Current Cardiology Reports[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Diagnostic Tests for Stage B Heart Failure.
Dang HNN, Luong TV, Huynh Q … +1 more , Marwick TH
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 Jul · PMID 42399514 · Full text
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: To provide an overview of diagnostic tests for Stage B heart failure (SBHF), synthesizing evidence from guidelines and clinical studies. RECENT FINDINGS: Advances in diagnostic technologies have ex...
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: To provide an overview of diagnostic tests for Stage B heart failure (SBHF), synthesizing evidence from guidelines and clinical studies. RECENT FINDINGS: Advances in diagnostic technologies have expanded the ability to identify subclinical myocardial remodelling and early myocardial injury before symptom onset. We highlight the central role of transthoracic echocardiography as the cornerstone diagnostic modality for detecting subclinical myocardial remodelling and dysfunction, including the use of speckle tracking echocardiography. In parallel, circulating biomarkers, especially natriuretic peptides and high-sensitivity cardiac troponins, can play important roles in the detection and risk stratification of SBHF. Additional diagnostic approaches, including electrocardiography, chest X-ray, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, cardiac computed tomography, nuclear imaging, and exercise stress testing, are reviewed for their adjunctive roles in selected clinical contexts. Emerging applications of artificial intelligence are explored as promising strategies to increase the diagnostic precision, scalability, and early detection of SBHF in clinical practice. SBHF - representing a subclinical phase of HF characterized by structural cardiac abnormalities, functional impairment, or persistently abnormal cardiac biomarkers in individuals - has historically been difficult to recognize in the community. Advances in imaging, biomarkers, and AI may improve the feasibility of detecting this entity, creating a crucial window for intervention, because timely risk stratification and preventive strategies during SBHF may attenuate progression to symptomatic HF and reduce its long-term clinical and economic burden.
Cardioimmunology of Myocarditis: Targeting the IL-1 Pathway.
Chiara E, Pieroni M, Obeid M … +2 more , Emmi G, Malandrino D
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 Jul · PMID 42397625 · Full text
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Myocarditis is a heterogeneous inflammatory syndrome with aetiologies ranging from viral infection and drug hypersensitivity to systemic autoimmune/autoinflammatory disease and immune checkpoint inhibi...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Myocarditis is a heterogeneous inflammatory syndrome with aetiologies ranging from viral infection and drug hypersensitivity to systemic autoimmune/autoinflammatory disease and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. In response to these triggers, the innate immune response and inflammasome activation can amplify myocardial injury via IL-1, providing a mechanistic rationale for IL-1 pathway inhibition as a targeted therapeutic strategy. This review synthesizes preclinical and clinical evidence for IL-1 blockade in myocarditis and related inflammatory cardiac syndromes. RECENT FINDINGS: The immune system plays a central role in the pathogenesis of myocarditis, both in idiopathic/viral cases and in systemic autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases (SAAD). Interleukin-1 (IL-1) has emerged as a key mediator linking inflammation to myocardial dysfunction, supported by experimental and translational evidence implicating activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Clinically, the randomized trial of anakinra in acute myocarditis (ARAMIS) did not improve outcomes in a largely low-risk cohort, but accumulating case reports and small series suggest potential benefit in fulminant/hyperinflammatory myocarditis and chronic active refractory myocarditis. In contrast, IL‑1 inhibitors have robust randomized and real-world evidence in recurrent pericarditis, supporting a myo‑pericardial inflammatory continuum and validating IL‑1 pathway engagement as an actionable target in selected inflammatory cardiac phenotypes. Together, these findings support the evolving concept of cardioimmunology. Current management of myocarditis remains largely supportive, with limited disease-modifying options. Anti-IL-1 therapies, particularly anakinra, have shown promising efficacy in selected severe and refractory cases, with a favourable safety profile. However, evidence is mainly derived from case reports and small series, and robust randomized data are lacking. Key clinical questions remain unresolved, including patient selection, timing of initiation, and treatment duration. Future studies should focus on identifying inflammatory endotypes and evaluating targeted immunomodulatory strategies, including in emerging settings such as ICI-associated myocarditis in which IL‑1 blockade remains investigational.
Antithrombotic Management in Patients with Chronic Coronary Syndrome Receiving Oral Anticoagulation.
Dromas H, Janah D, Verdier B … +3 more , Schurtz G, de Saint Nicolas T, Lemesle G
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 Jun · PMID 42364029 · Full text
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and/or the need for oral anticoagulation (OAC) frequently coexist with stable chronic coronary syndrome (CCS). In this population, clinicians must carefully balance ischemic pr...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and/or the need for oral anticoagulation (OAC) frequently coexist with stable chronic coronary syndrome (CCS). In this population, clinicians must carefully balance ischemic protection against bleeding risk. This review aims to synthesize available evidence and address whether antiplatelet therapy (APT) should be maintained on top of OAC in this specific subset. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent trials have provided key evidence. AFIRE, EPIC-CAD, AQUATIC and ADAPT-AF-DES have all demonstrated that OAC monotherapy is not only non-inferior but also superior to combination therapy (OAC plus APT) in terms of net clinical benefit, with fewer major bleeding events and no increase in ischemic complications. The AQUATIC and AFIRE trials even showed an excess in mortality with prolonged combination therapy. Current evidence supports OAC alone as the preferred long-term antithrombotic strategy in patients with AF and stable CCS.
Transcriptome Reprogramming in Heart Failure: The Hidden Splicing Code.
Akhigbe F, Song N, Alagarsamy J … +2 more , Li H, Gao C
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 Jun · PMID 42363948 · Full text
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Heart failure remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality that is associated with myocardial changes in metabolism, contractile function, and molecular remodeling. Cardiomyopathies comprise a dive...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Heart failure remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality that is associated with myocardial changes in metabolism, contractile function, and molecular remodeling. Cardiomyopathies comprise a diverse group of disorders that can be triggered by various external and internal stressors. This review aims to cover the underlying molecular mechanism driving heart failure progression, at the level of alternative splicing. RECENT FINDINGS: Alternative splicing is a fundamental mechanism that expands transcriptomic diversity through the differential inclusion or exclusion of exons. This process enables a single gene to generate multiple mRNA isoforms, thereby fine-tuning gene function in a context-dependent manner. Splicing outcomes are determined by a highly coordinated regulatory network, including cis-acting splicing elements, transcriptional kinetics, and trans-regulatory RNA-binding proteins, which together form a dynamic "splicing code" that responds to physiological and pathological stresses. In the heart, alternative splicing regulates cardiac cell homeostasis and normal physiological function. Dysregulated alternative splicing has been increasingly recognized as a key contributor to cardiovascular diseases, particularly in the context of sarcomere gene isoform switching. However, emerging evidence suggests that cardiomyopathies arising from distinct etiologies including dilated, ischemic, and cardiometabolic disorder are associated with unique splicing programs. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the regulatory mechanisms governing alternative splicing in the heart, with a particular emphasis on disease-specific splicing events across different forms of cardiomyopathy. We further discuss recent advances in targeting aberrant splicing for therapies as well as novel splicing analysis platforms, highlighting the potential of RNA-based strategies to modulate splicing in heart failure.
Diagnosis and Management of Loeys-Dietz Syndrome: Evidence Gaps and Future Directions.
Abdalla HM, Abdelnabi M, Khedr A … +13 more , Jamal F, Nwaezeapu KI, Raslan MA, Ibrahim R, Pham HN, Pathangey G, Abdul Nabi H, Dreher L, Osundiji MA, Coutinho TD, Arsanjani R, Shamoun F, Ayoub C
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 Jun · PMID 42334665 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review summarizes current knowledge on Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS), including its genetic basis, multisystem manifestations, diagnosis, surveillance, and management. It also highlights key evidence...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review summarizes current knowledge on Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS), including its genetic basis, multisystem manifestations, diagnosis, surveillance, and management. It also highlights key evidence gaps in risk stratification, medical therapy, imaging surveillance, surgical thresholds, and care of pregnant and pediatric patients. RECENT FINDINGS: Although understanding of the genetic basis and clinical spectrum of LDS has improved, LDS-specific evidence remains limited. LDS is increasingly recognized as a multisystem disorder with aggressive aortic disease, extra-aortic vascular involvement, skeletal, craniofacial, allergic, gastrointestinal, and neurodevelopmental manifestations. Current recommendations are largely based on expert consensus and experience with related connective tissue disorders. Most available research focuses on the aortic root and ascending aorta, with less evidence guiding management of peripheral vascular disease. LDS requires early diagnosis, individualized risk assessment, and multidisciplinary longitudinal care supported by genetic evaluation, biomarker-based approaches, multimodality imaging, and structured surveillance. Future research should focus on multicenter registries, genotype-phenotype correlations, biomarker validation, advanced imaging, and LDS-specific therapeutic studies to develop evidence-based guidelines and improve long-term outcomes.
Correction: Heart Disease in Older Women: Unique Challenges in Diagnosis and Management.
Lyubarova R, Malik S, Rao R … +5 more , Patel KK, Le DE, Wenger NK, Volgman A, Puckett C
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 Jun · PMID 42257765 · Publisher ↗
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Beyond the ICD: Navigating Ventricular Tachycardia Suppression Strategies in the Modern Era.
Basso T, AbdelWahab A, Sapp JL
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 Jun · PMID 42234238 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Management of patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a common clinical challenge. Suppression is often warranted. Catheter ablation (CA) is be...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Management of patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a common clinical challenge. Suppression is often warranted. Catheter ablation (CA) is being used increasingly with expanding indications, and novel procedural strategies are being investigated for refractory cases. The purpose of the review is to synthesize the evidence for ventricular tachycardia suppression and the modalities. RECENT FINDINGS: Patients with ventricular tachycardia are at increased risk of recurrent events and higher mortality; the risk increases with more events. Catheter ablation is superior to antiarrhythmic drug therapy to reduce VT recurrence in the ischemic heart disease cohort. Acute freedom from VT is typically achievable, but long-term recurrence rates remain high. There has been an expanding role for interventional approaches to VT suppression with improvement in acute success. Achieving long-term VT freedom is difficult, and multiple suppression methods may be needed.
Updates on Pathophysiology of Pericarditis to Guide Development of Therapeutics.
Bonaventura A, Vecchié A, Mauro AG … +4 more , Del Buono MG, Weber BN, Toldo S, Abbate A
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 May · PMID 42189384 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: Pericarditis - the inflammation of the pericardial sac - has a generally benign course, although recurrences may occur in 15-30% of patients within 18 months, even after an initial uncomplicated co...
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: Pericarditis - the inflammation of the pericardial sac - has a generally benign course, although recurrences may occur in 15-30% of patients within 18 months, even after an initial uncomplicated course. For a long time, the scarcity of animal models has limited a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of pericarditis. RECENT FINDINGS: A number of stimuli, such as talc and bacterial products containing aluminum, were used in animal models to trigger the inflammation of the pericardial sac. Today, we know that such irritants represent canonical stimuli for the activation of the NACHT, leucine-rich repeat, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, an intracellular macromolecular complex responsible for the production and secretion of active interleukin-1 β (IL-1β), a pro-inflammatory cytokine that promotes pericardial inflammation. This evidence supports the central role of the NLRP3 inflammasome/IL-1β axis in driving acute inflammation of the pericardium and subsequent flares, as indirectly highlighted in seminal clinical trials of anakinra (AIRTRIP trial), rilonacept (RHAPSODY trial), and goflikicept. More recently, cannabidiol (CBD, derived from Cannabis sativa) has been found to block the NLRP3 inflammasome activation in vitro and in vivo. Preliminary positive findings have been reported in patients with ongoing recurrent pericarditis in the MAvERIC-Pilot study, while the phase III MAVERIC-2 trial is exploring the impact of CBD among patients with a history of recurrent pericarditis in stable control scheduled to discontinue an IL-1 blocker. The activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome/IL-1β axis supports auto-inflammation as a central event driving recurrences, and its targeted therapeutic inhibition results as a game changer to reduce the risk of recurrences and improve patients' quality of life. Accordingly, a shift moving from the prescription of glucocorticoids as second-line therapy in favor of IL-1 blockers, particularly in those patients presenting with an auto-inflammatory phenotype, is ongoing. To this end, an imaging-guided approach may help choosing the best treatment and monitoring its effects across time, thus allowing a personalized approach to patients with recurrent pericarditis.
Bridging Pediatric to Adult Care: A Scoping Review on Transitional Care for Individuals with Congenital Heart Disease Using Data Mining Techniques to Identify Key Topics.
Angileri S, Mazzotta R, Ciofi D … +13 more , Caruso R, Favilli S, Spaziani G, Conte G, Flocco SF, Hendriks JM, Maga G, Perrone PM, Castaldi S, Callus E, Chessa M, Magon A, De Maria M
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 May · PMID 42168511 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Adolescents and young adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) face significant challenges when transitioning from pediatric to adult care. Despite growing recognition of its importance, transitional care r...
BACKGROUND: Adolescents and young adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) face significant challenges when transitioning from pediatric to adult care. Despite growing recognition of its importance, transitional care remains inconsistently implemented across healthcare systems, and a summary of published literature in this regard is still missing. This scoping review aims to systematically map the literature on CHD transitional care and identify key topics and trends. METHODS: Following Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive search across seven electronic databases using the Population, Concept, and Context framework. A total of 73 studies were included. Data were extracted and analyzed using Latent Dirichlet Allocation to identify core topics, and Multiple Correspondence Analysis was applied to explore thematic relationships and validate topic structure. Lexicometric analysis assessed the linguistic complexity and specificity of the literature. RESULTS: Three major themes emerged: (1) Education, Self-Management, and Structured Support, (2) Timing, Knowledge Transfer, and Developmental Needs, and (3) Transition Program Implementation and Coordination. These themes reflect an increasing focus on structured educational strategies, developmentally tailored care, and system-level program delivery. Education-focused interventions were more frequently found in recent, high-quality experimental studies. In contrast, studies addressing timing and developmental needs and those focused on implementation were more common in earlier-phase or heterogeneous research contexts. CONCLUSION: Transitional care for individuals with CHD requires more standardized, evidence-based approaches. Improved documentation when reporting transitional care is essential to enhance fidelity, scalability, and long-term impact. This review provides a foundation for developing outcome-focused research and supports designing individualized, high-quality transition programs.
Long-Term Care in Fontan Circulation: Surveillance and Management of Fontan-Associated Liver Disease and Protein-Losing Enteropathy.
Jarasvaraparn C, Schooler GR, González IA … +2 more , Ginde S, Mavis A
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 May · PMID 42154163 · Full text
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This manuscript reviews the clinical spectrum and management of Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD) and protein-losing enteropathy (PLE), examining how chronic venous hypertension leads to multisyst...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This manuscript reviews the clinical spectrum and management of Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD) and protein-losing enteropathy (PLE), examining how chronic venous hypertension leads to multisystem injury. RECENT FINDINGS: Liver fibrosis is now recognized as an early and nearly universal complication after the Fontan procedure, with cirrhosis affecting approximately 43% of patients by 30 years post-operation. Although post-2001 survival exceeds 90%, standard biomarkers and imaging frequently underestimate disease severity, as liver stiffness measurements are confounded by hepatic congestion. Liver biopsy remains the gold standard for staging. FALD is an inevitable consequence of Fontan physiology, characterized by sinusoidal congestion and progressive fibrosis, while PLE results from multifactorial gastrointestinal protein loss. The key clinical implication is the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, particularly when considering transition from isolated heart transplantation to combined heart-liver transplantation in advanced disease. Future research should prioritize standardized staging systems and targeted therapies to reduce lymphatic dysfunction and fibrosis progression.
Bridging the Gap: Multidisciplinary Decision Making to Address Systemic Barriers in Cardiovascular Care.
Tasdighi E, Jacob J, Patel K … +1 more , Kulkarni A
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 May · PMID 42154113 · Full text
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review examines how social determinants of health contribute to inequities in cardiovascular outcomes and evaluates strategies for delivering equity-centered cardiovascular care across clinical, c...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review examines how social determinants of health contribute to inequities in cardiovascular outcomes and evaluates strategies for delivering equity-centered cardiovascular care across clinical, community, and policy settings. RECENT FINDINGS: Socioeconomic status, education, housing, food security, transportation, and insurance status significantly shape cardiovascular risk and care delivery. Multidisciplinary approaches integrating medical care with social support and community partnerships demonstrate promise in addressing these barriers. The Heart Team model, shared decision making, and quality improvement frameworks align clinical care with patient context. Evidence-based interventions including community-based programs, mobile health services, transportation assistance, and digital health tools improve cardiovascular access and outcomes among underserved populations. Addressing social and structural barriers is essential for reducing preventable cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Future priorities include standardizing social risk data collection, expanding multidisciplinary care reimbursement, implementing equity-centered trial designs, and developing digital infrastructure supporting integrated care delivery.
Multimodality Imaging in Myocarditis: Integrating Etiology, Diagnosis, and Risk Stratification.
Debs D, Rushworth P, Liu J … +3 more , Lee C, Moslehi J, Salerno M
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 May · PMID 42126698 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Myocarditis presents with heterogenous clinical manifestations and remains diagnostically challenging due to nonspecific biomarkers and limitations of endomyocardial biopsy. This review evaluates the r...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Myocarditis presents with heterogenous clinical manifestations and remains diagnostically challenging due to nonspecific biomarkers and limitations of endomyocardial biopsy. This review evaluates the role of multimodality cardiac imaging in the diagnosis, phenotyping, and longitudinal management of myocarditis, and proposes a practical clinical integration pathway. RECENT FINDINGS: Cardiac magnetic resonance has emerged as the reference noninvasive modality, with parametric mapping and updated Lake Louise Criteria improving diagnostic sensitivity and prognostic stratification. Echocardiographic strain imaging enhances detection of subclinical dysfunction. Positron emission tomography enables assessment of active inflammation, particularly in sarcoidosis and immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated myocarditis. Advances in photon-counting CT, hybrid PET/MR, and artificial intelligence are expanding tissue characterization and risk prediction capabilities. A stepwise imaging strategy integrating echocardiography, CMR, PET, and CT improves diagnostic confidence and guides tailored management. Ongoing research focused on imaging biomarker standardization, validation, and outcome prediction will further refine precision care in myocarditis.
Heart Disease in Older Women: Unique Challenges in Diagnosis and Management.
Lyubarova R, Malik S, Rao R … +5 more , Patel KK, Le DE, Wenger NK, Volgman A, Puckett C
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 May · PMID 42103980 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review examines the unique cardiovascular disease patterns in older women, focusing on sex and age-specific pathophysiology, diagnostic challenges, and disparities in management. We aim to clarify...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review examines the unique cardiovascular disease patterns in older women, focusing on sex and age-specific pathophysiology, diagnostic challenges, and disparities in management. We aim to clarify how aging and hormonal transitions influence disease presentation and outcomes among women, and to identify gaps in cardiovascular care. RECENT FINDINGS: Emerging data demonstrate that older women are disproportionately affected by HFpEF, coronary microvascular dysfunction, atrial fibrillation, and valvular heart disease. These conditions are influenced by vascular stiffness, myocardial remodeling, and systemic inflammation and often present with atypical symptoms leading to diagnosis delays. Contemporary studies highlight persistent gaps in timely diagnosis, referral for advanced therapies, and representation in clinical trials. Increasing attention is being directed toward frailty, multimorbidity, and patient-centered care models in this population. Recognizing age and sex-specific characteristics, increasing representation of older women in clinical trials, improving equitable access to diagnostic and therapeutic resources, and aligning treatment decisions with patient priorities are critical to narrowing existing gaps and improving long-term outcomes for older women with cardiovascular disease.
Imaging in Cardio-Oncology: Role of Novel Echo Parameters in Breast Cancer and Gynecologic Malignancies.
Andrade-Bucknor S, Rodriguez BPR, Ma C … +2 more , Lyubarova R, Kondapalli L
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 Apr · PMID 42024262 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the use of echocardiography in monitoring for cardiotoxicity in women with breast or gynecologic cancer. RECENT FINDINGS: Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is a mainstay of monitoring...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the use of echocardiography in monitoring for cardiotoxicity in women with breast or gynecologic cancer. RECENT FINDINGS: Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is a mainstay of monitoring for cancer treatment related cardiotoxicity (CTRCD). Three-dimensional volumetric LVEF is recommended over other LVEF assessments like Simpson’s biplane. Studies have shown that changes in global longitudinal strain (GLS) may indicate subclinical cardiotoxicity. Diastolic function, right ventricular function, myocardial work, left atrial strain, and stress testing all have emerging roles in monitoring for cardiotoxicity. Finally, applications of artificial intelligence in monitoring for CTRCD are discussed. Echocardiography remains a powerful tool for early detection and monitoring of cardiotoxicity associated with cancer therapy. Several novel echocardiography parameters are being investigated and have the potential to further enhance early detection of cardiotoxicity.
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance to Define Myocardial Structure in Obesity-Associated Heart Failure.
Cutts JA, Epstein FH, Patel AR
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 Apr · PMID 42018051 · Full text
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The global prevalence of both obesity and heart failure continues to rise, and accumulating evidence suggests that their association is likely causal, giving rise to a distinct heart failure phenotype...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The global prevalence of both obesity and heart failure continues to rise, and accumulating evidence suggests that their association is likely causal, giving rise to a distinct heart failure phenotype with unique pathophysiologic features compared to non-obese individuals. This review highlights the evolving role of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) in the assessment and management of obesity-related heart failure, emphasizing it’s ability to characterize the structural, functional, and tissue-level cardiovascular abnormalities that define this increasingly prevalent condition. RECENT FINDINGS: Obesity plays a central role in the development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), contributing to a unique pathophysiologic cardiovascular phenotype through mechanisms such as myocardial inflammation, diffuse fibrosis, abnormal ventricular loading, and pathologic expansion of adjacent epicardial adipose tissue. These structural and physiologic changes in turn lead to disproportionate atrial and ventricular remodeling, pronounced diastolic dysfunction, cardiac microvascular dysfunction, impaired interventricular mechanics, and elevated cardiac filling pressures. Together, these alterations contribute to the heightened symptom burden, exercise intolerance, and adverse outcomes observed in obese patients with HFpEF. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) provides a non-invasive, comprehensive platform to assess these hemodynamic, structural, and tissue-level abnormalities through an ever-expanding suite of quantitative imaging tools. CMR, with its high spatial resolution, advanced tissue characterization, and comprehensive evaluation of cardiac structure and function, has emerged as a pivotal modality for the diagnosis, phenotyping, and risk stratification of obesity related HFpEF, while also enabling differentiation from important phenocopies and alternative causes of heart failure.
Enhancing Fetal Cardiac Care: Addressing Unwarranted Variation in Prenatal Congenital Heart Disease Detection and Counseling.
Lemley BA, Abdelsalam M, Co-Vu J … +4 more , Jone PN, Kalin C, Kulkarni A, Woo JL
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 Apr · PMID 41999457 · Full text
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize sources of variation in prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) in the United States and low- and middle-income countries, and to review current and emerging interventions aim...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize sources of variation in prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) in the United States and low- and middle-income countries, and to review current and emerging interventions aimed at reducing this variation. RECENT FINDINGS: In the United States, approximately half of infants requiring cardiac surgery before 6 months of age receive a prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease. There is substantial variation in this rate domestically and globally. This variation reflects two primary contributors: socioeconomic disparities and clinical practice variation. Strategies to reduce unwarranted variation include standardized ultrasonography guidelines, local policy interventions, and emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and tele-echocardiography. Successful prenatal cardiac diagnosis encompasses three domains: (1) accessing fetal cardiac care, (2) obtaining accurate anatomic assessment, and (3) and receiving comprehensive counseling. Addressing socioeconomic disparities and clinical practice variation could reduce overall variation and increase prenatal diagnosis rates.
Percutaneous Interventions for Heart Failure in Congenital Heart Disease.
Schrutka L, Haddad RN, Piccinelli E … +3 more , David T, Sürücü M, Qureshi SA
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 Apr · PMID 41986767 · Full text
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Heart failure (HF) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD), driven by residual lesions and progressive ventricular dysfunction. The heterogeneity of...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Heart failure (HF) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD), driven by residual lesions and progressive ventricular dysfunction. The heterogeneity of CHD anatomy and physiology often limits the applicability of standard HF therapies. This review aims to summarize contemporary catheter-based strategies used to diagnose, stabilize, and treat HF in patients with CHD across both acute and chronic clinical settings, and to evaluate their role in improving outcomes and delaying surgical or transplant-based therapies. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent advances in transcatheter technology have expanded therapeutic options for HF in CHD. Invasive hemodynamic monitoring and implantable sensors enable more precise assessment and remote management of complex circulations. Short-term mechanical circulatory support systems, including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and percutaneous ventricular assist devices, are increasingly used as bridges to recovery or transplantation. Catheter-based closure of shunts (e.g., atrial or ventricular septal defects and patent ductus arteriosus) and creation of controlled shunts using devices such as atrial flow regulators provide strategies to optimize hemodynamics. Transcatheter valve therapies, including pulmonary valve implantation and atrioventricular valve repair, have become important alternatives to repeat surgery. In patients with failing Fontan circulation, interventions such as fenestration creation, pathway stenting, collateral embolization, and emerging lymphatic procedures have demonstrated promising clinical benefits. Percutaneous interventions have become central to the management of HF in CHD, offering minimally invasive, anatomy-specific approaches that can stabilize acute decompensation, address residual lesions, and palliate chronic circulatory failure. These strategies enable individualized treatment pathways and may delay or reduce the need for surgical reintervention or transplantation. Continued technological innovation, improved patient selection, and multidisciplinary expertise will be essential to further refine these approaches.
Interrelationships Between Key Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Chronic Kidney Disease and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease.
Muzurović E, Zečević K, Mikhailidis DP
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 Apr · PMID 41973270 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Five modifiable risk factors (RFs) - systolic blood pressure (SBP), body mass index (BMI), diabetes, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), and smoking - were proposed as major determina...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Five modifiable risk factors (RFs) - systolic blood pressure (SBP), body mass index (BMI), diabetes, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), and smoking - were proposed as major determinants of the global burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This narrative review considers the interconnections among these RFs and their combined influence on disease development, progression, and longevity. We also consider the relationship between these factors and chronic kidney disease (CKD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). RECENT FINDINGS: Over the past three decades, the global prevalence and burden of CVD, CKD, and MASLD has risen substantially. These chronic conditions are leading causes of reduced life expectancy and increased disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). They share common underlying mechanisms, particularly insulin resistance and chronic inflammation, and frequently coexist, with each condition accelerating the progression and complications of the others. Evidence from studies and meta-analyses demonstrates that the five traditional RFs significantly contribute to disease onset and progression, while effective risk-factor management can delay disease progression and improve both quality of life and survival. Lifestyle interventions and emerging pharmacological therapies can favorably modify these RFs and reduce the overall burden of CVD, CKD, and MASLD. An integrated approach to managing metabolic dysfunction is essential, although it remains challenging, as improvement in one condition may adversely affect another. RFs should not just be considered individually.
Aspirin or Clopidogrel? Rethinking the Default Strategy for Secondary Prevention of Coronary Artery Disease.
Borges JC, Dadhania K
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 Apr · PMID 41954770 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review evaluates the comparative efficacy, safety, and clinical applicability of aspirin versus clopidogrel for long-term secondary prevention of coronary artery disease (CAD). It evaluates the us...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review evaluates the comparative efficacy, safety, and clinical applicability of aspirin versus clopidogrel for long-term secondary prevention of coronary artery disease (CAD). It evaluates the use of clopidogrel as long-term monotherapy in stable CAD after dual antiplatelet therapy, with consideration of bleeding risk, tolerability, pharmacogenomics, and guideline recommendations. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent randomized controlled studies, extended follow-up analyses, and large-scale meta-analyses consistently show that clopidogrel monotherapy provides at least comparable, and in several reports superior protection against major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events compared with aspirin. These benefits are achieved without an increase in major bleeding and, in certain populations, with a lower bleeding risk. Evidence from contemporary post–percutaneous coronary intervention cohorts further demonstrate a more favorable net clinical benefit with clopidogrel, particularly among patients with heightened susceptibility to bleeding. Both aspirin and clopidogrel remain effective options for long-term secondary prevention in CAD. However, accumulating evidence supports a more individualized approach to antiplatelet selection. Clopidogrel may be preferred in selected patients, particularly after PCI or in those with heightened bleeding risk or aspirin intolerance. Further prospective, head-to-head randomized trials are needed to definitively inform optimal long-term antiplatelet strategies.
Artificial Intelligence Powered Wearable and Portable Devices for Remote Cardiac Care and Population Health.
De Armas RE, Singh JP
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 Apr · PMID 41945207 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To survey the current landscape of AI-powered wearable and portable devices for remote cardiac care and population health, framed within a “health pyramid” that spans wellness and prevention at the bas...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To survey the current landscape of AI-powered wearable and portable devices for remote cardiac care and population health, framed within a “health pyramid” that spans wellness and prevention at the base, chronic disease in the middle, and advanced or high-acuity disease at the apex. This framework illustrates how these devices will integrate into an ecosystem of multimodal data streams to move care upstream and enhance value across the continuum of cardiovascular health (Fig. 1). RECENT FINDINGS: This review reimagines the traditional health pyramid, framing recent advances in AI-enabled devices across five tiers that create value: detection, prediction, prevention, personalization, and population impact. Large-scale smartwatch trials have validated population AF screening, marking the foundation of digital detection. Deep learning ECG models extend this framework by predicting coronary, structural, and infiltrative heart disease with near-clinical accuracy. Multisensor platforms anticipate HF decompensation before hospitalization, enabling proactive prevention. Integration of cuffless BP and metabolic sensors facilitates continuous, personalized monitoring. Despite rapid progress, widespread adoption remains limited by key challenges including workflow integration, equity, and regulatory alignment. With ongoing outcome trials and improved interoperability, AI-powered devices are poised to transform cardiovascular prevention and care delivery at scale. AI-powered devices have enabled a paradigm shift towards continuous, remote, and personalized cardiovascular care. Studies have established technical feasibility across multiple applications, but responsible adoption and scaling of these technologies require ongoing clinical validation, workflow integration, regulatory frameworks, and equitable access to achieve a durable impact on population health.
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