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Topic Review
Biomechanics of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implant
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has grown exponentially within the cardiology and cardiac surgical spheres. It has now become a routine approach for treating aortic stenosis. Several concerns have been raised about TAVI in comparison to conventional surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). The primary concerns regard the longevity of the valves. Several factors have been identified which may predict poor outcomes following TAVI. To this end, the lesser-used finite element analysis (FEA) was used to quantify the properties of calcifications which affect TAVI valves. This method can also be used in conjunction with other integrated software to ascertain the functionality of these valves. Other imaging modalities such as multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT) are now widely available, which can accurately size aortic valve annuli. This may help reduce the incidence of paravalvular leaks and regurgitation which may necessitate further intervention.
  • 591
  • 26 Sep 2022
Topic Review
Role of Exercise Stress Echocardiography in Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a pathophysiological disorder that may involve various clinical conditions and may be associated with numerous respiratory and/or cardiovascular diseases. Exercise echocardiography can unmask exercise PH, detect the early stages of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, and, therefore, differentiate between pre- and post-capillary PH. Regardless of the underlying aetiology, a developed PH is associated with increased mortality. Parameters of overt right ventricle (RV) dysfunction, including RV dilation, reduced RV ejection fraction, and elevated right-sided filling pressures, are detectable with resting echocardiography and are associated with worse outcome. 
  • 590
  • 28 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Molecular Imaging in Infective Endocarditis
Infective endocarditis (IE) is a growing epidemiological challenge. Appropriate diagnosis remains difficult due to heterogenous etiopathogenesis and clinical presentation. The disease may be followed by increased mortality and numerous diverse complications.
  • 590
  • 19 Jul 2023
Topic Review
Predictive and Prognostic Biomarkers in Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD), defined as the presence of albuminuria and/or reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, is considered a growing public health problem. The implementation of novel biomarkers in clinical practice is crucial, since it could allow earlier diagnosis and lead to an improvement in CKD outcomes.
  • 590
  • 14 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Association of Obstructive Sleep Apnea with Hypertension
Hypertension (HT) is a worldwide public health issue and an essential risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition characterized by recurrent episodes of apnea and hypopnea as a consequence of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airways due to anatomic and/or functional disturbances.
  • 587
  • 06 Jul 2023
Topic Review
Myocarditis-like Episodes in Patients with Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a genetically determined myocardial disease, characterized by myocytes necrosis with fibrofatty substitution and ventricular arrhythmias that can even lead to sudden cardiac death. The presence of inflammatory cell infiltrates in endomyocardial biopsies or in autoptic specimens of ACM patients has been reported, suggesting a possible role of inflammation in the pathophysiology of the disease. Furthermore, chest pain episodes accompanied by electrocardiographic changes and troponin release have been observed and defined as the “hot-phase” phenomenon.
  • 586
  • 19 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Possible Mechanisms of Atrial Fibrillation in Athletes
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia in clinical practice, and it is an enormous burden worldwide because of its high morbidity, disability and mortality. It is generally acknowledged that physical activity (PA) is strongly associated with a significant reduction in the risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease and all-cause mortality. Moreover, it has been observed that moderate and regular physical activity has the potential to reduce the risk of AF, in addition to improving overall well-being.
  • 586
  • 31 May 2023
Topic Review
Calcium Handling in Inherited Cardiac Diseases
Calcium (Ca2+) is the major mediator of cardiac contractile function. It plays a key role in regulating excitation–contraction coupling and modulating the systolic and diastolic phases. Defective handling of intracellular Ca2+ can cause different types of cardiac dysfunction. Thus, the remodeling of Ca2+ handling has been proposed to be a part of the pathological mechanism leading to electrical and structural heart diseases. Indeed, to ensure appropriate electrical cardiac conduction and contraction, Ca2+ levels are regulated by several Ca2+-related proteins.
  • 583
  • 16 Feb 2023
Topic Review
AT1/AT2 Receptor Equilibrium in the Renin Angiotensin System
The AT1 receptor has mainly been associated with the pathological effects of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) (e.g., hypertension, heart and kidney diseases), and constitutes a major therapeutic target. In contrast, the AT2 receptor is presented as the protective arm of this RAS, and its targeting via specific agonists is mainly used to counteract the effects of the AT1 receptor. The discovery of a local RAS has highlighted the importance of the balance between AT1/AT2 receptors at the tissue level. Disruption of this balance is suggested to be detrimental. The fine tuning of this balance is not limited to the regulation of the level of expression of these two receptors. Other mechanisms still largely unexplored, such as S-nitrosation of the AT1 receptor, homo- and heterodimerization, and the use of AT1 receptor-biased agonists, may significantly contribute to and/or interfere with the settings of this AT1/AT2 equilibrium.
  • 579
  • 30 Aug 2023
Topic Review
HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors for Dyslipidemia Treatment
Dyslipidemia plays a fundamental role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Current guidelines for treating dyslipidemia focus on low-density lipoprotein–cholesterol (LDL-C). Despite advances in the pharmacotherapy of atherosclerosis, the most successful agents used to treat this disease—statins—remain insufficient in the primary or secondary prevention of acute myocardial infarction. Advancing therapy for hypercholesterolemia with emerging new drugs, either as monotherapy or in combination, is expected to improve cardiovascular outcomes. 
  • 579
  • 01 Mar 2024
Topic Review
The Roles of Periodontal Bacteria in Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis (AS) is an inflammatory vascular disease that constitutes a major underlying cause of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and stroke. Infection is a contributing risk factor for AS. Epidemiological evidence has implicated individuals afflicted by periodontitis displaying an increased susceptibility to AS and CVD. 
  • 578
  • 06 Oct 2023
Topic Review
Endothelial Senescence
Endothelial cells line at the most inner layer of blood vessels. They act to control hemostasis, arterial tone/reactivity, wound healing, tissue oxygen, and nutrient supply. With age, endothelial cells become senescent, characterized by reduced regeneration capacity, inflammation, and abnormal secretory profile. Endothelial senescence represents one of the earliest features of arterial ageing and contributes to many age-related diseases. Compared to those in arteries and veins, endothelial cells of the microcirculation exhibit a greater extent of heterogeneity. Microcirculatory endothelial senescence leads to a declined capillary density, reduced angiogenic potentials, decreased blood flow, impaired barrier properties, and hypoperfusion in a tissue or organ-dependent manner. The heterogeneous phenotypes of microvascular endothelial cells in a particular vascular bed and across different tissues remain largely unknown. Accordingly, the mechanisms underlying macro- and micro-vascular endothelial senescence vary in different pathophysiological conditions, thus offering specific target(s) for therapeutic development of senolytic drugs.
  • 578
  • 07 Mar 2024
Topic Review
LVAD as Bridge to Remission from Advanced HF
Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are an established treatment modality for advanced heart failure (HF). It has been shown that through volume and pressure unloading they can lead to significant functional and structural cardiac improvement, allowing LVAD support withdrawal in a subset of patients. 
  • 577
  • 27 Jul 2022
Topic Review
Risk Factors for Stroke in Chronic Kidney Disease
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a higher risk ofboth ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. This association appears to be partly independent from the higher prevalence of established risk factors for stroke in patients with CKD, including hypertension and atrial fibrillation.
  • 577
  • 06 Sep 2023
Topic Review
Biomarkers of Invasive Imaging for Carotid Plaque Vulnerability
Carotid artery disease has traditionally been assessed based on the degree of luminal narrowing. However, this approach, which solely relies on carotid stenosis, is being questioned with regard to modern risk stratification approaches. Guidelines have introduced the concept of the “vulnerable plaque,” emphasizing specific features such as thin fibrous caps, large lipid cores, intraplaque hemorrhage, plaque rupture, macrophage infiltration, and neovascularization.
  • 575
  • 21 Aug 2023
Topic Review
Aortic Elasticity and Cardiovascular Risk Stratification
Cardiovascular risk stratification is a cornerstone of preventive cardiology, aiming to identify individuals at a higher risk for adverse events. In line with this, aortic elastic properties have gained recognition as crucial indicators of vascular health and predictors of cardiovascular outcomes.
  • 574
  • 08 Mar 2024
Topic Review
Na-Cl Cotransporter Regulation
The pathogenesis of hypertension in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is complex, and its occurrence and development are affected by many factors. Sodium-imbalance-increased sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity and changes in the renin-angiotensin system (RAAS) are some of the key pathogenic mechanisms. An important target of these mechanisms is Na-Cl cotransporter (NCC). NCC activity is highly regulated by a complex signaling network, and these kinases appear to be sensitive to changes in hormonal and physiological environments.
  • 571
  • 09 Jan 2023
Topic Review
Signaling Mechanism of Remote Postconditioning of the Heart
Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains the leading cause of mortality in the world, highlighting an urgent need for the development of novel, more effective approaches for the treatment of AMI. Remote postconditioning (RPost) of the heart could be a useful approach. It was demonstrated that RPost triggers infarct size reduction, improves contractile function of the heart in reperfusion, mitigates apoptosis, and stimulates autophagy in animals with coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion. Endogenous opioid peptides and adenosine could be involved in RPost. It was found that kinases and NO-synthase participate in RPost. KATP channels, MPT pore, and STAT3 could be hypothetical end-effectors of RPost. 
  • 571
  • 21 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Coronary Artery Disease Pathophysiology in End-Stage Renal Disease
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients and during the first year after transplantation. Besides the traditional cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, tobacco use, family history), in CKD patients non-traditional risk factors play an important role in CAD pathophysiology.
  • 571
  • 04 Sep 2023
Topic Review
Treatment of Enterococcus faecalis Endocarditis
Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) is a commensal bacterium that causes various infections in surgical sites, the urinary tract, and blood. The bacterium is becoming a significant concern because it tends to affect the elderly population, which has a high prevalence of undiagnosed degenerative valvular disease and is often subjected to invasive procedures and implanted medical devices. The bacterium’s actions are influenced by specific characteristics like pili activity and biofilm formation. This resistance significantly impedes the effectiveness of numerous antibiotic therapies, particularly in cases of endocarditis.
  • 570
  • 17 Jan 2024
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