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Atrial Fibrillation in Women: from Epidemiology to Treatment
AbstractPurpose of ReviewWomen with atrial fibrillation (AF) have higher risk of strokes and treatment complications. We explored the sex differences in the epidemiology, presentation, and outcomes of AF treatments.Recent FindingsAlthough AF is less prevalent in women, because of their longer life expectancy, more women than men live with AF. The risk of AF is higher with increasing pregnancies. Women are more symptomatic. Increased atrial fibrosis and a higher incidence of non-pulmonary vein triggers are seen in women. Women also have worse left atrial appendage function, which may contribute to the higher risk of stroke....
Source: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports - October 6, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

The Fourth Trimester: a Time for Enhancing Transitions in Cardiovascular Care
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe “fourth trimester” concept, defined as the first 12 weeks after delivery (and beyond), is a critical window of time for clinicians to intervene to optimize women’s cardiovascular health after pregnancy. A timely and comprehensive postpartum cardiovascular assessment should be performed in a ll women following delivery in order to (1) follow up medical conditions present prior to conception, (2) evaluate symptoms and signs of common postpartum complications, and (3) identify risk factors and prevent future adverse cardiovascular outcomes. In this review, we aim to discuss major materna...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports - September 21, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Coronary Artery Calcium-Based Approach to Lipid Management
AbstractPurpose of ReviewWe review the clinical utility and incorporation of coronary artery calcium (CAC) in traditional cardiovascular risk assessments to guide lipid management, specifically in the appropriate allocation of lipid-lowering therapies. We intentionally exclude discussion of non-pharmacologic lifestyle interventions, statin safety and its associated side effects, radiation safety, and the value of care with the use of CAC, as well as other nuances in lipid management that are beyond the scope of this review.Recent FindingsCAC-based cardiovascular risk assessment and statin allocation are endorsed by clinica...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports - August 19, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Triglyceride-Rich Lipoproteins, Remnants, and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo describe seminal studies and recent reports that have focused on the metabolism and quantification of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRL) and remnants. Their role in atherosclerosis pathophysiology and association with cardiovascular risk along with therapeutic approaches is also discussed.Recent FindingsTRL and remnants are produced by the metabolism of liver-derived very low-density lipoproteins and intestine-derived chylomicrons. They play an important role in atherosclerosis initiation and progression that is independent of low-density lipoprotein particles. Individuals with hypertriglyceri...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports - July 23, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Cardiovascular Disease Risk Among Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this article is to critically appraise and summarize recent literature addressing racial and ethnic disparities in cardiovascular disease among adults with chronic kidney disease.Recent FindingsDespite advances in medical care, individuals with chronic kidney disease continue to bear a high burden of clinical and subclinical cardiovascular disease. Multiple racial and ethnic factors influence cardiovascular disease pathophysiology, burden, and clinical outcomes therein contributing to increased morbidity and mortality among racial and ethnic minority populations with chronic kidney d...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports - July 23, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Cardiovascular Health of Black Women Before, During, and After Pregnancy: A Call to Action and Implications for Prevention
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn the USA, the maternal mortality rate is one of the worst of developed countries. For Black women, this rate is even more stark and highlights the disparities in health care that disproportionately affect communities of color.Recent FindingsRegardless of socioeconomic status or education level, Black women are not immune to the inequities that exist in the delivery of maternal care. Cardiovascular disease has long been identified as the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths and emerging research offers a window of opportunity to modify risk factors that contribute to heart disease. In tacklin...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports - July 23, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Sex Differences in Cardiomyopathy
Abstract   Purpose of ReviewHeart failure (HF) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide with unique phenotypes in men and women. Cardiomyopathy is a common cause of HF with distinct sex differences. This review focuses on sex differences in common types of cardiomyopathies.Recent FindingsGenetic cardiomyopathies tend to affect men in part due to differences in X-chromosomes, while peripartum cardiomyopathy uniquely affects women of childbearing age. Moreover, women are more likely to develop cardiomyopathies related to emotional distress, inflammatory states, and certain cancer treatments. Sex hormones...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports - July 22, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Using Atrial Fibrillation Symptoms to Guide Treatment: Becoming PROs at Improving Quality of Life
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review article is to discuss AF symptomatic management in the context of patient-reported outcomes (PROs), the best tools available to measure patient symptom burden and quality of life. We will also discuss how PROs have been used to assess symptoms in patients with AF and identify several areas for further research to guide AF therapies.Recent FindingsPROs are validated measures of patients ’ symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) derived directly from patient responses, and have been used in clinical trials to demonstrate improvements following interventions fo...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports - July 22, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Arrhythmia-Induced Cardiomyopathy: Mechanisms and Risk Assessment to Guide Management and Follow-Up
AbstractPurpose of ReviewArrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy (AIC) is a condition where left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction is caused by or worsened by atrial or ventricular arrhythmias. While recognition of AIC has grown over time, the identification of patients at risk for AIC remains an ongoing challenge. The purpose of this review is to explore mechanisms and types of AIC, discuss risk factors for the development of AIC, and features that predict clinical improvement.Recent FindingsPrompt recognition and treatment of the culprit arrhythmia can result in partial or complete recovery of LV function. In atrial fibril...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports - July 18, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Lipoprotein(a) —When to Screen and How to Treat
AbstractPurpose of ReviewLipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is a proinflammatory and atherogenic molecule that is emerging as an important biomarker of cardiovascular (CV) risk. It has been implicated in the pathogenesis of both atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and aortic valve stenosis. An estimated 10 –30% of the global population has elevated Lp(a) levels. Screening for and treating elevated Lp(a) represents an opportunity to reduce risk for adverse CV events.Recent FindingsCurrent guidelines from the American College of Cardiology and National Lipid Association recommend Lp(a) testing in high-risk individuals. The ...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports - July 11, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Risk factors and Management of Mitral Annular Atrial Flutter After Mitral Valve Surgery
AbstractPurpose of ReviewMacro-reentrant atrial tachycardias can occur in many patients after cardiac valve surgery. This review highlights the risk factors and special considerations for managing mitral annular flutter after mitral valve surgery.Recent FindingsPerimitral annular flutter wavefront usually rotates clockwise or counterclockwise, supported by endocardial structures and low-voltage, slow conduction areas. Recent studies have shown the benefits of a steerable sheath while manipulating it near the mitral valve and multipolar mapping catheter to confirm PV isolation, which is necessary to ensure enduring blocks a...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports - July 8, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Risk Factors for Sudden Death in Athletes, Is There a Role for Screening?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewSudden cardiac death (SCD) in a young athlete is an infrequent yet devastating event often associated with substantial media attention. Screening athletes for conditions associated with SCD is a controversial topic with debate surrounding virtually each component including the ideal subject, method, and performer/interpreter of such screens. In fact, major medical societies such as the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and the European Society of Cardiology have discrepant recommendations on the matter, and major sporting associations have enacted a wide range of screening p...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports - July 4, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

New Strategies for Lowering Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) relies on optimizing cardiovascular health and appropriate pharmacotherapy, a mainstay of which is low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering. Typically, statin therapy remains the first-line approach. Advances in technology and understanding of lipid metabolism have facilitated the development of several novel therapeutic targets and medications within the last decade. This review focuses on medications recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the reduction of LDL-C and ASCVD ...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports - June 25, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Risk Assessment and Management of Patients Undergoing Left Atrial Appendage Isolation
AbstractPurpose of ReviewHerein, we will describe our approach in the management of patients following LAA isolation.SummaryWith the increasing number of patients who undergo left atrial appendage isolation as part of their invasive treatment of atrial fibrillation, it is important to know that this patient population needs special care during follow-up. More specifically, owing to absent left atrial appendage contraction, these patients have an increased stroke risk despite persistent sinus rhythm and irrespective of their CHA2DS2-VASc score. Thus, the mainstay of management of patients following left atrial appendage iso...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports - June 10, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Unique Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Hispanic Individuals
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review summarizes contemporary data on unique cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in Hispanic individuals in the USA, and how addressing these factors is important in addressing health equity.Recent FindingsRecent studies have shown high rates of traditional CVD risk factors in Hispanic individuals such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and emerging CVD risk factors like hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, psychological stress, and occupational exposures. However, most studies fail to consider the significant heterogeneity in risk factor burden and outcomes in atherosc...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports - June 2, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research