Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine最新文献

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a life-threatening condition, and early diagnosis and management are critical. There is emerging evidence on the role of advanced imaging modalities including dedicated cardiac computed tomography (CCT), and ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET). The updated 2023 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines have emphasized increased utilization of multimodality imaging in the diagnosis and management of IE. In this review, we elaborate on recent recommendations from the updated 2023 ESC guidelines, with comparisons to the current American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines, focusing on multimodality imaging in IE.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of global non-communicable disease-related deaths. In recent years there has been increasing discussion about the influence of environmental risk factors, including noise and light, on the occurrence and course of these conditions. Recent studies highlight the impact of road traffic noise on an elevated risk of stroke and increased mortality in the course of coronary artery disease (CAD). In the case of threats arising from light pollution, there are more limited published studies; however, these show an increased hospitalization risk associated with CAD. Existing analyses cannot dismiss these environmental factors, highlighting the need for further research. Future studies should investigate not only road traffic noise but also consider railway and aircraft noise. Additionally, research on light pollution should include younger individuals too. In the future, incorporating individual assessments of noise and light pollution exposure, along with the identification of particularly vulnerable groups, could contribute to refining methods of individual risk stratification and implementing new preventive strategies.

The combination of moderate to vigorous physical activity with muscle-strengthening physical activity is increasingly recognized for its significant impact on cardiovascular health. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence to compare the cardiovascular benefits of combined physical activity versus singular forms, especially in primary prevention. The main focus is on hormonal, nervous, genetic, and molecular adaptations, critical mechanisms underlying the body's response to physical activity. Our findings endorse superior benefits for combined moderate to vigorous and muscle-strengthening physical activity for preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD). This combined approach synergistically enhances cardiovascular function and more effectively reduces risk factors than either activity alone. While more research is needed to distinguish between moderate and vigorous activity levels in combination with muscle-strengthening physical activity, current evidence supports comprehensive physical activity guidelines that maximize cardiovascular health. These findings highlight the importance of integrated physical activity regimens in public health strategies and clinical practice to mitigate the global CVD burden.

Aortic aneurysm is a leading cause of death across the world. Many victicms carry it without knowing. Ruputre of aortic aneurysms leads to devastating sudden death. This brings trauma to families and our society. Based upon sound results out of several cohort studies, US Preventative Services Task Force (USPST) crafted the 1st nationwide abdominal aorta aneurysm (AAA) screening program in 2005. It was renewed and expanded in each of the subsequent revisions in 2014 and 2019. UK and Sweden estalished their own programs as well. Since then, a significant decline in AAA prevalence and mortality has been observed. Two decades into the practice, the state of the art on diagonstics, surgical approaches, and pharmacological options have drastically changed. Patients previously ineligible for treatment or inconclusive on diagnostics now have valid options. The screening program is on the verge for a bold expansion. In this review, we summarize the chroncles leading to the inception of the screening programs, progress in interpretation after implementation including gains, gaps and controversies, advents of new technologies and approaches, new fronts facing us, as well as priorities to be addressed in future phases. Particularly, screening asssys with a clinically tested biomarker, tetrahydrobiopterin (H₄B), enables unpresended accessibility, consistency and throughput to accommodate the needs of a larger population. Furthermore, patients with AAAs at size below the eligibility threhold for surgical intervention (e.g., < 5.5 cm) can be treated with novel oral medications. Confronting factors such as changing demographics and COVID-19 aftermath are putting up new challenges. Nevertheless, running a program at national scale demands both unwavering commitment and agile fine-tuning. Technical innovation will be an indispensable chapter of its continued success. The burden of aortic aneurysm-led sudden death is too heavy for any family and the society to bear; it is time to step up our resolve with additional capacities as discussed in the present review.