Browse Cardiology General Articles by Topic

Outcomes for Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair for Functional Mitral Regurgitation

Researchers analyzed transcutaneous mitral valve repair in patients with moderate-to-severe or worse mitral valve regurgitation caused by cardiomyopathy and heart failure despite maximally tolerated guideline-directed medical therapy. Compared to medical therapy alone, undergoing repair resulted in fewer heart failure and other cardiovascular disease hospitalizations and significantly more time free of hospitalization and death.

Is Screening for Atrial Fibrillation Cost Effective?

Self-screening for atrial fibrillation in elderly individuals could lead to lower stroke rates, prevent bleeding-related hospitalizations, and save money.

Triglyceride-Lowering Therapy and Cardiovascular Events

Researchers studied pemafibrate vs. placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes, mild-to-moderate triglyceride elevations, and low levels of HDL and well-controlled LDL cholesterol. Despite a 31% reduction in triglyceride levels, there was no improvement in the risk of cardiovascular outcomes over a median follow-up of 3.4 years.

Mitral Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair Gains Traction in Cardiogenic Shock Patients

The authors of this large registry study examined transcatheter edge-to-edge repair in patients with cardiogenic shock and severe mitral regurgitation (MR). Successful repair was achievable in most patients and was associated with lower mortality rates and heart failure hospitalization at one year.

Clinical Significance of Mitral Annular Calcification

Researchers found mitral annular calcification to be uncommon, and few experienced associated moderate to severe mitral stenosis or regurgitation. However, the latter group recorded a high mortality rate over three years follow-up, which was significantly lower in those who underwent valve interventions, even when corrected for younger age, fewer comorbidities.

Hot Trials from the European Society of Cardiology Annual Congress

Some highlights from two key studies presented in Barcelona, Spain, between Aug. 26 and Aug. 29, 2022, along with Dr. Crawford’s personal commentary on both.

Importance of Medication Adherence in Ischemic Heart Disease

The results of a subanalysis of the ISCHEMIA trial indicated about one-quarter of patients in both conservative and invasive strategy groups were nonadherent to recommended medical therapy at baseline. Nonadherence was associated with worse health status in both groups at baseline and after one year.

Ejection Fraction and Outcomes in Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease

A study of patients with bicuspid aortic valve and moderate or more aortic valve disease revealed the cutpoint for considering aortic valve replacement should be moved from < 50% to < 60% in the guidelines.

Is Routine Stress Testing After Coronary Revascularization Necessary?

A multicentered study of routine stress testing at one year post-percutaneous coronary revascularization compared to usual care in patients with at least one high-risk coronary anatomic or clinical feature failed to show improved clinical outcomes at two years follow-up.

The Dental Procedure-Infective Endocarditis Link Controversy Continues

Infective endocarditis was more common with dental surgery or tooth extractions in the preceding four weeks in high-risk patients. Researchers abrogated this risk with antibiotic prophylaxis before the procedure.