Omega-3 and Risk of atrial fibrillation: Vagally-mediated double-edged sword.

Objective: Studies regarding effects of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), on risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) have reported discordant results. The aim of this review is to clarify effects of marine omega-3 intake on risk of AF.

Patients And Methods: A PubMed search was performed using terms: atrial fibrillation, omega-3, EPA, DHA, vagal tone.

Effect of nano-curcumin supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors, physical and psychological quality of life, and depression in patients with coronary slow flow phenomenon: a randomized double-blind clinical trial.

Background: Extensive evidence has suggested the cardio-protective properties of the polyphenol curcumin. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a highly bioavailable curcumin supplement on cardiometabolic risk factors, health-related quality of life, and depression in patients with coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP).

Methods: This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in 42 patients with CSFP (age 35-70 years, 25 ≤ body mass index < 40 kg/m).

Effect of nano-curcumin supplementation on angina status, and traditional and novel cardiovascular risk factors in overweight or obese patients with coronary slow flow phenomenon: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Background: Cardiovascular events and poor quality of life are frequently observed in patients with coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP). This trial evaluated the effect of nano-curcumin supplement containing curcuminoids, as multifunctional nutraceuticals, on angina status, and some traditional and novel cardiovascular risk factors in overweight or obese patients with CSFP.

Methods: In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 42 overweight or obese patients with CSFP received either 80 mg/day of nano-curcumin or placebo for 12 weeks.

The relationship of circulating neuregulin 4 and irisin, and traditional and novel cardiometabolic risk factors with the risk and severity of coronary artery disease.

Background And Aims: Neuregulin 4 (NRG4) and irisin are adipokines that have been suggested to be associated with cardiometabolic risk factors and coronary artery disease (CAD), but the data are inconclusive. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between circulating NRG4 and irisin and cardiometabolic risk factors with CAD risk and severity.

Methods And Results: In this cross-sectional study, the presence of CAD and the severity of stenosis (gensini score) were documented based on coronary angiography in 166 adults.

Effects of virgin coconut oil consumption on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and oxidative stress biomarkers in adults with metabolic syndrome: a randomized clinical trial.

Background And Aim: Metabolic syndrome is associated with health conditions and neurological disorders. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a protective role on the nervous system. Decreased levels of BDNF have been shown in MetS and neurodegenerative diseases.

How to Perform a Completely Fluoroless Ablation.

Radiation exposure related to electrophysiology catheter ablation procedures carries small but non-negligible stochastic and deterministic effects on health. Lead aprons can also place considerable pressure on the spinal column, resulting in potentially detrimental consequences. Fortunately, however, advancements in tools used for arrhythmia mapping and ablation have made it feasible to reduce or essentially eliminate the need for fluoroscopy, with no impact on the efficacy or safety of such procedures, as demonstrated by several long-term outcome studies.

Long-term risk and predictors of cerebrovascular events following sepsis hospitalization: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Long-term risk and predictors of cerebrovascular events following sepsis hospitalization have not been clearly elucidated. We aim to determine the association between surviving sepsis hospitalization and cerebrovascular complications in adult sepsis survivors.

Method: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Sciences, Cochrane library, and Google scholar for studies published from the inception of each database until 31 August 2022.

Ethnic and Racial Disparities in Resource Utilization and In-hospital Outcomes Among Those Admitted for Atrial Fibrillation: A National Analysis.

Disparities in overall outcomes for atrial fibrillation (AF) across racial and ethnic groups have been demonstrated in prior studies. We aim to evaluate in-hospital outcomes and resource utilization across 3 racial/ethnic groups with AF using contemporary data. We identified patients admitted with AF in the National Inpatient Sample registry from 2015 to 2018.

Prognostic Potential of the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) Score in Predicting All-Cause Mortality and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: A Meta-Analysis.

Background: As defined by the Controlling Nutrition Status (CONUT) score, the prognostic significance of nutritional status has attracted attention in patients with cardiovascular disease. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the importance of CONUT score for prediction of all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in adult patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods: Observational studies conducted to evaluate the association of CONUT score with adverse clinical outcomes in patients with CAD were included.

Improved Ablation Efficiency in PVI Guided by Contact Force and Local Impedance: Chronic Canine Model.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect local impedance (LI) has on an ablation workflow when combined with a contact force (CF) ablation catheter. Left pulmonary vein isolation was performed in an canine model ( = 8) using a nominal (30 W) or an elevated (50 W) power strategy with a CF catheter. The catheter was enabled to measure LI prior to and during ablation.

Electromagnetic field therapy in cardiovascular diseases: A review of patents, clinically effective devices, and mechanism of therapeutic effects.

In recent years, electromagnetic field (EMF) therapy has gathered much attention for its protective effects on cardiovascular functions. From reviewing the literature, it is evident that exposure to specific EMF spectrums, such as static- and extremely low frequency (ELF)- EMFs, by EMF-generating devices can be considered as a safe method for therapeutic means in various cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension. This review article will describe registered patents and non-invasive clinically effective devices that generate EMF to target various cardiovascular diseases based on their mechanism of therapeutic effects.

Meta-Analysis of the Usefulness of Beta-Blockers to Reduce the Risk of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease Without Prior Myocardial Infarction or Left Ventricular Dysfunction.

Beta-blockers (BBs) are the core of coronary artery disease (CAD) pharmacotherapy and demonstrated a well-established benefit in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction (MI). However, the prophylactic role of BBs to affect adverse outcomes in patients with stable CAD, especially among those without a pervious history of MI or left ventricular dysfunction, is not yet addressed. We aimed to determine the effects of beta-blockers on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with stable CAD without prior MI or left ventricular dysfunction.

Effects of virgin coconut oil consumption on metabolic syndrome components and asymmetric dimethylarginine: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

Background And Aims: There is some promising evidence regarding the beneficial effect of coconut oil on cardiometabolic risk factors. This study aimed to assess the effects of virgin coconut oil (VCO) consumption on metabolic syndrome (MetS) components, as well as, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) in adults with MetS.

Methods And Results: In this randomized controlled trial, 48 subjects, aged 20-50 years, with MetS were allocated into two groups; the intervention group was given 30 ml of VCO per day to substitute the same amounts of fat in their usual diet for four weeks.

The Novelty of Icosapent Ethyl in the Management of Hypertriglyceridemia and Alleviating Cardiovascular Risk.

Hypertriglyceridemia is believed to be independently associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. Lifestyle changes and dietary modifications are recommended for individuals with high serum triglyceride (TG) levels (150-499 mg/dl), and pharmacological therapy in addition to lifestyle modification is recommended when serum TG levels ≥ 500 mg/dl. A residual cardiovascular risk remains even in statin appropriate treated patients with CVD risk factors, and in this patient population, hypertriglyceridemia poses an independent and increased risk of ischemic events.

High-power short-duration ablation of atrial fibrillation: A contemporary review.

Catheter ablation using radiofrequency (RF) energy has been widely used to treat patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The optimal levels of power and duration to increase the success rate while minimizing complications have not been fully established. Different centers continue to use various power protocols for catheter ablation of AF.

Survey of current perspectives on consumer-available digital health devices for detecting atrial fibrillation.

Background: Many digital health technologies capable of atrial fibrillation (AF) detection are directly available to patients. However, adaptation into clinical practice by heart rhythm healthcare practitioners (HCPs) is unclear.

Objective: To examine HCP perspectives on use of commercial technologies for AF detection and management.

Safety, Performance, and Efficacy of Cardiac Contractility Modulation Delivered by the 2-Lead Optimizer Smart System: The FIX-HF-5C2 Study.

Background: Prior studies of cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) employed a 3-lead Optimizer system. A new 2-lead system eliminated the need for an atrial lead. This study tested the safety and effectiveness of this 2-lead system compared with the 3-lead system.

A Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Cardiac Contractility Modulation.

Objectives: This study sought to confirm a subgroup analysis of the prior FIX-HF-5 (Evaluate Safety and Efficacy of the OPTIMIZER System in Subjects With Moderate-to-Severe Heart Failure) study showing that cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) improved exercise tolerance (ET) and quality of life in patients with ejection fractions between 25% and 45%.

Background: CCM therapy for New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class III and IV heart failure (HF) patients consists of nonexcitatory electrical signals delivered to the heart during the absolute refractory period.

Methods: A total of 160 patients with NYHA functional class III or IV symptoms, QRS duration <130 ms, and ejection fraction ≥25% and ≤45% were randomized to continued medical therapy (control, n = 86) or CCM (treatment, n = 74, unblinded) for 24 weeks.