Intracardiac or transesophageal echocardiography for left atrial appendage occlusion: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) appears to be a potential alternative for percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) to transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Thus, a meta-analysis was performed comparing ICE vs. TEE for LAAO guidance.

Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors and Changes in Epicardial Adipose Tissue: A Systematic Literature Review And Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have emerged as a groundbreaking class of antidiabetic medications renowned for their glucose-lowering effects and cardiovascular benefits. Recent studies have suggested that SGLT2 inhibitors may extend their influence beyond glycemic control to impact adipose tissue physiology, particularly within the epicardial adipose depot. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), an actively secretory organ surrounding the heart, has been implicated in the modulation of cardiovascular risk.

Atrial Fibrosis in Atrial Fibrillation: Mechanistic Insights, Diagnostic Challenges, and Emerging Therapeutic Targets.

Atrial fibrosis is a hallmark of atrial cardiomyopathy and plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF), contributing to its onset and progression. The mechanisms underlying atrial fibrosis are multifaceted, involving stretch-induced fibroblast activation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and coagulation pathways. Variations in fibrosis types-reactive and replacement fibrosis-are influenced by patient-specific factors such as age, sex, and comorbidities, complicating therapeutic approaches.

Cancer Therapy-Related Cardiac Dysfunction: A Review of Current Trends in Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment.

Cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) has emerged as a significant concern with the rise of effective cancer treatments like anthracyclines and targeted therapies such as trastuzumab. While these therapies have improved cancer survival rates, their unintended cardiovascular side effects can lead to heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and arrhythmias. The pathophysiology of CTRCD involves oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and calcium dysregulation, resulting in irreversible damage to cardiomyocytes.

Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Hypertension.

Arterial hypertension is a silent and progressive disease with deleterious vascular implications on all target organs, including the heart, the brain, the kidneys, and the eyes. Oxidative stress, defined as the overproduction of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) over antioxidants, is capable of deteriorating not only the normal endothelial but also the cellular function with further cardiovascular implications. Xanthine oxidase activity, NADPH oxidase overexpression, and ROS production lead to hypertension and high arterial tone, culminating in end-organ damage.

SGLT2 inhibitors in the prevention of diabetic cardiomyopathy: Targeting the silent threat.

Heart failure (HF) is a major global health challenge, particularly among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), who are at significantly higher risk of developing HF. Diabetic cardiomyopathy, a unique form of heart disease, often progresses silently until advanced stages. Recent research has focused on sodium-dependent glucose transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), originally developed for hyperglycemia, which have shown potential in reducing cardiovascular risks, including HF hospitalizations, irrespective of diabetic status.

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Game Charger in the Field?

Kidney disease is a public health epidemic affecting 10% of the population worldwide with a constantly rising incidence, and it is an important contributor to morbidity and mortality. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic complex condition with a rising incidence worldwide. T2DM remains the principal cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is related to a high risk for cardiovascular (CV) events, end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), and, overall, considerable morbidity and mortality.

The role of C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio as a prognostic biomarker in patients hospitalized for cardiorenal syndrome.

Background: Cardio-renal syndrome, characterized by simultaneous cardiac and renal impairment, presents significant challenges in patient prognostication and management. This study aimed to investigate the C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CRP/Albumin ratio) as a prognostic marker in patients with cardiorenal syndrome.

Methods: This observational cohort study included consecutive patients hospitalized for cardiorenal syndrome.

Physical Activity Habits Among Physicians: Data From the Athens Medical Association.

Background: Physicians' exercise habits vary across different medical specialties and health service infrastructure. We assessed physicians' exercise performance according to the recommendations of the 2020 European Society of Cardiology Guidelines.

Methods: This cross-sectional study comprised 742 physicians of the Athens Medical Association (AMA), Greece.

Effect of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonism on Aortic Valve Stenosis Risk: A Mendelian Randomization Analysis.

Aortic valve repair is currently the only effective treatment for calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS), as no pharmacological therapies exist to prevent or slow its progression. Recent promising results showed that glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) attenuates the calcification of aortic valve interstitial cells. Therefore, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis to investigate the effect of GLP-1 receptor agonism (GLP-1Ra) on the risk of CAVS.

Multifaceted Impact of SGLT2 Inhibitors in Heart Failure Patients: Exploring Diverse Mechanisms of Action.

Heart failure (HF) is a growing concern due to the aging population and increasing prevalence of comorbidities. Despite advances in treatment, HF remains a significant burden, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) have emerged as a promising treatment option, demonstrating benefits across the entire spectrum of HF, regardless of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

Wearable Activity Trackers and Physical Activity Levels Among Members of the Athens Medical Association in Greece.

Introduction: Wearable Activity Trackers (WATs) offer real-time feedback on activity levels. We assessed the impact of WAT usage on physicians' exercise habits.

Methods: Physicians from the Athens Medical Association, Greece (n = 742) responded to a self-administered questionnaire evaluating usage of WAT, demographic characteristics, specialty, and physical exercise habits.

Thrombosis in Hypertension: Pathophysiology, Biomarkers, and the Effect of Antihypertensive Treatment.

Hypertension, characterized by elevated blood pressure levels, remains a global health concern due to its association with cardiovascular complications, notably thrombosis. Thrombosis, the formation of blood clots within blood vessels, poses a significant risk for myocardial infarction, stroke, and limb ischemia, leading to adverse patient outcomes. Understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying thrombosis in hypertension is crucial for developing effective preventive and therapeutic strategies.

The Role of Hypertension in Cognitive Dysfunction.

Cognitive impairment and subsequent dementia are considered significant health challenges. In patients with established dementia, it is argued that hypertension is the main risk factor for small vessel ischemic disease and additional cortical white matter lesions. Cognitive domains and impairments associated with hypertension include learning, memory, attention, abstract reasoning, mental flexibility, psychomotor skills, and executive function.

The role of coronary microcirculation in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: An unceasing odyssey.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) represents an entity with complex pathophysiologic pathways, among which coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is believed to be an important orchestrator. Research in the field of CMD has highlighted impaired vasoreactivity, capillary rarefaction, and inflammation as potential mediators of its development. CMD can be diagnosed via several noninvasive methods including transthoracic echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, and positron emission tomography.

Pilot study on the effect of flavonoids on arterial stiffness and oxidative stress in chronic kidney disease.

Background: Flavonoids, the main class of polyphenols, exhibit antioxidant and antihypertensive properties.

Aim: To prospectively investigate the impact of flavonoids on arterial stiffness in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages I-IV.

Methods: In this prospective, single-arm study, CKD patients with arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus were enrolled.

From a Cup of Tea to Cardiovascular Care: Vascular Mechanisms of Action.

Tea consumption is increasingly recognized for its potential benefits to cardiovascular health. This study reviews the available research, concentrating on the major components of tea and their mechanisms of action in the cardiovascular system. Tea is abundant in bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids and polysaccharides, which possess significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Hypothermia for Cardioprotection in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients: From Bench to Bedside.

Early revascularization for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is of outmost importance in limiting infarct size and associated complications, as well as for improving long-term survival and outcomes. However, reperfusion itself may further damage the myocardium and increase the infarct size, a condition commonly recognized as myocardial reperfusion injury. Several strategies have been developed for limiting the associated with reperfusion myocardial damage, including hypothermia.

The Emerging Role of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists in the Management of Obesity-Related Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: Benefits beyond What Scales Can Measure?

Obesity is a significant predisposing factor for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Although a substantial proportion of individuals with HFpEF also have obesity, those with obesity are under-represented in clinical trials for heart failure. In turn, current guidelines provided limited recommendations for the medical management of this patient population.