A Review of Novel Cardiac Biomarkers in Acute or Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases: The Role of Soluble ST2 (sST2), Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), Myeloperoxidase (MPO), and Procalcitonin (PCT)

While the received traditional predictors are still the mainstay in the diagnosis and prognosis of CVD events, increasing studies have focused on exploring the ancillary effect of biomarkers for the aspiring of precision. Under which circumstances, soluble ST2 (sST2), lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and procalcitonin (PCT) have recently emerged as promising markers in the field of both acute and chronic cardiovascular diseases. Existent clinical studies have demonstrated the significant associations between these markers with various CVD outcomes, which further verified the potentiality of markers in helping risk stratification and diagnostic and therapeutic work-up of patients. The current review article is aimed at illuminating the applicability of these four novels and often neglected cardiac biomarkers in common clinical scenarios, including acute myocardial infarction, acute heart failure, and chronic heart failure, especially in the emergency department. By thorough classification, combination, and discussion of biomarkers with clinical and instrumental evaluation, we hope the current study can provide insights into biomarkers and draw more attention to their importance.

Flecainide toxicity associated with the use of goji berries: a case report

Background Goji berries (GB), usually marketed as a ‘superfruit’, are a widely used herbal supplement. As with other herbal remedies, the use of GB might be associated with herb–drug interactions, increasing plasma levels of other drugs and causing adverse events. Here, we present the case of a patient that developed flecainide toxicity secondary to an herb–drug interaction, associated with the use of GB to prevent COVID-19. Case summary A 75-year-old female presented to the emergency department with fainting. She was taking flecainide for the treatment of atrial extrasystoles diagnosed 2 years previously, and she was using a tea of GB for the prevention of COVID-19. The admission electrocardiogram showed a wide complex polymorphic tachycardia that was considered and treated as flecainide toxicity. The patient had a favourable evolution and was discharged 48 h after admission. Discussion Flecainide toxicity is uncommon and needs timely recognition and treatment; it is usually secondary to overdose and renal or hepatic failure. In our case, toxicity was associated with GB use, probably by inhibition of CYP2D6 which is the main enzyme associated with the metabolism of flecainide. Clinicians need to be aware of the possible interactions between herbal remedies (in this case used for the prevention of COVID-19) and cardiovascular drugs that are used to treat chronic cardiovascular diseases.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia Patients Suggests Less Clinical Impact Than in the General Population

At the moment of writing this communication, the health crisis derived from the COVID-19 pandemic has affected more than 120 million cases, with 40 million corresponding to Europe. In total, the number of deaths is almost 3 million, but continuously rising. Although COVID-19 is primarily a respiratory disease, SARS-CoV-2 infects also endothelial cells in the pulmonary capillaries. This affects the integrity of the endothelium and increases vascular permeability. In addition, there are serious indirect consequences, like disruption of endothelial cells’ junctions leading to micro-bleeds and uncontrolled blood clotting. The impact of COVID-19 in people with rare chronic cardiovascular diseases is unknown so far, and interesting to assess, because the virus may cause additional complications in these patients. The aim of the present work was to study the COVID-19 infection among the patients with Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT). A retrospective study was carried out in a 138 HHT patients’ sample attending an Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) reference consult. The evaluation of the COVID-19 infection in them reveals milder symptoms; among the 25 HHT patients who were infected, only 3 cases were hospitalized, and none of them required ICU or ventilation assistance. The results are discussed in the light of macrophage immune response.

Telecardiology for patients with chronic heart diseases during COVID-19 pandemic

Background: Telemedicine is an alternative to the standard consultation with a specialist during COVID-19 pandemic. Though their benefits are not well studied, the phone consultations are a potential effective resource for providing medical and psycho-social help to patients with chronic diseases during social isolation. Aim: To assess the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients, who looked for cardiology help on the phone, and the most common reasons for these consultations. Material and Methods: We analyzed the data of 196 consecutive patients with chronic cardiovascular diseases, who called for cardiology consultation at the National Patients’ Organization between 22.04.2020 and 31.07.2020. Results: The mean age of the included patients was 71,7 ± 11,3 years (17 ÷ 92), and 149 of them (76%) were above the age of 65 years (who we defi ned as elderly). 114 (58%) of the consulted on the phone were females. 96 patients (49%) called from Sofi a. The mean duration of the call was 8,5 minutes. The most common reasons for teleconsultation were unstable blood pressure – in 30% of the patients (n = 59) and anxiety – 17% (n = 33). Other reasons for seeking cardiology help were adjusting the therapy (different from the antihypertensive one) – 8%, chest pain – 7%, dyspnea – 7%, questions about follow-up of a chronic disease – 7%, palpitations – 6%, monitoring of INR – 4%, second opinion before an operation or a procedure – 2%, problems getting medications or protocols – 1,5%, administrative issues (TELK/LKK) – 1,5%. The most common chronic diseases of the consulted were: arterial hypertension (89%), heart failure (31%), ischemic heart disease (25%), diabetes mellitus (22%) and atrial fibrillation (15%). Conclusion: During COVID-19 pandemic the elderly and the women more often look for cardiology help on the phone. The suboptimal control of the blood pressure and the anxiety, caused by the pandemic, are the most common reasons for phone consultations of the patients with chronic cardiovascular diseases.

Cardiovascular Complications Associated with COVID-19 Infection

COVID-19 has spread worldwide and caused pneumonia-like illness similar to that caused by SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. Apart from lung injury, coronaviruses cause severe cardiovascular disorders. Studies have confirmed that COVID-19 uses angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor to enter the host cell similar to SARS-CoV. ACE2 receptors are found in various body organs including lungs, heart in kidneys. The most common complication observed are acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute cardiac injury and cardiovascular disorders including myocarditis, cardiac arrythmias and myocardial infarction. It can also cause acute and chronic cardiovascular diseases. Almost 20% of patients progress to severe condition. Patients with underlying cardiovascular disorders have poor prognosis. It is believed that ACEI/ARBS can alleviate the cardiovascular problems in COVID-19 patients. Hence, the risk factors for cardiovascular disease and complications should be carefully considered.

Asthma-Allergy Co-morbidity

Asthmatic and allergic conditions affect a substantial proportion of individuals globally [1]. They present chronic inhalation and exhalation (breathing) difficulties that arise from inflammatory and spasmodic reactions of the lung's air passages (bronchial tubes/tubules). Notably, risk factors for poor asthma outcomes may have considerable influence on the control level and medical care of asthmatic patients. Most commonly, allergic and asthma are inter-related, sharing several co-morbid conditions, e.g. chronic cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome.