Sex-specific differences in mortality and neurocardiac interactions in the Kv1.1 knockout mouse model of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a devastating complication of epilepsy with possible sex-specific risk factors, although the exact relationship between sex and SUDEP remains unclear. To investigate this, we studied Kcna1 knockout (Kcna1) mice, which lack voltage-gated Kv1.1 channel subunits and are widely used as a SUDEP model that mirrors key features in humans.

Learnings from Implementation Strategies to Improve Lipid Management.

Purpose Of Review: Lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol reduces cardiovascular risk. International lipid management guidelines recommend LDL-cholesterol goals or thresholds for initiating lipid-lowering therapy. However, contemporary real-world studies have shown that many high- and very high-risk patients are not attaining LDL-cholesterol goals and are not receiving intensive lipid-lowering therapies.

Analyzing the association of critical illness and cardioversion success in patients with atrial fibrillation at the emergency department.

In critically ill patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), standard treatment algorithms might not be applicable. Emergency departments (ED) play a crucial role in implementing individualized treatment approaches. The aim of this study was to assess the association of lactate and cardioversion success rates in AF patients presenting to an ED.

High takeoff of the right coronary artery by echocardiography: normal variant or something more?

Purpose: High takeoff of the right coronary artery suspected by echocardiography is widely considered a normal variant. However, in our experience, some patients initially thought to have a high takeoff of the coronary artery were later found to have an anomalous coronary origin with high-risk features. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that high takeoff of the right coronary artery suspected by echocardiography may indicate the presence of an anomalous coronary artery lesion with an intramural course requiring further investigation.

Experience and Perspectives on Antibacterial Therapy for Listeriosis in a Tertiary Teaching Hospital in China: A Retrospective Study and Health Care Provider Survey.

Listeriosis is a rare, life-threatening bacterial infection. Prompt, appropriate antibiotic treatment is essential to save lives. We aimed to investigate antibiotic selection and listeriosis knowledge among health care providers.

Myocardial Fibroblast Activation After Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Positron Emission Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Study.

Background: Myocardial fibrosis is a key healing response after myocardial infarction driven by activated fibroblasts. Gallium-68-labeled fibroblast activation protein inhibitor ([Ga]-FAPI) is a novel positron-emitting radiotracer that binds activated fibroblasts.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the intensity, distribution, and time-course of fibroblast activation after acute myocardial infarction.

Three-Dimensional Ultrasound for Physical and Virtual Fetal Heart Models: Current Status and Future Perspectives.

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common congenital defect, occurring in approximately 1 in 100 live births and being a leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Of note, approximately 25% of these defects are classified as critical, requiring immediate postnatal care by pediatric cardiology and neonatal cardiac surgery teams. Consequently, early and accurate diagnosis of CHD is key to proper prenatal and postnatal monitoring in a tertiary care setting.

Prognostic Impact of Hospital Discharge After Heart Failure Admission Without Structured Heart Failure Follow-Up.

The aim was to evaluate the risk of new exacerbations of heart failure (HF) in patients discharged from hospital emergency departments (EDs) without a structured HF follow-up. This prospective, single-center cohort study included patients discharged from the ED following hospital admission for acute HF. The study analyzed the profile of patients seen in the ED and assessed their risk of new ED visits or HF-related hospitalizations within 12 months of discharge.

[A Case of Primary Mediastinal Germ Cell Tumor Requiring Multidisciplinary Treatment Due to Circulatory Disturbance Associated with Cardiopulmonary Compression].

A 28-year-old male presented to his physician with a chief complaint of fever and cough. Contrastenhanced computed tomography revealed a 17×16×8 cm heterogeneous tumor in the anterior mediastinum, as well as right heart and inferior vena cava compression due to the tumor. He was referred to our hospital for close examination and treatment.

Propensity Score Analysis of Possible Medication Effects on Outcomes in Patients With Systemic Right Ventricles.

Background: Patients with systemic right ventricle (SRV), either d-transposition of the great arteries following an atrial switch procedure or congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries, develop severe right ventricular dysfunction, prompting appropriate medical therapy. However, the efficacy of beta-blockers and angiotensin receptor blockers or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) in SRV patients is unproven.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the effects of ACEI/ARB and beta-blockers on outcomes in SRV patients after accounting for likely cofounders affecting their use.

"We are doing it together, don't worry" - A qualitative study on the implementation of electronic medical records in German hospitals.

Background: The ongoing implementation of electronic medical records (EMRs) in German hospitals is currently slow. Implementation science widely acknowledges the barriers and facilitators to implementation. Thus, specific preconditions are necessary to address the former and to support an effective EMR implementation.

Nuclear Cardiology Surrogate Biomarkers in Clinical Trials.

Nuclear cardiology offers a diverse range of imaging tools that provide valuable insights into myocardial perfusion, inflammation, metabolism, neuroregulation, thrombosis, and microcalcification. These techniques are crucial not only for diagnosing and managing cardiovascular conditions but also for gaining pathophysiologic insights. Surrogate biomarkers in nuclear cardiology, represented by detectable imaging changes, correlate with disease processes or therapeutic responses and can serve as endpoints in clinical trials when they demonstrate a clear link with these processes.

A long-term clinical comparative study of left bundle branch pacing versus biventricular pacing in patients with heart failure and complete left bundle branch block.

Left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) is an emerging physiological pacing technique characterized by stable pacing parameters and a narrower QRS duration. This study aims to compare the long-term efficacy and safety of biventricular pacing (BIVP) and LBBP in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and complete left bundle branch block (CLBBB). A retrospective analysis was conducted on 35 patients with chronic HFrEF accompanied by CLBBB treated at our center from April 2018 to October 2022.

Curbside Consult Optimizing Statin Therapy in the Elderly: A Personalized Approach to Cardiovascular Disease Prevention.

Statins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) play a vital role in managing and preventing cardiovascular disease, particularly in elderly populations who face elevated risks for atherosclerosis and related conditions. This review delves into the mechanisms of statin action, emphasizing their impact on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, anti-inflammatory properties, and potential genetic factors influencing efficacy and drug tolerability. Consideration is given to statin intolerance and management strategies, drug interactions, and guidelines for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events.

Precision Medicine for Pulmonary Vascular Disease: The Future Is Now (2023 Grover Conference Series).

Pulmonary vascular disease is not a single condition; rather it can accompany a variety of pathologies that impact the pulmonary vasculature. Applying precision medicine strategies to better phenotype, diagnose, monitor, and treat pulmonary vascular disease is increasingly possible with the growing accessibility of powerful clinical and research tools. Nevertheless, challenges exist in implementing these tools to optimal effect.

The impact of common and rare genetic variants on bradyarrhythmia development.

To broaden our understanding of bradyarrhythmias and conduction disease, we performed common variant genome-wide association analyses in up to 1.3 million individuals and rare variant burden testing in 460,000 individuals for sinus node dysfunction (SND), distal conduction disease (DCD) and pacemaker (PM) implantation. We identified 13, 31 and 21 common variant loci for SND, DCD and PM, respectively.

Exploring symptom clusters and core symptoms during the vulnerable phase in patients with chronic heart failure: a network-based analysis.

Aims: To construct a symptom network of chronic heart failure patients in the vulnerable period and identify core symptoms and bridge symptoms between different symptom clusters.

Methods And Results: A convenience sampling method was used to select 402 patients with chronic heart failure within 3 months after discharge from the cardiology departments of two tertiary-level A hospitals in Zhenjiang City, and symptom-related entries of the Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire (MLHFQ) were used to conduct the survey. Symptom networks were constructed using the R language.

High altitudes, deeper insights: multicenter cardiovascular magnetic resonance study on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Objectives: Altitude is a known factor in cardiovascular disease, but its impact on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients remains unclear. This study aimed to determine whether living at high altitudes affects the extent of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and left ventricular (LV) strain in HCM patients.

Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted across four hospitals located at different altitudes in China.

The Role of Clinician-Developed Applications in Promoting Adherence to Evidence-Based Guidelines: Pilot Study.

Background: Computerized clinical decision support systems (CDSS) are increasingly being used in clinical practice to improve health care delivery. Mobile apps are a type of CDSS that are currently being increasingly used, particularly in lifestyle interventions and disease prevention. However, the use of such apps in acute patient care, diagnosis, and management has not been studied to a great extent.

Anatomy of Risk: Decoding the Predictors of Vascular Access Complications in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

Background: Despite advancements in valve implantation devices, vascular access complications (VAC) remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality for those undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We describe pre-operative imaging analysis of the aortoiliac and femoral arterial beds using the TransAtlantic intersociety consensus (TASC) score, ilio-femoral tortuosity, and procedural characteristics to identify anatomic risk factors predictive of VAC in TAVR.

Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing TAVR from 2012 to 2022 at a single North Dakota hospital were retrospectively reviewed.

Global, regional, and national burdens of heart failure in adolescents and young adults aged 10-24 years from 1990 to 2021: an analysis of data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.

Background: Prior studies suggest prevalence of heart failure (HF) has remained steady or progressively decreased over past 30 years in the general population. Whether this favourable trend occurred in adolescents and young adults aged 10-24 years has yet to be elucidated. We aim to identify the trends in the burden of HF in this young population from 1990 to 2021 to inform areas for targeted intervention and prevention efforts.

Comparison of Physical Frailty Assessments in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction.

Background: Frailty is a known determinant of poor clinical outcomes in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, prevalence estimates and effect sizes vary in part due to multiple tools available to measure frailty.

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the prevalence and prognostic value of six commonly used frailty assessments in adults with HFpEF.