Glycoprotein and Lipoprotein Profiles Assessed by 1H-NMR and Its Relation to Ascending Aortic Dilatation in Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease.

Introduction: The bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) confers a high risk of ascending aorta dilatation (AAoD), although its progression seems highly variable. Furthermore, the implication of lipoprotein metabolism and inflammation in the mechanisms that underlie AAoD is not fully established. The aim of this study consisted of evaluating the impact of the lipoprotein and glycoprotein profiles in AAOD as well as its progression in BAV aortopathy.

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in patients with STEMI. Association with percutaneous coronary intervention and antithrombotic treatments.

Background: Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are formed by DNA, histones and proteolytic enzymes, and are produced by activated neutrophils through different mechanisms. In turn, NETs can activate platelets and coagulation cascade favoring thrombotic processes. The aims of this study were to analyze levels and kinetics of NETs in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients and correlate them with antithrombotic therapy and cardiovascular outcomes at follow-up.

Improvement in Atrial Fibrillation-Related Symptoms After Cardioversion: Role of NYHA Functional Class and Maintenance of Sinus Rhythm.

Background: The European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) score is a proven and validated tool for assessing the symptoms of atrial fibrillation (AF). Little is known about the variables related to this score and how it changes after cardioversion.

Methods: We analyzed 744 patients undergoing elective cardioversion in whom AF-related symptoms were assessed at baseline and after 6 months of follow-up using the EHRA score.

Prognostic value and clinical predictors of intramyocardial hemorrhage measured by CMR T2* sequences in STEMI.

Recent studies show that microvascular injury consists of microvascular obstruction (MVO) and intramyocardial hemorrhage (IMH). In patients with reperfused ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) quantitative assessment of IMH with T2* cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) appears to be useful in evaluation of microvascular damage. The current study aimed to investigate feasibility of this approach and to correlate IMH with clinical and CMR parameters.

Sacubitril-Valsartan in a routine community population: attention to volume status critical to achieving target dose.

Aims: In the PARADIGM-heart failure trial, sacubitril-valsartan demonstrated a reduction in heart failure admissions and reduced all-cause mortality in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Although real world data have shown similar benefits regarding efficacy and safety, there has been difficulty in achieving the target dose (TD). The factors preventing the achievement of TD remains unclear.