Impact of Newly Diagnosed Left Bundle Branch Block on Long-Term Outcomes in Patients with STEMI.

: This study assessed the long-term prognostic implications of newly developed left bundle branch block (LBBB) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and a single coronary lesion, following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Among 3526 patients admitted with acute myocardial infarction between January 2011 and December 2013, 42 were identified with STEMI, a single coronary lesion, and newly diagnosed LBBB. A control group of 42 randomly selected STEMI patients without LBBB was also included.

Computational Modeling Approach to Profile Hemodynamical Behavior in a Healthy Aorta.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the leading cause of mortality among older adults. Early detection is critical as the prognosis for advanced-stage CVD is often poor. Consequently, non-invasive diagnostic tools that can assess hemodynamic function, particularly of the aorta, are essential.

Correction: Zamfir et al. Trends in Coronary Artery Anomalies Detection by Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA): A Real-Life Comparative Study before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic. 2024, , 1091.

In the original publication [...

Beyond the Obstructive Paradigm: Unveiling the Complex Landscape of Nonobstructive Coronary Artery Disease.

Traditionally focused on obstructive atherosclerosis, contemporary research indicates that up to 70% of patients undergoing coronary angiography for angina and ischemic symptoms do not exhibit significant stenoses. Nonobstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) has emerged as a prevalent phenotype among these patients. This review emphasizes the emerging understanding that nonobstructive coronary artery disease, encompassing conditions such as ANOCA (Angina with No Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease), INOCA (Ischemia with No Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease), and MINOCA (Myocardial Infarction with No Obstructive Coronary Arteries), represents the most prevalent phenotype in cardiac patients.

Beyond Blood Sugar: How Left Atrium Strain Predicts Cardiac Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes.

Speckle tracking echocardiography is an innovative imaging technique that evaluates myocardial motion, including the function of the left atrium (LA). The assessment of the left atrium's function across its dimensions can have diagnostic and prognostic roles in various cardiovascular conditions. Left atrial strain has been recognized as a valuable predictor of mortality and cardiovascular incidents in the general population across various conditions.

Persistent Gastrointestinal Bleeding after Aortic Valve Replacement in Heyde's Syndrome.

Heyde's syndrome (HS) represents an association between aortic stenosis and intestinal angiodysplasias, and it has been demonstrated that acquired von Willebrand disease plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of this syndrome. In patients with HS, von Willebrand factor deficiency represents an additional risk factor, further contributing to the risk of bleeding and anemia. We present the case of an 86-year-old patient diagnosed with HS and von Willebrand deficiency in 2018.

Evaluating Long-Term Outcomes in STEMI Patients with New Left Bundle Branch Block: The Impact of Modifiable Risk Factors.

: Coronary artery disease, a leading global cause of death, highlights the essential need for early detection and management of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors to prevent further coronary events. : This study, conducted at a major tertiary academic PCI-capable hospital in Romania from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2013, prospectively analyzed 387 myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation (STEMI) patients to assess the long-term management of modifiable risk factors. This study particularly focused on patients with new-onset left bundle branch block (LBBB) and compared them with a matched control group without LBBB.

Trends in Coronary Artery Anomalies Detection by Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA): A Real-Life Comparative Study before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: In the wake of the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, affecting healthcare systems globally, urgent research is needed to understand its potential repercussions on the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular disorders. This emphasises the importance of detecting coronary artery anomalies (CAAs), rare conditions that can range from benign to potentially life-threatening manifestations. We aimed to retrospectively assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the detection of various coronary anomalies using Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) within a regional tertiary cardiology unit in north-eastern Romania, focusing on perceived occurrence in the population under study, types, and related demographic and clinical factors.

Casting Light on The Hidden Prevalence: A Novel Perspective on Hypoplastic Coronary Artery Disease.

Coronary artery anomalies (CAAs) represent a group of rare cardiac abnormalities with an incidence of up to 1.2%. The aim of this retrospective study was to conduct a comprehensive epidemiological assessment of the prevalence of hypoplastic coronary arteries using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in patients with diagnosed CAAs and individuals presenting with cardiovascular manifestations in the north-eastern region of Romania.

Retinal Structural and Vascular Changes in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Retinal microvascular anomalies have been identified in patients with cardiovascular conditions such as arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and carotid artery disease. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO registration number CRD42024506589) to explore the potential of retinal vasculature as a biomarker for diagnosis and monitoring of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) through optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

Methods: We systematically examined original articles in the Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science databases from their inception up to November 2023, comparing retinal microvascular features between patients with CAD and control groups.

Electrocardiogram Features in Non-Cardiac Diseases: From Mechanisms to Practical Aspects.

Despite the noteworthy advancements and the introduction of new technologies in diagnostic tools for cardiovascular disorders, the electrocardiogram (ECG) remains a reliable, easily accessible, and affordable tool to use. In addition to its crucial role in cardiac emergencies, ECG can be considered a very useful ancillary tool for the diagnosis of many non-cardiac diseases as well. In this narrative review, we aimed to explore the potential contributions of ECG for the diagnosis of non-cardiac diseases such as stroke, migraine, pancreatitis, Kounis syndrome, hypothermia, esophageal disorders, pulmonary embolism, pulmonary diseases, electrolyte disturbances, anemia, coronavirus disease 2019, different intoxications and pregnancy.

Cardiac Device Therapy in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: An Update.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are frequently interconnected and their association leads to an exponential increase in the risk of both fatal and non-fatal events. In addition, the burden of arrhythmias in CKD patients is increased. On the other hand, the presence of CKD is an important factor that influences the decision to pursue cardiac device therapy.

Patient-Related Factors Predicting Stent Thrombosis in Percutaneous Coronary Interventions.

Over the past four decades, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) safety and efficacy have significantly improved, particularly with the advent of the drug-eluting stent (DES). First-generation DESs reduced in-stent restenosis rates and targeted lesion revascularization; however, safety issues emerged, due to high incidences of stent thrombosis (ST) linked to death, myocardial infarction, and repeat revascularization. Second-generation DESs were developed to overcome these issues, reducing late-thrombotic-event risk while maintaining anti-restenosis efficacy.

Therapeutic Potential of Rituximab in Managing Hepatitis C-Associated Cryoglobulinemic Vasculitis: A Systematic Review.

(1) Background. Hepatitis C infection often leads to extrahepatic manifestations, including cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. This systematic review aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of rituximab in treating hepatitis C-associated cryoglobulinemic vasculitis.

Assessment of Inflammatory Hematological Ratios (NLR, PLR, MLR, LMR and Monocyte/HDL-Cholesterol Ratio) in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Particularities in Young Patients.

Cardiovascular disease, particularly coronary artery disease (CAD), remains a predominant cause of mortality globally. Factors such as atherosclerosis and inflammation play significant roles in the pathogenesis of CAD. The nexus between inflammation and CAD is underscored by the role of immune cells, such as neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and macrophages.

Distinct Features of Vascular Diseases in COVID-19.

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was declared in early 2020 after several unexplained pneumonia cases were first reported in Wuhan, China, and subsequently in other parts of the world. Commonly, the disease comprises several clinical features, including high temperature, dry cough, shortness of breath, and hypoxia, associated with findings of interstitial pneumonia on chest X-ray and computer tomography. Nevertheless, severe forms of acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are not limited to the respiratory tract but also may be extended to other systems, including the cardiovascular system.

A Systematic Review on the Risk Modulators of Myocardial Infarction in the "Young"-Implications of Lipoprotein (a).

The presence of a myocardial infarction at a younger age is of special interest, considering the psychological and socioeconomic impact, as well as long-term morbidity and mortality. However, this group has a unique risk profile, with less traditional cardiovascular risk factors that are not well studied. This systematic review aims to evaluate traditional risk factors of myocardial infarction in the "young", highlighting the clinical implications of lipoprotein (a).

Gut Microbiota in Chronic Kidney Disease: From Composition to Modulation towards Better Outcomes-A Systematic Review.

Background: A bidirectional kidney-gut axis was described in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). On the one hand, gut dysbiosis could promote CKD progression, but on the other hand, studies reported specific gut microbiota alterations linked to CKD. Therefore, we aimed to systematically review the literature on gut microbiota composition in CKD patients, including those with advanced CKD stages and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), possibilities to shift gut microbiota, and its impact on clinical outcomes.

Role of Diphosphonates Bone Scintigraphy in Correlation with Biomarkers for a Personalized Approach to ATTR Cardiac Amyloidosis in North-Eastern Romania.

Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR) is a rare cardiac protein deposition disease characterized by progressive thickening of both ventricles, the inter-atrial-ventricular septum and the atrioventricular valves. The gold standard method for diagnosing this rare pathology is endomyocardial biopsy. If this method cannot be used, the alternative is a mixture of clinical and paraclinical tests.

The Challenge of High Coronary Thrombotic Events in Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction and COVID-19.

The aim of this observational study was to describe the characteristics and outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-positive patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), with a special focus on factors associated with a high risk of coronary thrombosis and in-hospital mortality. Comparing the two groups of patients with STEMI separated according to the presence of SARS-CoV-2 infections, it was observed that COVID-19 patients were more likely to present with dyspnea (82.43% vs.

Cardiac Biomarkers and Risk Scores in Relation with History of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Patients Admitted with COVID-19: The Experience of an Eastern European Center.

Background: Data regarding the combined prognostic role of biomarkers and risk scores in relation with the history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in COVID-19 patients are lacking.

Methods: The aim of this observational cohort study was to evaluate the combined prognostic value of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP), troponin and risk scores in relation with ASCVD history in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The primary composite endpoint was Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission and death.

From Classic to Modern Prognostic Biomarkers in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Despite all the important advances in its diagnosis and treatment, acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is still one of the most prominent causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early identification of patients at high risk of poor outcomes through the measurement of various biomarker concentrations might contribute to more accurate risk stratification and help to guide more individualized therapeutic strategies, thus improving prognoses. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the role and applications of cardiac biomarkers in risk stratification and prognostic assessment for patients with myocardial infarction.

Long-term cardio-vascular risk assessment in chronic kidney disease and kidney transplanted patients following SARS-COV-2 disease: protocol for multi-center observational match controlled trial.

Background: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) produced a pandemic since March 2020 by affecting more than 243 million people with more than 5 million deaths globally. SARS-CoV-2 infection is produced by binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme, which among other sites is highly expressed in the endothelial cells of the blood vessels, pericytes and the heart, as well as in renal podocytes and proximal tubular epithelial cells. SARS-CoV-2 and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are interconnected by risk factors association with an increased incidence of the disease and by determining de novo cardiac complications.