A Randomized Trial of Cardiac Catheterization With Fasting Versus Liberal Oral Intake: The CALORI Trial.

Background: Routine preprocedural fasting before cardiac catheterization remains common practice, despite a lack of robust evidence to support this practice. We investigated the impact of a liberal nonfasting strategy vs a standardized nil per os (NPO) regimen prior to cardiac catheterization.

Methods: Adult inpatients undergoing elective or urgent cardiac catheterization were randomized (1:1 ratio) to either NPO past midnight or ad libitum intake of liquids and solids (without dietary constraints) until immediately prior to the procedure.

A Rare Presentation of Myocardial Bridging With Heart Failure Symptoms.

Myocardial bridging is an under-recognized cause of angina. This congenital anomaly occurs when a segment of the epicardial coronary artery has a short intra-myocardial course. A significant intra-myocardial course may lead to ischemia, causing anginal symptoms.

Interrelationship Between Kidney Function and Percutaneous Mitral Valve Interventions: A Comprehensive Review.

Percutaneous mitral valve repair is emerging as a reasonable alternative especially in those with an unfavorable surgical risk profile in the repair of mitral regurgitation. At this time, our understanding of the effects of underlying renal dysfunction on outcomes with percutaneous mitral valve repair and the effects of this procedure itself on renal function is evolving, as more data emerges in this field. The current evidence suggests that the correction of mitral regurgitation via percutaneous mitral valve repair is associated with some degree of improvement in cardiac function, hemodynamics and renal function.

Role of Bisphosphonates in Vascular calcification and Bone Metabolism: A Clinical Summary.

Background: Vascular calcification is known to be a strong risk factor for cardiovascular adverse events and mortality. Atherosclerosis, diabetes, aging, abnormal bone mineral homeostasis and high uremic milieu such as chronic kidney disease are major factors that contribute to the progression of vascular calcification. Several mechanisms such as the osteoblastic transition of vascular smooth muscle cells in response to oxidative stress have shed light on the active nature of vascular calcification, which was once thought to be a passive process.