Associations between skeletal muscle mass and elevated blood pressure are independent of body fat: a cross-sectional study in young adult women of African ancestry.

Although research on the relationship between lean body mass and blood pressure (BP) has been inconsistent, most studies reported that measures of lean body mass are associated with a higher risk of hypertension. We explored relationships between body composition (fat and skeletal muscle mass) and BP in 1162 young adult African women. DXA-derived measures of whole body, central and arm fat mass were associated with higher systolic and diastolic BP, while leg fat percentage was associated with lower systolic and diastolic BP.

Efficacy and safety of daprodustat in patients on peritoneal dialysis in the ASCEND-D trial.

Background And Hypothesis: Daprodustat, an oral hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor, is approved for treatment of anemia in dialysis patients with CKD in some parts of the world. This subgroup analysis examined the efficacy and safety of daprodustat versus darbepoetin alfa in patients with anemia of CKD undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD).

Methods: ASCEND-D (NCT02879305) was an open-label, Phase 3 trial; patients with CKD were randomized to daprodustat daily and epoetin alfa (HD patients) or darbepoetin alfa (PD patients).

Adrenomedullin 2/Intermedin Exerts Cardioprotective Effects by Regulating Cardiomyocyte Mitochondrial Function.

Background: Adrenomedullin 2 (AM2) plays critical roles in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance. However, the specific involvement of AM2 in cardiac hypertrophy has not been comprehensively elucidated, warranting further investigation into its molecular mechanisms and therapeutic implications.

Methods: Cardiac hypertrophy was induced in adult mice lacking AM2 (AM2-/-) using transverse aortic constriction surgery.

Atrial Septal Defect in a Young Boy Presenting With a Rare Crochetage Sign: A Case Report.

An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a common congenital heart anomaly that results in irregular blood flow between the systemic and pulmonary circulations due to an opening in the atrial septum. Ostium secondum ASD accounts for a large proportion of these defects and often goes unnoticed during childhood and adolescence. Pulmonary hypertension (PH), affecting a significant number of patients with ostium secondum ASD, is associated with functional limitations, heart failure, and tachyarrhythmias.

Nationwide trends and outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention for stable ischemic heart disease in end-stage kidney disease: a longitudinal study.

Background: Patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) are at high risk for coronary artery disease. We investigate the trends and outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD) in patients with ESKD.

Methods: We utilized the United States Renal Data System [2010-2018] to include adult patients with ESKD on dialysis for at least 3 months who underwent PCI for SIHD.

Cardiovascular Disease Risk in South Asians in the Baylor Scott and White Health DILWALE Registry.

Background: Despite implementation of preventive interventions targeting cardiovascular disease (CVD), atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) remains a major public health concern in the South Asian (SA) population.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the risk factor prevalence and ASCVD outcomes in SA population in the United States.

Methods: The DIL Wellness and Arterial health Longitudinal Evaluation registry collected data retrospectively on SA adult patients receiving care in the Baylor Scott & White Healthcare system.

Prospective Pakistan Registry of Echocardiographic Screening in Asymptomatic Pregnant Women.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the primary cause of nonobstetric morbidity and mortality in pregnant women worldwide. Pakistan's high maternal and neonatal mortality rates underscore the need for effective screening protocols to detect cardiovascular diseases during pregnancy.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with structural heart disease among pregnant women without active cardiorespiratory symptoms (no symptoms or symptoms attributed to pregnancy) attending routine antenatal appointments.

Electrical Heterogeneity in Hispanic Background Subpopulations: The HCHS/SOL.

Background: The Hispanic/Latino population is not uniform. Prevalence and clinical outcomes of cardiac arrhythmias in ethnic background subgroups are variable, but the reasons for differences are unclear. Vectorcardiographic Global Electrical Heterogeneity (GEH) has been shown to be associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

Promotion of Cardiovascular Health in Africa: The Alliance for Medical Research in Africa (AMedRA) Expert Panel.

This proposed scientific statement is focused on providing new insights regarding challenges and opportunities for cardiovascular health (CVH) promotion in Africa. The statement includes an overview of the current state of CVH in Africa, with a particular interest in the cardiometabolic risk factors and their evaluation through metrics. The statement also explains the main principles of primordial prevention, its relevance in reducing noncommunicable disease and the different strategies that have been effective worldwide.

Incidence and Progression of Diastolic Dysfunction in People With HIV in Tanzania: A Comparative Cohort.

Background: People living with HIV (PLWH) have a higher prevalence of diastolic dysfunction and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in cross-sectional studies. Longitudinal data are lacking, especially from Africa.

Objectives: The aim was to examine: 1) the incidence of diastolic dysfunction in PLWH compared to community controls in Tanzania; 2) the progression of diastolic function and LVH in PLWH after antiretroviral therapy initiation; and 3) traditional, endemic, and HIV-specific risk factors for diastolic function and LVH.

Retrieval of a dislodged leadless pacemaker: An example of the double-snare technique.

A video demonstration presents the retrieval of a dislodged leadless pacemaker using the double-snare technique. Sharing troubleshooting strategies in such cases is clinically important for managing rare pacemaker complications.

Safety and Efficacy of Metformin for Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension. A U.S-Based Real-World Data Retrospective Multicenter Cohort Study.

Introduction: Managing idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is challenging due to limited treatment options. This study evaluates metformin as a potential therapy for IIH, examining its impact on disease outcomes and safety.

Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study using the TriNetX database, covering data from 2009 to August 2024.

Echocardiography of the right heart in pulmonary arterial hypertension: insights from the ULTRA RIGHT VALUE study.

Aims: Outcome in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is determined by right ventricular (RV) function adaptation to increased afterload. Echocardiography is easily available to assist bedside evaluation of the RV. However, no agreement exists about the feasibility and most relevant measurements.

The Role of Intravenous Selexipag in Managing PAH and Bridging Gaps in Oral Treatment: A Narrative Review.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare and potentially fatal condition characterized by progressive increases in blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. Oral selexipag, approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2015 for the treatment of PAH, targets prostacyclin receptors on pulmonary arterial vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells to improve blood flow through the lungs and reduce pulmonary vascular resistance. Oral selexipag is effective, but may be discontinued due to factors like side effects, emergency conditions, or inability to take oral medication, potentially leading to severe adverse events, such as rebound pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure.

Maternal and psychosocial antecedents of anxiety and depression in extremely low gestational age newborns at age 15 years.

Objectives: The prevalence of many psychiatric symptoms, including anxiety and depression, is higher in individuals born extremely preterm (EP) than in term-born individuals during childhood and adolescence. In this prospective study of adolescents born EP, we examined associations between early-life risk factors (prenatal maternal health conditions, socioeconomic and social factors) and anxiety and depression at 15 years of age.

Methods: We included 682 participants (53.

The high levels of fibrinogen and platelets are associated with poor survival in nephroblastoma in children.

Background: Pediatric nephroblastoma is the most common abdominal malignancy in children. Hyperfibrinogenemia and thrombocytosis are often associated with malignancy and poor prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between high fibrinogen and platelet levels and the clinicopathologic features as well as overall survival in pediatric nephroblastoma.

Surgical Management of Acute Appendicitis in a Patient with Diagnosed but "Unprepared" Pheochromocytoma: A Case Report.

Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor originating from the adrenal gland, characterized by the secretion of catecholamines. Due to the risk of hypertensive crises associated with catecholamine release, surgical procedures in pheochromocytoma patients are risky. In this case report, laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis in a patient who has pheochromocytoma will be presented.

Incidental venous thrombosis in oncology in a sub-Saharan tertiary hospital.

The relationship between cancer and thrombosis was initially highlighted in the 19th century. Vascular complications in oncology can be arterial or venous thrombosis, and incidental pulmonary embolism is a growing challenge. We aimed to describe the frequency and clinical characteristics of cancer patients with incidental venous thromboembolism (iVTE).

Procedural and Short-Term Outcomes of Carotid Artery Stenting: A Single-Center Experience.

Background Carotid artery stenting is a well-established alternative treatment to carotid endarterectomy for carotid artery stenosis for preventing stroke. This study assessed the procedural and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing carotid artery stenting in a tertiary care center in India. Methods A total of 39 patients underwent carotid artery stenting from January 2022 to December 2023, with different embolic protection devices and carotid stents.

Nutcracker Syndrome: A Rare Cause of Hematuria.

Nutcracker syndrome (NCS) is an uncommon vascular condition caused by the compression of the left renal vein (LRN), which may result in venous hypertension and clinical symptoms, including hematuria, flank pain, and pelvic congestion. This report describes the case of a 30-year-old woman with recurrent painless macroscopic hematuria, ultimately diagnosed with NCS based on clinical and radiological findings. Computed tomography (CT) angiography revealed a reduced aortomesenteric angle and LRN compression without signs of severe venous hypertension or collateral circulation.

Mineralocorticoid Effects in Cushing's Disease: A Case Report.

Cushing's syndrome is a rare disease caused due to prolonged exposure to excess glucocorticoids. Although rare, diagnosing Cushing's syndrome is clinically significant as it allows tailored and timely management and significant reduction or even prevention of the comorbidities caused by cortisol excess. This report delineates the presentation of a 44-year-old female with refractory secondary hypertension and severe hypokalaemia, initially thought to be caused by hyperaldosteronism.

Laser-Assisted Gingivectomy in Amlodipine-Induced Gingival Enlargement: A Case Report.

Gingival enlargements are mostly plaque-induced. Other than plaque, a few genetic conditions also cause enlargements of the gingiva. In recent years, there has been a notable rise in drug-induced gingival overgrowth (DIGO) linked to the increased use of medications for various systemic conditions.

Endogenous C-type natriuretic peptide offsets the pathogenesis of steatohepatitis, hepatic fibrosis, and portal hypertension.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), hepatic fibrosis, and portal hypertension constitute an increasing public health problem due to the growing prevalence of obesity and diabetes. C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is an endogenous regulator of cardiovascular homeostasis, immune cell reactivity, and fibrotic disease. Thus, we investigated a role for CNP in the pathogenesis of MASLD.

Adverse Drug Reactions in Pregnant People with Hypertension and/or Diabetes: Temporal Profile and Associated Factors.

Background: Pregnant people, especially those with diabetes mellitus or hypertension, are particularly vulnerable to adverse drug reactions (ADRs).

Objective: To determine the incidence of and factors associated with ADRs in hospitalized pregnant people with diabetes and/or hypertension.

Methods: This prospective cohort study involved pregnant people with diabetes and/or hypertension admitted to a maternity hospital in Natal, Brazil, between August 2019 and July 2022.