[Potassium role in the human body and clinical implications of hyperkalemia].

Potassium is the most represented intracellular electrolyte in the human body. Its extracellular levels are maintained within strict limits through different mechanisms, which constitute the homeostasis of potassium. Hyperkalemia is the most common electrolyte disorder in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Two still unanswered questions about uric acid and cardiovascular prevention: Is a specific uric acid cut-off needed? Is hypouricemic treatment able to reduce cardiovascular risk?

Aims: The most frequent consequence of elevated uric acid (UA) levels is the development of gout and urate kidney disease. Besides these effects, several studies have investigated the association between hyperuricemia and cardiovascular (CV) disease. High serum UA has been identified as an important determinant of all-cause and CV mortality and CV events (acute and chronic coronary syndrome, stroke and peripheral artery disease).

The Detection Rate of Late Gadolinium Enhancement in Takotsubo Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The absence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is commonly used to distinguish takotsubo syndrome (TTS) from other myocardial diseases. However, case series have reported the presence of LGE in TTS. This study aimed to summarize the evidence on the frequency of LGE in TTS and identify potential variables that may influence the detection of LGE.

[Substance abuse and cardiovascular risk: energy drinks].

The consumption of energy drinks (ED) has become a growing public health issue, since potentially ED-related serious adverse cardiovascular events, including arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathies, and sudden cardiac death, have been reported in recent years. The substances contained in ED include caffeine, taurine, sugars, B group vitamins and phyto-derivatives, which, especially if taken in large quantities and in a short amount of time, could cause serious side effects through various mechanisms of action, such as increased blood pressure and QT interval prolongation. Although there are still many open questions on ED that require further specific investigations, there is an urgent need for information and educational plans to the population, as well as for regulatory actions, particularly regarding transparency of substances and possible adverse effects.