Cardiology in Review

Heart failure is increasingly prevalent and is estimated to increase its burden in the following years. A well-reported comorbidity of heart failure is renal dysfunction, where predominantly changes in the patient's volume status, tubular necrosis or other mechanical and neurohormonal mechanisms seem to drive this impairment. Currently, there are established biomarkers evaluating the patient's clinical status solely regarding the cardiovascular or renal system. However, as the coexistence of heart and renal failure is common and related to increased mortality and hospitalization for heart failure, it is of major importance to establish novel diagnostic techniques, which could identify patients with or at risk for cardiorenal syndrome and assist in selecting the appropriate management for these patients...

Understanding noncardiovascular comorbidities and geriatric syndromes in elderly patients with heart failure (HF) is important as the average age of the population increases. Healthcare professionals need to consider these complex dynamics when managing older adults with HF, especially those older than 80. A number of small studies have described associations between HF and major geriatric domains. With information on patients' cognitive, functional decline, and ability to adhere to therapy, physicians can plan for individualized treatment goals and recommendations for these patients...

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The study of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] has long been a source of interest as a possible independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The results of large sample observational studies, genome-wide association studies, and Mendelian randomization studies have been strong indicators supporting the link between ASCVD and Lp(a) despite early studies, with less sensitive assays, failing to show a connection. The recommendations for the indications and frequency of testing Lp(a) levels vary between US, Canadian, and European organizations due to the uncertain role of Lp(a) in ASCVD...

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) may be the result of many different pathological processes. PH is a rare but recognized vascular complication following major lung resection. We describe the diagnosis and management of moderate PH resulting more than 50 years in a patient who underwent a total unilateral pneumonectomy in infancy. Unfortunately, patients who undergo pneumonectomy will likely go on to develop PH and their functional status will be greatly impacted. In the case presented, we report on a patient whose PH and symptoms improved following off-label WHO group 1 treatment...

Pregnancy-associated myocardial infarction is an overall uncommon event, but can be associated with significant maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. In contrast to myocardial infarction in the general nonpregnant population, the mechanism of pregnancy-associated myocardial infarction is most commonly due to nonatherosclerotic mechanisms such as coronary dissection, vasospasm, or thromboembolism. The diagnosis of pregnancy-associated myocardial infarction can be challenging, requiring a high index of suspicion for prompt recognition and management...

The dynamic between pulmonary hypertension (PH) and COVID-19 has been under investigation since 2020, early in the pandemic. Although the pathophysiology of PH has been well-studied, new discoveries regarding the multisystemic effects of COVID-19 are still being uncovered. The cardiopulmonary effects of COVID-19 have led investigators to inquire about the interplay between these 2 conditions. Several factors are suggested to contribute to an increased risk of developing PH after infection with SARS-CoV-2. This includes cytokine storm, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and fibrotic changes seen in post-COVID-19 lung disease...

Systemic hypertension is one of the most common noncommunicable diseases globally, with over one billion people affected. Despite the widespread use of numerous antihypertensive drugs, it is estimated that only a fifth of diagnosed patients achieve adequate blood pressure control. For this reason, the pursuit for novel antihypertensive therapies is ongoing. Zilebesiran, an siRNA designed to target the liver, is the newest potential addition to the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system-inhibiting drugs. This subcutaneous injection post-transcriptionally silences the AGT gene responsible for the synthesis of angiotensinogen...

The use of e-cigarettes has tremendously increased in recent times due to the widespread availability of e-cigarettes in diverse flavors, reduced cost compared to regular cigarettes, and misconception of being comparatively safe, which have led to around 2.55 million US middle and high school students smoking e-cigarettes. These devices use a nicotine-rich liquid, which is aerosolized electronically, producing vapors that may also include hazardous chemicals and heavy metals. E-cigarettes are associated with e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury, which presents as an acute respiratory ailment mirroring various pulmonary diseases...

This article systematically explores the imaging and clinical characteristics of a relatively rare cardiac anomaly: the right coronary artery originating from the left coronary sinus. Through a comprehensive analysis of existing literature, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence, diagnostic methods, and potential clinical implications of this anatomical variation. Anatomical classification is introduced, along with clinical imaging diagnostic methods, including coronary angiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging...

CardiAMP Cell Therapy for Heart Failure trial is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial that has been granted breakthrough designation by the United States Food and Drug Administration. This trial evaluates clinical outcomes of intramyocardial delivery of a high dose of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells in chronic postmyocardial infarction heart failure patients. This trial represents the first attempt to personalize marrow-derived cell-based therapy for the treatment of ischemic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction...

Neurological diseases, including ischemic stroke, are considered a big challenge for public health due to their high prevalence and lack of definitive and effective treatments. Addressing these issues requires innovative therapeutic approaches and among the limited methods available, stem cells have shown promise in improving central nervous system repair by enhancing myelin regeneration and neuronal recovery. To advance this field of research, this systematic review aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from both bone marrow and adipose tissue for the treatment of ischemic stroke...

The target-hypertension (Target-HTN) trial investigated the efficacy and safety of lorundrostat, an aldosterone synthase inhibitor, as an antihypertensive. Cohort 1 of the trial includes patients with suppressed plasma renin activity and elevated aldosterone levels. Lorundrostat doses of 100 mg and 50 mg daily significantly decreased systolic blood pressure compared to the placebo group. Cohort 2 also demonstrated a reduction in systolic blood pressure with the 100 mg daily dose of lorundrostat...

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) represents an emerging challenge in cardiovascular medicine, with notable clinical overlaps and diagnostic complexities when coexisting with coronary artery disease (CAD). This integrative review navigates the intricate terrain of CA and CAD, elucidating epidemiology, clinical presentations, and diagnostic considerations. Examining both immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis (AL) and transthyretin amyloidosis, we underscore their shared demographic associations, diagnostic intricacies, and potential diagnostic confounders with CAD...

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a significant complication in patients undergoing coronary angiography, and its development is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) provides one index of left heart filling status. An elevated LVEDP can reflect volume overload or abnormal diastolic function and indicates a cardiac disorder. Data on the association between an elevated LVEDP and CIN are limited and have had conflicting results. We systematically searched the databases PubMed, Embase, and Scopus for full-text articles from database inception to May 2022...

Titin, an extraordinary protein known for its colossal size and multifaceted roles, is a cornerstone in the structural and functional dynamics of striated muscle tissues, including the heart and skeletal muscles. Its sheer enormity, with a molecular weight exceeding 3000 kDa, is paralleled only by the immense influence it exerts on muscle physiology. This review will delve into the remarkable structural organization of Titin and the genetics of this molecule, including the common mutations resulting in various cardiomyopathies...

Rapid deployment/sutureless (RDS) valves have recently emerged as an innovative surgical solution, providing an alternative to traditional methods of surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) by eliminating the need for suture placement and tying. This innovation leads to a reduction in aortic crossclamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times, enhancing the efficiency of the procedure. Among the 2 available RDS valves, the Edwards Intuity valve in particular has been demonstrated to be a particularly promising substitute in the field of SAVR...

Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs), including heart transplant (HT) recipients, infected with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are at higher risk of hospitalization, mechanical ventilation, or death when compared with general population. Advances in diagnosis and treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection have reduced COVID-19-related mortality rates from ~30% in the early pandemic to <3% in 2022 among HT recipients. We performed a retrospective chart review including adult HT recipients at Westchester Medical Center from January 1, 2020 to December 10, 2022, who received anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19, and those who received tixagevimab/cilgavimab for preexposure prophylaxis...

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a prevalent and challenging condition with limited therapeutic options. This meta-analysis aims to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of interatrial shunt devices (IASD) in the treatment of HFpEF, focusing on key hemodynamic parameters and clinical outcomes. Six clinical trials, encompassing 324 patients, were included in this analysis. The results showed a significant reduction in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) at rest after IASD implantation, with a mean difference of 1...

Postcardiac injury syndrome (PCIS) serves as a comprehensive term encompassing a spectrum of conditions, namely postpericardiotomy syndrome, postmyocardial infarction (MI) related pericarditis (Dressler syndrome), and post-traumatic pericarditis stemming from procedures like percutaneous coronary intervention or cardiac implantable electronic device placement. These conditions collectively give rise to PCIS, triggered by cardiac injury affecting pericardial or pleural mesothelial cells, leading to subsequent inflammation syndromes spanning from uncomplicated pericarditis to substantial pleural effusion...