Impact of visual presentation of atherosclerotic carotid plaque on cardiovascular risk profile using mHealth technologies.

This randomized, controlled trial evaluated the impact of plaque visualization combined with daily tasks on cardiovascular risk profile and included 240 participants with coronary arterial disease. The intervention group received the PreventiPlaque app during the 12-month study period in addition to standard care. The app contained daily tasks that promoted lifestyle modifications and adherence to prescribed medication.

Acceptance, Needs, and Demands for Nutritional mHealth Support in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading causes of death globally. Managing risk factors and preventing atherosclerosis and its progress, especially with lifestyle changes, are highly important. Smartphone-based mobile health (mHealth) strategies allow easily accessible assistance for healthy nutrition.

The Effect of Stress-Reducing Interventions on Heart Rate Variability in Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Stress is recognized as a significant trigger and exacerbator of various medical conditions, particularly in the field of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Given that heart rate variability (HRV) offers insight into the functioning of the autonomic nervous system and has been identified as a predictive factor for increased cardiovascular mortality, exploring the correlation between stress and HRV is pertinent. We systematically reviewed trials where researchers investigated the effects of stress-reducing interventions on biomarkers and time-domain/frequency-domain parameters of HRV in CVD.

Beneficial impacts of physical activity on heart rate variability: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Heart rate variability (HRV) represents the modulatory capacity of the autonomous nervous system and influences mortality. By surveying this meta-analysis, we investigated the impact of physical activity on HRV.

Underutilization of guideline-recommended therapy in patients 80 years and older with peripheral artery diseases.

Ageing is a major cardiovascular risk factor with detrimental changes that culminate in a high atherosclerotic burden. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a major manifestation of atherosclerosis with high mortality. Guideline-recommended treatment is essential, however implementation is inadequate.

Needs and demands for mHealth cardiac health promotion among individuals with cardiac diseases: a patient-centred design approach.

Aims: Cardiovascular diseases are one of the main contributors to disability and mortality worldwide. Meanwhile, risk factors can be modified by lifestyle changes. mHealth is an innovative and effective way to deliver cardiac health promotion.

A mHealth intervention to reduce perceived stress in patients with ischemic heart disease: study protocol of the randomized, controlled confirmatory intervention "mStress-IHD" trial.

Background: Stress is highly prevalent in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) and is associated with lower health-related quality of life and impaired cardiovascular outcome. The importance of stress management is now recognized in recent guidelines for the management of cardiovascular disease. However, effective stress management interventions are not implemented in clinical routine yet.

Psychometric properties of the German revised version of the eHealth literacy scale in individuals with cardiac diseases: Validation and test of measurement invariance.

Background: The internet is most people's primary source of (health) information. However, no validated instrument exists to assess eHealth literacy in the group of patient with cardiac diseases.

Objective: The objective of this study was the evaluation of the psychometric properties of the German revised version of the eHealth literacy scale (GR-eHEALS) in individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD) and congestive heart failure (CHF).

Differences in treatment strategies for LDL-cholesterol reduction in a university lipid clinic vs. standard care apart from the use of PCSK9 inhibitors.

Background: Lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) is insufficient despite clear guideline recommendations. Lipid clinics have specialized in patients with dyslipidemia, but the magnitude and reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in lipid clinics has not yet been studied in depth.

Objective: To assess LDL-C reduction in very high-risk CVD patients achieved in a lipid clinic through different forms of LLT in comparison to standard care without the initiation of PSCK9 inhibitors.

Determining the Acceptance of Digital Cardiac Rehabilitation and Its Influencing Factors among Patients Affected by Cardiac Diseases.

Background: Cardiac diseases are a major global health issue with an increasing prevalence of affected people. Rehabilitation following cardiac events is underutilized, despite its proven effectiveness. Digital interventions might present a useful addition to traditional cardiac rehabilitation.

Complications in Patients with Chronic Type B Aortic Dissection (cTBAD)-A Long-Term Analysis.

Chronic type B aortic dissection (cTBAD) is a rare but challenging condition that requires individual treatment strategies. Especially the long-term therapy impacts prognosis. In this single-center retrospective study, we evaluated patients with cTBAD in our vascular outpatient clinic over 10 years.

Effect of visual presentation of atherosclerotic carotid plaque on adherence to secondary preventive therapy using mHealth technologies ( app): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of death worldwide. Although knowledge regarding diagnosing and treating cardiovascular disease has increased dramatically, secondary prevention remains insufficiently implemented due to failure among affected individuals to adhere to guideline recommendations. This has continued to lead to high morbidity and mortality rates.

Income-Related Peripheral Artery Disease Treatment: A Nation-Wide Analysis from 2009-2018.

Economic status has a measurable and significant effect on cardiovascular health. Socioeconomic- and income-related disparities worsen cardiovascular risk factors. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) remains a major risk factor for morbidity and mortality.

Mechanical atherothrombectomy improves endothelial function through plaque burden reduction in PAD.

Endothelial dysfunction defines outcomes and serves as a surrogate parameter for the progression of cardiovascular disease. For symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) endovascular treatment is the primary revascularization strategy, which affects endothelial function. Interventional mechanical atherothrombectomy (MATH) provides advantages when treating complex atherosclerotic and thrombotic lesions.

Gender Differences in Outpatient Peripheral Artery Disease Management in Germany: A Population Based Study 2009-2018.

Objective: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a major risk factor for morbidity and death. Despite clear guideline recommendations regarding outpatient treatment and pharmacotherapy, implementation is inadequate. Gender differences are becoming increasingly important, especially in patients with atherosclerosis.

Changes in Health Perception among Patients with Aortic Diseases in a Severe COVID-19 Area in the West of Germany: A Longitudinal Study between the First and Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The rapid spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become the most challenging global health pandemic since the 1918 flu. In Germany, more than 3.4 million cases are confirmed so far, including 83,000 deaths.

Peripheral artery disease in Germany (2009-2018): Prevalence, frequency of specialized ambulatory care and use of guideline-recommended therapy - A population-based study.

Background: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients have high morbidity and mortality rates, demonstrating a need for improved treatment strategies. While underuse and undertreatment have been reported, there is no clear picture of patterns in population-level disease prevalence, prescription of guideline-recommended pharmacotherapy, or frequency of contact with dedicated specialists. We present population-level data on changes in prevalence, care and treatment of PAD from 2009 to 2018 in Germany.

Supervised Exercise Therapy Using Mobile Health Technology in Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Mobile health interventions are intended to support complex health care needs in chronic diseases digitally, but they are mainly targeted at general health improvement and neglect disease-specific requirements. Therefore, we designed TrackPAD, a smartphone app to support supervised exercise training in patients with peripheral arterial disease.

Objective: This pilot study aimed to evaluate changes in the 6-minute walking distance (meters) as a primary outcome measure.

Risk stratification and mortality prediction in octo- and nonagenarians with peripheral artery disease: a retrospective analysis.

Objectives: Among changes in demographics, aging is the most relevant cardiovascular risk factor. The prevalence of peripheral artery disease (PAD) is high in elderly patients and is associated with a worse prognosis. Despite optimal treatments, mortality in the high-risk population of octo- and nonagenarians with PAD remains excessive, and predictive factors need to be identified.

The impact of percutaneous peripheral interventions on endothelial function.

Treatment of symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) through endovascular interventions is the primary revascularization strategy. Interventions restore perfusion but may cause severe injury to the vascular endothelium, which regulates vascular tone. Endothelial dysfunction is involved in the progression of cardiovascular disease, with higher incidences of vascular events.

Clinical process optimization of transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

The avoidance of prolonged hospital stay is a major goal in the management of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) - medically and economically. We compared the time range of the preprocedural length of stay in 2014/2015 with 2016/2017, after the implementation of the TAVI coordinator in 2016. This included restructured pathways for screening and pre-interventional diagnosis, performed examinations during the inpatient stay and major outcome variables.

Radial artery occlusion after cardiac catheterization and impact of medical treatment.

: The transradial artery approach is the preferred access for cardiac catheterization according to current guidelines. However, the most common complication is radial artery occlusion (RAO). Despite the rare indication for surgical reopening, the occluded radial artery is not available for further procedures or as a potential bypass graft.

Needs and Requirements in the Designing of Mobile Interventions for Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease: Questionnaire Study.

Background: The development of mobile interventions for noncommunicable diseases has increased in recent years. However, there is a dearth of apps for patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), who frequently have an impaired ability to walk.

Objective: Using a patient-centered approach for the development of mobile interventions, we aim to describe the needs and requirements of patients with PAD regarding the overall care situation and the use of mobile interventions to perform supervised exercise therapy (SET).

Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure for stroke prevention in patients with chronic renal disease.

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in the general population. Atrial fibrillation is associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic events, particularly stroke. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with a higher prevalence of AF and is an independent risk factor of increased mortality and stroke in AF patients.