Overview of Binge Eating Disorder
AbstractPurpose of ReviewBinge eating disorder (BED) is characterized by recurrent binge eating episodes (i.e., eating an objectively large amount of food accompanied by a sense of loss of control while eating) in the absence of regular compensatory behavior. BED follows a chronic course marked by significant dysfunction and impairment. This review focuses on advances in the understanding of BED, including its diagnosis, correlates, risk factors, and treatment, with particular attention to the past 5 to 8  years.Recent FindingsBED remains the most common eating disorder in the USA and globally. BED occurs across the lifes...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports - November 4, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

CTO Revascularization
AbstractPurpose of ReviewCTO revascularization has been a topic of ongoing debate because of its high technical complexity and expected benefits. This review focuses on describing the various strategies for CTO revascularization, associated complications, and their outcomes.Recent FindingsThe hybrid algorithm is the most widely used method for CTO revascularization. The various strategies for CTO crossing are as follows: antegrade wire escalation (AWE), antegrade dissection/re-entry (ADR), and retrograde approach. DECISION-CTO, EURO-CTO, and EXPLORE are the three large randomized trials that studied the impact of complete ...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports - November 2, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Management of Acute Pulmonary Embolism
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewOver 100,000 cardiovascular-related deaths annually are caused by acute pulmonary embolism (PE). While anticoagulation has historically been the foundation for treatment of PE, this review highlights the recent rapid expansion in the interventional strategies for this condition.Recent FindingsAt the time of diagnosis, appropriate risk stratification helps to accurately identify patients who may be candidates for advanced therapeutic interventions. While systemic thrombolytics (ST) is the mostly commonly utilized intervention for high-risk PE, the risk profile of ST for intermediate-risk PE limi...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports - October 5, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Biomarkers and Risk Prediction Tools for Stroke and Dementia in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
AbstractPurpose of ReviewWith the aging population, atrial fibrillation (AF) associations with both stroke and dementia have become a priority for the healthcare system. The purpose of this paper is to review the emerging role of clinical scores and biomarkers in the risk stratification of AF patients for risk of stroke and risk of dementia.Recent FindingsAF is the most common arrhythmia in the aging population and a common comorbidity in atherosclerotic disease and heart failure. In this review, we identified 34 most relevant papers that specifically address the role of biomarkers in risk-stratifying patients with AF with...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports - October 1, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Correction to: Management of the Patient with Heart Failure and an Implantable Pulmonary Artery Hemodynamic Sensor
We request that the following corrections be made in our article. (Source: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports)
Source: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports - September 17, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Heart Failure in Vulnerable Populations: The Emerging Evidence of Methamphetamine-Associated Cardiomyopathy
AbstractPurpose of ReviewHeart failure is a significant and growing cause of disease in the developed world with substantial cost and morbidity associated with it. This review focuses on methamphetamine-associated cardiomyopathy (MACM) as an increasingly recognized cause of heart failure.Recent FindingsMACM is increasingly recognized worldwide. Prevalence of MACM in heart failure hospital admissions has been increasing in the western USA. Risk factors for development of MACM include male sex, hypertension, and alcohol use disorder. MACM is associated with severe left ventricular dysfunction, greater heart failure symptom b...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports - August 25, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Role of Mechanical Circulatory Support in High-Risk Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe risk of coronary interventions has fallen despite a temporal increase in complexity. However, patients with multiple comorbidities, complex coronary anatomy, and hemodynamic instability who are a high-risk subgroup that need revascularization are not well studied. Our review focuses on the role of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) in high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (HR-PCI).Recent FindingsAmong the MCS devices, intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) and Impella have been most studied, albeit with limited randomized controlled trial data. There is no unequivocal evidence of hard clinic...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports - August 24, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Peer Support Groups for Weight Loss
AbstractPurpose of ReviewSocial support, especially from peers, has been found to contribute to successful weight loss and long-term weight loss maintenance. Peer support groups may represent a particularly effective intervention technique for weight loss. This review focuses upon peer support weight loss interventions with the objective of identifying common elements of successful programs.Recent FindingsPeer support interventions often consist of expert-led educational content, supplemented by peer-led activities or discussion. Peer groups may provide support to individuals who have little social support in their normal ...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports - August 21, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Cardio-Oncology Preventive Care: Racial and Ethnic Disparities
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAs cancer screening and treatment continue to improve, the number of cancer survivors is growing rapidly. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in cancer survivors. In this review, we explore racial and ethnic disparities in cardiovascular toxicity from cancer therapies, with a particular focus on prevention. In addition, we propose potential solutions to address these disparities.Recent FindingsMultiple studies have found that African Americans experience higher rates of cardiotoxicity from chemotherapy than Caucasians. Few studies have explored reasons for these disparities. Social...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports - August 19, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

The Intersection of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Race/Ethnicity on Cardiovascular Health: a Review of the Literature and Needed Research
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review discusses the current literature about the cardiovascular health of sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals with a particular focus on the intersection between SGM identity and race/ethnicity, describes potential contributions to observed differences, and suggests interventions to begin to improve cardiovascular health equity in this community.Recent FindingsResearch on cardiovascular health in SGM individuals predominantly focuses on individual cardiovascular health risk factors and has conflicting results. The studies assessing cardiovascular health outcomes in SGM people show mi...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports - August 18, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Underreporting of Dietary Intake: Key Issues for Weight Management Clinicians
AbstractPurpose of ReviewUnderreporting of dietary intake is common in obesity treatment programs. Accurate reporting through daily food diaries is essential for organizing and personalizing treatment. This review explores key concerns for clinicians, summarizes the state of research on causes of underreporting and ways to promote consistency and accuracy, and identifies areas of need for future research.Recent FindingsDietary underreporting is a cross-cultural phenomenon, and obesity is the most consistent correlate. The association with BMI may be mediated by factors like socioeconomic status, gender, and body image. Peo...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports - August 13, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Genetics of Anthracycline-Mediated Cardiotoxicity: Current Status and Challenges
We describe candidate gene association studies and genome-wide association studies of anthracycline cardiotoxicity and summarize key findings. The importance of data robustness is discussed, as well as the largely untapped potential of stem cell –based strategies for both validation and discovery purposes.SummaryMulti-disciplinary and coordinated efforts will be vital to fully understand the link between genetic background and anthracycline cardiotoxicity risk. Doing so will enhance understanding of pathological mechanisms and enable more personalized and nuanced treatment strategies for patients undergoing anthracycline...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports - August 7, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Diabetes and CVD Risk: Special Considerations in African Americans Related to Care
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAmong patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death regardless of ethnicity. However, recent studies suggest that special considerations should be taken into account when caring for African Americans with T2D, as risk factors, incidence, prevalence, and mortality differ from other populations. This review highlights literature supporting the unique characteristics of managing cardiovascular risk and mortality in African Americans (AAs) with T2D.Recent FindingsAfrican Americans have an increased risk of developing T2D and have a higher prevalence of ...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports - August 7, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Artificial Intelligence Applications to Improve Risk Prediction Tools in Electrophysiology
AbstractPurpose of ReviewArtificial intelligence (AI) is an aspect of computer technology that imitates the ability of the human mind to analyze data. Over the last few years, there has been a paradigm shift in the utilization of AI in clinical practice. It is imperative for the clinical electrophysiologist to understand the basics of AI, and its potential applications in the field as new applications are developed and implemented.Recent FindingsMultiple investigators have demonstrated various AI algorithms that can be utilized in clinical care. These include applications such as electronic stethoscopes and electrocardiogr...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports - August 5, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Management of the Patient with Heart Failure and an Implantable Pulmonary Artery Hemodynamic Sensor
AbstractPurpose of ReviewHeart failure (HF) management guided by hemodynamics obtained from an implantable pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) sensor (CardioMEMS) improves symptoms and reduces HF hospitalizations (HFH). This paper reviews the theoretical basis of pulmonary vascular physiology, summarizes recently published data about CardioMEMS, and provides practical guidelines for patient selection and management.Recent FindingsCompared to patients managed by standard care, HF patients randomized to PAP-guided treatment have a higher frequency of medication adjustments, resulting in lower PAP and fewer HFH. Real-world analys...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports - July 13, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research