Current cardiology reports
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Traditional transvenous approach for permanent cardiac pacing can be associated with significant acute and chronic complications related partly to either the insertion of transvenous lead or subcutaneous placement of pacemaker device. We summarize the current status of a novel self-contained leadless cardiac pacemaker in the first-in-human and subsequent series of feasibility studies in patients indicated for ventricular rate-responsive pacing (VVI). Using a femoral venous approach, the device is implanted at the right ventricular apical septum region. ⋯ Two different systems of leadless pacemakers are currently implanted to the patients. Up to now, the electrical parameters, such as pacing thresholds, sensing parameters, and pacing impedances, either improved or remained stable within the accepted range. In this chapter, we also discuss the potential benefit for the future, but in summary, all available data demonstrate the feasibility of leadless cardiac pacing.
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Recently, novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have been approved for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Although these agents overcome some disadvantages of warfarin, they are associated with increased costs. ⋯ The available cost-effectiveness analyses suggest that NOACs are cost-effective compared to warfarin, with apixaban likely being most favorable. However, significant limitations in these models are present and should be appreciated when interpreting their results.
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Despite the efficacy of statins in reducing cardiovascular events in both primary and secondary prevention, the adherence to statin therapy is not optimal, mainly due to the occurrence of muscular adverse effects. Several risk factors may concur to the development of statin-induced myotoxicity, including patient-related factors (age, sex, and race), statin properties (dose, lipophilicity, and type of metabolism), and the concomitant administration of other drugs. Thus, the management of patients intolerant to statins, particularly those at high or very high cardiovascular risk, involves alternative therapies, including the switch to another statin or the use of intermittent dosage statin regimens, as well as nonstatin lipid lowering drugs (ezetimibe and fibrates) or new hypolipidemic drugs such as PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies, the antisense oligonucleotide against the coding region of human apolipoprotein B mRNA (mipomersen), and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein inhibitor lomitapide. Ongoing clinical trials will reveal whether the lipid-lowering effects of alternative therapies to statins can also translate into a cardiovascular benefit.
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The identification of patients at risk of cardiac toxicity (cardiotoxicity) from cancer therapy is challenging. There is an increasing focus on early detection of cardiotoxicity such that interventions can be instituted to prevent advanced heart failure. Clinical risk prediction tools are limited and clinical symptoms are not specific. ⋯ Measurement of left ventricular ejection fraction is most commonly used; however, growing literature suggests that it is inadequate for the detection of early cardiac injury. Other measures include left ventricular diastolic function, myocardial deformation, and myocardial tissue characterization. This review will provide an overview of the clinically available measures for the assessment of cardiotoxicity.
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Review
Preventing cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes: use of aspirin for primary prevention.
Diabetics are at high risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and are considered a coronary heart disease risk equivalent. The utility of aspirin in primary prevention of ASCVD in diabetic patients has been widely studied and is still debated. Overall, the current evidence suggests a modest benefit for reduction in ASCVD events with the greatest benefit among those with higher baseline risk, but at the cost of increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. ⋯ A patient-provider discussion is recommended before prescribing aspirin therapy. Novel markers such as coronary artery calcium scores and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein may help refine ASCVD risk prediction and guide utility for aspirin therapy. This article will review the literature for the most up-to-date studies evaluating aspirin therapy for primary prevention of ASCVD in patients with diabetes.