Current Cardiology Reports

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is emerging as a valuable imaging modality for the assessment of aortic regurgitation (AR). In this review, we discuss the assessment of AR severity, left ventricular (LV) remodeling, and tissue characterization by CMR while highlighting the latest studies and addressing future research needs. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies have further established CMR-based thresholds of AR severity and LV remodeling that are associated with adverse clinical outcomes, and lower than current guideline criteria...

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: To summarize currently available data on the topic of mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and its correlation to the occurrence of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. To assess the prognostic value of several diagnostic methods such as transthoracic echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, cardiac computed tomography, electrocardiography, and electrophysiology concerning arrhythmic episodes. To explore intra and extracellular biochemistry of the cardiovascular system and its biomarkers as diagnostic tools to predict rhythm disturbances in the MVP population...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Tricuspid regurgitation is a commonly encountered valvular pathology in patients with trans-tricuspid pacing or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator leads. Transcatheter tricuspid valve interventions are increasingly performed in patients at high surgical risk. Implantation of these valves can lead to the "jailing" of a trans-tricuspid lead. This practice carries both short- and long-term risks of lead failure and subsequent infection without the ability to perform traditional transvenous lead extraction...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Optimal therapy for patients with chronic coronary artery disease (CCD) has long been a topic under investigation and a subject of debate. Seeking to clarify appropriate management, the International Study of Comparative Health Effectiveness with Medical and Invasive Approaches (ISCHEMIA) trial compared medical management versus coronary angiography for patients with stable ischemic heart disease. Its reception in the medical community has been met with both acclaim and criticism...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and myocardial infarction (MI) often coexist, and this overlapping nature leads to heightened morbidity and increases the need for comprehensive risk management strategies. The precise trajectory and implications of atrial fibrillation complicating myocardial infarction remain subjects of debate, with divergent reports presenting varying accounts. This review seeks to provide an in-depth exploration of the existing literature to cover the predictors, implication, and available management of new onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMI)...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been a revolutionary therapy in the treatment of aortic valve stenosis. The risk of stroke associated with TAVR has decreased significantly since its introduction; however, it remains a devastating complication when it does occur. RECENT FINDINGS: Many of the strokes associated with TAVR occur peri-procedurally and are thought to be due to embolic debris entering the cerebrovascular circulation...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review describes the presentation, diagnosis, and management of congenital coronary artery fistulas (CAFs) in adults. RECENT FINDINGS: CAFs are classified as coronary-cameral or coronary arteriovenous fistulas. Fistulous connections at the distal coronary bed are more likely to be aneurysmal with higher risk of thrombosis and myocardial infarction (MI). Medium-to-large or symptomatic CAFs can manifest as ischemia, heart failure, and arrhythmias...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The goal of this manuscript is to provide a concise summary of recent developments in the approach to and treatment of women with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). RECENT FINDINGS: This review covers terminology updates relating to ACS and myocardial injury and infarction. Updates on disparities in recognition, treatments, and outcomes of women with ACS due to atherosclerotic coronary artery disease are covered. Other causes of ACS, including spontaneous coronary artery dissection and myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary artery disease are discussed, given the increased frequency in women compared with men...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Examine the current state of literature related to the impact of obesity in children and adolescents on health-related physical fitness and the resultant cardiometabolic disease risk. RECENT FINDINGS: Cardiorespiratory fitness of children and adolescents has declined over the past few decades which corresponds with an increase in obesity rates. Children with obesity are more likely to have low cardiorespiratory fitness which is associated with higher cardiometabolic disease risk and poorer mental health...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Propensity of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to adverse outcomes of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) derives, in part, from imperfection in management. Dearth of data resulting from underrepresentation of patients with CKD in ACS trials and underuse of evidence-based testing and therapy compound biological risks inherent to CKD. We sought in this narrative review to critically appraise contemporary evidence and offer suggested approaches to practicing clinicians for the optimization of ACS management in patients with CKD...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There is ample evidence of the benefits and safety of low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-lowering therapies in the prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. While statins remain the first-line agent for LDL reduction, several new therapies are now available. This narrative review provides an overview of currently available non-statin LDL-lowering agents, specifically mechanisms of action and data on efficacy and safety. It also discusses recommendations on their use in clinical practice...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This 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 FINDINGS: Over 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...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: 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 FINDINGS: The update of diagnostic criteria from NAFLD to MASLD reduces the stigma associated with alcohol consumption and poor health choices...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Approximately 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 epigenetic modifiers in causing CHD in different genetic syndromes...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The 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...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This 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 FINDINGS: Colchicine is an anti-inflammatory drug that reduces cardiovascular events through its effect on the IL-1β/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...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The 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...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) vaccines have been related to rare cases of acute myocarditis, occurring between 1 in 10,000 and 1 in 100,000 individuals, approximately. Incidence of COVID-19 vaccine-associated myocarditis varies with age, sex, and type of vaccine. Although most patients with acute myocarditis temporally associated with COVID-19 vaccines have an uneventful course, a small subpopulation presents with cardiogenic shock (termed fulminant myocarditis [FM])...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In 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 FINDINGS: In patients with end-stage systolic heart failure (HF) and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 30 mL/min/1...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Obesity is associated with cardiovascular (CV) conditions, including but not limited to atherosclerotic disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. Despite this, the impact of intentional weight loss on CV outcomes for persons with obesity and established CV conditions remains poorly studied. New and emerging pharmacologic therapies for weight loss primarily targeting the incretin/nutrient sensing axes induce substantial and sustained weight loss. The glucagon-like-peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) liraglutide and semaglutide have US FDA approval for the treatment of obesity, and the application for an obesity indication for the dual GLP-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist tirzepatide is presently under FDA review...