Sex Differences in Ventricular Arrhythmias and Adverse Outcomes Following Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Background: Ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) are a common cause of death in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Studies have shown sex differences in the incidence, presentation, and outcomes of AMI. However, less is known about sex differences in patients with AMI who develop VAs.

The Masquerading Myocarditis: A Case of Late Recurrence of Acute Myocarditis Presenting as "Peripartum Cardiomyopathy".

Myocarditis is a potentially fatal medical condition with varied etiologies. Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) refers to systolic dysfunction occurring toward the end of pregnancy or in the months following delivery; it is a diagnosis of exclusion. We present a patient with chest pain, bipedal edema, markedly elevated troponins, electrocardiogram (EKG) findings that were concerning for myocardial infarction, and a significantly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) on the echocardiogram.

Trends in the incidence and in-patient outcomes of acute myocardial infarction in pregnancy: Insights from the national inpatient sample.

Study Objective: Pregnancy-related morbidity and mortality rates in the United States are rising despite advances in knowledge, technology, and healthcare delivery. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of adverse pregnancy outcomes, with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) being a potential contributor to the worse outcomes in pregnancy.

Design/setting: We analyzed data from the national inpatient sample database to examine trends in the incidence and in-hospital outcomes of myocardial infarction in pregnancy from 2016 to 2020.

Addressing racial differences in the management of atrial fibrillation: Focus on black patients.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia, affecting between 3 and 6 million people in the United States. It is associated with a reduced quality of life and increased risk of stroke, cognitive decline, heart failure and death. Black patients have a lower prevalence of AF than White patients but are more likely to suffer worse outcomes with the disease.

The impact of comorbidities and sociodemographic predictors on pneumococcal vaccination coverage in adults with coronary heart disease.

Coronary heart disease (CHD) increases the risk of adverse outcomes from invasive pneumococcal disease. Using the 2020 and 2021 data from the national health interview survey, we identified adults with CHD. Chi-square analysis and logistic regression were used to examine factors that influence vaccination status.

Pulmonary Hypertension Is Associated with Worse Outcomes in Patients Hospitalized for Sick Sinus Syndrome.

Sick sinus syndrome (SSS) is a condition of the sinoatrial node that arises from a constellation of aberrant rhythms, resulting in reduced pacemaker activity and impulse transmission. According to the World Health Organization, pulmonary hypertension (PH) is defined by a mean pulmonary arterial pressure of >25 mmHg at rest, measured during right heart catheterization. It can result in right atrial remodeling, which may predispose the patient to sinus node dysfunction.

Protein-Energy Malnutrition Is Associated with Worse Outcomes in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: A Nationwide Analysis.

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM), which leads to a reduced ability of tissues to regenerate and repair themselves, may exacerbate many chronic diseases, including atrial fibrillation (AF), which occurs as a response of the heart to chronic inflammation. However, population-based studies examining the association between PEM and the prevalence and health care burden of AF are lacking. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to estimate the impact of PEM on the prevalence and clinical outcomes of hospitalization for AF.

Effects of Valvular Heart Disease on Clinical Outcomes in Sarcoidosis.

Systemic sarcoidosis can lead to heart failure, conduction abnormalities and ventricular arrhythmias although data on concomitant valvular heart disease (VHD) is limited. We reported the prevalence and outcomes of VHD in systemic sarcoidosis. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using National Inpatient Sample between 2016 and 2020 with respective ICD-10-CM codes.

Acute Left Bundle Branch Injury During Deep Septal Lead Implantation.

Left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) is a novel technique that has emerged as an alternative method for conduction system pacing. As a new modality, this procedure may carry complications that are yet to be explored. This report describes a case of injury to the left bundle branch during deep septal lead implantation for LBBP.

Thirty-Day Readmission Rate and Healthcare Economic Effects of Patients With Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement and Coexisting Chronic Congestive Heart Failure.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures have increased since adoption in 2010. Readmission for TAVR patients with underlying chronic congestive heart failure (cCHF) remains challenging. Therefore, we sought to determine the 30-day readmission rate (30-DRr) of patients who undergo TAVR & co-existing cCHF and its impact on mortality & healthcare utilization in the United States.

Endovascular Venous Interventions - A State-of-the-Art Review.

Venous vascular diseases are an important clinical entity estimated to affect several million people worldwide. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common venous disease with a population variable prevalence of 122 to 160 persons per 100,000 per year, whereas pulmonary embolism (PE) affects up to 60 to 70 per 100 000 and carries much higher mortality. Chronic venous diseases, which cause symptoms like leg swelling, heaviness, pain, and discomfort, are most prevalent in the elderly and significantly impact their quality of life.

"The Spiked Helmet sign": A harbinger of impending barotrauma.

The 'spiked helmet sign' (SHS) is an electrocardiographic finding associated with critical illness and a high risk of death; It is likened to ST-elevation, leading to harmful coronary imaging despite lack of apparent myocardial infarction. We describe the case of SHS secondary to high ventilation pressures in the setting of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) in a critically ill patient who subsequently developed barotrauma.

Peripheral Artery Disease: A Comprehensive Updated Review.

Peripheral arterial disease is estimated to affect more than 200 million people worldwide. Although more than 50% of those affected are asymptomatic, it accounts for 3%-4% of amputations and a crude 5-year death rate of 82.4 deaths per 1000 patient-years when adjusted for duration of follow-up.