammation. [123I]BMIPP SPECT can uncover early myocardial damage as well as advanced stages of CS when fibrosis...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - October 25, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Optimizing Hypertension Control Globally: WHF Roadmap
AbstractPurpose of ReviewHypertension represents the most important cardiovascular risk factor, affecting over 4.06 billion adults worldwide. In this review, we will discuss potential barriers and their solutions to improve prevention, detection, and management of hypertension.Recent FindingsThe prevalence of hypertension has been increasing in low- and middle-income countries, requiring new strategies to improve its recognition and proper management. The World Heart Federation (WHF) developed a roadmap for hypertension, advising health system policies and clinical practices as part of its commitment to improving global ca...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - October 24, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
PET Myocardial Blood Flow for Post-transplant Surveillance and Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy in Heart Transplant Recipients
AbstractPurpose of ReviewCardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is a late-occurring complication of heart transplantation significantly limiting overall graft survival. In the last few years, evidence has been growing about the use of positron emission tomography (PET) myocardial perfusion imaging with integrated myocardial blood flow (MBF) quantification in heart transplant recipients.Recent FindingsMultiple studies have demonstrated that PET MBF assessment can be utilized to establish the diagnosis of CAV noninvasively and can be employed for prognostication. PET MBF quantification has also helped to define the link betwee...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - October 24, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Continuous Glucose Monitor, Insulin Pump, and Automated Insulin Delivery Therapies for Type 1 Diabetes: An Update on Potential for Cardiovascular Benefits
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe incidence of type 1 diabetes (T1D) is rising in all age groups. T1D is associated with chronic microvascular and macrovascular complications but improving glycemic trends can delay the onset and slow the progression of these complications. Utilization of technological devices for diabetes management, such as continuous glucose monitors (CGM) and insulin pumps, is increasing, and these devices are associated with improvements in glycemic trends. Thus, device use may be associated with long-term prevention of T1D complications, yet few studies have investigated the direct impacts of devices on ...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - October 24, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Donation After Circulatory Death: A New Frontier
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo highlight the current global experience with DCD heart transplantation and explore the evolution of, and compare preservation strategies; examine early clinical outcomes, and discuss the growing use of DCD donors as a new frontier in heart transplantation.Recent FindingsThe two strategies of DCD heart preservation include NMP using the OCS Heart and TA-NRP followed by either: NMP or CSS. Better understanding the limits of cold ischaemia following TA-NRP will aid in distant procurement. Asystolic warm ischaemia plays an important role in determining immediate post-operative graft function and pot...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - October 22, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
The Role of the Non-Steroidal Mineralocorticoid Antagonist Finerenone in Cardiorenal Management
This article provides an overview of recent evidence of benefits on cardiovascular (CV) outcomes.Recent FindingsThe recently published phase III FIDELIO-DKD and FIGARO-DKD, alone and pooled, in patients with CKD and diabetes demonstrate that finerenone reduces the composite of CV death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, and hospitalization for heart failure (HF) with hospitalization for HF being the primary driver of this composite.SummaryFinerenone is indicated to reduce renal and CV outcomes in patients with CKD and diabetes. Future investigations of this agent include patients with non-diabetic CKD, HF w...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - October 22, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Modeling Cardiac SARS-CoV-2 Infection with Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
AbstractAlthough SARS-CoV-2, the causative virus of the global COVID-19 pandemic, primarily affects the respiratory tract, it is now recognized to have broad multi-organ tropism and systemic effects. Early reports indicated that SARS-CoV-2 infection could lead to cardiac damage, suggesting the virus may directly impact the heart. Cardiac cell types derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) enable mechanistic interrogation of SARS-CoV-2 infection in human cardiac tissue.Purpose of ReviewTo review the studies published since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic which utilize hPSCs and their cardiovascular derivativ...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - October 22, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Role of Sex in Atherosclerosis: Does Sex Matter?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAtherosclerosis is the largest cause of death in the western world with the role of sex yet to be determined. The purpose of this review is to investigate the role sex may play in the development of atherosclerosis.Recent FindingsDifferences in plaque burden play a role in atherosclerotic outcome. Men have a higher prevalence of plaque burden, while women have less plaque rupture, necrotic core, and calcium. Differences in hormones, vascular anatomy, and overall lifestyle all play a role. Estrogen ’s cardioprotective effect is well known, but there is a lack of consensus on testosterone’s role....
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - October 21, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
The Echocardiographic Evaluation of Aortic Aneurysm
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAortic aneurysm is the second most common aortic disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We summarize the role of echocardiography in the evaluation of aortic aneurysms in assessing the different etiologies, associated complications, and the role in serial follow-up. In addition, we discuss the limitations of echocardiographic evaluation and the role of multimodality imaging.Recent FindingsEchocardiographic tools such as 2D/3D and Doppler imaging have helped improve the quality of aortic evaluation in acute and long-term follow-up. Moreover, multimodality imaging (CT and MR ang...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - October 15, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Therapeutic Effects of Lipid Lowering Medications on Myocardial Blood Flow, Inflammation, and Sympathetic Nerve Activity Using Nuclear Techniques
AbstractPurpose of ReviewStatins are routinely applied in patients with coronary artery disease, as they allow significantly to reduce blood cholesterol levels. Although those drugs are endorsed by current guidelines and prescribed routinely, a substantial portion of patients are still statin-intolerant and image-piloted strategies may then be helpful to identify patients that need further intensified treatment, e.g., to i nitiate treatment with proprotein convertase subtilisin / kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i). In addition, it has also been advocated that statins exhibit nonlipid, cardio-protective effects including i...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - October 13, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Autoimmune Pericarditis: Multimodality Imaging
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewThe purpose of this review is to understand the underlying mechanism that leads to pericarditis in systemic autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases. The underlying mechanism plays a vital role in the appropriate management of patients. In addition, we will review the current landscape of available cardiac imaging modalities with emphasis on pericardial conditions as well as proposed treatment and management tailored toward pericardial autoimmune and autoinflammatory processes.Recent FindingsApproximately 22% of all cases of pericarditis with a known etiology are caused by systemic autoimmune d...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - October 11, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Heart Failure in Complex Congenital Heart Disease of the Adult
We describe the heart failure phenotypes of complex CHD, reversible causes for heart failure, and considerations for advanced therapy.Recent FindingsWhile initially marketed for application to patients with acquired causes for heart failure, newer devices and technologies have started to be used in the ACHD population. After reversible causes for heart failure in CHD are addressed, it is reasonable to consider use of new device-based technologies and orthotopic heart transplant (OHT) for end-stage disease.SummaryNew heart failure technology and organ transplant should carefully be considered and applied in complex ACHD, wh...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - October 5, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Emerging Therapeutic Targets for Heart Failure
AbstractPurpose of ReviewHeart failure is a global epidemic that affects at least 26 million individuals globally and is becoming more prevalent. Despite advances in treatment strategies, survival and symptom management in individuals with heart failure remain exceptionally low. This review discusses emerging targets for the treatment of heart failure.Recent FindingsRecently, a number of targets are being investigated as prospective treatment possibilities for heart failure. These include targets like Runx1 transcription factor (RUNX1), milk fact globule-EFG factor 8 (MFGE8) protein and enzymes such as neuraminidase 1 (NEU...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - October 4, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
