The Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement-Conduction Study: The Value of the His-Ventricular Interval in Risk Stratification for Post-TAVR Atrioventricular-Block.

Background: There is no clear consensus regarding the optimal risk stratification of high-degree atrioventricular block (HDAVB) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Methods: This prospective study sought to determine the utility of the pre- and post-TAVR His-ventricular (HV) interval in the risk stratification of post-TAVR HDAVB. One hundred twenty-one patients underwent an electrophysiology study before and after TAVR.

Class 1C Antiarrhythmics for Premature Ventricular Complex Suppression in Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy With Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators.

Background: Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are common and associated with worse outcomes in patients with heart failure. Class 1C antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) effectively suppress PVCs, but guidelines currently restrict their use in structural heart disease.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of class 1C AADs in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs).

(Java Citronella Plant): A Multi-Faceted Approach for Food Preservation, Insecticidal Effects, and Bread Application.

Certain plants like , and have been used in the food industry for centuries. (Java Citronella plant) is one of the most significant plants. The objective of this study is to screen for secondary metabolites by phytochemical screening, evaluate the antioxidant contents of extracts and investigate the use of the Java Citronella plant in food preservation and as an insecticide.

Epicardial Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation: Patient Selection, Access, and Ablation Techniques and Strategies to Manage Complications.

Epicardial ventricular tachycardia ablation is an important treatment modality for refractory ventricular tachycardia. This comprehensive review guides clinicians through optimized strategies for improved procedural outcomes and patient safety during epicardial ventricular tachycardia ablation. Patient selection criteria, including cardiomyopathy type, electrocardiogram findings, and prior ablation history, are discussed.

Atrial fibrillation prevalence and management patterns in a Middle Eastern community in the United States: A retrospective study.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac dysrhythmia in the United States, and its prevalence is expected to increase along with associated morbidity and economic burden. Prior research has demonstrated differing prevalence patterns of AF between racial and ethnic groups, with lower rates identified in Black patients. However, to date there have been no studies on AF prevalence in people of Middle Eastern descent within the United States.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators in patients with orthotopic heart transplant: A multicenter case series.

Background: Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is common after orthotopic heart transplant (OHT). No clear guidelines for implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation in OHT patients at high risk for SCD currently exist.

Objectives: To assess the safety, efficacy, and benefit of ICDs and resynchronization therapy post-OHT.

The Use of Coronary Sinus Reducer for Refractory Angina in the U.S.: A Case Series.

Chronic refractory angina remains a common and debilitating condition for millions of people, with up to 30% of patients experiencing persistent angina despite successful revascularization. We share our experience with the implantation of a coronary sinus reducer in two complex CAD patients with refractory angina despite multiple revascularization strategies and maximally tolerated medical therapy.

Hemodynamic Effects of Left-Atrial Venous Arterial Extra-Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (LAVA-ECMO).

We report a case of a 59-year-old male in post-myocardial infarction cardiogenic shock undergoing left atrial venous arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (LAVA-ECMO) as a bridge to transplantation. The unique feature of this ECMO configuration is use of a single trans-septal cannula to provide biventricular unloading and use of a single arterial access.

COVID-19 risk index (CRI): a simple and validated emergency department risk score that predicts mortality and the need for mechanical ventilation.

Although certain risk factors have been associated with morbidity and mortality, validated emergency department (ED) derived risk prediction models specific to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are lacking. The objective of this study is to describe and externally validate the COVID-19 risk index (CRI). A large retrospective longitudinal cohort study was performed to analyze consecutively hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

Right Heart Strain on Presenting 12-Lead Electrocardiogram Predicts Critical Illness in COVID-19.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the association of new right heart strain patterns on presenting 12-lead electrocardiogram (RHS-ECG) with outcomes in patients hospitalized with COVID-19.

Background: Cardiovascular comorbidities and complications, including right ventricular dysfunction, are common and are associated with worse outcomes in patients with COVID-19. The data on the clinical usefulness of the 12-lead ECG to aid with prognosis are limited.

Microvascular Assessment of Ranolazine in Non-Obstructive Atherosclerosis: The MARINA Randomized, Double-Blinded, Controlled Pilot Trial.

Background: Microvascular dysfunction is known to play a key role in patients with angina and nonobstructive coronary artery disease. We investigated the impact of ranolazine among patients with angina and nonobstructive coronary artery disease.

Methods: In this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled pilot trial, 26 patients with angina once weekly or more, abnormal stress test, and nonobstructive coronary artery disease (<50% stenosis by angiography and fractional flow reserve >0.

COVID-19: A Multidisciplinary Review.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel coronavirus that is responsible for the 2019-2020 pandemic. In this comprehensive review, we discuss the current published literature surrounding the SARS-CoV-2 virus. We examine the fundamental concepts including the origin, virology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, laboratory, radiology, and histopathologic findings, complications, and treatment.

Biventricular implantable cardioverter-defibrillator device placement in patients with hostile tricuspid valve anatomy: two case reports and review of the literature.

Aims: Right ventricular (RV) lead placement can be contraindicated in patients after tricuspid valve (TV) surgery. Placement of the implantable cardiac-defibrillator (ICD) lead in the middle cardiac vein (MCV) can be a viable option in these patients who have an indication for biventricular (BiV) ICD. We aim to describe the case of two patients with MCV lead placement and provide a comprehensive review of patients with complex TV pathology and indications for RV lead placement.

Cardiac Injury Patterns and Inpatient Outcomes Among Patients Admitted With COVID-19.

Although certain risk factors have been associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients admitted with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the impact of cardiac injury and high-sensitivity troponin-I (hs-cTnI) concentrations are not well described. In this large retrospective longitudinal cohort study, we analyzed the cases of 1,044 consecutively admitted patients with COVID-19 from March 9 until April 15. Cardiac injury was defined by hs-cTnI concentration >99th percentile.

Oxidative Stress Is Associated With Diastolic Dysfunction in Women With Ischemia With No Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease.

Background Women with signs and symptoms of ischemia and no obstructive coronary artery disease often have evidence of diastolic dysfunction. Oxidative stress (OS) is associated with cardiovascular risk factors and adverse outcomes. The relationship between systemic OS and diastolic dysfunction is unknown.

Soluble Urokinase Receptor and Acute Kidney Injury.

Background: Acute kidney injury is common, with a major effect on morbidity and health care utilization. Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is a signaling glycoprotein thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of kidney disease. We investigated whether a high level of suPAR predisposed patients to acute kidney injury in multiple clinical contexts, and we used experimental models to identify mechanisms by which suPAR acts and to assess it as a therapeutic target.

Usefulness of Aspirin for Primary Prevention of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease.

Aspirin use in the prevention of cardiovascular events has been a mainstay of treatment for decades. However, the use of aspirin in primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease has recently come under scrutiny. Several recent studies have evaluated the use of aspirin in primary prevention and the results suggest that in many patients the risks may outweigh the benefits.

Low Coronary Wall Shear Stress Is Associated With Severe Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients With Nonobstructive Coronary Artery Disease.

Objectives: This study investigated the relationship between low wall shear stress (WSS) and severe endothelial dysfunction (EDFx).

Background: Local hemodynamic forces such as WSS play an important role in atherogenesis through their effect on endothelial cells. The study hypothesized that low WSS independently predicts severe EDFx in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Predicting Mortality in African Americans With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Soluble Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor, Coronary Artery Calcium, and High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein.

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease; however, outcomes in individual patients vary. Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is a bone marrow-derived signaling molecule associated with adverse cardiovascular and renal outcomes in many populations. We characterized the determinants of suPAR in African Americans with type 2 diabetes mellitus and assessed whether levels were useful for predicting mortality beyond clinical characteristics, coronary artery calcium (CAC), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP).