Cardiovascular Parameters Research Articles

Impact of Obesity on Cardiac Volumes and Left Ventricular Diameter: A Cross‐Sectional Study in an Iranian Heart Center

Introduction. Obesity, a pressing global health issue worldwide, contributes to risk factors such as hypertension and dyslipidemia, creating an unfavorable cardiovascular environment and increasing the likelihood of adverse cardiac events. His study aims to assess the impact of obesity on various cardiovascular parameters. Methods. A cross‐sectional analysis was conducted at a Heart Center, focusing on adults admitted for suspected heart diseases. The dataset included information on demographics, clinical history, laboratory results, and echocardiography. Descriptive analysis and multiple linear regression were employed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26. Results. The study of 105 individuals with suspected heart diseases revealed prevalent health factors such as hypertension (47.6%) and hyperlipidemia (61%). Body mass index (BMI) averaged 30, indicating a trend toward overweight. Obesity significantly associated with higher systolic blood pressure (SBP, p = 0.005) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP, p = 0.002), larger cardiac volumes (end‐diastolic volume, EDV, p = 0.013; end‐systolic volume, ESV, p = 0.040), and a marginally significant influence on left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter (LVEDD, p = 0.068). No significant associations were found with left ventricular end‐systolic diameter (LVEDS), heart rate (HR), or ejection fraction (EF). Conclusions. Our study highlights a significant association between obesity and elevated blood pressure, larger cardiac volumes, and a marginal impact on left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter. While caution is needed in inferring causation due to the study’s cross‐sectional nature, these findings underscore the importance of addressing obesity as a potential risk factor for adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Further investigations are warranted to enhance our understanding of the complex interplay between obesity and cardiovascular health.

Heart rate response to cognitive load as a marker of depression and increased anxiety.

Understanding the interplay between cardiovascular parameters, cognitive stress induced by increasing load, and mental well-being is vital for the development of integrated health strategies today. By monitoring physiological signals like electrocardiogram (ECG) and photoplethysmogram (PPG) in real time, researchers can discover how cognitive tasks influence both cardiovascular and mental health. Cardiac biomarkers resulting from cognitive strain act as indicators of autonomic nervous system function, potentially reflecting conditions related to heart and mental health, including depression and anxiety. The purpose of this study is to investigate how cognitive load affects ECG and PPG measurements and whether these can signal early cardiovascular changes during depression and anxiety disorders. Ninety participants aged 18 to 45 years, ranging from symptom-free individuals to those with diverse psychological conditions, were assessed using psychological questionnaires and anamnesis. ECG and PPG monitoring were conducted as volunteers engaged in a cognitive 1-back task consisting of two separate blocks, each with six progressively challenging levels. The participants' responses were analyzed to correlate physiological and psychological data with cognitive stressors and outcomes. The study confirmed a notable interdependence between anxiety and depression, and cardiovascular responses. Task accuracy decreased with increased task difficulty. A strong relationship between PPG-measured heart rate and markers of depression and trait anxiety was observed. Increasing task difficulty corresponded to an increase in heart rate, linked with elevated levels of depression and trait anxiety. A strong relationship between ECG-measured heart rate and anxiety attacks was observed. Increasing task difficulty corresponded to an increase in heart rate, linked with elevated levels of anxiety attacks, although this association decreased under more challenging conditions. The findings underscore the predictive importance of ECG and PPG heart rate parameters in mental health assessment, particularly depression and anxiety under cognitive stress induced by increasing load. We discuss mechanisms of sympathetic activation explaining these differences. Our research outcomes have implications for clinical assessments and wearable device algorithms for more precise, personalized mental health diagnostics.

Medical Mobile Application for The Management of Heart-Lung Machine during Cardiac Surgery

The goal of this work is to construct a mobile application device that has a wide variety of functions which has clinical planning and decision making for heart-lung machine controlling and to assess the users’ level of satisfaction. The app was constructed according to the steps of design, algorithm, and validation, which is based on the ionic framework. The levels of satisfaction with the developed mobile app among 20 perfusionists were assessed by a questionnaire. The project researchers have officially assigned this medical mobile application with the name is Perfusion Assistant app. that can be accessed and used effectively cross platform on iOS and Android. The application is comprised of 5 main categories which includes: a perfusion calculator, myocardial protection chart, drugs details, priming solution, and parameters values. This finding shown that all cardiovascular parameters did not significant differ from Perfusion Assistant app. when compared to manual calculation. User’s satisfaction was at 3.64 ± 0.76 in the first evaluation. After modification with feedback from experts, the satisfaction of this application was evaluated with a 4.13 ± 0.56. Thereby, Perfusion Assistant app. is an application designed in clinical planning and decision of heart-lung machine controlling for perfusionists and medical staff that work in an opened heart surgery arena. Perfusion Assistant app. offers a variety of calculations related to cardiopulmonary bypass including blood flow rate, systemic vascular resistant, priming volume, and predicted hematocrit. Furthermore, Perfusion Assistant app. provides a quick, easy access, and real-time application for cardiopulmonary bypass that user’s satisfaction was a good level.

Confounding Factors Responsible for Elevated Lp(a) Levels in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of global mortality, motivating research into novel approaches for their management. Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), a unique lipoprotein particle, has been implicated in atherosclerosis and thrombosis, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for CVDs. This study aimed to investigate the association of Lp(a) levels with various cardiovascular parameters and events among patients with confirmed cardiovascular disease. A prospective study was conducted, enrolling 600 participants, predominantly comprising males (79%), with a mean age of 52.78 ± 0.412 years diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. The follow-up was done for 18 months. Patient demographics, blood investigations, and occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were collected. SPSS version 21 was used to statistically analyze the relationships between elevated Lp(a) levels and factors such as age, glycated hemoglobin, mortality, MACE, cardiac death, target vessel revascularization, and stroke. The study revealed significant (P < 0.05) associations between elevated Lp(a) levels and advanced age, increased glycated hemoglobin levels, as well as occurrences of all-cause mortality, MACE, cardiac death, target vessel revascularization, and stroke. Notably, a significant (P < 0.05), association between high Lp(a) levels and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) emerged, suggesting Lp(a)'s role in advanced cardiac events. The findings highlight the potential significance of Lp(a) as a notable risk factor in cardiovascular health. The observed associations between elevated Lp(a) and adverse cardiovascular events, including ACS, underscore its pathogenic role. Consequently, this study supports the rationale for further research into Lp(a)-specific therapeutic interventions, offering substantial promise in refining the management strategies for cardiovascular diseases.

Differences in carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity and carotid intima media thickness between vegetarian and omnivorous diets in healthy subjects: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis are known risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Vegetarian diets have been associated with cardiovascular benefits, including improvements in metabolic parameters. However, the impact of a vegetarian diet on cardiovascular parameters, specifically arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis, in healthy individuals remains unclear. Thus, this study aims to analyze differences in arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis between vegetarian and omnivorous diets in healthy subjects. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following established guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies examining the association between vegetarian and omnivorous diets with arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis. Cross-sectional studies reporting carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWv) as a measure of arterial stiffness and carotid intima media thickness (c-IMT) as a measure of atherosclerosis were included. Data were synthesized using random effects models, and sensitivity analyses, meta-regressions, and assessment of publication bias were performed. Results: Ten studies were included in the systematic review, and seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled analysis demonstrated that individuals following a vegetarian diet had differences in the levels of arterial stiffness (cf-PWv) compared to those following an omnivorous diet (MD: -0.43 m s-1; 95% CI: -0.63, -0.23). Similarly, atherosclerosis (c-IMT) was found to be different in individuals adhering to a vegetarian dietary pattern (MD = -29.86 mm; 95% CI: -58.41, -1.32). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a vegetarian diet is associated with improved arterial stiffness and reduced atherosclerosis in healthy individuals. These results support the inclusion of a well-balanced vegetarian dietary pattern in the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases. However, further research is needed to explore the effects of a vegetarian diet on arterial health in diverse populations and to assess long-term cardiovascular outcomes.

Subclinical cardiovascular remodelling in HIV-infection: A multimodal case study of 2 serodiscordant, monozygotic twins.

Cardiovascular abnormalities are increasingly recognised among people newly diagnosed with HIV, but subclinical pathology may be challenging to diagnose. We present a case study of subtle cardiovascular changes in identical twins, one without HIV-infection and the other recently diagnosed with HIV (serodiscordant). We hypothesise that cardiovascular parameters would be similar between the twins, unless non-genetic (environmental) factors are at play. These differences likely represent occult pathology secondary to the effects of early HIV-infection. A 25-year-old female incidentally diagnosed with HIV, and her HIV-uninfected identical twin, living with her since birth, underwent comprehensive cardiovascular assessments. The HIV-positive twin exhibited a globular left ventricle (LV), larger LV volumes, decreased LV strain, peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) and higher native T1 and T2 mapping values compared to her sister. Cardiac biomarkers high sensitivity cardiac troponin T and N-terminal proBNP, as well as the novel markers of fibrosis and remodelling, galectin-3 and soluble-ST2, were higher in the HIV-infected twin. Given the twins' shared environment and genetic makeup, these differences likely stem from HIV-infection. Our study supports previous findings and suggests potential screening markers for HIV-associated cardiovascular disease, including PALS. Further research is warranted to explore PALS' utility in this context.

Gender differences in resting cardiovascular parameters and their reactivity to acute mental stress

Background: Several cardiovascular disorders (CVDs) have been linked to abnormal cardiovascular reactivity to mental stress. Females are relatively protected from the onslaught of CVDs during their reproductive age. Mental stress tests (MST) have been known to unravel the susceptibility to CVDs. Aims and Objectives: This study envisaged to observe cardiovascular parameters, that is, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) under resting conditions as well as their reactivity to mental stress in both genders. Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of sixty-one males and sixty-one females satisfying the prescribed inclusion and exclusion criteria. Blood pressures and HR were measured/calculated in both groups under resting conditions and subsequently after subjecting to MST. The results were subjected to statistical analysis using an unpaired t-test, with significance at P &lt; 0.05. Results: Resting SBP was significantly higher in males (M = 116.16, F =105.00 mm of Hg), whereas resting HR (M = 77.33, F = 80.28 bpm) and DBP (M = 67.16, F = 67.36 mm of Hg) were identical. MST produced identical increases in SBP, DBP, and HR in both genders. Conclusion: Males have a significantly higher resting SBP compared to females, but the reactivity of blood pressures (SBP and DBP) and HR to acute mental stress was identical in both genders (males and females).

Periodontitis : An underestimated risk of cardiovascular diseases

Epidemiological studies have identified periodontitis as a contributing factor to cardiovascular risk. Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the tissues supporting the teeth. Although the nature of the association between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains to be defined, the low-grade systemic inflammation and chronic bacteremia associated with periodontitis appear to be involved in the development of atherosclerosis and associated cardiovascular pathologies. Periodontal treatment has been shown to improve cardiovascular health parameters. A bidirectional preventive approach, involving the management of both periodontitis and cardiovascular risk factors, could lead to a reduction in morbidity and mortality related to cardiovascular disease.

Assessment of Metabolic, Cardiovascular, and Anthropometric Parameters in PCOS Women Attending Gynecology Clinic at Nnewi, Anambra state, Nigeria.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder in reproductive-age women, characterized by irregular periods, excess androgen levels, and ovarian cysts, often leading to infertility. While incurable, symptoms can be managed through lifestyle changes and treatments. Its exact cause is unknown, but genetic and metabolic factors are implicated. A comprehensive evaluation assessed various health markers including insulin resistance, glycemic index, lipid profile, blood pressure, BMI, and waist-to-hip ratio in PCOS women at Nnewi Anambra State Nigeria’s gynecology clinic, likely aiming to understand metabolic health, cardiovascular risks, and overall well-being. In this cross-sectional study conducted at a hospital, 45 participants diagnosed with PCOS were compared to 45 participants without PCOS, all aged between 18 and 50. Biochemical parameters were assessed using the enzyme-linked immunoassay technique. Data was expressed as Mean ± standard deviation. The differences in parameters studied between the PCOS group (test) and the control group were evaluated using an independent t-test. Statistical significance was set at a p-value of &lt;0.05. Results showed that significantly lower differences exist in the mean serum levels of LDL-C (1.23±0.73) and Insulin resistance (15.13±8.13), in women with PCOS compared with the control (1.96±0.43) and (18.46±10.20)(p&lt;0.05) respectively. A higher significant difference exists in the BMI (32.42±8.72) and WHR (0.71±0.14) of the test group (women with PCOS) compared with the control group (26.79±6.35) and (0.60±.178) respectively. The study found that women with PCOS attending the gynecology clinic at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital in Nnewi, Anambra state exhibited obesity, without dyslipidemia as indicated by notably elevated mean values of the body mass index.

Impact of different doses of esketamine on the incidence of hypotension in propofol-based sedation for colonoscopy: a randomized controlled trial.

Hypovolemia is common in colonoscopy due to fasting and bowel preparation, and propofol itself can reduce systemic vascular resistance, resulting in relative hypovolemia. Therefore, hypotension is not a rare event during propofol-based sedation for colonoscopy. Our objective was to explore the efficacy of esketamine as a sedative adjuvant in reducing the incidence of hypotension during colonoscopy. This was a prospective randomized trial. The trial was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ID: ChiCTR 2100047032). We included 100 eligible patients who planned to receive a colonoscopy and randomly divided them into 4 groups with 25 patients in each group, which were propofol 2 mg/kg (Group P), propofol 1 mg/kg with esketamine 0.2 mg/kg (Group E1), propofol 1 mg/kg with esketamine 0.3 mg/kg (Group E2), and propofol 1 mg/kg with esketamine 0.4 mg/kg (Group E3). The hemodynamic and respiratory parameters were documented at various times during the procedure, including the patient's entry into the endoscopic room (T0), the induction of sedation (T1), the insertion of the colonoscope (T2), the removal of the colonoscope (T3), and the awakening of the patient (T4). The primary outcome was the incidence of hypotension. Secondary outcomes were cardiovascular side effects other than hypotension, incidence of hypoxia, cumulative changes in cardiovascular and respiratory parameters, total propofol dosage, anesthesia recovery time, and satisfactory levels of both patients and endoscopists. The incidence of hypotension in Group E1 (16%), Group E2 (16%), and Group E3 (12%) was significantly lower than in Group P (60%), with p values 0.003, 0.003, and <0.001 respectively. The cumulative changes in diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure in Groups E1, E2, and E3 were significantly higher than in Group P (p = 0.024, p < 0.001, p = 0.006, respectively). Cumulative changes in systolic blood pressure in Group E3 were significantly higher than those in Group P (p = 0.012). The respiratory-related parameters were not statistically significant. This study showed that the application of 0.4 mg/kg esketamine in propofol-based sedation reduced the incidence of hypotension during colonoscopy while providing satisfactory sedation.

Self-Supervised Learning-Based General Laboratory Progress Pretrained Model for Cardiovascular Event Detection.

Leveraging patient data through machine learning techniques in disease care offers a multitude of substantial benefits. Nonetheless, the inherent nature of patient data poses several challenges. Prevalent cases amass substantial longitudinal data owing to their patient volume and consistent follow-ups, however, longitudinal laboratory data are renowned for their irregularity, temporality, absenteeism, and sparsity; In contrast, recruitment for rare or specific cases is often constrained due to their limited patient size and episodic observations. This study employed self-supervised learning (SSL) to pretrain a generalized laboratory progress (GLP) model that captures the overall progression of six common laboratory markers in prevalent cardiovascular cases, with the intention of transferring this knowledge to aid in the detection of specific cardiovascular event. GLP implemented a two-stage training approach, leveraging the information embedded within interpolated data and amplify the performance of SSL. After GLP pretraining, it is transferred for target vessel revascularization (TVR) detection. The proposed two-stage training improved the performance of pure SSL, and the transferability of GLP exhibited distinctiveness. After GLP processing, the classification exhibited a notable enhancement, with averaged accuracy rising from 0.63 to 0.90. All evaluated metrics demonstrated substantial superiority ([Formula: see text]) compared to prior GLP processing. Our study effectively engages in translational engineering by transferring patient progression of cardiovascular laboratory parameters from one patient group to another, transcending the limitations of data availability. The transferability of disease progression optimized the strategies of examinations and treatments, and improves patient prognosis while using commonly available laboratory parameters. The potential for expanding this approach to encompass other diseases holds great promise. Our study effectively transposes patient progression from one cohort to another, surpassing the constraints of episodic observation. The transferability of disease progression contributed to cardiovascular event assessment.

Protective effect of agomelatine on some cardiovascular and metabolic parameters in experimentally induced type 2 diabetes mellitus in rats

Protective effect of agomelatine on some cardiovascular and metabolic parameters in experimentally induced type 2 diabetes mellitus in rats

A lumped parameter model for evaluating coronary artery blood supply capacity.

The coronary artery constitutes a vital vascular system that sustains cardiac function, with its primary role being the conveyance of indispensable nutrients to the myocardial tissue. When coronary artery disease occurs, it will affect the blood supply of the heart and induce myocardial ischemia. Therefore, it is of great significance to numerically simulate the coronary artery and evaluate its blood supply capacity. In this article, the coronary artery lumped parameter model was derived based on the relationship between circuit system parameters and cardiovascular system parameters, and the blood supply capacity of the coronary artery in healthy and stenosis states was studied. The aortic root pressure calculated by the aortic valve fluid-structure interaction (AV FSI) simulator was employed as the inlet boundary condition. To emulate the physiological phenomenon of sudden pressure drops resulting from an abrupt reduction in blood vessel radius, a head loss model was connected at the coronary artery's entrance. For each coronary artery outlet, the symmetric structured tree model was appended to simulate the terminal impedance of the missing downstream coronary arteries. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm was used to optimize the blood flow viscous resistance, blood flow inertia, and vascular compliance of the coronary artery model. In the stenosis states, the relative flow and fractional flow reserve (FFR) calculated by numerical simulation corresponded to the published literature data. It was anticipated that the proposed model can be readily adapted for clinical application, serving as a valuable reference for diagnosing and treating patients.

Frequency and severity of autonomic dysfunction assessed by objective hemodynamic responses and patient-reported symptoms in individuals with myasthenia gravis.

Myasthenia gravis (MG), a rare autoimmune disorder, poses diagnostic and management challenges, with increasing incidence in Europe and significant impact on patient quality of life. Despite prevalent autonomic symptoms, comprehensive assessments integrating subjective and objective measures are lacking. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and severity of autonomic dysfunction in patients with MG and healthy controls (HCs). We used beat-to-beat hemodynamic responses during standardized autonomic function tests (AFTs) and the Composite Autonomic Symptom Score 31 (COMPASS-31) questionnaire. Study participants including, 53 patients with MG and 30 age- and sex matched HCs underwent standardized cardiovascular AFTs and completed the COMPASS-31 questionnaire. Patients were categorized into Non-CAN and CAN groups based on their Cardiovascular Autonomic Neuropathy (CAN) status, as evaluated using the Composite Autonomic Scoring Scale (CASS). During the AFTs, cardiovascular parameters including heart rate, systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic BP, mean BP, stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), and total peripheral resistance (TPR) were measured. Twenty patients with MG (38%) exhibited mild CAN (CASS ≥2) with a median total CASS score of 1.00 and CASS 0.00 in HCs. Adrenergic impairment was observed in 27 patients (52%), with 13 patients (24.5%) exhibiting longer pressure recovery time after Valsalva maneuver (VM). Cardiovagal impairment was evident in 71% of patients, with abnormal results observed in 39.6% for the deep breathing test and 56.6% for the VM. CAN MG showed worse scores than HCs for the total COMPASS-31 (p < 0.001), orthostatic (OI) (p < 0.001), secretomotor (p = 0.004), and pupillomotor domains (p = 0.004). Total COMPASS-31 and OI scores were correlated with worse disease outcomes (disease duration, severity), hemodynamic parameter changes (SV, CO, TPR) during phase II late of VM, and with changes (Δtilt-supine) in Δsystolic BP, Δdiastolic BP, Δmean BP, ΔTPR during head-up-tilt test, but not with CASS score. Our findings demonstrate mild cardiovascular autonomic impairment in adrenergic and cardiovagal domains in patients with MG. Additionally, patient-reported autonomic symptoms correlated with hemodynamic changes during AFTs and worse disease outcomes and not with the grade of autonomic abnormalities. Incorporating beat-to-beat hemodynamics during AFTs may offer further insights for characterizing orthostatic intolerance symptoms in MG group.

Towards ultrasound wearable technology for cardiovascular monitoring: from device development to clinical validation.

The advent of flexible, compact, energy-efficient, robust, and user-friendly wearables has significantly impacted the market growth, with an estimated value of 61.30billion USD in 2022. Wearable sensors have revolutionized in-home health monitoring by warranting continuous measurements of vital parameters. Ultrasound is used to non-invasively, safely, and continuously record vital parameters. The next generation of smart ultrasonic devices for healthcare integrates microelectronics with flexible, stretchable patches and body-conformable devices. They offer not only wearability, and user comfort, but also higher tracking accuracy of immediate changes of cardiovascular parameters. Moreover, due to the fixed adhesion to the skin, errors derived from probe placement or patient movement are mitigated, even though placement at the correct anatomical location is still critical and requires a user's skill and knowledge. In this review, the steps required to bring wearable ultrasonic systems into the medical market (technologies, device development, signal-processing, in-lab validation, and, finally, clinical validation) are discussed. The next generation of vascular ultrasound and its future research directions offer many possibilities for modernizing vascular health assessment and the quality of personalized care for home and clinical monitoring.

Is target-controlled infusion better than manual controlled infusion during TIVA for elective neurosurgery? Results of a single-centre pilot study.

Maintaining optimal systemic circulatory parameters is essential to ensure adequate cerebral perfusion (CPP) during neurosurgery, especially when autoregulation is impaired. To compare two types of total intravenous anaesthesia i.e. target controlled infusion (TCI) and manually controlled infusion (MCI) with propofol and remifentanil in terms of their control of cardiovascular parameters during neurosurgical resection of intracranial pathology. Patients with supratentorial intracranial pathology were selected for the study. Patients in ASA grades III and IV and those with diseases of the circulatory system were excluded. Patients were randomly divided into two equal groups according to the method of general anaesthesia used i.e. TCI or MCI. During the neurosurgery, the values of mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), bispectral index (BIS) and central venous pressure were monitored and recorded at the designated 14 relevant (i.e. critical from the anaesthetist's and neurosurgeon's points of view) measurement points. Fifty patients (25 TCI and 25 MCI) were enrolled in the study. The groups did not differ with respect to sex, age and BMI, operation time or volume of removed lesions. TCI-anaesthetised patients had better MAP stability at the respective time points. Due to the greater stability of MAP, which has a direct effect on CPP, TCI appears to be the method of choice in anaesthesia for intracranial surgery.

Levosimendan: efficacy and safety in pediatric heart failure treatment.

The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of levosimendan as an alternative treatment for pediatric patients with decompensated heart failure unresponsive to conventional inotropes and to emphasize its role in enhancing cardiovascular stability. A total of 15 pediatric patients with decompensated heart failure, stemming from acute fulminant myocarditis (53.3%) and post-congenital heart disease surgery complications (46.7%), received levosimendan. The evaluation focused on adverse effects, respiratory support requirements, and concurrent inotropic medication use during levosimendan treatment. Key cardiovascular parameters were assessed at 0, 6, 12, and 24 h post-levosimendan infusion. Levosimendan administration significantly improved key cardiovascular metrics. Left ventricular ejection fraction increased notably from 45±14.8% to 58±15.6% at 24 h (p<0.001). Systolic and diastolic blood pressures rose significantly, with systolic increasing from 79 (68-90) to 98 (89-109) mmHg and diastolic from 47 (40-57) to 66 (54-76) mmHg by 24 h (p<0.001). Heart rate decreased from 162 (111-175) to 132 (99-148) bpm (p=0.02), and lactate levels significantly decreased from 4.15 (2.3-6.5) to 1.85 (0.8-2.6) mmol/L within 6 h (p<0.001). Levosimendan demonstrates its significance in managing pediatric heart failure, indicating its safety and potential to enhance cardiac outcomes by reducing reliance on traditional inotropes.

Immediate effect of mud pack on resting cardiovascular parameters in hypertensive individuals – A single-arm pilot study

Immediate effect of mud pack on resting cardiovascular parameters in hypertensive individuals – A single-arm pilot study

Longitudinal Echocardiographic Follow-Up of a Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Cohort.

Significant involvement of the cardiovascular system is known in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). This study aimed to examine the recovery of affected cardiovascular parameters over a medium-term follow-up. A cohort of 69 children was studied prospectively. Assessments of left ventricular (LV) function and coronary artery abnormalities (CAA) were conducted at admission, 1.5 months, and 3 months. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) antibody titers were assessed at these three time points. Echocardiographic and antibody parameters (rising/decreasing) were analyzed for correlation. Outcomes were assessed using logistic regression. At admission, among the 78.2% of patients who were tested, 88.9% tested positive for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). A quarter of the patients had pericardial effusion, and half had valvulitis. Decreased ejection fraction, global circumferential strain (GCS), and global longitudinal strain (GLS) were seen in 54.4%, 68.6%, and 35.8% of patients, respectively. CAAs were observed in 27.78% of patients. Systolic dysfunction was significantly associated with older age. During follow-up, severe LV dysfunction normalized within 6-7 weeks, while mild to moderate dysfunction reached normalcy by two weeks. Both GCS and GLS reached normalcy within a median of two weeks. Diastolic parameters recovered by six weeks. Most small and moderate coronary aneurysms resolved, but a giant aneurysm in an infant remained large even after 15 months. Trends in antibodies and ejection fraction (EF) at three months were significantly correlated. Admission EF, GLS (at 6 weeks) and deceleration time (at 3 months) were significantly associated with intensive care unit (ICU) admission. The median segmental strain of the cohort remained low in certain segments at three months. Smaller CAAs resolve, whereas giant CAAs persist. EF and GLS are important predictors of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) stay. The residual impairment of median segmental strain and persistent diastolic dysfunction at three months indicate the need for long-term follow-up.

The Impact of Regular Physical Activity on Lipid Profile and Cardiovaskular Health in Adolescents : A Literature Review

This literature review delves into the impact of regular physical activity on lipid profiles and cardiovascular health in adolescents, addressing the growing concern of sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy habits contributing to increased cardiovascular disease risks among teenagers. By systematically searching academic databases and scientific journals using relevant keywords, a selection of 8 articles was chosen for review after rigorous screening and eligibility assessment. The findings of the review underscore the significant relationship between physical activity, metabolic parameters, and cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents. Studies consistently highlight the benefits of regular physical activity in improving lipid profiles, insulin sensitivity, and overall cardiovascular parameters in this population. For instance, adolescents engaging in moderate to high-intensity physical activity demonstrated reduced risks of metabolic syndrome and improved insulin sensitivity. Lifestyle modifications encompassing increased physical activity and dietary changes were associated with positive alterations in lipid and glycemic profiles, particularly in high-risk pediatric individuals. Notably, regular vigorous-intensity physical activity was found to yield favorable cardiometabolic outcomes in adolescents with type 2 diabetes. In conclusion, the review emphasizes the critical role of regular physical activity in maintaining cardiovascular health and managing metabolic risk factors among adolescents. Participation in physical activity, particularly at moderate to high intensity, holds promise for significant improvements in lipid profiles and cardiovascular parameters. These findings underscore the importance of promoting active lifestyles among teenagers to prevent cardiovascular disease and enhance overall health outcomes.