Browse Cardiology Articles by Topic

Direct Oral Anticoagulants vs. Warfarin for Left Ventricular Thrombus

A small pilot randomized controlled trial, plus a meta-analysis including four other randomized controlled trials, of direct oral anticoagulants compared to warfarin for the treatment of left ventricular thrombus after ST-elevation myocardial infarction has shown that there were no significant differences in the two regimens regarding thrombus resolution and major bleeding events at three-month follow-up.

The Cause of the ‘Burning?’

The electrocardiogram (ECG) in the figure is from a man with a new and severe “burning” chest discomfort. On seeing this ECG, the paramedic team requested activating the cath lab. Would you have done the same?

Use of Coronary Calcium Score in Familial Coronary Artery Disease

A randomized trial of computed tomography (CT) coronary artery calcium score augmented management vs. usual care of primary prevention patients at moderate risk of a coronary event and with a family history of premature coronary events has shown that, after three years of follow-up, the calcium score group had lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and smaller total plaque volumes by CT angiography.

New Indications for Aortic Valve Replacement in Chronic Aortic Regurgitation

A retrospective observational study of asymptomatic patients with isolated moderate to severe or severe aortic valve regurgitation by echocardiography has shown that left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) < 60%, LV end systolic volume index > 45 mL/m², or global longitudinal strain less than -15% is associated with all-cause mortality, but mortality is highest when current guideline recommendations are present. This suggests that there is a survival penalty with the sole use of the current guidelines.

Routine Use of Cerebral Embolic Protection Experiences a Resounding Blow in BHF PROTECT-TAVI

In this randomized, multicenter trial involving more than 7,600 patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement, routine use of a cerebral embolic protection device did not reduce the incidence of early post-procedure stroke.

Cardiovascular Risk with mRNA COVID Vaccines

A large, nationwide population study in Sweden of the risk of adverse cardiovascular events after messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccinations has shown that, except for rare cases of myopericarditis, severe cardiovascular events, such as myocardial infarction, heart failure, and stroke, are reduced, probably because of the prevention of COVID infection.

Arrhythmia Recurrence After Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

An integrated nationwide medical and pharmacy claims database analysis of patients with new atrial fibrillation undergoing catheter ablation as first-line therapy has shown that 17% of patients required repeat ablation for recurrent atrial fibrillation despite the frequent use of antiarrhythmic drugs.

Ten-Year Outcomes of the SCOT-HEART Study

The 10-year follow-up of the SCOT-HEART Study of new-onset chest pain patients randomized to standard care vs. the addition of coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) has shown that coronary heart disease-related death, myocardial infarction, and other adverse cardiovascular outcomes are reduced with CTA use, perhaps because preventive therapy is increased.

Importance of Dynamic Mitral Regurgitation in Ischemic Cardiomyopathy

A small observational study of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and mitral valve regurgitation referred for exercise testing who underwent isometric handgrip exercise showed that the baseline presence or development of severe mitral regurgitation with exercise was predictive of a composite adverse outcome endpoint at one year.

Ten-Year Outcomes of the SCOT-HEART Study

The 10-year follow-up of the SCOT-HEART Study of new-onset chest pain patients randomized to standard care vs. the addition of coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) has shown that coronary heart disease-related death, myocardial infarction, and other adverse cardiovascular outcomes are reduced with CTA use, perhaps because preventive therapy is increased.