Current Cardiology Reports[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Survey of Board-Certified Adult Congenital Heart Disease Providers Assessing Workforce Gaps.
Clark S, Balachandran A, Moe T … +3 more , Hile D, Roeder M, Krasuski RA
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 Feb · PMID 41706252 · Publisher ↗
Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) are a rapidly growing population of patients with multisystemic issues that stem beyond the heart and require expert, specialized care. There is a critical shortage of adult co...
Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) are a rapidly growing population of patients with multisystemic issues that stem beyond the heart and require expert, specialized care. There is a critical shortage of adult congenital heart disease (ACHD)-trained physicians, with widening gaps in care projected. We designed a 26-question cross-sectional survey that was distributed via the Adult Congenital Heart Association to United States-based American Board of Internal Medicine ACHD certified physicians between December 2023 and March 2024, with a goal of evaluating their demography and opinions regarding workforce issues, gauging opinion regarding potential solutions. One hundred nineteen of 473 ACHD physicians (25%) responded, with complete responses to all questions by 104 (22%). Most respondents (67%) had not completed an ACHD-specific fellowship. Two-thirds were board-certified in pediatric cardiology, 32% in adult cardiovascular disease, and 34% were dual certified. Only 42% reported practicing ACHD as their “full-time” field. Nearly all (95%) were concerned about workforce shortages, and 87% planned to board recertify. Early-career physicians were less likely than their seniors to choose ACHD again or express a plan to recertify. While most favored revising current training pathways, the preferred pathway differed by training experience. In conclusion, less than half of currently boarded ACHD physician practice in their specialty full-time, suggesting even greater gaps in access to care for this complicated patient population.
Correction to: The Emerging Role of Lithotripsy in Structural Heart Interventions.
Fang JX, Lai LKL, Giustino G … +9 more , Khan JM, Gonzalez PE, O'Neill BP, Frisoli TM, Lee JC, Jabri A, Wang DD, O'Neill WW, Villablanca PA
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 Feb · PMID 41673360 · Full text
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A Growing Burden: Obesity's Impact on Cardiometabolic Disease Risk in Children and Adolescents.
Catalfamo VJ, Farhud S, Mulkey J … +1 more , Lavie CJ
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 Feb · PMID 41665704 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: As the obesity epidemic expands, the alarming acceleration of youth obesity represents a critical global health concern. This timely analysis explores the underlying biological and socio-environmental...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: As the obesity epidemic expands, the alarming acceleration of youth obesity represents a critical global health concern. This timely analysis explores the underlying biological and socio-environmental drivers of childhood obesity and evaluates its role in the growing incidence of cardiometabolic disease. Moreover, this review aims to identify the limitations of existing preventive health systems and examine intervention strategies designed to mitigate the escalating burdens imposed by pediatric obesity. RECENT FINDINGS: Contemporary research seeks to characterize distinct youth obesity phenotypes and to distinguish measurable markers of adiposity in early life that are implicated in the progression of cardiometabolic dysfunction. Recognizing the deficiencies of modern exercise education curricula, studies evaluating the implementation of school-based health interventions have demonstrated significant improvements in body composition and metabolic profiles among children and adolescents. The long-term health and societal consequences posed by rising pediatric obesity constitute one of the greatest population health challenges of our time. Future research should prioritize uncovering additional genetic and epigenetic determinants of youth obesity and emphasize the equitable delivery of early, accessible, and sustainable school-based health promotion programs to reverse the global trajectory of obesity-related cardiometabolic disease.
Assessment of Right Ventricular Function Prior to Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Interventions.
Springhetti P, Tomaselli M, Badano LP … +3 more , Radu N, Negru A, Muraru D
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 Feb · PMID 41652271 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Right ventricular (RV) function is a key determinant in selecting and managing patients undergoing transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) or transcatheter tricuspid edge-to-edge repair (T-TEE...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Right ventricular (RV) function is a key determinant in selecting and managing patients undergoing transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) or transcatheter tricuspid edge-to-edge repair (T-TEER). This review aims to highlight the role of multimodality imaging in assessing RV function, with a focus on its impact on patient selection, procedural planning, and prognostic evaluation. RECENT FINDINGS: Advances in echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, cardiac computed tomography, and right heart catheterization have improved the ability to evaluate RV morphology, systolic performance, and pulmonary hemodynamics. Each modality offers complementary insights, though limitations remain in standardization, reproducibility, and prognostic validation. Emerging imaging strategies and novel functional parameters provide opportunities for more refined risk stratification. Integrating multimodality imaging enables a comprehensive evaluation of RV function and enhances decision-making prior to TTVR and T-TEER. A tailored imaging approach improves patient selection and may ultimately optimize outcomes in severe tricuspid regurgitation.
Cardiorenal and Metabolic Dimensions of Cardiomyopathies and Heart Failure: Focus on SGLT2i, GLP1-RA, and ns-MRA.
Indennidate C, Perencin B, Di Maso V … +4 more , Buda I, Candido R, Sinagra G, Merlo M
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 Feb · PMID 41636929 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: Metabolic disorders represent a growing epidemiological and clinical challenge, associated with worsening prognosis of cardiovascular disease. These conditions cluster in patients with heart failur...
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: Metabolic disorders represent a growing epidemiological and clinical challenge, associated with worsening prognosis of cardiovascular disease. These conditions cluster in patients with heart failure and cardiomyopathies, limiting therapeutic options. Although cardiomyopathies contribute substantially to the burden of heart failure, the impact of metabolic disorders on their progression remains underexplored. This review explores the complex cardiorenal and metabolic dimensions of cardiomyopathies, focusing on pathophysiological mechanisms, therapeutic innovations, and future organizational models. RECENT FINDINGS: Metabolic disorders likely modulate genotype-phenotype expression, aggravate myocardial dysfunction, and accelerate disease progression through converging molecular mechanisms and pathways leading to energetic imbalance, inflammation and fibrosis. Novel therapies act on these pathways favouring microscopic and macroscopic reverse remodelling. A holistic and multidisciplinary approach is required to select appropriate therapies, improve disease progression and quality of life of these patients. Cardiomyopathies exemplify the complexity of heart failure, where genetic and metabolic dysfunctions coexist and act as both triggers and amplifiers of myocardial damage. DCM, HCM, HCM phenocopies and ARVC all present the burden of metabolic disorders and some of them benefit from novel therapies. SGLT2i, GLP1-RA, and non-steroidal MRA represent the forefront of a new therapeutic era, aiming at pleiotropic targets beyond neurohormonal blockade. Integrated care models will reshape disease management and improve patients' outcomes. Future research should investigate on metabolic disorders prevalence in cardiomyopathies and better characterize molecular pathways and phenotypic profiles that mostly benefit from novel therapies.
The Role of Inflammation in Takotsubo Syndrome: From Pathogenic Pathways To Imaging Insights and Therapeutic Perspectives.
Madaudo C, Kurdi H, Ielapi J … +5 more , Margineanu C, Moscatelli S, Bucciarelli-Ducci C, Bromage D, Artico J
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 Feb · PMID 41634223 · Full text
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy, is an acute and transient form of myocardial dysfunction that predominantly affects postmenopausal women after emotional or physic...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy, is an acute and transient form of myocardial dysfunction that predominantly affects postmenopausal women after emotional or physical stress. Although initially considered benign, growing evidence demonstrates that TTS carries substantial morbidity, recurrence, and mortality risks. This review aims to summarize current knowledge on the pathophysiology of TTS with a focus on inflammation, to explore the interplay between stress and myocardial injury, and to discuss the diagnostic and prognostic value of multimodality imaging together with emerging therapeutic approaches, providing a comprehensive framework for clinical practice and future research. RECENT FINDINGS: The pathophysiology of TTS is multifactorial, involving sympathetic hyperactivation with catecholamine excess, microvascular dysfunction, epicardial coronary spasm, intracellular calcium overload, and myocardial stunning. Increasing evidence supports a central role of inflammation, including activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, release of cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, oxidative stress, and macrophage polarization, ultimately leading to myocardial injury, fibrosis, and adverse ventricular remodelling. Multimodality imaging, comprising echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, and nuclear techniques, enables early identification of functional and structural abnormalities, exclusion of differential diagnoses such as acute coronary syndromes or myocarditis, and prognostic assessment. TTS represents a complex stress-related cardiomyopathy with overlapping neurohormonal, inflammatory, and microvascular mechanisms. Current management remains largely supportive, focused on heart failure therapy, anticoagulation when indicated, and hemodynamic stabilization. Novel therapies targeting inflammatory and sympathetic pathways are under investigation and may change the future management of this condition. Understanding the interplay between stress, inflammation, and myocardial injury offers new opportunities for pathophysiology-driven treatment strategies and improved patient outcomes.
Bioresorbable Scaffolds: Ready for a Rematch?
Akinmolayemi O, Levy A, Patnaik S … +2 more , Stone GW, Bienstock SW
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 Feb · PMID 41632412 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) is a promising technology with clear theoretical benefits. Large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the early generation of this technology, however, demon...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) is a promising technology with clear theoretical benefits. Large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the early generation of this technology, however, demonstrated issues translating these benefits from the abstract into the clinical realm. This review covers the outcomes beginning with the first-generation scaffolds and provides updates on advances made with newer technologies and evolved approaches to platform delivery. RECENT FINDINGS: Pooled individual patient data from the ABSORB studies with 5-year follow-up was published in early 2025, showing higher event rates in the BVS group driven by events in the first three years of follow-up. Events after three years were the same or lower compared to traditional metallic drug-eluting stents (DES). BVS technology is not yet ready for clinical primetime. However, there is need for improved scaffold technology and new BVS will again need to be tested against metallic DES in large-scale RCTs with long-term follow-up.
Combination Lipid-Lowering Therapy After ACS: Should this be the New Standard of Care?
Brandts J, Marx N
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 Feb · PMID 41632333 · Full text
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To examine whether early combination lipid-lowering therapy after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) should be considered as a standard approach. The review assesses current international guideline recommen...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To examine whether early combination lipid-lowering therapy after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) should be considered as a standard approach. The review assesses current international guideline recommendations, supporting clinical evidence, and real-world implementation gaps. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent European and U.S. guidelines emphasise lower low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) targets and suggest earlier use of combination therapy. Data from randomised trials, registry-based emulations, and observational cohorts demonstrate that early initiation of high-intensity regimens improves LDL-C goal attainment and may reduce the recurrence of cardiovascular events. However, registry data reveal substantial global undertreatment and limited treatment intensification. Early combination therapy represents a pragmatic strategy to accelerate LDL-C goal achievement after ACS. While this approach could narrow current treatment gaps, it must be balanced against the trend toward personalised, risk-based lipid management. Future research should address how simplified treatment algorithms can coexist with individualised care frameworks.
Optimizing Care in Pulmonary Embolism with the Pulmonary Embolism Response Team.
Kindya B, Jaber W
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 Feb · PMID 41629687 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a commonly encountered condition with high morbidity and mortality associated with it. With the advent of more advanced interventional devices and techniques, there now exists the...
PURPOSE: Pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a commonly encountered condition with high morbidity and mortality associated with it. With the advent of more advanced interventional devices and techniques, there now exists the opportunity to offer intermediate and high-risk patients treatment above anticoagulation alone. The creation of pulmonary embolism response teams has served as an opportunity for multidisciplinary assessment of patients on an individual basis to help determine optimal treatment modality. Here we will review the composition of these teams, the service they provide, and review existing data for advanced treatment of PE. Recent findings: Recent reviews have suggested that the specialized assessment a pulmonary embolism response team can be associated with lower mortality from PE. In parallel with this, several recently published studies have investigated the use of catheter directed lysis and catheter based thrombectomy for intermediate and high risk patients, and found varying degrees of improved clinical outcomes in these populations. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent reviews have suggested that the specialized assessment a pulmonary embolism response team can be associated with lower mortality from PE. In parallel with this, several recently published studies have investigated the use of catheter directed lysis and catheter based thrombectomy for intermediate and high risk patients, and found varying degrees of improved clinical outcomes in these populations. Pulmonary embolism response teams offer an individualized, multidisciplinary assessment of patients presenting with pulmonary embolism. With the newly published and continuously evolving data surrounding interventional based pulmonary embolism techniques, these teams and techniques have the opportunity to reduce the morbidity and mortality surrounding this disease.
Race and Patient-Physician Communication on Blood Pressure Management: Helping Improve Care.
Nasser SA, Pender A, Ali A … +2 more , Tobb K, Ferdinand KC
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 Jan · PMID 41588236 · Full text
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide an overview of the relationship of race and ethnicity and patient-physician/clinician communication on blood pressure management. RECENT FINDINGS: The suboptimal interactions experienced by...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide an overview of the relationship of race and ethnicity and patient-physician/clinician communication on blood pressure management. RECENT FINDINGS: The suboptimal interactions experienced by patients from underrepresented racial and ethnic populations may be improved by enriching relationships among clinicians, population health scientists, policymakers, and community members/leaders. Current care communication and policies for managing hypertension appear to be insufficient. Implementing and disseminating effective strategies to efficiently improve the quality of hypertension care and recognize social determinants of health among minoritized populations is intertwined with enhanced communication. Approaches such as self-affirmation—encouraging patients to reflect on their strengths and values—can enhance patient-clinician communication. The use of standardized blood pressure management protocols and technology-based interventions (such as telehealth or mobile health apps) can improve healthcare communication and outcomes. Integration of cultural humility and sensitivity training, and engagement with community-based organizations positively impact patient-physician/clinician communication and resultant blood pressure reduction and control. Future research should focus upon implementation of policies to prioritize solutions to overcome communication barriers, with an emphasis on equity and the unique needs of minoritized populations.
The Emerging Role of Artificial Intelligence in the Assessment of Valvular Heart Disease with Cardiac Imaging.
Sejo C, Randazzo M, Lang R … +1 more , Slivnick J
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 Jan · PMID 41581100 · Full text
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review summarizes current applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in multimodality cardiac imaging for the evaluation of valvular heart disease (VHD). RECENT FINDINGS: The prevalence of VHD c...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review summarizes current applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in multimodality cardiac imaging for the evaluation of valvular heart disease (VHD). RECENT FINDINGS: The prevalence of VHD continues to rise, placing increasing demands on cardiovascular imaging and longitudinal management. AI systems have been applied across echocardiography, cardiac computed tomography (CCT), and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) to automate image classification, segmentation, disease detection, and severity assessment. The most mature AI models have centered on transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), where deep learning (DL) frameworks enable whole-study interpretation and preliminary report generation. Applications in CCT and CMR remain in earlier stages but show promise for segmentation, tissue characterization, and pre-procedural planning. AI has the potential to enhance the accuracy, reproducibility, and efficiency of imaging-based VHD assessment. Key challenges remain around generalizability, transparency, and clinical integration. Multidisciplinary collaboration is essential to ensure that AI complements, rather than replaces, human expertise.
Pericardiectomy for Constrictive and Recurrent Pericarditis: State of the Art Update.
Krzelj K, Bakaeen M, Wang TKM … +7 more , Klein A, Vega SLP, Jellis C, Kwon D, Tong M, Unai S, Koprivanac M
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 Jan · PMID 41569368 · Full text
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review provides a contemporary surgical view on constrictive and recurrent pericarditis. RECENT FINDINGS: Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, echocardiography, and heart catheterization are comple...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review provides a contemporary surgical view on constrictive and recurrent pericarditis. RECENT FINDINGS: Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, echocardiography, and heart catheterization are complementary tools for diagnosis and management of patients considered for pericardiectomy. Radical pericardiectomy, unlike total/complete, represents the most extensive resection. Radical or total/complete pericardiectomy via median sternotomy is preferred over partial for both recurrent and constrictive pericarditis, to minimize the risk of symptoms and/or constriction recurrence. Utilization of cardiopulmonary bypass may facilitate the completeness and safety of the procedure. In surgical planning, attention should be paid to intraoperative challenges, especially low cardiac output syndrome, tricuspid regurgitation, and coronary injury. A multidisciplinary approach in experienced centers is essential to optimize outcomes. Radical or complete pericardiectomy is advised over partial to avoid the symptoms or constriction recurrence owing to the remaining pericardium. Further research is mandatory to identify the optimal timing and precise extent of pericardiectomy.
Contemporary Assessment and Management of Effusive-Constrictive Pericarditis.
El Harake L, Samhan A, Cremer PC … +1 more , Al Kazaz M
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 Jan · PMID 41563547 · Full text
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Effusive-constrictive pericarditis (ECP) is a complex clinical condition that combines features of pericardial effusion/tamponade and constrictive pericarditis. The classic hemodynamic definition is pe...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Effusive-constrictive pericarditis (ECP) is a complex clinical condition that combines features of pericardial effusion/tamponade and constrictive pericarditis. The classic hemodynamic definition is persistent elevation of right atrial pressure despite drainage of a pericardial effusion. This review summarizes recent data on its epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management. RECENT FINDINGS: Prevalence varies from 2.4% to 14.8% depending on diagnostic criteria and etiology, reaching up to 50% in tuberculous pericarditis in endemic regions. Common causes include idiopathic, infectious (particularly tuberculous and bacterial), malignant, and post-surgical etiologies. While invasive hemodynamic assessment remains the reference standard, echocardiography is now the primary diagnostic tool, enabling recognition of constrictive physiology before and after pericardiocentesis. Cardiac magnetic resonance adds complementary information on pericardial thickness, inflammation, and potential for reversibility, aiding therapeutic decisions. Inflammatory ECP frequently resolves with medical therapy (NSAIDs, colchicine, corticosteroids, or IL-1 inhibitors) while tuberculous cases require antimicrobial therapy with corticosteroids in selected patients. ECP is a heterogeneous condition with variable clinical trajectories. Early identification through multimodality imaging is essential to guide therapy, target reversible inflammation, and prevent chronic constriction. Most inflammatory cases respond to anti-inflammatory treatment, whereas pericardiectomy is reserved for persistent, irreversible constrictive physiology despite optimal medical therapy.
Echocardiography in Athletes: the Ever-Evolving Assessment of Physiology Versus Pathology.
Fritzlen JT, Martinez MW
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 Jan · PMID 41546848 · Full text
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review article summarizes the established physiologic adaptations seen on echocardiogram in athletes and provides a focus update and perspective on changing diagnostic criteria in several patholog...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review article summarizes the established physiologic adaptations seen on echocardiogram in athletes and provides a focus update and perspective on changing diagnostic criteria in several pathologies known to overlap with exercise induced cardiac remodeling. RECENT FINDINGS: There have been recent publications regarding improved diagnostic criteria for apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, shift towards "excessive trabeculations" rather than historically termed non-compaction, and expanding knowledge of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathies. Exercise induced cardiac remodeling can be mistaken for these pathologies, among others. As the evaluation of cardiomyopathies changes with the growing understanding of the pathology, it is important that these updates are compared to the potential physiologic adaptation seen in athletic training. It is imperative for the practicing cardiologist to remain knowledgeable of these evolving guidelines.
Echocardiographic Deformation Imaging of the Right Atrium: A New Paradigm in Noninvasive Hemodynamic Assessment.
Daoud A, Lopez PP, Mombeini H … +5 more , Zaeske A, Kim J, Mercurio V, Grapsa J, Mukherjee M
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 Jan · PMID 41504988 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Myocardial deformation imaging has transformed noninvasive right heart assessment by providing quantitative assessment of chamber level mechanics. The present review synthesizes current evidence on the...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Myocardial deformation imaging has transformed noninvasive right heart assessment by providing quantitative assessment of chamber level mechanics. The present review synthesizes current evidence on the clinical utility of right atrial echocardiographic strain, highlighting its physiologic underpinnings, diagnostic performance across cardiopulmonary disease states, and evolving integration into contemporary clinical practice. RECENT FINDINGS: Right atrial strain provides a sensitive and reproducible measure of phasic function and chamber compliance, reflecting right-sided filling pressure and atrioventricular interactions. Abnormalities in reservoir and conduit strain are closely linked to diastolic dysfunction and serve as early indicators of right heart maladaptation. Impaired right atrial strain has emerged as an independent predictor of adverse clinical outcomes, including hospitalization, morbidity, mortality, and disease progression across multiple conditions including pulmonary hypertension, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, valvular heart disease, and connective tissue disease-associated pulmonary vascular disease. Beyond its prognostic significance, right atrial strain provides complementary mechanistic information to right ventricular strain and invasive hemodynamic indices, reflecting atrial compliance, atrioventricular coupling, and systemic venous congestion. Right atrial strain provides mechanistic and prognostic insight beyond conventional echocardiographic measures of chamber size and pressure. As acquisition methods, reference ranges, and analytic standardization mature, right atrial strain is poised to become an essential component of comprehensive right heart evaluation, enabling earlier detection of dysfunction and refined assessment of disease progression and therapeutic efficacy.
Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein Inhibitors: State of the Science.
Nejabat M, Katsiki N, Mukherjee D … +2 more , Hadizadeh F, Sahebkar A
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 Jan · PMID 41493672 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitors are a promising class of drugs aimed at managing dyslipidemia by modulating lipoprotein levels, particularly low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LD...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitors are a promising class of drugs aimed at managing dyslipidemia by modulating lipoprotein levels, particularly low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), to mitigate cardiovascular (CV) risk. The main aim of this narrative review is to discuss the future of CETP inhibition. RECENT FINDINGS: Previous CETP inhibitors (namely, torcetrapib, dalcetrapib, anacetrapib and evacetrapib) failed to be commercialized due to toxic adverse events and negative CV effects (torcetrapib), neutral impact on CV outcomes (dalcetrapib and evacetrapib) and lack of effectiveness together with concerns on long half-life and accumulation in the fat (anacetrapib). Obicetrapib, a novel, oral, once-daily CETP inhibitor, has demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing LDL-C, non-HDL-C, apolipoprotein B (apoB) and lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] levels, while increasing HDL-C and apoA-1 levels. Clinical studies have shown its effectiveness both as monotherapy and in combination with statins ± ezetimibe, indicating enhanced lipid-altering efficacy and safety. Advances in computational modeling, such as QSAR models and molecular docking, have furthered the development of CETP inhibitors by predicting and enhancing their efficacy and selectivity. MK-8262 has shown some promise as a novel CETP inhibitor, but additional studies are indicated. This narrative review highlights the potential of obicetrapib in achieving lipid goals and better CV outcomes in various patient populations. The future of CETP inhibitors hinges on addressing past limitations, focusing on improving selectivity, exploring combination therapies, and employing personalized medicine approaches to maximize benefits while minimizing adverse effects. Furthermore, long-term safety studies, demonstrating cost-effectiveness, are crucial for regulatory approval and market acceptance. Such clinical trials are on-going with obicetrapib and their results, when available, will further elucidate its clinical implications/indications.
Precision Management of Coronary Stent Thrombosis: A Contemporary Guide.
Attachaipanich T, Rizwan A, Virk HUH … +4 more , Alam M, Khawaja M, Jneid H, Krittanawong C
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 Jan · PMID 41489659 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Stent thrombosis (ST) is an uncommon but serious complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), associated with high morbidity, mortality, and a substantial risk of recurrence. Although its...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Stent thrombosis (ST) is an uncommon but serious complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), associated with high morbidity, mortality, and a substantial risk of recurrence. Although its incidence has declined with contemporary drug-eluting stents (DES), outcomes remain poor. This review aims to summarize contemporary evidence on ST, including mechanism, risk factors, and management strategies to improve PCI outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS: The risk of ST is multifactorial, influenced by patient comorbidities, lesion characteristics, procedural technique, and device-related factors. Timing after the index procedure reflects distinct mechanisms: early ST is often driven by procedural factors such as underexpansion, malapposition, or edge dissection, together with premature discontinuation of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) studies consistently demonstrate uncovered struts, malapposition, and underexpansion as major contributors. In contrast, late and very late ST are more commonly related to impaired vessel healing, delayed endothelialization, late-acquired malapposition from vascular remodeling, and neoatherosclerosis leading to in-stent plaque rupture. Management is based largely on expert consensus, as no randomized trials have directly addressed this complication. Balloon angioplasty remains an effective option, particularly when underexpansion or malapposition are present, while additional stent implantation should generally be avoided unless needed for edge dissection or neoatherosclerosis. Intracoronary imaging is strongly recommended, as angiography alone cannot reliably assess stent-related pathology, and imaging-guided PCI has been shown to lower ST risk. Premature cessation of DAPT, especially within the first month, is one of the strongest predictors, although many events still occur despite ongoing therapy. Future studies should focus on personalized risk prediction, further refinement of DES to reduce late complications, and long-term, mechanism-based studies to guide prevention and treatment.
Targeting Triglycerides in Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: Evidence, Mechanisms, and Emerging Therapies.
Alam U, Mathai SV, Filtz A … +9 more , Kuno T, Badimon JJ, Sniderman AD, Virani SS, Toth PP, Shapiro MD, Lavie CJ, Bhatt DL, Slipczuk L
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 Jan · PMID 41483441 · Full text
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The goal of this review is to evaluate the evolving role of triglycerides (TGs) and TG-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and prevention. We examine the mechanistic rationale...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The goal of this review is to evaluate the evolving role of triglycerides (TGs) and TG-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and prevention. We examine the mechanistic rationale, genetic and epidemiological evidence, and therapeutic potential of targeting TGs in residual risk reduction, particularly in high-risk populations. RECENT FINDINGS: Emerging data from Mendelian randomization studies and large clinical cohorts support a causal link between elevated remnant lipoproteins and atherosclerotic CVD, in which apolipoprotein B may be the principal driver. Although traditional triglyceride-lowering agents have produced mixed results on cardiovascular outcomes, emerging therapies-such as ApoC-III and ANGPTL3 inhibitors-show robust lipid-lowering effects, while selective PPAR modulators have thus far not demonstrated cardiovascular benefit. However, outcome data remain limited. Residual CVD risk persists despite aggressive LDL-C reduction, especially in patients with diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or chronic kidney disease. Selective TG-lowering strategies targeting TRLs-especially those that decrease apolipoprotein B-may provide clinical benefit in high-risk phenotypes. Ongoing trials will clarify whether these promising agents confer meaningful cardiovascular protection and warrant integration into future guidelines.
Review of Management of the Borderline Left Ventricle: A Focus on Current Transcatheter and Hybrid Approaches.
Mohammad Nijres B, Chamberlain RC, Taylor RA … +3 more , Natarajan R, Moreira C, Jones TK
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2026 Jan · PMID 41483292 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: A borderline small left ventricle (LV), in which the LV is underdeveloped but not diminutive, represents an ongoing area of research and a challenge in clinical management. In this paper, the authors a...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: A borderline small left ventricle (LV), in which the LV is underdeveloped but not diminutive, represents an ongoing area of research and a challenge in clinical management. In this paper, the authors aimed to review the definition of borderline LV and recruitment strategies with a focus on hybrid, and wholly transcatheter approaches, to achieve the goal of two ventricle circulation. RECENT FINDINGS: Hampered by a lack of consensus definition; historically, patients with borderline LV were managed with single-ventricle palliation. However, due to the suboptimal long-term outcomes with single-ventricle palliation, many programs have adopted strategies to promote LV growth with the goal of achieving two-ventricle circulation with different outcomes. Initially dominated by surgical staging, there is growing evidence to support the use of hybrid or entirely transcatheter techniques to achieve first stage palliation in patients with borderline LV. Regardless of technique used (surgical and/or transcatheter), recruiting the LV into a successful biventricular circulation typically requires multiple interventions aimed at improving blood flow through the left heart structures and increasing LV volume loading in an effort to promote LV remodeling. Scoring systems can be helpful tools in determining the candidacy for LV recruitment strategy; however, the optimal scoring system has yet to be established.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Based-Regenerative Therapy in Atherosclerosis: an Updated Review.
Mahaki H, Sheykhhasan M, Rahimi HR … +8 more , Kazemzadeh G, Ravari H, Nobari S, Izadi HS, Darroudi S, Forouzanfar F, Afkhami H, Tanzadehpanah H
Curr Cardiol Rep · 2025 Dec · PMID 41460409 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to provide an updated overview of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based regenerative therapies in atherosclerosis. We aim to explore the mechanisms, recent advancements, and c...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to provide an updated overview of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based regenerative therapies in atherosclerosis. We aim to explore the mechanisms, recent advancements, and challenges associated with MSC applications in treating atherosclerosis. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies highlight the potential of MSCs in modulating inflammation, promoting vascular repair, and reducing plaque formation in atherosclerosis. Novel approaches, such as hypoxia-conditioned MSCs and combination therapies with biomaterials, have shown promising results in preclinical models. This review concludes that MSC-based therapies hold significant promise for treating atherosclerosis, but further clinical trials are needed to validate their safety and efficacy. Future research should focus on optimizing MSC delivery methods and understanding long-term outcomes.
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