Current Treatment Options In Cardiovascular Medicine[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Contemporary Approach to Chronic Total Occlusion Interventions.
Anantha-Narayanan M, Garcia S
Curr Treat Options Cardiovasc Med · 2019 Jan · PMID 30659365 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Chronic total occlusion (CTO) poses one of the greatest technical challenges to interventional cardiologists. Despite recent advancements in techniques and clinical trials showing significant benefits...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Chronic total occlusion (CTO) poses one of the greatest technical challenges to interventional cardiologists. Despite recent advancements in techniques and clinical trials showing significant benefits of CTO percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), the proportion of patients with untreated CTOs remains high. We therefore aim to perform a comprehensive review of the various techniques available, recent advancements, benefits, and complications associated with CTO PCI. RECENT FINDINGS: Three randomized clinical trials examining the benefits of CTO PCI have recently been presented. Scoring systems have been developed to facilitate pre-procedural estimation of success and complications of CTO PCI. Technological enhancements in coronary wires and other interventional equipment along with dedicated training for CTO operators have improved the likelihood of successful recanalization of CTOs. CTO PCI has been shown to improve patient symptoms and quality of life. It is therefore important to have an in-depth knowledge of the various CTO techniques, appropriate equipment, and complications when performing these complex procedures. Clinicians should weigh the risks and benefits and choose the appropriate patient population who may benefit from revascularization.
Interpreting the Athlete's ECG: Current State and Future Perspectives.
Basu J, Malhotra A
Curr Treat Options Cardiovasc Med · 2018 Nov · PMID 30456469 · Full text
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the leading cause of death in athletes. A large proportion of these deaths are associated with undiagnosed cardiovascular disease. Screening for high-risk individuals enables early detection...
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the leading cause of death in athletes. A large proportion of these deaths are associated with undiagnosed cardiovascular disease. Screening for high-risk individuals enables early detection of pathology, as well as permitting lifestyle modification or therapeutic intervention.ECG changes in athletes occur as a result of electrical and structural adaptations secondary to repeated bouts of exercise. Such changes are common and may overlap with patterns suggestive of underlying cardiovascular disease. Correct interpretation is therefore essential, in order to differentiate physiology from pathology. Erroneous interpretation may result in false reassurance or expensive investigations for further evaluation and unnecessary disqualification from competitive sports.Interpretation of the athlete's ECG has evolved over the past 12 years, beginning with the 2005 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) consensus, progressing to the ESC recommendations (2010), Seattle Criteria (2013) and the 'refined' criteria (2014). This evolution culminated in the recently published international recommendations for ECG interpretation in athletes (2017), which has led to a significant reduction in false positives and screening-associated costs. This review aims to describe the evolution of the current knowledge on ECG interpretation as well as future directions.
Vascular Genetics: Presentations, Testing, and Prognostics.
Aday AW, Kreykes SE, Fanola CL
Curr Treat Options Cardiovasc Med · 2018 Nov · PMID 30421267 · Full text
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Numerous studies have begun to unravel the genetic basis of not only aortic disease but also other forms of commonly encountered vascular diseases. The goal of this review is to provide clinicians a re...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Numerous studies have begun to unravel the genetic basis of not only aortic disease but also other forms of commonly encountered vascular diseases. The goal of this review is to provide clinicians a reference to help identify and diagnose different types of vascular disease with a genetic underpinning. RECENT FINDINGS: Ongoing studies have identified numerous genes involved in the TGF-β signaling pathway that are also associated with thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection, and it is possible to test for pathogenic variants in these genes in the clinical setting using commercially available genetic testing panels. Additional studies have begun to identify genetic variants associated with an increased risk of bicuspid aortic valve, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and fibromuscular dysplasia. With increased availability of low-cost genetic testing, clinicians are now able to not only definitively diagnose some vascular syndromes but also provide information on the risk of disease in other family members, as well as provide guidance in terms of family planning. As the cost of genetic testing continues to drop with the benefit of increasing insurance coverage, genetic data will increasingly become part of clinical care for many patients with vascular disease.
State of the Art Management of Mechanical Heart Valves During Pregnancy.
Aggarwal SR, Economy KE, Valente AM
Curr Treat Options Cardiovasc Med · 2018 Nov · PMID 30417314 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: To review the management of women with mechanical heart valves during pregnancy, from preconception counseling through delivery with a summary of the latest guidelines. RECENT FINDINGS: The hyperco...
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: To review the management of women with mechanical heart valves during pregnancy, from preconception counseling through delivery with a summary of the latest guidelines. RECENT FINDINGS: The hypercoagulability of pregnancy combined with the imperfect choices of anticoagulant agents contribute to a high risk of complications in pregnant women with mechanical heart valves. Valve thrombosis remains a major concern, much of which occurs during the first trimester transition to heparin-based products. The safest method of anticoagulation, with the best balance of maternal and fetal risk, is use of low-dose vitamin K antagonists, but only if therapeutic anticoagulation can be achieved with warfarin doses of ≤ 5 mg/day. Management of mechanical heart valves in pregnancy remains fraught with difficult decisions involving balancing of maternal and fetal risks as well as a high risk of maternal and fetal complications. Preconception counseling and planning is imperative. A risk-benefit discussion with the patient will help guide the choice of anticoagulation and outline the plan for safe delivery options. A multidisciplinary approach to management is advisable with close follow-up and care in a tertiary center.
The Female Athlete's Heart: Facts and Fallacies.
Colombo CSSS, Finocchiaro G
Curr Treat Options Cardiovasc Med · 2018 Nov · PMID 30390143 · Full text
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: For many years, competitive sport has been dominated by men. Recent times have witnessed a significant increase in women participating in elite sports. As most studies investigated male athletes, w...
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: For many years, competitive sport has been dominated by men. Recent times have witnessed a significant increase in women participating in elite sports. As most studies investigated male athletes, with few reports on female counterparts, it is crucial to have a better understanding on physiological cardiac adaptation to exercise in female athletes, to distinguish normal phenotypes from potentially fatal cardiac diseases. This review reports on cardiac adaptation to exercise in females. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies show that electrical, structural, and functional cardiac changes due to physiological adaptation to exercise differ in male and female athletes. Women tend to exhibit eccentric hypertrophy, and while concentric hypertrophy or concentric remodeling may be a normal finding in male athletes, it should be evaluated carefully in female athletes as it may be a sign of pathology. Although few studies on veteran female athletes are available, women seem to be affected by atrial fibrillation, coronary atherosclerosis, and myocardial fibrosis less than male counterparts. Males and females exhibit many biological, anatomical, and hormonal differences, and cardiac adaptation to exercise is no exception. The increasing participation of women in sports should stimulate the scientific community to develop large, longitudinal studies aimed at a better understanding of cardiac adaptation to exercise in female athletes.
Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Athletes: Differentiating Physiology From Pathology.
Augustine DX, Howard L
Curr Treat Options Cardiovasc Med · 2018 Oct · PMID 30367318 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The changes that occur in athlete's heart are influenced by a number of factors including age, gender, ethnicity and the type of cardiovascular training. It is therefore important that the clinician is...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The changes that occur in athlete's heart are influenced by a number of factors including age, gender, ethnicity and the type of cardiovascular training. It is therefore important that the clinician is able to integrate all of these factors when assessing athletes to be able to guide investigations appropriately and to distinguish pathology from physiology. This review discusses the potential diagnostic conundrums when trying to differentiate physiological left ventricular hypertrophy from pathological hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in athletes. The mechanism of physiological and pathological hypertrophy is discussed together with history, clinical and investigational findings that can help to identify pathology. RECENT FINDINGS: Athletes with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are more likely to have non-concentric left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), an elevated relative wall thickness, lateral ECG changes and a smaller LV cavity than athletes with physiological LVH. Certain diastolic echocardiographic parameters when used as part of an algorithm (e'; E/E'; E/A) can help to distinguish physiology from pathology, and there is evidence that assessment of global longitudinal strain during exercise echocardiography may be of use in the future. Cardiac MRI is an important imaging modality that can have an additive effect over echocardiography in the diagnosis of cardiomyopathy. Late gadolinium enhancement is a recognised advantage for cardiac magnetic resonance to allow detection of fibrosis in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. T1 mapping and extracellular volume quantification may be a tool for the future to help distinguish athlete's heart from HCM. Cardiac adaptation to exercise and training in athletes, the athlete's heart causes electrophysiological and geometric changes that may mimic mild phenotypes of a pathological cardiomyopathy. This review article summarises a systematic approach to the assessment of left ventricular hypertrophy in athletes and describes pertinent clinical and investigation findings that can help to differentiate physiology from pathology.
Visceral Artery Aneurysms: Diagnosis, Surveillance, and Treatment.
Ibrahim F, Dunn J, Rundback J … +2 more , Pellerito J, Galmer A
Curr Treat Options Cardiovasc Med · 2018 Oct · PMID 30367314 · Publisher ↗
Visceral artery aneurysms (VAAs) are a rare, but serious clinical entity as rupture confers a high rate of mortality. Data regarding the prevalence, treatment, and prognosis of VAAs is largely from case series, as true r...
Visceral artery aneurysms (VAAs) are a rare, but serious clinical entity as rupture confers a high rate of mortality. Data regarding the prevalence, treatment, and prognosis of VAAs is largely from case series, as true randomized trials are lacking. The incidence of VAAs has risen over the decades with advances in imaging technology, availability, and utilization. Even in the presence of symptoms, the prompt diagnosis of VAAs may be challenging as symptoms are often nonspecific and varied. Although there are no definitive treatment guidelines, asymptomatic VAAs require treatment in the following scenarios: when the aneurysm diameter is greater than 2 cm, when identified during pregnancy, when multiple aneurysms are present, and in the case of hepatic transplant. Similar to therapeutic trends in other vascular beds, advances in endovascular devices and techniques have driven an "endovascular first" approach for the treatment of VAAs. However, although the success rates of endovascular repair are impressive, surgical intervention is still necessary in treating centers. This paper reviews the pathophysiology, clinical features, anatomic characteristics, and management strategies required for the effective diagnosis and treatment of VAAs.
Left Ventricular Trabeculations in Athletes: Epiphenomenon or Phenotype of Disease?
Abela M, D'Silva A
Curr Treat Options Cardiovasc Med · 2018 Oct · PMID 30367273 · Full text
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Excessive trabeculation attracting a diagnosis of left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC) has been reported in ostensibly healthy athletes. This review aims to explain why this occurs and...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Excessive trabeculation attracting a diagnosis of left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC) has been reported in ostensibly healthy athletes. This review aims to explain why this occurs and whether this represents a spectrum of athletic physiological remodelling or unmasking of occult cardiomyopathy. RECENT FINDINGS: Genetic studies have yet to identify a dominant mutation associated with the LVNC phenotype and reported gene mutations overlap with many distinct cardiomyopathies and ion channel disorders, implying that the phenotype is shared across different genetic conditions. Large contemporary cohort studies indicate that current LVNC imaging criteria are oversensitive and not predictive of adverse clinical outcomes. The majority of excessive LV trabeculation, as assessed by current quantification methods, is not due to cardiomyopathy but forms part of the normal continuum in health with potential contributions from cardiac remodelling processes. The study of rare, severe LVNC phenotypes may yield insights into an underlying molecular pathogenesis but in the absence of a universally accepted definition, contamination with aetiologically distinct conditions expressing a similar phenotype will remain an issue. Automated, objective quantification of trabeculation will help to define the normal distribution using big data without the constraint of wide interobserver variation.
Transcatheter Mitral Valve Planning and the Neo-LVOT: Utilization of Virtual Simulation Models and 3D Printing.
Kohli K, Wei ZA, Yoganathan AP … +3 more , Oshinski JN, Leipsic J, Blanke P
Curr Treat Options Cardiovasc Med · 2018 Oct · PMID 30367270 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) is an emerging alternative for patients with severe mitral valve regurgitation who are considered at high risk for conventional surgical options. The early...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) is an emerging alternative for patients with severe mitral valve regurgitation who are considered at high risk for conventional surgical options. The early clinical experience with TMVR has shown that pre-procedural planning with computed tomography (CT) is needed to mitigate the risk of potentially lethal procedural complications such as left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of key concepts relating to TMVR pre-procedural planning, with particular emphasis on imaging-based methods for predicting TMVR-related LVOT obstruction. RECENT FINDINGS: Risk of LVOT obstruction can be assessed with CT-based pre-procedural planning by using virtual device simulations to estimate the residual 'neo-LVOT' cross-sectional area which remains after device implantation. A neo-LVOT area of less than 2 cm is currently thought to increase the risk of obstruction; however, additional studies are needed to further validate this cutoff value. Three-dimensional printing and personalized computational simulations are also emerging as valuable tools which may offer insights not readily confered by conventional two-dimensional image analysis. The simulated neo-LVOT should be routinely assessed on pre-procedural CT when evaluating anatomical suitability for TMVR.
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) in Endurance Athletes: a Complicated Affair.
Stergiou D, Duncan E
Curr Treat Options Cardiovasc Med · 2018 Oct · PMID 30367267 · Full text
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: A complex relationship exists between exercise and atrial fibrillation (AF). Moderate exercise reduces AF risk whereas intense strenuous exercise has been shown to increase AF burden. It remains unclea...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: A complex relationship exists between exercise and atrial fibrillation (AF). Moderate exercise reduces AF risk whereas intense strenuous exercise has been shown to increase AF burden. It remains unclear at which point exercise may become detrimental. Overall, endurance athletes remain at lower cardiovascular risk and experience fewer strokes. The questions that arise therefore are whether AF is an acceptable byproduct of strenuous exercise, whether athletes who experience AF should be told to reduce exercise volume and how should they be managed. This review aims to critically review the literature and advise on how best to manage athletes with AF. RECENT FINDINGS: Emerging evidence suggests that female athletes may exhibit lower risk of AF, but data is limited in female endurance athletes. AF is more prevalent in endurance athletes, particularly men and those who competed at a young age. Data is lacking in females and ethnic minorities. Current evidence suggests that treatment options for AF in athletes are similar to those used in the general population; however, medical therapy may be poorly tolerated. Catheter ablation is effective and can allow return to full competition.
Manufacturing Better Outcomes in Cardiovascular Intervention: 3D Printing in Clinical Practice Today.
Shin J, Truong QA
Curr Treat Options Cardiovasc Med · 2018 Oct · PMID 30361896 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Describe and evaluate the integration of 3D printing-related innovations into current cardiovascular treatment paradigms and examine the state of regulatory and reimbursement hurdles ahead. RECENT FIND...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Describe and evaluate the integration of 3D printing-related innovations into current cardiovascular treatment paradigms and examine the state of regulatory and reimbursement hurdles ahead. RECENT FINDINGS: Mounting years of clinical experience have established the utility of printed models of patient anatomy in numerous treatment and teaching scenarios, most notably as pre- and intra-procedural planning tools guiding decision-making for congenital heart disease and catheter-based interventions. In part due to a continued lack of reimbursement and under-defined (and slow to evolve) regulatory status, these use cases remain largely investigational even as they grow increasingly routine. Patients, physicians, and/or imaging centers therefore remain burdened by the associated cost to create such models, and the perceptual and decision-making enhancements, while demonstrable and significant, still may not clearly or independently justify a potentially high cost. Simulation and implantable device applications may represent a deeper well of unrealized value in cardiovascular intervention; however, further development of these applications relies on-and is throttled by-progress in material science and tissue-engineering research. The relevance of simulation applications in recent years is also now in competition with digital analogs including augmented and virtual reality. Innovative incorporation of alternative manufacturing processes such as porous scaffold infusion, injection molding, and vascular mesh forming can provide immediate access to more realistic tissue-mimicking materials and custom implantable devices, while comparable and directly printable materials continue to be developed. Tissue-engineering applications remain years if not decades away from a more substantive role in translatable clinical research. Regulatory challenges associated with in-house manufacture of implantable investigational devices are complex and subject to change, and the success of some in navigating these hurdles in non-cardiovascular applications is instructive and encouraging. Complex geometries characterizing cardiovascular anatomy are an ideal use case for translating the perceptual advantages of printed models of patient anatomy into better decision-making, especially so in the setting of congenital or post-surgical anatomy. Procedural planning applications take further advantage of the demonstrably robust dimensional reproduction of patient anatomy, with notably rapid integration into surgical and catheter-based intervention workflows. Despite a continued lack of codification in the healthcare system, 2018 could be a milestone year for 3D printing services, pending a successful application for a CPT Category III designation.
Incidental Non-cardiac Findings in Cardiovascular Imaging.
Macmillan MT, Williams MC
Curr Treat Options Cardiovasc Med · 2018 Oct · PMID 30353401 · Full text
Improvements in imaging techniques have led to an expansion in the number of cross-sectional cardiac studies being performed. This means that incidental non-cardiac findings (INCF) identified on cardiac imaging have beco...
Improvements in imaging techniques have led to an expansion in the number of cross-sectional cardiac studies being performed. This means that incidental non-cardiac findings (INCF) identified on cardiac imaging have become an important clinical concern. The majority of INCF are not clinically significant. However, some INCF will require follow-up or changes in management. Differentiating clinically significant from non-significant INCF can be challenging, particularly given the breadth of potential findings and the range of organ systems involved. Following up INCF also has economic implications. Recent changes to the lung nodule follow-up guidelines will reduce the cost of following up incidental lung nodules. In this manuscript, we discuss the common and important INCF which may be identified in cardiovascular imaging and explore potential implications of these findings.
Intracranial Aneurysm: Diagnostic Monitoring, Current Interventional Practices, and Advances.
Ellis JA, Nossek E, Kronenburg A … +2 more , Langer DJ, Ortiz RA
Curr Treat Options Cardiovasc Med · 2018 Oct · PMID 30353282 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cerebral aneurysms are commonly diagnosed incidentally with non-invasive neuro-imaging modalities (i.e., brain MRA and/or head CTA). The first decision to be made in the management of patients with unr...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cerebral aneurysms are commonly diagnosed incidentally with non-invasive neuro-imaging modalities (i.e., brain MRA and/or head CTA). The first decision to be made in the management of patients with unruptured cerebral aneurysms is to determine if the aneurysm should undergo treatment as any intervention carries a risk of morbidity and mortality. RECENT FINDINGS: The multiple risk factors that are associated with increased risk of aneurysm rupture should be evaluated (size, shape, and location of aneurysm; history of hypertension and cigarette smoking and family history of cerebral aneurysms). With the advent and rapid evolution of less traumatic neuro-endovascular surgery techniques in the past two decades, many more patients are undergoing treatment of cerebral aneurysms. The neuro-endovascular surgeon has multiple options for the treatment of aneurysms including coiling, with or without balloon/stent assistance, and flow diversion. A number of intrasaccular devices for the neuro-endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms are being evaluated. The percentage of patients with cerebral aneurysms treated with craniotomy and clip ligation is decreasing. This is controversial as it has direct impact in neurosurgical training and the aneurysms that are usually recommended for microsurgical clipping are the ones with challenging anatomy that cannot be treated safely with endovascular approaches. The best outcomes are achieved with management by experienced, high-volume practitioners at specialized cerebrovascular treatment centers that consist of individuals with dedicated training in neuro-endovascular surgery as well as individuals trained in open cerebrovascular neurosurgery.
Correction to: Coronary Artery Calcium: Recommendations for Risk Assessment in Cardiovascular Prevention Guidelines.
Al Rifai M, Cainzos-Achirica M, Kianoush S … +4 more , Mirbolouk M, Peng A, Comin-Colet J, Blaha MJ
Curr Treat Options Cardiovasc Med · 2018 Oct · PMID 30334100 · Publisher ↗
In the recently published review "Coronary Artery Calcium: Recommendations for Risk Assessment in Cardiovascular Prevention Guidelines," the following author name was inadvertently misspelled as Alison Peng. The correct...
In the recently published review "Coronary Artery Calcium: Recommendations for Risk Assessment in Cardiovascular Prevention Guidelines," the following author name was inadvertently misspelled as Alison Peng. The correct spelling of the author's name is: Allison Peng as shown above.
Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: a Review for the Clinician.
Khan A, Paré E, Shah S
Curr Treat Options Cardiovasc Med · 2018 Sep · PMID 30269217 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review summarizes the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), with a focus on recent discoveries of clinical relevance. RECENT FINDINGS: An increase in oxida...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review summarizes the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), with a focus on recent discoveries of clinical relevance. RECENT FINDINGS: An increase in oxidative stress and anti-angiogenic activity play key roles in the pathophysiology of peripartum cardiomyopathy. Therapies that target this dysregulation may have a future role in treatment. Suppression of prolactin release using bromocriptine, a dopamine-receptor antagonist, has been associated with more favorable outcomes in small studies but more research is needed. Similarly, VEGF agonists may prove to be a novel therapy by upregulating angiogenesis. Peripartum cardimyopathy typically presents in the third trimester or in first few months postpartum. Both genetic and clinical risk factors for PPCM have been identified. Women with PPCM should be managed by a multidisciplinary team with experience in high risk pregnancy and the treatment of heart failure. These women benefit from the use of standard treatments for heart failure therapy with the exception of avoiding ACE inhibitors and ARBs while pregnant. While the rate of recovery of ventricular function in PPCM is higher than in other forms of dilated cardiomyopathy, mechanical circulatory support and/or cardiac transplantation are required in some cases.
Imaging and Management of Heart Failure and Preserved Ejection Fraction.
Telles F, Marwick TH
Curr Treat Options Cardiovasc Med · 2018 Sep · PMID 30259312 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The prevalence of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is rising and in some places, it is already the most prevalent form of heart failure. The usual treatments of HF do not improve...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The prevalence of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is rising and in some places, it is already the most prevalent form of heart failure. The usual treatments of HF do not improve mortality or outcomes in HFpEF, suggesting a distinct pathophysiology that remains poorly characterized. The neutrality of clinical trial results is also attributable to the heterogeneity of patient profiles, and by poor characterization offered by classical echocardiography parameters. Emerging imaging modalities may overcome this problem. We therefore aimed to summarize recent advances offered by cardiovascular imaging in disease characterization, and the implication of findings to new phenotype-specific treatment options. RECENT FINDINGS: Novel cardiovascular imaging techniques such as LV global longitudinal strain, left atrial strain, tissue characterization by magnetic resonance T1 time, as well as incorporation of systolic and diastolic stress testing offer greatly improved characterization, diagnosis, and stratification of disease pathogenesis. These techniques offer insight into identification of HFpEF sub-phenotypes that are resistant to, or responsive to therapies. There is a growing body of evidence that novel cardiovascular imaging modalities are able to characterize HFpEF patients with much greater accuracy than current guideline-driven parameters. Whether this information can be synthesized to adequately stratify patients into sub-phenotypes with clearer disease pathogenesis amenable to targeted intervention will be of particular future interest.
Coronary Artery Calcium: Recommendations for Risk Assessment in Cardiovascular Prevention Guidelines.
Al Rifai M, Cainzos-Achirica M, Kianoush S … +4 more , Mirbolouk M, Peng A, Comin-Colet J, Blaha MJ
Curr Treat Options Cardiovasc Med · 2018 Sep · PMID 30255362 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In this review, we evaluate the coronary artery calcium (CAC) score as a biomarker for advanced atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk assessment. RECENT FINDINGS: We summarize the evidenc...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In this review, we evaluate the coronary artery calcium (CAC) score as a biomarker for advanced atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk assessment. RECENT FINDINGS: We summarize the evidence from multiple epidemiological studies, which show a clear advantage of CAC compared to traditional and non-traditional cardiovascular risk factors. We then compare the recommendations included in the 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) and in the 2017 Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT) guidelines for the use of CAC in ASCVD risk assessment, and examine the recent 2018 US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) document. Finally, based on the currently available evidence, we provide constructive input for the upcoming ACC/AHA guidelines, regarding the population in whom CAC is most likely to be informative, the level of evidence that we believe should be assigned to CAC as an advanced ASCVD risk assessment tool, and the special populations in whom CAC might be beneficial for further risk assessment. We support a pragmatic approach that combines the pooled cohort equations (PCE) for initial ASCVD risk stratification, followed by CAC for refining ASCVD risk assessment among a broad range of intermediate risk patients and other special groups.
Disparities in Cardiac Care of Women: Current Data and Possible Solutions.
Adigun RO, Boler AN, Mankad R
Curr Treat Options Cardiovasc Med · 2018 Sep · PMID 30242773 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women. The goal of this review is to address known disparities in cardiovascular care with regard to diagnosis and treatment of heart diseas...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women. The goal of this review is to address known disparities in cardiovascular care with regard to diagnosis and treatment of heart disease in women. RECENT FINDINGS: Gender-specific differences in regard to the incidence, treatment, and outcomes of common cardiovascular pathology are increasingly recognized. Particular attention to ischemic heart disease, arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, and structural heart disease are reviewed in this article. There is a clear racial and ethnic discrepancy among women which is particularly concerning with a progressively diverse patient population. Medical and surgical treatment differences between men and women must be addressed by providers in order to optimize long-term outcomes among all patients. Understanding the unique cardiovascular risk profile and barriers to optimal treatment outcomes in women is imperative to eliminate the current disparities in cardiovascular disease.
Sex Differences in the Management of Advanced Heart Failure.
Crousillat DR, Ibrahim NE
Curr Treat Options Cardiovasc Med · 2018 Sep · PMID 30242521 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Heart failure (HF) is prevalent among women and remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Currently, 3 million women live with HF and the prevalence is projected to conti...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Heart failure (HF) is prevalent among women and remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Currently, 3 million women live with HF and the prevalence is projected to continue to increase. The purpose of this review is to highlight sex differences in the use and response to evidence-based pharmacological, device, and advanced HF therapies, as well as explore emerging areas of research in sex differences in the treatment of HF. RECENT FINDINGS: Under-representation of women in clinical HF trials has limited our understanding of sex-related differences in the treatment and outcomes of HF. Important sex differences exist in the use of evidence-based HF therapies and clinical response among women with HF. In general, women tend to obtain the same clinical benefit from evidence-based HF drug and device therapies, but the utilization rates of guideline-directed medical therapies remain poor compared to men. Future research efforts should focus on increasing the enrollment of women in HF trials to help gain helpful insight into sex-specific differences in treatment effects and subsequent clinical outcomes.
The Role of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance in Sports Cardiology; Current Utility and Future Perspectives.
Androulakis E, Swoboda PP
Curr Treat Options Cardiovasc Med · 2018 Aug · PMID 30167977 · Full text
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is frequently used in the investigation of suspected cardiac disease in athletes. In this review, we discuss how CMR can be used in athletes with suspected cardi...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is frequently used in the investigation of suspected cardiac disease in athletes. In this review, we discuss how CMR can be used in athletes with suspected cardiomyopathy with particular reference to volumetric analysis and tissue characterization. We also discuss the finding of non-ischaemic fibrosis in athletes describing its prevalence, distribution and clinical importance. RECENT FINDINGS: The strengths of CMR include high spatial resolution, unrestricted imaging planes and lack of ionizing radiation. Regular physical exercise leads to cardiac remodeling that in certain situations can be clinically challenging to differentiate from various cardiomyopathies. Thorough morphological assessment by CMR is fundamental to ensuring accurate diagnosis. Developments in tissue characterization by late gadolinium enhancement and T1 mapping have the potential to be powerful additional tools in this challenging clinical situation. Using late gadolinium enhancement, it is also possible to detect non-ischaemic fibrosis in athletes who do not have overt cardiomyopathy. The mechanisms of this fibrosis are unclear; however, it does appear to be clinically important. We also review data on the prevalence of non-ischaemic fibrosis in athletes. CMR is a powerful tool to aid in the diagnosis of cardiomyopathy in athletes. It may also have a future role in assessing fibrosis related to long-term participation in sport.
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