Management Of Cardiovascular Disease Research Articles

Can Observational Data and Target Trial Emulation Inform Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Management Guidelines?

Can Observational Data and Target Trial Emulation Inform Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Management Guidelines?

Target Cell Extraction and Spectrum-Effect Relationship Coupled with BP Neural Network Classification for Screening Potential Bioactive Components in Ginseng Extract with a Protective Effect against Myocardial Damage.

Cardiovascular disease has become a common ailment that endangers human health, having garnered widespread attention due to its high prevalence, recurrence rate, and sudden death risk. Ginseng possesses functions such as invigorating vital energy, enhancing vein recovery, promoting body fluid and blood nourishment, calming the nerves, and improving cognitive function. It is widely utilized in the treatment of various heart conditions, including palpitations, chest pain, heart failure, and other ailments. Although numerous research reports have investigated the cardiovascular activity of single ginsenoside, there remains a lack of systematic research on the specific components group that predominantly contribute to cardiovascular efficacy in ginseng medicinal materials. In this research, the spectrum-effect relationship, target cell extraction, and BP neural network classification were used to establish a rapid screening system for potential active substances. The results show that red ginseng extract (RGE) can improve the decrease in cell viability and ATP content and inhibit the increase in ROS production and LDH release in OGD-induced H9c2 cells. A total of 70 ginsenosides were identified in RGE using HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis. Chromatographic fingerprints were established for 12 batches of RGE by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A total of 36 common ingredients were found in 12 batches of RGE. The cell viability, ATP, ROS, and LDH of 12 batches RGE were tested to establish gray relationship analysis (GRA) and partial least squares discrimination analysis (PLS-DA). BP neural network classification and target cell extraction were used to narrow down the scope of Spectral efficiency analysis and screen the potential active components. According to the cell experiments, RGE can improve the cell viability and ATP content and reduce the oxidative damage. Then, seven active ingredients, namely, Ginsenoside Rg1, Rg2, Rg3, Rb1, Rd, Re, and Ro, were screened out, and their cardiovascular activity was confirmed in the OGD model. The seven ginsenosides were the main active substances of red ginseng in treating myocardial injury. This study offers a reference for quality control in red ginseng and preparations containing red ginseng for the management of cardiovascular diseases. It also provides ideas for screening active ingredients of the same type of multi-pharmacologically active traditional Chinese medicines.

Epidemiology and current management of cardiovascular disease in China.

The Annual Report on Cardiovascular Health and Diseases in China (2022) intricate landscape of cardiovascular health in China. This is the fourth section of the report with a specific focus on epidemiology and current management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in China. This section of the report highlights the epidemiological trends of CVD in China. It reveal a concerning rise in prevalence, with approximately 330 million affected individuals, including significant numbers with stroke, coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure, and other conditions. CVD stands as the primary cause of mortality among both urban and rural populations, accounting for nearly half of all deaths in 2020. Mortality rates are notably higher in rural areas compared to urban centers since 2009. While age-standardized mortality rates have decreased, the absolute number of CVD deaths has increased, primarily due to population aging. Ischemic heart disease, hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes are the leading causes of CVD-related deaths. Notably, the burden of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease has risen substantially, with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease-related deaths increasing from 1990 to 2016. The incidence of ischemic stroke and ischemic heart disease has shown similar increasing trends over the past three decades. CAD mortality, particularly acute myocardial infarction, has been on the rise, with higher mortality rates observed in rural areas since 2016. The prevalence of CAD has increased significantly, with over 11 million patients identified in 2013. Studies assessing hospital performance in managing acute coronary syndrome reveal gaps in adherence to guideline-recommended strategies, with disparities in care quality across hospitals. However, initiatives like the China Patient-centered Evaluative Assessment of Cardiac Events (PEACE)-Retrospective AMI Study and the Improving Care for Cardiovascular Disease in China-Acute Coronary Syndrome (CCC-ACS) project aim to improve patient outcomes through enhanced care protocols. Moreover, advancements in medical technology, such as quantitative flow ratio-guided lesion selection during percutaneous coronary intervention, show promise in improving clinical outcomes for patients undergoing intervention.

The Interplay of Microbiome Dysbiosis and Cardiovascular Disease.

The intricate ecosystem of the mammalian gut, which hosts a diverse microbiome, plays a vital role in various physiological functions. Trillions of bacteria within the gut contribute to host metabolism, immune modulation, energy homeostasis, and more. Emerging research highlights the gut microbiota's significant impact on cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), with intestinal dysbiosis identified as a risk factor for conditions such as obesity and diabetes, both linked to atherosclerosis. Chronic inflammation, pivotal in atherosclerosis, is influenced by the gut microbiome, where microbial signals, such as lipopolysaccharides, can translocate from the gut to trigger inflammatory responses. Diet has major effects on the gut microbiota, with the Western diet, rich in saturated fats, contributing to dysbiosis and elevated cardiovascular risks. Probiotics and prebiotics offer therapeutic potential in CVD management. Probiotics, or live microorganisms, exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol-lowering effects. Probiotics are most effective when given with prebiotics, with the former acting on the latter as substrate. Understanding the dynamic interplay between diet, gut microbiota, and CVD provides insights into preventive and therapeutic strategies.

The Prediction of Milk Whey Extract (MWE) Bioactive Compounds Based on Proximate Analysis and its Effects on Blood Coagulation: A New Approach

The present work demonstrates the milk whey extraction, proximate analysis, and biochemical characterization of bioactive compounds in MWE. Effects of MWE on plasma coagulation and platelet aggregation. Proximate analysis of MWE was done according to AOAC. Whey protein banding was confirmed in 12%, 15%, and 18% SDS-PAGEs. A quantitative analysis of bioactive compounds was done. The anticoagulant effects of MWE were tested using plasma recalcification time in both PRP and PPP, further confirmed by PT and APTT assays and in tail bleeding assays at concentrations of 0-100 µg. The non-toxic property of MWE was screened by edema, hemorrhage, and direct hemolytic activities. MWE proximate analysis showed the presence of both micro- and macronutrients. Qualitative analysis confirmed the presence of proteins and carbohydrates. A similar protein-banding pattern was observed in 12%, 15%, and 18% SDS-PAGE’s in both reduced and non-reduced conditions. MWE prolonged the clotting time of human citrated plasma, both PRP and PPP, against the control 210 sec to 770 sec, suggesting its anticoagulant property. MWE delayed the clot progress of only the APTT ratio (8.99 ± 0.09), and PT was not altered, suggesting its role in an intrinsic pathway of blood coagulation. MWE exhibited antiplatelet activity in PRP against ADP and epinephrine-induced platelet aggregation. The percentage of inhibition was 74% and 100% for ADP and epinephrine, respectively. Interestingly, MWE exhibits nontoxic properties, it does not cause hemolysis, hemorrhage, or edema. Milk whey extraction and studies confirm bioactive compounds, and these exhibit antithrombotic, antiplatelet, and non-toxic properties. Hence, MWE not only acts as a good nutritive source but also may prove tobe a therapeutic bioactive compound in the management of cardiovascular disease.

A review on cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis

A systemic inflammatory disease known as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is distinguished by excessive cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and death. Traditional CV risk factors may partially contribute to CV disease in RA. Shared inflammatory mediators, post-translational modifications of peptides/proteins and subsequent immune responses, changes in the composition and function of lipoproteins, increased oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction are some of the mechanisms that link RA and CVD. The detailed pathogenetic pathway by which this association between RA and CVD might be explained is still not entirely known. It is crucial for controlling cardiovascular risk in people with RA. Optimizing care of traditional risk factors in addition to those inherent to RA is necessary to lessen the burden caused by CVD. The potential effect of planned Cardiac risk management in these individuals is highlighted by findings for under diagnosis and inadequate treatment of conventional CVD risk factors in RA. Present cardiovascular standards suggest RA patients to be examined for and treated for CVD risk factors without appropriate treatment goals. Utilizing potent anti-rheumatic medications that can reduce disease activity and treating the conventional CV risk factors should both be part of the therapy of CV risk in RA. There is currently insufficient scientific data to develop therapy targets for RA-related CVD risk factors. Thus, more study is required on the traditional CVD risk factor screening and management in RA patients.

Management of Cardiovascular Diseases by Short-Chain Fatty Acid Postbiotics.

Global health concerns persist in the realm of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), necessitating innovative strategies for both prevention and treatment. This narrative review aims to explore the potential of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-namely, acetate, propionate, and butyrate-as agents in the realm of postbiotics for the management of CVDs. We commence our discussion by elucidating the concept of postbiotics and their pivotal significance in mitigating various aspects of cardiovascular diseases. This review centers on a comprehensive examination of diverse SCFAs and their associated receptors, notably GPR41, GPR43, and GPR109a. In addition, we delve into the intricate cellular and pharmacological mechanisms through which these receptors operate, providing insights into their specific roles in managing cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart failure, and stroke. The integration of current information in our analysis highlights the potential of both SCFAs and their receptors as a promising path for innovative therapeutic approaches in the field of cardiovascular health. The idea of postbiotics arises as an optimistic and inventive method, presenting new opportunities for preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease landscape in Singapore.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for over one-third of all deaths in Singapore. An analysis of age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) for CVD in Singapore revealed a deceleration in the initial rapid decline in ASMR. A decrease in smoking prevalence may have contributed to the initial rapid decline in ASMR. Furthermore, other major risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, elevated low-density lipoprotein levels, and obesity, are steadily rising. Singapore's CVD economic burden is estimated to be 8.1 billion USD (11.5 billion SGD). The burden of CVD can only be reduced using individual and population-based approaches. Prevention programs must also be developed based on an understanding of risk trends. Therefore, this article attempts to capture the burden of CVD, trends in risk factor control, preventive care, disparities, and current unmet needs, particularly in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease management in Singapore.

Social media for cardiac imagers: a review.

Cardiac imaging plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular diseases. In the burgeoning landscape of digital technology and social media platforms, it becomes essential for cardiac imagers to know how to effectively increase the visibility and the impact of their activity. With the availability of social sites like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook, cardiac imagers can now reach a wider audience and engage with peers, sharing their findings, insights, and discussions. The integration of persistent identifiers, such as Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs), facilitates traceability and citation of cardiac imaging publications across various digital platforms, further enhancing their discoverability. To maximize visibility, practical advice is provided, including the use of visually engaging infographics and videos, as well as the strategic implementation of relevant hashtags and keywords. These techniques can significantly improve the discoverability of cardiac imaging research through search engine optimization and social media algorithms. Tracking impact and engagement is crucial in the digital age, and this review discusses various metrics and tools to gauge the reach and influence of cardiac imaging publications. This includes traditional citation-based metrics and altmetrics. Moreover, this review underscores the importance of creating and updating professional profiles on social platforms and participating in relevant scientific communities online. The adoption of digital technology, social platforms, and a strategic approach to publication sharing can empower cardiac imaging professionals to enhance the visibility and impact of their research, ultimately advancing the field and improving patient care.

Sex-specific cardiovascular risk factors in the UK Biobank

The lack of sex-specific cardiovascular disease criteria contributes to the underdiagnosis of women compared to that of men. For more than half a century, the Framingham Risk Score has been the gold standard to estimate an individual’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease based on the age, sex, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, diabetes status, and the smoking status. Now, machine learning can offer a much more nuanced insight into predicting the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The UK Biobank is a large database that includes traditional risk factors and tests related to the cardiovascular system: magnetic resonance imaging, pulse wave analysis, electrocardiograms, and carotid ultrasounds. Here, we leverage 20,542 datasets from the UK Biobank to build more accurate cardiovascular risk models than the Framingham Risk Score and quantify the underdiagnosis of women compared to that of men. Strikingly, for a first-degree atrioventricular block and dilated cardiomyopathy, two conditions with non-sex-specific diagnostic criteria, our study shows that women are under-diagnosed 2× and 1.4× more than men. Similarly, our results demonstrate the need for sex-specific criteria in essential primary hypertension and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Our feature importance analysis reveals that out of the top 10 features across three sexes and four disease categories, traditional Framingham factors made up between 40% and 50%; electrocardiogram, 30%–33%; pulse wave analysis, 13%–23%; and magnetic resonance imaging and carotid ultrasound, 0%–10%. Improving the Framingham Risk Score by leveraging big data and machine learning allows us to incorporate a wider range of biomedical data and prediction features, enhance personalization and accuracy, and continuously integrate new data and knowledge, with the ultimate goal to improve accurate prediction, early detection, and early intervention in cardiovascular disease management. Our analysis pipeline and trained classifiers are freely available at https://github.com/LivingMatterLab/CardiovascularDiseaseClassification.

“They are saying it’s high, but I think it’s quite low”: exploring cardiovascular disease risk communication in NHS health checks through video-stimulated recall interviews with patients – a qualitative study

BackgroundNHS Health Check (NHSHC) is a national cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk identification and management programme. However, evidence suggests a limited understanding of the most used metric to communicate CVD risk with patients (10-year percentage risk). This study used novel application of video-stimulated recall interviews to understand patient perceptions and understanding of CVD risk following an NHSHC that used one of two different CVD risk calculators.MethodsQualitative, semi-structured video-stimulated recall interviews were conducted with patients (n = 40) who had attended an NHSHC using either the QRISK2 10-year risk calculator (n = 19) or JBS3 lifetime CVD risk calculator (n = 21). Interviews were transcribed and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsAnalysis resulted in the development of four themes: variability in understanding, relief about personal risk, perceived changeability of CVD risk, and positive impact of visual displays. The first three themes were evident across the two patient groups, regardless of risk calculator; the latter related to JBS3 only. Patients felt relieved about their CVD risk, yet there were differences in understanding between calculators. Heart age within JBS3 prompted more accessible risk appraisal, yet mixed understanding was evident for both calculators. Event-free survival age also resulted in misunderstanding. QRISK2 patients tended to question the ability for CVD risk to change, while risk manipulation through JBS3 facilitated this understanding. Displaying information visually also appeared to enhance understanding.ConclusionsEffective communication of CVD risk within NHSHC remains challenging, and lifetime risk metrics still lead to mixed levels of understanding in patients. However, visual presentation of information, alongside risk manipulation during NHSHCs can help to increase understanding and prompt risk-reducing lifestyle changes.Trial registrationISRCTN10443908. Registered 7th February 2017.

Lifelong cardiovascular care in Turner syndrome: two cases with review of literature.

Cardiovascular disease is one of the most important complications in girls and women with Turner syndrome (TS). Although the latest international guideline provides useful suggestions for the management of cardiovascular diseases in TS, some unknown cardiac conditions warrant physicians' attention and awareness. Here, we have reported two adult cases wherein significant cardiovascular diseases were detected during the transition period. The first case patient was diagnosed with aortic crank deformity and left subclavian artery aneurysm at 14 years based on the report of cardiac catheterization, computed tomography angiography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, which had remained undetected by annual evaluations using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). This case emphasizes the importance of cardiac reevaluation during the transition period. The second case patient was diagnosed with moderate mitral valve regurgitation (MR) due to mitral valve prolapse at 18 years through TTE, although the first evaluation at 7 years by TTE detected slight MR without any clinical concerns. The condition however progressed to severe MR at 28 years, requiring mitral valvuloplasty. MR is the most common valve disease worldwide, which makes it challenging to comprehend whether the condition is a complication. However, the condition requiring surgery at this age is extremely rare, which implies the possibility of early progression. Because almost all literature on cardiovascular complications in TS is cross-sectional, further information about longitudinal cardiovascular conditions is vital for optimal care for girls and women with TS. The two cases reported in this article provide significant information for improving lifelong cardiovascular health issues in TS.

How do general practitioners manage patient health literacy differences in cardiovascular disease prevention consultations? An interview study

ObjectivesLow health literacy is associated with worse health outcomes, including for cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, general practitioners (GPs) have limited support to identify and address patient health literacy needs in CVD prevention consultations. This study explored GPs’ experiences of patient health literacy needs during CVD risk assessment and management consultations. MethodsSemi-structured interviews with 18 GPs in Tasmania, Australia in 2021. A Framework Analysis approach was used to code transcripts to a thematic framework. ResultsGPs perceptions on patient health literacy informed three themes: 1. Methods of estimating health literacy; 2. GPs’ perceptions about the impact of health literacy on CVD prevention including risk factor knowledge and behaviours; and 3. Strategies for communicating with patients experiencing health literacy challenges. The findings show that while no formal tools were used to assess health literacy in this sample, perceived health literacy can change GPs’ communication and prevention strategies. ConclusionThe findings raise concerns about the equity of choices made available to patients, based on subjective perceptions of their health literacy level. Practice implicationGPs could be better supported to assess and address patient health literacy needs in CVD prevention consultations.

Hemodynamics of ventricular-arterial coupling under enhanced external counterpulsation: An optimized dual-source lumped parameter model

Background and objectiveEnhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is a mechanically assisted circulation technique widely used in the rehabilitation and management of ischemic cardiovascular diseases. It contributes to cardiovascular functions by regulating the afterload of ventricle to improve hemodynamic effects, including increased diastolic blood pressure at aortic root, increased cardiac output and enhanced blood perfusion to multiple organs including coronary circulation. However, the effects of EECP on the coupling of the ventricle and the arterial system, termed ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC), remain elusive. We aimed to investigate the acute effect of EECP on the dynamic interaction between the left ventricle and its afterload of the arterial system from the perspective of ventricular output work. MethodsA neural network assisted optimization algorithm was proposed to identify the ordinary differential equation (ODE) relation between aortic root blood pressure and flow rate. Based on the optimized order of ODE, a lumped parameter model (LPM) under EECP was developed taking into consideration of the simultaneous action of cardiac and EECP pressure sources. The ventricular output work, in terms of aortic pressure and flow rate cooperated with the LPM, was used to characterize the VAC of ventricle and its afterload. The VAC subjected to the principle of minimal ventricular output work was validated by solving the Euler-Poisson equation of cost function, ultimately determining the waveforms of aortic pressure and flow rate. ResultsA third-order ODE can precisely describe the hemodynamic relationship between aortic pressure and flow rate. An optimized dual-source LPM with three energy-storage elements has been constructed, showing the potential in probing VAC under EECP. The LPM simulation results demonstrated that the VAC in terms of aortic pressure and flow rate yielded to the minimal ventricular output work under different EECP pressures. ConclusionsThe ventricular-arterial coupling under EECP is subjected to the minimal ventricular output work, which can serve as a criterion for determining aortic pressure and flow rate. This study provides insight for the understanding of VAC and has the potential in characterizing the performance of the ventricular and arterial system under EECP.

The causal relationship between metabolic syndrome and its components and cardiovascular disease: A mendelian randomization study

AimTo investigate the causal relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components and 14 cardiovascular diseases using Mendelian randomization (MR). MethodsWe used summary statistics from large-scale genome-wide association studies of MetS, its components, and cardiovascular diseases. We performed a two-sample MR analysis using the inverse-variance weighted method and other sensitivity methods. We also performed multivariate MR to adjust for potential risk factors. ResultsOur study found that MetS was causally associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke, abdominal aortic aneurysm, pulmonary embolism, coronary heart disease, heart failure, and peripheral artery disease. Waist circumference was causally associated with an increased risk of 6 cardiovascular diseases. Type 2 diabetes mellitus, diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were all causally associated with coronary heart disease, with varying causal relationships with the remaining 5 cardiovascular diseases. Multivariate MR showed that, except for ischaemic stroke, waist circumference remained causally associated with the remaining five cardiovascular diseases after adjusting for potential confounders. ConclusionOur study provides evidence that metabolic syndrome is causally associated with 6 cardiovascular diseases. Waist circumference is the most important component of these relationships. These findings have implications for the prevention and management of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases.

Generalized Multifunctional Coating Strategies Based on Polyphenol-Amine-Inspired Chemistry and Layer-by-Layer Deposition for Blood Contact Catheters.

Blood-contacting catheters play a pivotal role in contemporary medical treatments, particularly in the management of cardiovascular diseases. However, these catheters exhibit inappropriate wettability and lack antimicrobial characteristics, which often lead to catheter-related infections and thrombosis. Therefore, there is an urgent need for blood contact catheters with antimicrobial and anticoagulant properties. In this study, we employed tannic acid (TA) and 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) to create a stable hydrophilic coating under mild conditions. Heparin (Hep) and poly(lysine) (PL) were then modified on the TA-APTES coating surface using the layer-by-layer (LBL) technique to create a superhydrophilic TA/APTES/(LBL)4 coating on silicone rubber (SR) catheters. Leveraging the superhydrophilic nature of this coating, it can be effectively applied to blood-contacting catheters to impart antibacterial, antiprotein adsorption, and anticoagulant properties. Due to Hep's anticoagulant attributes, the activated partial thromboplastin time and thrombin time tests conducted on SR/TA-APTES/(LBL)4 catheters revealed remarkable extensions of 276 and 103%, respectively, when compared to uncoated commercial SR catheters. Furthermore, the synergistic interaction between PL and TA serves to enhance the resistance of SR/TA-APTES/(LBL)4 catheters against bacterial adherence, reducing it by up to 99.9% compared to uncoated commercial SR catheters. Remarkably, the SR/TA-APTES/(LBL)4 catheter exhibits good biocompatibility with human umbilical vein endothelial cells in culture, positioning it as a promising solution to address the current challenges associated with blood-contact catheters.

2023 Australian guideline for assessing and managing cardiovascular disease risk.

The 2023 Australian guideline for assessing and managing cardiovascular disease risk provides updated evidence-based recommendations for the clinical assessment and management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk for primary prevention. It includes the new Australian CVD risk calculator (Aus CVD Risk Calculator), based on an equation developed from a large New Zealand cohort study, customised and recalibrated for the Australian population. The new guideline replaces the 2012 guideline that recommended CVD risk assessment using the Framingham risk equation. The new guideline recommends CVD risk assessment in people without known CVD: all people aged 45-79 years, people with diabetes from 35 years, and First Nations people from 30 years. The new Aus CVD Risk Calculator should be used to estimate and categorise CVD risk into low (< 5% risk over five years), intermediate (5% to < 10% risk over five years) or high risk (≥ 10% over five years). The following reclassification factors may be applied to recategorise calculated risk to improve accuracy of risk prediction, particularly in individuals close to a risk threshold: Indigenous status/ethnicity, estimated glomerular filtration rate, urine albumin to creatinine ratio measurements, severe mental illness, coronary artery calcium score and family history of premature CVD. A variety of communication formats is available to communicateCVD risk to help enable shared decision making. Healthy lifestylemodification, including smoking cessation, nutrition, physical activity and limiting alcohol, is encouraged for all individuals. Blood pressure-lowering and lipid-modifying pharmacotherapies should be prescribed for high risk and considered for intermediate risk individuals, unless contraindicated or clinically inappropriate. Reassessment of CVD risk should be considered within five years for individuals at low risk and within two years for those with intermediate risk. Reassessment of CVD risk is not recommended for individuals at high risk. CHANGES IN ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT AS A RESULT OF THE GUIDELINE: The updated guideline recommends assessment over a broader age range and uses the Aus CVD Risk Calculator, which replaces the previous Framingham-based equation. It incorporates new variables: social disadvantage, diabetes-specific risk markers, diagnosis of atrial fibrillation and use of blood pressure-lowering and lipid-modifying therapies. Reclassification factors are also a new addition. Updated risk categories and thresholds are based on the new AusCVD Risk Calculator. The proportion of the population in the high risk category (≥ 10% over five years) is likely to be broadly comparable to more than 15% risk from the Framingham-based equation. The full guideline and Aus CVD Risk Calculator can be accessed at www.cvdcheck.org.au.

Preconception counselling in women of reproductive age attending cardiology clinics in Scotland

BackgroundGuidelines for the management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) recommend preconception risk stratification and counselling in all women of childbearing age. We assessed the provision of preconception counselling (PCC) among women...

Progress of uric acid in cardiovascular disease.

Due to the global prevalence of hyperuricemia (HUA), there is growing interest in research on uric acid (UA). HUA is a common condition that has various adverse consequences, including gout and kidney disease. However, recent studies have also implicated UA in the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) such as atrial fibrillation (AF) and coronary heart disease (CHD). Experimental and clinical research has extensively demonstrated the detrimental effects of elevated serum UA levels on cardiovascular health. Furthermore, serum UA levels have been identified as predictors of CVD outcomes following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and catheter ablation. Additionally, the use of UA-lowering therapy holds important implications for the management of CVD. This review aims to consolidate the current evidence on the relationship between serum UA and CVD.

Applications of Nanotechnology in the Field of Cardiology.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are aleading cause of death globally, demanding innovative therapeutic strategies. Nanoformulations, including nanoparticles, address challenges in drug delivery, stem cell therapy, imaging, and gene delivery. Nanoparticles enhance drug solubility, bioavailability, and targeted delivery, with gas microbubbles, liposomal preparations, and paramagnetic nanoparticles showing potential in treating atherosclerosis and reducing systemic side effects. In stem cell therapy, nanoparticles improve cell culture, utilizing three-dimensional nanofiber scaffolds and enhancing cardiomyocyte growth. Gold nanoparticles and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-derived microparticles promote stem cell survival. Stem cell imaging utilizes direct labeling with nanoparticles for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), while optical tracking employs dye-conjugated nanoparticles. In gene delivery, polymeric nanoparticles like polyethylenimine (PEI) and dendrimers, graphene-based carriers, and chitosan nanoparticles offer alternatives to virus-mediated gene transfer. The potential of magnetic nanoparticles in gene therapy is explored, particularly in hepatocellular carcinoma. Overall, nanoparticles have transformative potential in cardiovascular disease management, with ongoing research poised to enhance clinical outcomes.