Iron levels and vulnerable coronary atherosclerotic plaques.

Background: Preliminary research indicates that higher iron levels are associated with worse outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease.

Aims: The study aimed to investigate the relationship between iron levels and the type and composition of coronary plaques.

Methods: In patients with ≥1 coronary stenosis ≥50% on computed tomography angiography, iron levels, presence of high-risk plaque features, such as low-attenuation plaque (LAP), napkin-ring sign, positive remodeling, and spotty calcium, as well as type and plaque composition (calcified/fibrous/fibro-fatty/necrotic core) were evaluated.

Evaluating the effect of coronary atherosclerosis on the occurrence of atrial fibrillation through coronary computed tomography angiography.

Background: The direct impact of atherosclerotic lesions in coronary vessels on the occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients without a history of acute myocardial ischemia, previous myocardial infarction, or revascularization procedures remains largely unknown.

Aims: To assess the risk and predictors of new-onset AF in patients with coronary atherosclerosis confirmed by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA).

Methods: We included consecutive patients referred for CCTA who had been observed and diagnosed with new-onset AF over 10 years.

Pre-Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Computed Tomography-Based Fractional Flow Reserve Predicts Graft Failure: Implications for Planning Invasive Treatment of Coronary Artery Disease.

Objective: The aim of the study is to evaluate whether a pre-coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) coronary computed tomography-based fractional flow reserve (FFR-CT) result at the site of a future anastomosis would predict the graft failure in patients undergoing CABG.

Methods: In 43 patients who had coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) prior to the CABG, follow-up CCTA were acquired >12 months post-CABG procedure. The FFR-CT values were simulated on the basis of the pre-CABG CCTA.

Diet and Lifestyle Intervention-Induced Pattern of Weight Loss Related to Reduction in Low-Attenuation Coronary Plaque Burden.

Background: Despite extensive research on body weight and cardiovascular risk, the mechanistic relationship between weight loss and coronary plaque modification has not been adequately addressed. This study aimed to determine the association between body composition dynamics and low-attenuation coronary plaque (LAP) burden.

Methods: Eighty-nine participants (40% women, 60 ± 7.