Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, and Neuropsychiatric Short- and Long-Term Complications of COVID-19.

Beginning with the various strategies of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to invade our bodies and manifest infection, and ending with the recent long COVID, we are witnessing the evolving course of the disease in addition to the pandemic. Given the partially controlled course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the greatest challenge currently lies in managing the short- and long-term complications of COVID-19. We have assembled current knowledge of the broad spectrum of cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neuropsychiatric sequelae following SARS-CoV-2 infection to understand how these clinical manifestations collectively lead to a severe form of the disease.

All-Cause Mortality and Trimethylamine N-Oxide Levels in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease.

Introduction: Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is an organic compound with a well-established involvement in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, data on the links between TMAO levels and cardiovascular mortality in Polish patients are lacking.

Objectives: We aimed to assess the relationship between serum TMAO levels and 5-year mortality in Polish patients with CVD.

Citrulline and long-term mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is associated with intestinal barrier dysfunction and increased intestinal permeability. Increased intestinal permeability to gut microbial metabolites may accelerate the progression of CVD. Plasma citrulline levels are a marker of functional enterocyte mass, and reduced citrulline levels indicate intestinal epithelial damage.

Relationships between Circulating Matrix Metalloproteinases, Tissue Inhibitor TIMP-2, and Renal Function in Patients with Myocarditis.

Introduction: Under physiological conditions, the myocardial extracellular matrix (ECM) is maintained by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). However, changes in the balance between MMPs and TIMPs can lead to pathological remodeling of the ECM, which contributes to cardiovascular and kidney diseases. The aim of our study was to assess levels of MMPs and TIMP-2 in patients with myocarditis and their relationship to renal function.

Platelet Reactivity and Response to Aspirin and Clopidogrel in Patients with Platelet Count Disorders.

Background: Platelet reactivity and response to antiplatelet drugs, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and clopidogrel, in patients with thrombocytopenia and thrombocythemia can have a potentially important effect on the outcome. The effectiveness and safety of antiplatelet drugs in such patients has not been well examined. Measuring the effect of ASA and clopidogrel on platelets could help guide the therapy.

Response to antiplatelet therapy in patients undergoing invasive treatment due to acute coronary syndrome complicated by cardiogenic shock.

Introduction: There are limited data on platelet reactivity and response to antiplatelet drugs in patients with cardiogenic shock.

Aim: To assess platelet reactivity on dual antiplatelet therapy with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and ticagrelor, a novel potent P2Y12 receptor inhibitor, in patients with cardiogenic shock in the course of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who received invasive treatment.

Material And Methods: We enrolled 12 consecutive patients with ACS complicated by cardiogenic shock.

Platelet polyphosphate level is elevated in patients with chronic primary thrombocytopenia: A preliminary study.

Background: Platelets are key players in hemostasis. These blood cells contain different types of granules. Recently, there has been a growing interest in the role of inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) structures stored in dense granules of platelets and secreted during platelet activation.

MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in Patients with Heart Failure and Chronic Kidney Disease.

The aim of the study was to assess MMP-2 (matrix metalloproteinase-2) and TIMP-2 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2) serum levels in patients with diverse types of heart failure (HF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). 101 patients with chronic HF were enrolled. Each patient has assessed the serum levels of MMP-2, TIMP-2, and NT-proBNP.

Characteristics of chaotic processes in electrocardiographically identified ventricular arrhythmia.

Background: The theory of chaos proves a deterministic mechanism of induction of multiple complex processes previously thought to be random in nature. This research explains how these complex processes develop. The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis of the chaotic nature of myocardial electrical events during ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF).

Left main aneurysm and what's next?

The purpose of the case report is to present a case of a 65-year-old male, referred for coronary angiography because of a typical chest pain. The coronary angiography showed an aneurysm of the left main coronary artery. Despite the absence of obvious ischemic symptoms and because of the potential complications of the aneurysm with a width of 15 mm, the patient underwent surgery.