Current Cardiology Reviews[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
The Relationship between Using Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitors with Mortality of Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Zadeh RF, Masoumi S, Jafari N … +2 more , Rabori VS, Heidari-Soureshjani S
Curr Cardiol Rev · 2025 · PMID 39289938 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a highly prevalent cardiac arrhythmia associated with increased mortality in affected persons. Renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASIs) have been suggested as potential therap...
BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a highly prevalent cardiac arrhythmia associated with increased mortality in affected persons. Renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASIs) have been suggested as potential therapeutic agents for cardiovascular and renal diseases. OBJECTIVES: However, the relationship between RASIs and mortality in AFib patients remains uncertain. Therefore, the present study was designed and implemented for this purpose. METHODS: We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science (WOS), Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases for studies published until 12 February 2024 with relevant keywords. We included studies that reported mortality outcomes in AFib patients treated with RASIs and non-users. The data extraction and quality assessment processes were conducted, and subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were done. The data were analyzed by Stata 15 using statistical tests, such as Chi-square and I2 tests. RESULTS: A total of 15 studies (2007-2024; n=2,178,565 patients) examined the association between RASI drugs and mortality of patients with AFib. The results indicated that compared to the control group, the odds of AFib mortality in the group receiving RASIs were equal to 0.81(95% CI: 0.71-0.92; P-value ≤0.001). The study results did not indicate publication bias (Pvalue= 0.733). During the meta-regression analysis, none of the study variables demonstrated a significant relationship with the observed heterogeneity (P-value > 0.20). Cumulative OR results showed that from 2022 onwards, there was enough evidence to confirm the relationship using RASIs with mortality of patients with AFib. CONCLUSION: Therefore, this meta-analysis suggests that the use of RASI drugs is associated with reduced AFib mortality. However, the authors emphasize the need for further high-quality studies and large-scale randomized clinical trials to validate these findings.
Incidence of Infective Endocarditis Post-TPVR with MELODY Valve in Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Veldurthy S, Shrivastava D, Majeed F … +4 more , Ayaz T, Munir A, Haider A, Mylavarapu M
Curr Cardiol Rev · 2025 · PMID 39289937 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Infective Endocarditis (IE) has emerged to be one of the most impactful adverse complications post-transcatheter procedures, especially Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement (TPVR). We conducted a syste...
INTRODUCTION: Infective Endocarditis (IE) has emerged to be one of the most impactful adverse complications post-transcatheter procedures, especially Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement (TPVR). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis with the aim of identifying the incidence of IE post-TPVR with the MELODY valve in the pediatric population. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed across several prominent databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and Science Direct. Studies compared the clinical outcomes of pediatric patients who received TPVR using the MELODY valve. Data extraction was done for variables like the total pediatric patient population that underwent TPVR with MELODY valve, mean age, the sex of the patients, the incidence rate of IE following the procedure, and the duration between the procedure and the occurrence of IE. Inverse Variance was used to estimate the incidence of IE in patients who underwent TPVR with respective 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: In total, 4 studies with 414 pediatric patients who underwent TPVR using the MELODY valve were included in the study. The mean age of the study population was 12.7 ± 3.11 years. The pooled incidence of IE following TPVR with MELODY valve in the pediatric population was 17.70% (95% Cl 3.84-31.55; p<0.00001). Additionally, the mean length of duration to develop IE following TPVR with MELODY valve in the pediatric population was 2.18 years (95% Cl 0.35-4.01; p<0.00001). CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis reveals that IE post-TPVR with MELODY valve in pediatric patients is a significant complication, clinically and statistically. Further research needs to be done to understand the risk factors and develop better management strategies.
The Impact of Beta-Blocker Maintenance on Decompensated Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
da Silva Neto LFL, de Almeida AL, Macedo LF … +3 more , do Espírito Santo CL, Brito CVB, Borges RGL
Curr Cardiol Rev · 2025 · PMID 39289936 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Acute Heart Failure (HF) is related to a significant hospital mortality rate and functional impairment in many patients. However, there is still a lack of studies that support the use of Beta-blockers (BB) in...
BACKGROUND: Acute Heart Failure (HF) is related to a significant hospital mortality rate and functional impairment in many patients. However, there is still a lack of studies that support the use of Beta-blockers (BB) in the management of decompensated HF. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the impact on mortality of maintaining BB in patients with decompensated HF. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed, using the databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, SCIELO and BVS, selecting only cohort studies and Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs) from the last 10 years, which have been selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: An 86% reduction in the risk of in-hospital death was found (RR=0.14, 95% CI: 0.10- 0.18) in patients with HF who maintained the use of BB during hospitalization. A second analysis found a 44% (RR=0.56, 95% CI: 0.47-0.66) lower chance of in-hospital death in the group that previously used BB. Regarding the analysis of mortality after hospital discharge, only studies that have evaluated the use of BB in HF with reduced ejection fraction pointed to a reduction in mortality. Furthermore, some articles have found a relationship between the reduction in readmissions and the use of post-discharge BB. CONCLUSION: There is still no consensus regarding the use of BB in patients hospitalized with decompensated HF. In view of the limitations of the data found in the present study, the need for more RCTs that address this topic is emphasized in order to resolve this uncertainty in the management of cardiovascular patients.
Use of Herbal Drugs in Cardiovascular Disease- A Review.
Kaur A, Kumar R
Curr Cardiol Rev · 2025 · PMID 39229989 · Full text
Thirty percent of deaths worldwide are caused by cardiovascular disorders (CVDs). As per the WHO data, the number of fatalities due to CVDs is 17.9 million years, and it is projected to cause 22.2 million deaths by 2030....
Thirty percent of deaths worldwide are caused by cardiovascular disorders (CVDs). As per the WHO data, the number of fatalities due to CVDs is 17.9 million years, and it is projected to cause 22.2 million deaths by 2030. In terms of gender, women die from CVD at a rate of 51% compared to 42% for males. Most people use phytochemicals, a type of traditional medicine derived from plants, either in addition to or instead of commercially available medications to treat and prevent CVD. Phytochemicals are useful in lowering cardiovascular risks, especially for lowering blood cholesterol, lowering obesity-related factors, controlling blood sugar and the consequences of type 2 diabetes, controlling oxidative stress factors and inflammation, and preventing platelet aggregation. Medicinal plants that are widely known for treating CVD include ginseng, , ganoderma lucidum, gynostemma pentaphyllum, viridis amaranthus, etc. Plant sterol, flavonoids, polyphenols, sulphur compound and terpenoid are the active phytochemicals present in these plants. The aim of this article is to cover more and more drugs that are used for cardiovascular diseases. In this article, we will learn about the use of different herbal drugs, mechanism of action, phytochemical compounds, side effects, etc. However, more research is required to comprehend the process and particular phytochemicals found in plants that treat CVD.
Hot Water Immersion as a Means to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease and Associated Mortality.
Kjertakov M, Petersen A
Curr Cardiol Rev · 2025 · PMID 39185640 · Full text
Physical activity is widely promoted as a preventive strategy against cardiovascular disease and death from this disease. However, the fact that some individuals are unable or unwilling to engage in physical activity hig...
Physical activity is widely promoted as a preventive strategy against cardiovascular disease and death from this disease. However, the fact that some individuals are unable or unwilling to engage in physical activity highlights the need for alternative strategies. Passive heat exposure using hot water immersion could serve as an alternative to physical exercise, as it provides similar, if not greater, cardioprotection than physical activity. This perspective article presents evidence supporting our concept and provides recommendations for hot water immersion sessions.
Advancements in Cardiac Catheterization Safety: Novel Radiation Protection Approaches Redefining Occupational Health.
Shaghaghi Z, Javid RN, Alvandi M
Curr Cardiol Rev · 2025 · PMID 39171475 · Full text
Radiation exposure poses a substantial occupational risk for healthcare professionals in the catheterization laboratory (cath lab). The escalating complexity and frequency of interventional procedures, such as cardiac ca...
Radiation exposure poses a substantial occupational risk for healthcare professionals in the catheterization laboratory (cath lab). The escalating complexity and frequency of interventional procedures, such as cardiac catheterizations and percutaneous coronary interventions, underscore the need for innovative strategies to mitigate radiation exposure. While traditional measures like lead aprons, thyroid collars, and goggles have been pivotal in reducing radiation exposure, they have limitations, especially during prolonged and intricate procedures. Consequently, there is a growing demand for advanced radiation protection methods that prioritize safety without compromising procedural efficacy. Recent strides in radiation protection technology have given rise to novel shielding devices and zero-radiation approaches tailored for cath lab use. The novel shields leverage innovative materials and designs to achieve superior attenuation of both scattered and direct radiation. Their ergonomic and adjustable features also ensure optimal shielding coverage without impeding the operator's skill or workflow. Multiple studies have validated the effectiveness of these advanced radiation protection methods in diminishing occupational radiation exposure in the cath lab. Initial findings suggest a significant reduction in doses for operators and staff, potentially lowering the risk of radiation-induced health complications over the long term. This article provides a comprehensive review of the current landscape of radiation protection shields in the cath lab, emphasizing the efficacy and potential of these cuttingedge shielding technologies.
A Systematic Review on the Effectiveness of Machine Learning in the Detection of Atrial Fibrillation.
Abdulraheem LW, Al-Dwa B, Shchekochikhin D … +5 more , Gognieva D, Chomakhidze P, Kuznetsova N, Kopylov P, Bestavashvilli AA
Curr Cardiol Rev · 2025 · PMID 39092649 · Full text
Recent endeavors have led to the exploration of Machine Learning (ML) to enhance the detection and accurate diagnosis of heart pathologies. This is due to the growing need to improve efficiency in diagnostics and hasten...
Recent endeavors have led to the exploration of Machine Learning (ML) to enhance the detection and accurate diagnosis of heart pathologies. This is due to the growing need to improve efficiency in diagnostics and hasten the process of delivering treatment. Several institutions have actively assessed the possibility of creating algorithms for advancing our understanding of atrial fibrillation (AF), a common form of sustained arrhythmia. This means that artificial intelligence is now being used to analyze electrocardiogram (ECG) data. The data is typically extracted from large patient databases and then subsequently used to train and test the algorithm with the help of neural networks. Machine learning has been used to effectively detect atrial fibrillation with more accuracy than clinical experts, and if applied to clinical practice, it will aid in early diagnosis and management of the condition and thus reduce thromboembolic complications of the disease. In this text, a review of the application of machine learning in the analysis and detection of atrial fibrillation, a comparison of the outcomes (sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy), and the framework and methods of the studies conducted have been presented.
A Systematic Review of Economic Evidence of Cardiovascular Interventions in India.
Abidi S, Nair A, Ahuja R … +2 more , Dwivedi S, Talegaonkar S
Curr Cardiol Rev · 2024 · PMID 39082180 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to be the primary cause of mortality globally and invariably in India as well. The rapid upsurge in the prevalence of CVDs in India has created a pressing need to promo...
BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to be the primary cause of mortality globally and invariably in India as well. The rapid upsurge in the prevalence of CVDs in India has created a pressing need to promote contemporary, sustainable, and cost-effective interventions to tackle the CVD burden. This systematic review integrates the research-based evidence of the cost-effectiveness of various interventions that can be adapted to control CVDs in India. METHODS: Databases, namely, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Google Scholar, were searched for data on the economic evaluation of interventions targeting CVD based on the Indian population for a period of 30 years (1991-2021). Two reviewers assessed the articles for eligibility, and data were extracted from the shortlisted articles as per a predefined template, including the quantification of methodological aspects. RESULTS: In total, 1249 studies were examined, out of which 23 completely met the inclusion criteria for full-text review. A total of 16 studies were based solely on the Indian population, while the rest (7) included South Asia/Asia for the intervention, of which India was a participant nation. Most of the economic evaluations targeted treatment-based or pharmacological interventions (14) for CVDs. The evaluations were based on Decision-based models (10), Randomized controlled Trials (RCTs) (9), and Observational studies (4). The cost-effectiveness ratio for the included studies exhibited a diverse range due to variations in methodological approaches, such as differences in study settings, populations, and inconsistencies in study design. The mean ICER (Incremental Cost-effectiveness ratio) for primordial and primary preventions was found to be 3073.8 (US $2022) and 17489.9 (US $2022), respectively. Moreover, the combined mean value for secondary and tertiary prevention was 2029.6 (US$2022). CONCLUSION: The economic evidence of public health interventions are expanding, but their focus is restricted towards pharmacological interventions. There is an urgency to emphasize primordial and primary prevention for better outcomes in health economics decision-making. Technology- based avenues for intervention need more exploration in order to cater to a large population like India.
Heart Disease in Mothers of Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
da Silva RMFL
Curr Cardiol Rev · 2024 · PMID 39075955 · Full text
Female carriers of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) carry a heterozygous pathogenic variant in the dystrophin gene and can transmit pathogenic variants to their offspring. DMD is an X-linked recessive disease that affec...
Female carriers of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) carry a heterozygous pathogenic variant in the dystrophin gene and can transmit pathogenic variants to their offspring. DMD is an X-linked recessive disease that affects up to 19.8 in every 100,000 male births. Those carriers with symptoms can be referred to as women with dystrophinopathy. Even among asymptomatic carriers, cardiac involvement can be verified in between 2.5% and 75% through echocardiography. The most commonly affected wall of the left ventricle is the inferolateral, with myocardial fibrosis detected by cardiac nuclear resonance. Therefore, screening is recommended for these women carriers due to the risk of cardiomyopathy. There is a lack of longitudinal studies on the evolution of these carriers. In this article, data on clinical presentation, cardiac assessment for female patients with dystrophinopathy and DMD carriers, and approaches for these patients are discussed.
Volatilome is Inflammasome- and Lipidome-dependent in Ischemic Heart Disease.
Marzoog BA
Curr Cardiol Rev · 2024 · PMID 39039680 · Full text
Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a pathology of global interest because it is widespread and has high morbidity and mortality. IHD pathophysiology involves local and systemic changes, including lipidomic, proteomic, and i...
Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a pathology of global interest because it is widespread and has high morbidity and mortality. IHD pathophysiology involves local and systemic changes, including lipidomic, proteomic, and inflammasome changes in serum plasma. The modulation in these metabolites is viable in the pre-IHD, during the IHD period, and after management of IHD in all forms, including lifestyle changes and pharmacological and surgical interventions. Therefore, these biochemical markers (metabolite changes; lipidome, inflammasome, proteome) can be used for early prevention, treatment strategy, assessment of the patient's response to the treatment, diagnosis, and determination of prognosis. Lipidomic changes are associated with the severity of inflammation and disorder in the lipidome component, and correlation is related to disturbance of inflammasome components. Main inflammasome biomarkers that are associated with coronary artery disease progression include IL-1β, Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain- like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), and caspase-1. Meanwhile, the main lipidome biomarkers related to coronary artery disease development involve plasmalogen lipids, lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE), and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). The hypothesis of this paper is that the changes in the volatile organic compounds associated with inflammasome and lipidome changes in patients with coronary artery disease are various and depend on the severity and risk factor for death from cardiovascular disease in the time span of 10 years. In this paper, we explore the potential origin and pathway in which the lipidome and or inflammasome molecules could be excreted in the exhaled air in the form of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
The Association between Serum Follistatin-like Proteins and Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Ahmadzadeh AM, Khodashahi R, Shabestari MM … +3 more , Aliakbarian M, Sahebkar A, Arjmand MH
Curr Cardiol Rev · 2024 · PMID 39034719 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Follistatin-like proteins (FSTLs) are adipomyokines secreted by adipocytes and myocytes. Previous studies have reported an increase in circulating FSTL1 levels in response to cardiovascular injuries. In this...
BACKGROUND: Follistatin-like proteins (FSTLs) are adipomyokines secreted by adipocytes and myocytes. Previous studies have reported an increase in circulating FSTL1 levels in response to cardiovascular injuries. In this study, we conducted a systematic review and metaanalysis to assess the association between circulating FSTLs and Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs). METHODS: We performed a comprehensive literature search using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase databases. After screening the articles, we selected eligible studies, extracted relevant data, and calculated the pooled Standardized Mean Difference (SMD). We also conducted a sensitivity analysis to identify sources of heterogeneity and assessed publication bias. RESULTS: Among the 577 articles initially retrieved, we included 5 studies comprising a total of 941 cases with CVDs and 446 controls. All included studies measured FSTL1 levels. The pooled SMD analysis revealed a significant difference in circulating FSTL1 levels between subjects with CVDs and control groups (SMD = 0.853, 95% CI = 0.158-1.548, P = 0.016). Heterogeneity was primarily attributed to a single study that measured FSTL1 levels in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction. No publication bias was observed. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate significantly higher levels of FSTL1 in patients with CVD compared to control subjects. This suggests that FSTL1 may have potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in CVDs. However, further well-designed studies are needed to validate its clinical utility.
Cardiac Amyloidosis in Venezuela: A Pending Issue.
Salazar J, Bracho M, Esis C … +1 more , Añez-Ramos R
Curr Cardiol Rev · 2024 · PMID 39021194 · Full text
Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is an infiltrative disease characterized by the deposition of misfolded proteins in cardiac interstitial tissue. Interest towards studying this pathology has been growing in the last decade, as n...
Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is an infiltrative disease characterized by the deposition of misfolded proteins in cardiac interstitial tissue. Interest towards studying this pathology has been growing in the last decade, as new epidemiological insights have revealed that it is not as uncommon as previously believed. Likewise, advances in non-invasive diagnostic approaches and the identification of molecules that modify its long-term progression, even in terms of mortality, have also bolstered interest in CA. Despite this global panorama, in Venezuela, limitations remain regarding the diagnosis of CA, partly associated with a lack of knowledge of the disease. Therefore, additional efforts are necessary for clinical cardiologists to hone their diagnostic skills regarding this disease, as opportune identification is an essential step for its effective management.
Invasive Treatment of Left Main Coronary Artery Disease: From Anatomical Features to Mechanistic Differences.
Kirov H, Caldonazo T, Doenst T
Curr Cardiol Rev · 2024 · PMID 39021193 · Full text
There is debate on the best treatment for significant stenoses of the left main (LM) coronary artery. The available evidence is based on four randomized trials, which were either performed specifically to assess patients...
There is debate on the best treatment for significant stenoses of the left main (LM) coronary artery. The available evidence is based on four randomized trials, which were either performed specifically to assess patients with LM disease (EXCEL, NOBLE, PRECOMBAT) or had a significant fraction of patients with this disease pattern (SYNTAX). A meta-analysis revealed no difference in periprocedural and 5-year mortality but demonstrated a significant reduction of spontaneous myocardial infarction (MI) with CABG. Furthermore, the recently published SWEDEHEART registry data have shown survival advantage and fewer MACCE with CABG for LM disease after adjustment. In general, patients with more severe coronary artery disease (CAD) appear to have a survival advantage with CABG both over PCI and medical therapy (independent of the presence or absence of LM stenosis), which is always associated with a reduction of spontaneous MI in the CABG arm. Since the nomenclature of LM disease does not automatically reflect the complexity of CAD, we review the nature of LM disease in this article. We mechanistically assess the treatment effects of PCI and CABG for patients with LM disease, which is rarely isolated, often distal, and mostly associated with varying degrees of single and multi-vessel disease. We conclude that in patients with isolated LM shaft lesions and associated diseases of low complexity, the risk of spontaneous MI is lower, and PCI may achieve similar long-term outcomes compared to CABG. Thus, heart teams are essential for selecting the best treatment option and should focus on assessing infarction risk in chronic CAD.
Volatilome: A Novel Tool for Risk Scoring in Ischemic Heart Disease.
Marzoog BA
Curr Cardiol Rev · 2024 · PMID 38982923 · Full text
Developing a novel risk score for accurate assessment of cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality is an urgent need in terms of early prevention and diagnosis and, thereafter, management, particularly of isch...
Developing a novel risk score for accurate assessment of cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality is an urgent need in terms of early prevention and diagnosis and, thereafter, management, particularly of ischemic heart disease. The currently used scores for the evaluation of cardiovascular disease based on the classical risk factors suffer from severe limitations, including inaccurate predictive values. Therefore, we suggest adding a novel non-classical risk factor, including the level of specific exhaled volatile organic compounds that are associated with ischemic heart disease, to the SCORE2 and SCORE2-OP algorithms. Adding these nonclassical risk factors can be used together with the classical risk factors (gender, smoking, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, ethnicity, etc.) to develop a new algorithm and further program to be used widely.
Assessment of Lifetime Risk for Cardiovascular Disease: Time to Move Forward.
Sigala EG, Panagiotakos DB
Curr Cardiol Rev · 2024 · PMID 38963102 · Full text
Over the past decades, there has been a notable increase in the risk of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), even among younger individuals. Policymakers and the health community have revised CVD prevention programs to include...
Over the past decades, there has been a notable increase in the risk of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), even among younger individuals. Policymakers and the health community have revised CVD prevention programs to include younger people in order to take these new circumstances into account. A variety of CVD risk assessment tools have been developed in the past years with the aim of identifying potential CVD candidates at the population level; however, they can hardly discriminate against younger individuals at high risk of CVD.Therefore, in addition to the traditional 10-year CVD risk assessment, lifetime CVD risk assessment has recently been recommended by the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology and the European Society of Cardiology prevention guidelines, particularly for young individuals. Methodologically, the benefits of these lifetime prediction models are the incorporation of left truncation observed in survival curves and the risk of competing events which are not considered equivalent in the common survival analysis. Thus, lifetime risk data are easily understandable and can be utilized as a risk communication tool for Public Health surveillance. However, given the peculiarities behind these estimates, structural harmonization should be conducted in order to create a sex-, race-specific tool that is sensitive to accurately identifying individuals who are at high risk of CVD. In this review manuscript, we present the most commonly used lifetime CVD risk tools, elucidate several methodological and critical points, their limitations, and the rationale behind their integration into everyday clinical practice.
A Rare Case of Brucellosis with Multivalvular Endocarditis and Complete Heart Block.
Gothwal SK, Goyal K, Garg AS … +8 more , Sahu BK, Agrawal M, Mishra A, Singh Y, Subramaniyan V, Singla N, Hussain MS, Gupta G
Curr Cardiol Rev · 2024 · PMID 38963101 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Brucellosis is a public health concern that affects multiple organs. However, cardiovascular problems arise infrequently, affecting fewer than 2% of cases, typically presenting as endocarditis. CASE PRESENTAT...
BACKGROUND: Brucellosis is a public health concern that affects multiple organs. However, cardiovascular problems arise infrequently, affecting fewer than 2% of cases, typically presenting as endocarditis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 50-year male was admitted with low-grade fever, night sweats, weight loss (13 kg), malaise, and generalized weakness for the past 6 months. On clinical examination, he was febrile with 39.0°C, an average heart rate of 54 bpm, and 100/40 mmHg blood pressure. On cardiovascular examination, S1 and S2 were soft with pan systolic murmur present in the mitral area, and the early diastolic murmur was present in the left third intercostal space. Electrocardiography was suggestive of third-degree heart block with AV dissociation. Transthoracic echocardiography showed mobile vegetations attached to multiple valves- an aortic valve (18.2x11.9 mm) and a mitral valve (2.9x7.5 mm) with perivalvular abscess. He was given oral doxycycline (100 mg B.D.) and rifampicin (600 mg/day); the patient responded, but the AV block did not resolve. CONCLUSION: This report has drawn attention to multivalvular involvement and cardiac rhythm abnormalities in Brucellosis (in this case, A.V. dissociation was present) because early diagnosis and treatment can cause a significant decrease in morbidity as well as mortality by appropriate treatment.
Cardiology and Neurophysiological Stimulation of Internet Gaming Disorders: A Systematic Review.
Selvam IJ
Curr Cardiol Rev · 2024 · PMID 38910426 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is recognized as a mental health condition associated with excessive video gaming, leading to functional impairments. The inclusion of IGD in the DSM-5 has underscored the impor...
BACKGROUND: Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is recognized as a mental health condition associated with excessive video gaming, leading to functional impairments. The inclusion of IGD in the DSM-5 has underscored the importance of comprehensively understanding its physiological and psychological effects. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to analyze and synthesize existing literature on the cardiophysiological and neurophysiological activities of individuals diagnosed with IGD, with a focus on identifying patterns, trends, and implications for clinical practice and future research. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus databases to identify relevant studies published up to 2023. The search strategy included terms related to IGD, cardiophysiology, neurophysiology, and relevant measurement techniques. Inclusion criteria encompassed peer-reviewed research articles and clinical trials examining cardiophysiological (e.g., heart rate variability, blood pressure) and neurophysiological (e.g., brain imaging, electroencephalography) parameters in individuals with IGD. Exclusion criteria were applied to ensure methodological rigor and relevance to the research question. RESULTS: The initial search yielded 1320 papers related to IGD, of which twenty studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Data extraction and synthesis focused on key cardiophysiological and neurophysiological outcomes observed in individuals with IGD compared to healthy controls. Findings revealed decreased Heart Rate Variability (HRV), increased sympathetic activity, and executive control deficits in IGD individuals based on Electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings and cognitive assessments. Neuroimaging studies demonstrated heightened brain activation in the lateral and prefrontal cortex, altered reward processing, and impulse control mechanisms among IGD subjects. Gender-specific differences were noted, with males exhibiting distinct thalamic activation striatum and decreased Regional Homogeneity (ReHo) in the right Posterior Cingulate (rPCC) compared to females. DISCUSSION: The synthesized evidence indicates a complex interplay between excessive gaming and cardiophysiological/neurophysiological changes, highlighting the need for multidimensional assessments in diagnosing and managing IGD. Implications for clinical practice include early detection using ECG, EEG, and advanced neuroimaging techniques, as well as personalized interventions tailored to individual characteristics and gender-specific differences. CONCLUSION: This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the cardiophysiological and neurophysiological activities associated with Internet Gaming Disorder. The findings underscore the need for further research to elucidate underlying mechanisms, develop standardized diagnostic protocols, and optimize targeted interventions for individuals with IGD.
CT-derived Fractional Flow Reserve: How, When, and Where to use this Novel Cardiac Imaging Tool.
Javid RN, Hosseini SK
Curr Cardiol Rev · 2024 · PMID 38840399 · Full text
Fractional flow reserve computed tomography (FFRCT) is a novel imaging modality. It utilizes computational fluid dynamics analysis of coronary blood flow obtained from CCTA images to estimate the decrease in pressure acr...
Fractional flow reserve computed tomography (FFRCT) is a novel imaging modality. It utilizes computational fluid dynamics analysis of coronary blood flow obtained from CCTA images to estimate the decrease in pressure across coronary stenosis during the maximum hyperemia. The FFRCT can serve as a valuable tool in the assessment of coronary artery disease (CAD). This non-invasive option can be used as an alternative to the invasive fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) evaluation, which is presently considered the gold standard for evaluating the physiological significance of coronary stenoses. It can help in several clinical situations, including Assessment of Acute and stable chest pain, virtual planning for coronary stenting, and treatment decision-making. Although FFRCT has demonstrated potential clinical applications as a non-invasive imaging technique, it is also crucial to acknowledge its limitations in clinical practice. As a result, it is imperative to meticulously evaluate the advantages and drawbacks of FFRCT individually and contemplate its application in combination with other diagnostic examinations and clinical data.
A Systematic Review of Herbal Interventions for the Management of Cardiovascular Diseases.
Wal A, Verma N, Balakrishnan SK … +5 more , Gahlot V, Dwivedi S, Sahu PK, Tabish M, Wal P
Curr Cardiol Rev · 2024 · PMID 38706368 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases represent a significant global health burden, necessitating diverse approaches for effective management. Herbal interventions have gained attention as potential adjuncts or alternative...
BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases represent a significant global health burden, necessitating diverse approaches for effective management. Herbal interventions have gained attention as potential adjuncts or alternatives to conventional therapies due to their perceived safety and therapeutic potential. This structured abstract provides a comprehensive review of herbal interventions for the management of CVDs, summarising key findings, mechanisms of action, and clinical implications. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to evaluate the impact of various herbal interventions employed for managing cardiovascular diseases. METHOD: We conducted an extensive literature search across electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, from inception to 2022. Studies were included if they investigated the use of herbal remedies for preventing or treating CVDs. Data extraction and synthesis focused on botanical sources, active compounds, mechanisms of action, and clinical outcomes. RESULT: Numerous herbal interventions have demonstrated promising cardiovascular benefits. A number of medicinal herbs well identified to treat CVD are . Mechanistic insights reveal that herbal interventions often target multiple pathways involved in CVD pathogenesis. These mechanisms encompass anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-thrombotic, anti-hypertensive, and lipid-lowering effects. Additionally, some herbs enhance endothelial function, promote nitric oxide production, and exert vasodilatory effects, contributing to improved cardiovascular health. Clinical studies have provided evidence of the efficacy of certain herbal interventions in reducing CVD risk factors and improving patient outcomes. However, more rigorous, large-scale clinical trials are needed to establish their long-term safety and effectiveness. It is crucial to consider potential herb-drug interactions and standardise dosages for reliable therapeutic outcomes. CONCLUSION: This comprehensive review highlights the potential of herbal interventions as valuable adjuncts or alternatives for managing cardiovascular diseases. Herbal remedies offer diverse mechanisms of action, targeting key CVD risk factors and pathways. While promising, their clinical utility warrants further investigation through well-designed trials to establish their safety and efficacy, paving the way for integrated approaches to cardiovascular disease management. Healthcare providers and patients should engage in informed discussions about the use of herbal interventions alongside conventional therapies in the context of CVD prevention and treatment.
Cardiovascular Reflexes - Vagus as the Key Player.
Herlekar SS, Doyizode AR, Siddangoudra SP … +1 more , Anupama V
Curr Cardiol Rev · 2024 · PMID 38685784 · Full text
The cardiac and vascular systems work in coordination by activating various reflex mechanisms based on the body's needs. These may be during physiological variations or pathophysiological changes seen in disease conditio...
The cardiac and vascular systems work in coordination by activating various reflex mechanisms based on the body's needs. These may be during physiological variations or pathophysiological changes seen in disease conditions of varying degrees of severity. This article intends to explain various reflexes involved in the homeostasis of the cardiovascular system and the role of vagus as the key component in all these reflexes. The article also explains the components of the reflex arc, the stimulus and response, and the role of reflex in a few diseases. This article describes 22 different cardiovascular reflexes in detail.
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