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
Combined Heart Kidney Transplantation Versus Heart Transplant in Patients with Renal Failure: Contemporary Insights and Future Perspectives
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn this review, we aim to outline the criteria regarding the evaluation of patients with chronic renal disease (CKD) awaiting heart transplantation and discuss the outcomes of combined heart/kidney transplantation. Herein, we also review pathophysiology and risk factors that predispose to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with HF and after OHT.Recent FindingsIn patients with end-stage systolic heart failure (HF) and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2, orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) alone is a relative contraindic...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - January 31, 2024 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
The Expansion of Genetic Testing in Cardiovascular Medicine: Preparing the Cardiology Community for the Changing Landscape
AbstractPurpose of ReviewPathogenic DNA variants underlie many cardiovascular disease phenotypes. The most well-recognized of these include familial dyslipidemias, cardiomyopathies, arrhythmias, and aortopathies. The clinical presentations of monogenic forms of cardiovascular disease are often indistinguishable from those with complex genetic and non-genetic etiologies, making genetic testing an essential aid to precision diagnosis.Recent FindingsPrecision diagnosis enables efficient management, appropriate use of emerging targeted therapies, and follow-up of at-risk family members. Genetic testing for these conditions is ...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - January 26, 2024 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Nutritional Aspects to Cardiovascular Diseases and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn this narrative review, we discuss the current evidence related to the role of dietary interventions to prevent and treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). We also propose alternative therapeutic strategies other than weight loss in this population, namely, improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness and its determinants.Recent FindingsWhile weight loss has been consistently associated with the prevention of T2DM and improvements in glycemic control in those with established diseases, its role in preventing and treating CVD is less clear. In fact, in this setting, im...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - January 23, 2024 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) from an Interventionalist Perspective
AbstractPurpose of ReviewSpontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an increasingly recognized cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), particularly among women < 50 years of age. Here, we aim to review the pathogenesis of SCAD, discuss SCAD as an initial manifestation of systemic arterial disease, and highlight invasive strategies as well as unique challenges in the care of women with SCAD.Recent FindingsA paradigm shift has occurred in the care of SCAD patients in the past decade as recommendations for conservative management have become widespread. Invasive interventions are reserved for patients with hem...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - January 18, 2024 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Post Cardiac Arrest Care in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit
AbstractPurpose of ReviewCardiac arrests constitute a leading cause of mortality in the adult population and cardiologists are often tasked with the management of patients following cardiac arrest either as a consultant or primary provider in the cardiac intensive care unit. Familiarity with evidence-based practice for post-cardiac arrest care is a requisite for optimizing outcomes in this highly morbid group. This review will highlight important concepts necessary to managing these patients.Recent FindingsEmerging evidence has further elucidated optimal care of post-arrest patients including timing for routine coronary an...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - January 12, 2024 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
MicroRNAs and Cardiovascular Disease Risk
AbstractPurpose of ReviewMicroRNAs (miRNAs) —short, non-coding RNAs—play important roles in almost all aspects of cardiovascular biology, and changes in intracellular miRNA expression are indicative of cardiovascular disease development and progression. Extracellular miRNAs, which are easily measured in blood and can be reflective of chan ges in intracellular miRNA levels, have emerged as potential non-invasive biomarkers for disease. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding miRNAs as biomarkers for assessing cardiovascular disease risk and prognosis.Recent FindingsNumerous studies over the last 10 –15 yea...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - January 11, 2024 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Patient Engagement in Research: Considerations in Creating a Registry for Adults with Congenital Heart Disease
This article reviews the importance of developing a patient engagement plan to promote better alignment of research with patients ’ and clinicians’ real-world needs and concerns.Recent FindingsThe Congenital Heart Initiative (CHI) launched in 2020 is an entirely web-based longitudinal registry designed in close coordination with the adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) community it is intended to serve. Successful community engagement has resulted in real-world data being collected in large scale in a rare disease population.SummaryEstablishing patient engagement plans is critical to conducting patient-centered outcom...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - December 22, 2023 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
