Minerva cardiology and angiology最新文献

Heart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome which is due to cardiac structural and/or functional abnormalities that result in elevated intra-cardiac pressures and/or inadequate cardiac output. Hemodynamic assessment in HF allows the identification and characterization of cardiac dysfunction, systemic and/or pulmonary congestion and the eventual impairment of systemic perfusion which are fundamental to phenotype HF, risk stratify HF patients and to guide their treatment. Patient hemodynamics can be characterized invasively with right heart catheterization but also non-invasively with the use of echocardiography and other non-invasive ultrasound tools. The aim of the present review is to summarize the main echocardiographic and ultrasound parameters to characterize the hemodynamics of patients with HF and help clinicians to make the most of these non-invasive tools to guide HF patient management.

Introduction: New-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication following cardiac surgeries. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) showed a significant reduction in the incidence of POAF. This review aimed to systematically summarize and Meta-analyze data from previously published Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs).

Evidence acquisition: Electronic databases: PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched. Data was extracted and the quality of the included studies was assessed. A random-effects DerSimonian Laird model was employed for meta-analysis.

Evidence synthesis: Fifteen RCTs were included in this study (NAC, N.=940; control, N.=935). In the NAC group, 16.38% developed POAF compared with 23.53% in the control group. NAC supplementation was associated with a decreased incidence of POAF in patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery (RR 0.69; 95% CI 0.52, 0.91; P=0.008). Meta-regression of randomized trial data showed that the incidence of POAF was not related to the NAC dose (P=0.439). A subgroup analysis in terms of the time of NAC administration revealed that preoperative and postoperative NAC administration was the only subgroup that demonstrated a statistically significant difference (RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.32, 0.71; P=0.0003) compared with placebo and showed no heterogeneity.

Conclusions: Atrial fibrillation is a significant postoperative complication, particularly in cardiothoracic surgery. This study highlights the need for further research on optimal NAC dosing and timing, with evidence suggesting that preoperative and postoperative NAC administration may significantly decrease postoperative atrial fibrillation in cardiothoracic surgery patients, although limitations and variability in study designs need to be considered.

Angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) decreases renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and sympathetic nervous systems (SNS) activity promoting vasodilation, decreasing myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis. Beyond the SNS, RAAS and natriuretic peptide systems, ARNI results in increased circulatory and myocardial nitric oxide levels activating cGMP and protein kinase G, which reduces oxidative stress, myocyte hypertrophy, cell death and has anti-thrombotic effects. ARNIs have a class I indication by heart failure (HF) guidelines in HFrEF patients with NYHA class II to III symptoms. Beyond HFrEF, the use of ARNIs has also been expanded to other clinical settings including HF with preserved ejection fraction (EF, HFpEF), acute HF, advanced HF, hypertension, arrhythmias and chronic kidney disease. This paper reviews the clinical benefits of ARNIs in both HF and the aforementioned cardiovascular conditions. We also discuss the combined use of ARNI with SGLT2i and their potential synergistic benefits on cardiovascular outcomes.

Introduction: Lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) is a variant of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and has been associated with increased risk of vascular inflammation and thrombosis. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has been associated with local inflammation of the myocardium. It is plausible, therefore, that patients with elevated baseline Lp(a) may be prone to unfavorable clinical outcomes following CABG. We evaluate differences in outcomes between CABG patients with high and low serum Lp(a) in this meta-analysis.

Evidence acquisition: A comprehensive literature search was performed to identify studies reporting outcomes in CABG patients stratified by preoperative Lp(a) level. When possible, the outcomes were pooled in a meta-analysis. We assessed post-operative mortality, major cardiovascular events, stroke occurrence and saphenous graft occlusion.

Evidence synthesis: Eight studies involving 8681 patients were included. Articles used varying cut-offs for high versus low Lp(a), and outcomes varied. In the three studies evaluating mortality, two showed no statistically significant difference between groups while one reported increased mortality associated with high Lp(a) level. Both studies investigating major adverse cardiovascular events reported higher risk in patients with high Lp(a). A study-level meta-analysis of four studies reporting saphenous vein graft occlusion incidence after CABG was performed. High (≥30 mg/dL) preoperative Lp(a) was not associated with an increased risk of graft occlusion compared with low (<30 mg/dL) preoperative Lp(a) (OR=1.88, 95% CI: 0.66-5.36; P=0.15).

Conclusions: Studies evaluating the impact of Lp(a) on outcomes in CABG patients are few, with heterogenous cut-offs and outcomes. In the limited published studies, Lp(a) level was not associated with graft occlusion.

This review comprehensively explores the multifaceted implications of alcohol consumption on health. While acknowledging the potential cardiovascular benefits of moderate alcohol intake, concerns arise with excessive use, especially related to some specific cancer types. The detailed evidence emphasizes the importance for healthcare professionals to convey a balanced message, advocating moderation for cardiovascular benefits while acknowledging potential cancer risks linked to excessive consumption. Regarding moderate consumption, the overall balance favors intake, supported by studies like the Global Burden of Disease Study 2020. The intricate risk-benefit ratio of alcohol use demands tailored explanations based on individual characteristics and habits, considering overall risk profiles for cardiovascular diseases, alcohol-related cancers (for example, breast cancer has been associated with moderate alcohol consumption, although the evidence is not conclusive), and other health issues. Factors such as age, pregnancy, cognitive tasks, and personal history influencing the likelihood of alcohol abuse should inform personalized advice on moderate alcohol consumption. Collaborative efforts among stakeholders, including government agencies and healthcare organizations are crucial for providing up-to-date, comprehensive information. Clinical guidelines stress the complexities of the alcohol-heart healthy relationship, advocating moderation and individualized advice. Within personalized advice, the significance of moderate alcohol consumption, particularly in the form of wine within a Mediterranean diet, is highlighted. Wine is seen as a fundamental component of a wholesome diet, aligning with healthy dietary patterns, rather than a medicinal remedy. Acknowledging wine's integration into sound nutrition contributes to heart-healthy lifestyles, in line with Mediterranean dietary traditions. Healthcare professionals play a pivotal role in guiding patients on alcohol intake, considering specific health status and risk factors. Public health campaigns focus on educating individuals to make informed choices about alcohol consumption in the broader context of cardiovascular health. In conclusion, achieving cardiovascular health without undue risks necessitates a balanced and personalized approach to alcohol consumption, guided by healthcare professionals and public health recommendations.

Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO), currently recognized as a procedure with relatively low risk, is increasingly being adopted in clinical practice. However, due to the preventive nature of the procedure and the necessity to compare it with newer and safer oral anticoagulants, further optimization is required to address remaining challenges. These latter include acquiring comprehensive data on safety and efficacy, establishing standardized pre-procedural planning, and simplifying procedural process. Consequently, we have provided an overview that encompasses future opportunities for enhancing procedural safety and efficacy, thereby establishing LAAO as the mainstream strategy for stroke and systemic embolism prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation and absolute contraindications to anticoagulant drugs.

The management of coronary artery disease by means of percutaneous approach have been focused initially to overcome the recoil and acute occlusion after vessel ballooning; therefore, to develop and improve metallic stent platforms, and later drug-eluting technologies. Contemporarily, the necessity emerged to optimize interventional procedures using functional physiologic tests and intravascular imaging guidance, but still stent failures, especially in the complex lesion setting, continue to be not negligible. This comprehensive review is focused on the technology of drug-coated balloons as a tool to treat coronary artery disease without the need for metal implantation but still eluting antirestenotic drugs such as paclitaxel or sirolimus. We delve into these technologies, the drugs, the technical aspects of the deployment and the most updated evidence also proposing a dedicated interventional algorithm. There is solid data to support the use of drug-coated balloons in patients with in-stent restenosis and de-novo small coronary artery disease but also new evidence with promising results from recent studies indicate the feasibility of this approach in complex coronary interventions, bifurcation lesions and larger coronary vessels. In this state-of-the-art review, we also propose a blended approach based on the combination of drug-eluting stents and drug-coated balloons, keeping in mind the necessity to reduce the total stent length in order to reduce the long-term risk of complications.

Background: Dapagliflozin is a selective SGLT2 inhibitor, which has been widely used in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). By blocking the reabsorption of glucose in renal tubules, daglitazine can promote urinary glucose excretion, reduce blood glucose and blood pressure, and also shows a protective effect on the heart in clinical studies. Accordingly, this study was designed to explore the effects of dapagliflozin on cardiac function and short-term prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated with T2DM.

Methods: The clinical data of 100 patients with both AMI and T2DM treated at Shibei Hospital of Jingan District from January 2021 to January 2023 were analyzed retrospectively. Totally 47 patients treated with hypoglycemic agents other than SGLT-2i inhibitors on the basis of routine treatment were assigned to the control group, and 53 patients treated with dapagliflozin based on treatment of the control group were assigned to the study group. Relevant blood glucose-related indices and cardiac function-associated indices of the two groups before and after treatment were analyzed and compared: The adverse reactions of the two groups were statistically analyzed, including hypotension, hypoglycemia, diarrhea and abdominal pain, anorexia, and nausea and vomiting. The patients were followed-up for six months, on which the major cardiovascular adverse events (MACE) and incidence of readmission for heart failure in the two groups were analyzed and compared.

Results: Treatment, the FBG, 2h PG and HbA1c levels in both groups dropped significantly (P<0.05), with significantly lower levels in the study group (P<0.05). After treatment, both groups showed significantly dropped NT-pro BNP, LVEDD and LVESD levels (P<0.05) and a significantly increased LVEF level (P<0.05), with more significant drops/increase in the study group (P<0.05). No significant difference was found between the two groups in the total incidence of adverse reactions (P=0.586). During the follow-up period, there was no significant difference in the incidence of MACE between the two groups (P>0.05), and the study group showed a significantly lower incidence of readmission for heart failure than the control group (P<0.05).

Conclusions: Dapagliflozin can substantially improve the blood glucose and cardiac function of patients with both AMI and T2DM. It can lower the rate of readmission for heart failure, and provide various cardiovascular benefits besides hypoglycemic effect.

Background: Advancements in artificial intelligence are being seen in multiple fields, including medicine, and this trend is likely to continue going forward. To analyze the accuracy and reproducibility of ChatGPT answers about acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

Methods: The questions asked to ChatGPT were prepared in two categories. A list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) created from inquiries asked by the public and while preparing the scientific question list, 2023 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines for the management of ACS and ESC Clinical Practice Guidelines were used. Accuracy and reproducibility of ChatGPT responses about ACS were evaluated by two cardiologists with ten years of experience using Global Quality Score (GQS).

Results: Eventually, 72 FAQs related to ACS met the study inclusion criteria. In total, 65 (90.3%) ChatGPT answers scored GQS 5, which indicated highest accuracy and proficiency. None of the ChatGPT responses to FAQs about ACS scored GQS 1. In addition, highest accuracy and reliability of ChatGPT answers was obtained for the prevention and lifestyle section with GQS 5 for 19 (95%) answers, and GQS 4 for 1 (5%) answer. In contrast, accuracy and proficiency of ChatGPT answers were lowest for the treatment and management section. Moreover, 68 (88.3%) ChatGPT responses for guideline based questions scored GQS 5. Reproducibility of ChatGPT answers was 94.4% for FAQs and 90.9% for ESC guidelines questions.

Conclusions: This study shows for the first time that ChatGPT can give accurate and sufficient responses to more than 90% of FAQs about ACS. In addition, proficiency and correctness of ChatGPT answers about questions depending on ESC guidelines was also substantial.