Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J
· 2025 · PMID 39990751
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Robert Frost (1874-1963) had a lengthy and distinguished career as one of America's favorite poets. "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" is perhaps his best-known work and was published as part of a collection that gar...Robert Frost (1874-1963) had a lengthy and distinguished career as one of America's favorite poets. "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" is perhaps his best-known work and was published as part of a collection that garnered him the first of his record-setting four Pulitzer Prizes in poetry. Though written in 1922, the poem continues to have relevance more than a century later. It is especially germane for members of the medical community, who have their own "promises to keep" in ensuring the best care possible for patients and their families, both now and in the future.
Sareen N, Watson S, Hill NE
… +2 more, Brandt EJ, Vijayaraghavan K
Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J
· 2025 · PMID 39990750
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This article highlights the prevalence, epidemiology, and pathophysiology of obesity in the United States, including its increasing link to cardiovascular disease (CVD). We discuss food policies-ranging from societal to...This article highlights the prevalence, epidemiology, and pathophysiology of obesity in the United States, including its increasing link to cardiovascular disease (CVD). We discuss food policies-ranging from societal to regional, state, and federal levels-and their healthcare impact. While multiple examples show some success in reducing the global obesity pandemic via the food chain, much research is still needed to demonstrate the robust impact of these multi-prong interventions and their ability to decrease the CVD burden..
Saleh Y, Abdelkarim O, Thakkar S
… +1 more, Faza N
Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J
· 2025 · PMID 39990748
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A 78-year-old man presented with shortness of breath and lower limb edema. Echocardiogram showed severely decreased biventricular function with a large clot straddling the patent foramen ovale extending from the right at...A 78-year-old man presented with shortness of breath and lower limb edema. Echocardiogram showed severely decreased biventricular function with a large clot straddling the patent foramen ovale extending from the right atrium into the left atrium and ventricle.
Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J
· 2025 · PMID 39926618
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A 76-year-old female with hypertension and hyperlipidemia was evaluated for incidental left ventricular calcification. Despite recent exertional chest pain, she was largely asymptomatic. Cardiac imaging revealed extensiv...A 76-year-old female with hypertension and hyperlipidemia was evaluated for incidental left ventricular calcification. Despite recent exertional chest pain, she was largely asymptomatic. Cardiac imaging revealed extensive endomyocardial calcifications without significant coronary artery stenosis. Laboratory tests excluded hypercalcemia, hyperparathyroidism, and sarcoidosis, leading to a diagnosis of idiopathic calcific cardiomyopathy. This case highlights the importance of comprehensive cardiac imaging in detecting subtle abnormalities, even in asymptomatic patients from non-tropical regions. It emphasizes considering both metastatic and dystrophic causes of endomyocardial calcification, regardless of geographical location. Given the patient's asymptomatic status and the condition's benign nature, a conservative management approach with regular monitoring was adopted. This case contributes to the limited literature on incidental endomyocardial calcification and may inform future strategies for similar presentations.
Quiñones MA, Al-Kindi S, Rajagopalan S
… +3 more, Daher B, Makar A, Maddock JE
Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J
· 2024 · PMID 39760009
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This 61-minute webcast features a conversation about "The Exposome and Cardiovascular Health"-the focus of Issue 20.5. Led by the issue's editors, the discussion engages the authors on emerging themes and lessons learned...This 61-minute webcast features a conversation about "The Exposome and Cardiovascular Health"-the focus of Issue 20.5. Led by the issue's editors, the discussion engages the authors on emerging themes and lessons learned while researching and writing the articles. View the video at https://vimeo.com/1027348229.
Lumsden AB, Loh TM, Muck PE
… +5 more, Thangudu P, Naoum JJ, Mouawad NJ, Haddad P, Steinberg Z
Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J
· 2024 · PMID 39735210
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This 61-minute webcast features a conversation about "Pulmonary Embolism"-the focus of Issue 20.3. Hosted by the issue's editors, the discussion engages the authors on emerging themes and lessons learned while researchin...This 61-minute webcast features a conversation about "Pulmonary Embolism"-the focus of Issue 20.3. Hosted by the issue's editors, the discussion engages the authors on emerging themes and lessons learned while researching and writing the articles. View the video at https://livestream.com/accounts/21157318/events/11146629.
Quiñones MA, Young JB, Bhimaraj A
… +3 more, Wilcox JE, Kanwar MK, Drakos SG
Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J
· 2024 · PMID 39735209
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This 61-minute webcast features a conversation about "Cardiac Recovery"-the focus of Issue 20.4. Led by the issue's editors, the discussion engages the authors on emerging themes and lessons learned while researching and...This 61-minute webcast features a conversation about "Cardiac Recovery"-the focus of Issue 20.4. Led by the issue's editors, the discussion engages the authors on emerging themes and lessons learned while researching and writing the articles. View the video at https://vimeo.com/event/4490511.
Vernes R, Bardoczi A, Lumsden AB
… +1 more, Garami ZF
Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J
· 2024 · PMID 39735208
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Transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) is a novel method to treat severe stenosis of the carotid artery with minimal embolization. During TCAR, flow reversal system redirects blood from the internal, external, and...Transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) is a novel method to treat severe stenosis of the carotid artery with minimal embolization. During TCAR, flow reversal system redirects blood from the internal, external, and common carotid arteries into the femoral vein through a filter system to prevent debris and microparticles from entering the cerebral circulation. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) monitoring allows real-time detection of blood flow in the cerebral arteries during the operation and informs the surgeon of flow changes or possible emboli. With this information, the steps and maneuvers during the procedure and the function of the flow reversal system can be further improved to avoid stroke or other neurological complications. In this case study, we present a TCAR procedure with TCD monitoring in an asymptomatic male patient exhibiting severe left-sided internal carotid artery stenosis. Optimal cerebral protection was achieved due to the neuroprotective flow reversal system of TCAR.
Regal S, Khafagy TA, AbdelGawad MS
… +2 more, Saad EM, Ali AA
Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J
· 2024 · PMID 39735207
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A 25-year-old female presented with a congenital painless growing mass on the right side of her neck with symptoms of tinnitus and difficulty breathing. Imaging revealed an aneurysm of the internal jugular vein reaching...A 25-year-old female presented with a congenital painless growing mass on the right side of her neck with symptoms of tinnitus and difficulty breathing. Imaging revealed an aneurysm of the internal jugular vein reaching a maximum diameter of 9.2 cm, shifting the trachea and right thyroid lobe to the left side. Simple excision was sufficient to treat compression symptoms and prevent potential thrombosis and embolism. This is the first reported case of aneurysmal internal jugular vein with fibrofatty degeneration and hamartomatous wall morphology associated with compression symptoms.
Quiñones MA, Duarte VE, Hobday C
… +4 more, Rajpal S, Rodriguez-Monserrate CP, Kurrelmeyer K, Velarde G
Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J
· 2024 · PMID 39735206
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This 62-minute webcast features a conversation about "Women and the Heart: Gender-Related Differences in Cardiovascular Care"-the focus of Issue 20.2. Led by the issue's editor, the discussion engages the authors on emer...This 62-minute webcast features a conversation about "Women and the Heart: Gender-Related Differences in Cardiovascular Care"-the focus of Issue 20.2. Led by the issue's editor, the discussion engages the authors on emerging themes and lessons learned while researching and writing the articles. View the video at https://livestream.com/accounts/21157318/events/11132857.
Nwana N, Javed Z, Jones SL
… +4 more, Lee C, Maddock JE, Al-Kindi S, Nasir K
Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J
· 2024 · PMID 39525385
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With the growing evidence that connects urban environments with public health outcomes, the role of urban planning has become increasingly critical in addressing public health challenges. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) a...With the growing evidence that connects urban environments with public health outcomes, the role of urban planning has become increasingly critical in addressing public health challenges. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality in urban areas and worldwide and are impacted by characteristics of the built environment, such as walkability and nature exposure. In this literature view, we explore the influence of the physical built environment, specifically green spaces and walkability, on cardiovascular health. Results from prior studies show a clear reduction in cardiovascular disease-related risk factors, morbidity, and mortality in neighborhoods that integrate green spaces and/or walkability. Cumulative evidence suggests that urban environments that integrate green spaces (such as parks) and walkability (eg, safe sidewalks) can significantly improve cardiovascular health. Urban planning policies and strategies that prioritize the integration of green infrastructure and walkable designs can contribute to improving cardiovascular health in urban residents while also enhancing the overall well-being and quality of life.
Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J
· 2024 · PMID 39525384
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Social drivers of health (SDOH) are a significant contributor to persistent cardiovascular health disparities in the United States and globally. SDOH include psychosocial, environmental, socioeconomic, cultural, and gove...Social drivers of health (SDOH) are a significant contributor to persistent cardiovascular health disparities in the United States and globally. SDOH include psychosocial, environmental, socioeconomic, cultural, and governmental factors that impact health behaviors and outcomes. Multiple social drivers have been associated with trends in cardiovascular disease risk and health outcomes. These social drivers intersect in complex ways, and applying the concept of intersectionality is critical when considering ways to best address SDOH in cardiovascular care. Applying intersectionality, which considers the unique combination of social drivers associated with a community, allows for tailored interventions to address cardiovascular health disparities.
King S, Trabanino S, Azizi Z
… +1 more, Rodriguez F
Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J
· 2024 · PMID 39525382
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Historically marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by cardiometabolic diseases yet are underrepresented in clinical trials that investigate needed interventions. This review investigates the barriers t...Historically marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by cardiometabolic diseases yet are underrepresented in clinical trials that investigate needed interventions. This review investigates the barriers to equitable inclusion in clinical trials, identifying opportunities for improvement at the institutional, trial, community, and individual level. It proposes a social determinants-based approach that serves as a toolkit to target these barriers using structural, economic, community, healthcare access, and technology solutions, supporting constructive improvement in the clinical trial recruitment process.
Makar A, Al-Hemoud A, Khraishah H
… +2 more, Berry J, Alahmad B
Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J
· 2024 · PMID 39525380
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This review explores the multifaceted exposures in the workplace that contribute to cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including physical, ergonomics, chemical, biological, psychosocial, and emerging occupational hazards. Th...This review explores the multifaceted exposures in the workplace that contribute to cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including physical, ergonomics, chemical, biological, psychosocial, and emerging occupational hazards. These well-documented occupational hazards have long been linked to heart disease. Exposures arising from these hazards present significant concerns for worker health and safety. Moreover, heat stress is an emerging and increasingly pervasive threat, exacerbated by climate change, particularly in outdoor, high-exposure industries like agriculture and construction. While the epidemiological links between heat and CVD are well established, there is a critical gap in research on the physiological impacts of heat on workers' cardiovascular health. In particular, migrant workers are especially vulnerable to these occupational hazards, particularly in the absence of targeted, equitable interventions. As global temperatures rise, addressing these occupational exposures is important for protecting the cardiovascular health of the workforce and the expanding field of occupational cardiology.
Ibrahim R, Pham HN, Nasir K
… +3 more, Hahad O, Sabharwal A, Al-Kindi S
Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J
· 2024 · PMID 39525379
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The exposome encompasses the full range of environmental exposures throughout a person's lifetime and plays an important role in cardiovascular health. Interactions with the social, natural, and built components of the e...The exposome encompasses the full range of environmental exposures throughout a person's lifetime and plays an important role in cardiovascular health. Interactions with the social, natural, and built components of the exposome significantly impact cardiovascular disease prevalence and mortality. Robust data analytics, including machine learning and geospatial analysis, have advanced our understanding of how these factors converge to influence cardiovascular disease risk. The integration of multiomics platforms and advanced computational approaches enhances our ability to characterize the exposome, leading to targeted public health interventions and innovative risk reduction strategies aimed at improving cardiovascular health globally. These multiomics platforms that integrate factors such as genomics, epigenomics, clinical data, social factors, environmental factors, and wearable technology will characterize the exposome in greater detail concerning cardiovascular health. In this review, we aimed to elucidate the components of the exposome and discuss recent literature regarding their relationship to cardiovascular health.
Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J
· 2024 · PMID 39525373
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This review examines the multifaceted impact of neighborhood-level social determinants of health (SDOH) on cardiovascular disease (CVD) and outlines strategic interventions for mitigating cardiovascular health inequities...This review examines the multifaceted impact of neighborhood-level social determinants of health (SDOH) on cardiovascular disease (CVD) and outlines strategic interventions for mitigating cardiovascular health inequities. Research highlights that environmental and socioeconomic factors within a neighborhood-including education, unemployment, healthcare access, racial segregation, systemic inequities, air quality, housing quality, and other SDOH-influence CVD outcomes. Addressing CVD disparities necessitates a comprehensive strategy that integrates policy reform, enhanced community infrastructure, improved healthcare access, and community empowerment and leverages innovative technology to create equitable health outcomes across diverse populations.
Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J
· 2024 · PMID 39525371
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This Points to Remember column discusses the differential diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction with normal coronary arteries, one example of which is Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. In the case presented below, the diagnos...This Points to Remember column discusses the differential diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction with normal coronary arteries, one example of which is Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. In the case presented below, the diagnosis of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy was based on the characteristic appearance of the left ventricular apical bulging, normal coronary arteries, and the resolution of the wall motion abnormalities within a relatively short period of time.
Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J
· 2024 · PMID 39525383
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The cumulative exposures of an individual during their lifetime, known as the exposome, encompass environmental exposures and lifestyle factors that significantly impact cardiovascular health. The exposome concept aims t...The cumulative exposures of an individual during their lifetime, known as the exposome, encompass environmental exposures and lifestyle factors that significantly impact cardiovascular health. The exposome concept aims to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding how various exposures combine to influence disease risk and health outcomes over a lifetime. Diet is a well-studied aspect of the exposome, recognized as a critical contributor to cardiovascular health and influencing various other health metrics and behaviors. Furthermore, understanding agricultural food systems and their interrelationships with dietary choice and impacts on environmental and human health requires a systems approach. Through a review of the literature, this publication will (1) elucidate the interconnections between the exposome and cardiovascular diseases through the lens of agricultural systems and environmental health; (2) examine the effect of diet on cardiovascular health; (3) examine the influence of socioeconomic and cultural factors on the agricultural food system and dietary choices; and (4) highlight the importance of adopting a systems approach that integrates dietary interventions with sustainable agricultural practices, emphasizing the need for holistic strategies to address the root causes of cardiovascular health issues through balanced human and environmental health interventions.