Management of temporary mechanical circulatory support devices in cath-lab and cardiac intensive care unit.

Different temporary mechanical circulatory support (tMCS) devices are available and can be used to maintain end-organ perfusion while reducing cardiac work and myocardial oxygen demand. tMCS can provide support to the right ventricle, left ventricle, or both, and its use can be considered in emergency situations such as cardiogenic shock or in elective procedures such as high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention to prevent haemodynamic deterioration. Invasive and, most importantly, non-invasive haemodynamic parameters should be taken into account when choosing the type of tMCS device and its initiation and weaning timing, determining the need for a device upgrade, and screening for complications.

Implementation of the Care Bundle for the Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with/without Heart Failure.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is often part of a more complex cardiopulmonary disease, especially in older patients. The differential diagnosis of the acute exacerbation of COPD and/or heart failure (HF) in emergency settings is challenging due to their frequent coexistence and symptom overlap. Both conditions have a detrimental impact on each other's prognosis, leading to increased mortality rates.

Sex differences in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome: a state-of-the-art review.

Cardiovascular conditions in the spectrum of acute coronary syndromes are characterized by sex differences with regard to pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, invasive and pharmacologic treatment, and outcomes. This review delves into these differences, including specific subsets like myocardial infarction with non-obstructed coronary arteries or Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection, and alternative diagnoses like Takotsubo cardiomyopathy or myocarditis. Moreover, practical considerations are enclosed, on how a sex-specific approach should be integrated in clinical practice: in fact, personal history should focus on female-specific risk factors, and hormonal status and hormonal therapy should be assessed.

Comprehensive diagnostic workup in patients with suspected heart failure and preserved ejection fraction.

Diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) can be challenging and it could require different tests, some of which are affected by limited availability. Nowadays, considering that new therapies are available for HFpEF and related conditions, a prompt and correct diagnosis is relevant. However, the diagnostic role of biomarker level, imaging tools, score-based algorithms and invasive evaluation, should be based on the strengths and weaknesses of each test.