Ldl-c Levels In Secondary Prevention: The Lower The Better and The Sooner The Better

Ischemic heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death worldwide. Low-density lipoproteins cholesterol (LDL-c) is the main responsible factor in its pathophysiology. Despite the great farmacological advance in lipid-lowering treatments (estatins, ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors and those that remain to come bempedoic acid and inclisiran) most of our patients in secondary prevention present LDL-c levels over the recommended by the Clinical Practice Guidelines. For this reason, we developed a specific program in an attempt to achieve the goal of lowering LDL-c the lower and the sooner the better.

Mechanical Pulmonary Valve Thrombosis: Recurrence and Response to Thrombolytic Therapy

Prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT) is a serious complication in the left-sided heart valve. However, in the right-side position, this complication may be completely asymptomatic or accompanied by only a few symptoms. Research on the prevalence of thrombosis in right-sided valves is still insufficient. We sought to retrospectively report our center’s experience concerning PVT and its management outcomes.

Ocular Ischemic Syndrome as a Clue for Carotid Artery Stenosis

In current medical practice, all symptoms of a patient could reveal a systemic involvement of an inflammatory condition which primary presentation might not be vivid enough for diagnosis of the original disease. In this case report, a painful eye of a patient lead us to diagnose stenosis of carotid artery and endovascular therapy consequently subsided patient visual acuity and prevented future devastating results.

Double Trouble of Severe Hyperkalemia: Syncope and No Significant ECG Changes

Potassium is an important ion capable to maintain intra-extracellular electric gradient. Hyperkalemia is a common and potential life-threatening electrolyte disorder in patients presenting to the emergency setting. Variations in the intra-extracellular ionic flow may alter cells functions, skeletal and smooth muscle contractility and electric activity of myocardial cells. Hyperkalemia can be difficult to diagnose clinically because symptoms may be vague. Patients may be asymptomatic or report non-specific symptoms such as generalized fatigue, weakness, paralysis or palpitations. Syncope is unusual neurological manifestation. An increase in serum potassium levels is followed by progressively severe electrophysiological derangements in cardiac impulse generation and conduction, which are reflected in the electrocardiogram (ECG).

Is Additional Cardiac Procedure A Catastrophic Risk During Bentall Operation? Long Term Results in A Tertiary Center

The aim of this study was to assess the influences of concomitant cardiac surgery on the risk for mortality and morbidity after Bentall procedure. This retrospective study was a review of patients who underwent Bentall procedure from a single center experience over a 7-year period. Demographic features, surgical data, postoperative period and outcomes were analyzed. Patients with isolated Bentall surgery (Group A) were compared and concomitant cardiac surgery with Bentall procedure were compared (Group B).

Analysis of Patients’ Perceptions Living with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators on Decision-Making, Satisfaction, Quality, and End of Life: Is there a Difference Between Primary and Secondary Prevention?

The psychological impact of ICDs results in severe physical and psychosocial impairment. This study attempts to analyze patients’ perceptions on decision making, satisfaction, security and end of life (EOL) as well as explore the similarities and differences between primary and secondary prophylaxis groups.

Heart Failure and Malignancy: Implications of Chemotherapy and Radiation in the Pathogenesis of Cardiomyopathy in Cancer Treated Populations

The field of Cardio-oncology is rapidly growing with significant advances in research leading to better understanding of the underlying pathogenesis with implications in the diagnosis and management of cancer-related cardiomyopathy. Parallel to advancement in cardio-oncology is an increased awareness of the incidence of congestive heart failure and cardiomyopathy associated with malignancy. While specific cardiotoxic profiles exist for certain chemotherapeutic agents, there is increasing evidence of unexpected cardiotoxic side effects of some therapeutic modalities, combination chemo- and radiotherapy with large analyses identifying a strong association between malignancy and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, also known as “broken-heart” syndrome or stress cardiomyopathy, is characterized by transient and reversible, regional or global, myocardial dysfunction without inciting ischemic perfusion defect from obstructive coronary artery disease. While direct causative pathophysiologic mechanisms continue to be investigated, much of the postulated pathways center on the high emotional and physical burdens of cancer and the related emotional stress associated with the diagnosis of cancer as well as the corporal effects of anti-neoplastic therapies, radiation, and oncologic surgery. In this manuscript we review the most current data in this rapidly emerging field highlighting the epidemiology, the postulated pathogenetic mechanisms as well as the current guidelines by major societies addressing malignancy -associated heart failure and cardiomyopathy, a rather complex disease entity with high morbidity and mortality.