Current and Developing Technologies for BP Monitoring
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo discuss new and emerging technologies for blood pressure measurement and monitoring, including the limitations of current blood pressure measurement techniques, hopes for new device technologies, and the current barriers impeding change in this space.Recent FindingsA number of new cuffless devices are being developed and poised to emerge on the marketplace in coming years. There are several different types of technologies and sensors currently under study. New guidelines for validation of cuffless blood pressure devices have recently been developed in anticipation of this change.SummaryThe curre...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - September 12, 2023 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Addressing Barriers for Women with Advanced Heart Failure
AbstractPurpose of ReviewDescribe disparities in diagnosis and management between men and women with advanced heart failure (HF). Our goal is to identify barriers and suggest solutions.Recent FindingsWomen with advanced HF are less likely to undergo diagnostic testing and procedures (i.e., revascularization, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, cardiac resynchronization therapy, mechanical circulatory support, and orthotopic heart transplantation).SummaryDisparities related to gender create less favorable outcomes for women with advanced HF. The issues arise from access to care, paucity of knowledge, enrollment in clin...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - September 12, 2023 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Update on Transcatheter Treatment of Mitral and Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation
AbstractPurpose of ReviewMitral and tricuspid regurgitation represents a clinical challenge. They are associated with a poor prognosis, and many patients are not eligible for conventional surgery. Transcatheter therapies have been the focus of numerous studies and devices over the past decade. Here, we provide a summary of current options for transcatheter treatment of these 2 entities.Recent FindingsRecent studies have demonstrated the benefits of edge-to-edge repair for increasing numbers of patients. Encouraging early results with transcatheter valve replacement are also becoming available.SummaryTo date, transcatheter ...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - September 12, 2023 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Training Pathways in Critical Care Cardiology: Competencies and Considerations for Cardiologists
AbstractPurpose of ReviewCritical care cardiology (CCC) is a rapidly developing field undergoing a renaissance of interest and growth to meet the well-documented population shift in the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU). With this has come the emergence of novel training paradigms that seek to combine specialties with meaningful overlap.Recent FindingsThe benefit of having critical care expertise in the CICU has been clearly established; however, there is no formal or uniform CCC training pathway. Contemporary approaches seek to provide appropriate clinical and procedural experience while minimizing opportunity cost. The ...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - September 11, 2023 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
The Promise and Illusion of Continuous, Cuffless Blood Pressure Monitoring
AbstractPurpose of ReviewBlood pressure (BP) fluctuations outside of clinic are increasingly recognized for their role in the development of cardiovascular disease, syncope, and premature death and as a promising target for tailored hypertension treatment. However, current cuff-based BP devices, including home and ambulatory devices, are unable to capture the breadth of BP variability across human activities, experiences, and contexts.Recent FindingsCuffless, wearable BP devices offer the promise of beat-to-beat, continuous, noninvasive measurement of BP during both awake and sleep periods with minimal patient inconvenienc...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - September 9, 2023 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
COVID Vaccination as a Strategy for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
AbstractPurpose of ReviewCardiovascular (CV) disease is a known complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection. A clear benefit of COVID-19 vaccination is a reduction mortality; however, COVID-19 vaccination may also prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD). We aim to describe CV pathology associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and describe how COVID-19 vaccination is a strategy for CVD prevention.Recent FindingsThe risks and benefits of COVID-19 vaccination have been widely studied. Analysis of individuals with and without pre-existing CVD has shown that COVID-19 vaccination can prevent morbidity associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and ...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - September 9, 2023 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Arterial Stiffness and its Impact on Cardiovascular Health
AbstractPurpose of ReviewCardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality globally. Identifying patients at risk is important to initiate preventive strategies. Over the last few decades, the role of the endothelium and its impact on arterial stiffness have been recognised as playing a pivotal role in cardiovascular disease. This review will focus on the effect of arterial stiffness in different patient cohorts with regard to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, as well as its use in clinical practice.Recent FindingsArterial stiffness is associated with a range of cardiovascular risk factors and is an independ...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - September 7, 2023 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Correction to: Left Atrial Appendage Closure with Watchman vs Amulet Devices: Similarities and Differences
(Source: Current Cardiology Reports)
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - September 5, 2023 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Exploring Nursing Strategies to Engage Community in Cardiovascular Care
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review aims to highlight some of the strategies nurses use to engage community members in cardiovascular care. We also elaborate on opportunities for improving community engagement.Recent FindingsCommunity engagement occurs across a continuum of progressive levels of community involvement, impact, trust, and flow of communication. Successful community engagement has been shown to improve both patient-centered care and intervention design, implementation, and dissemination. Nurse strategies used for engaging community in cardiovascular care included more examples of outreach, consult, and invol...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - September 4, 2023 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Improving Hypertension Control in Vulnerable Populations Around the World
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review aims to describe recent literature, guidelines, and approaches to reveal and reduce hypertension burden in disadvantaged populations. Hypertension is a major global health issue and the most potent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, morbidity, and mortality. It disproportionally affects vulnerable populations, including low-, middle-, and high-income countries. Specifically, the burden of hypertension is higher in US Black adults, and addressing social determinants of health is crucial for reducing disparities among vulnerable populations worldwide.Recent FindingsMultifactorial app...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - September 2, 2023 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Insomnia and Cardiovascular Health: Exploring the Link Between Sleep Disorders and Cardiac Arrhythmias
AbstractCardiovascular diseases (CVDs), driven by modern lifestyles, have increased, with atrial fibrillation (AF) being a major concern linked to heart failure and stroke. Insomnia affects a large population, especially younger individuals, males, and menopausal women, decreasing the quality of life and potentially causing autonomic disturbances and cardiac arrhythmias.Purpose of ReviewThis review explores the link between insomnia and cardiac arrhythmias, particularly AF, and its impact on cardiovascular health and emphasizes the need to address insomnia in individuals with cardiac arrhythmias by tailored strategies for ...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - September 1, 2023 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
The Effect of EECP on Ischemic Heart Failure: a Systematic Review
This article mainly aims to explore the evidence of enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) as a non-invasive cardiac rehabilitation method in patients with IHF and to make a preliminary exploration of its mechanisms.Recent FindingsAccording to the existing evidence, the standard course of EECP is safe in patients with IHF and can significantly improve the quality of life of these patients. The effect of EECP on systolic function is still unclear, while EECP has a significant improvement effect on cardiac diastolic function. At the same time, this treatment can reduce the re-hospitalization rate and emergency visit rate ...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - August 29, 2023 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Is Lipoprotein(a) Clinically Actionable with Today ’s Evidence? The Answer is Yes
AbstractPurpose of ReviewLipoprotein(a) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. We review the ongoing shifts in consensus guidelines for the testing and management of Lp(a) and provide insight into whether current evidence suggests that awareness and testing of Lp(a) is clinically actionable.Recent FindingsGWAS and Mendelian randomization studies have established causal links between elevated Lp(a) and forms of CVD, including CAD and calcific aortic valve disease. Testing of Lp(a) identifies patients with similar risk to that of heterozygous FH, enhances risk stratification in patients with borderline/int...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - August 26, 2023 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Pericarditis Management in Individuals Contemplating Pregnancy, Currently Pregnant, or Breastfeeding
AbstractPurpose of ReviewPericarditis complicates pregnancy planning, pregnancy, or the postpartum period, and the management approach requires special considerations. Here, we aim to summarize the latest research, diagnostic, and treatment strategies.Recent FindingsPhysiologic cardiovascular (CV) adaptations occurring during pregnancy complicate diagnosis, but for most patients, an electrocardiogram (ECG) and transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) are sufficient to diagnosis pericarditis in the appropriate clinical context. Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used until 20 weeks gestation as need...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - August 26, 2023 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Screening for Emotional Distress in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn this article, we discuss the relationship between emotional distress and common cardiovascular disease condition, including coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, mechanical circulatory support, and heart transplant. We review screening measures that have been studied and used in clinical practice for each condition, as well as priorities for future research.Recent FindingsStudies consistently demonstrate failing to identify and treat emotional distress in patients with cardiovascular disease is associated with adverse outcomes. However, routine emotional distres...
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - August 23, 2023 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
