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Review Articles
Atrial fibrillation: when and how to treat?
Young Keun On
Cardiovasc Prev Pharmacother. 2024;6(1):1-7.   Published online January 26, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36011/cpp.2024.6.e4
  • 215 View
  • 9 Download
Abstract PDF
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia, characterized by an irregular and rapid beating of the atria, which results in a loss of effective atrial contraction. The estimated prevalence of AF in the general population is approximately 0.4%. Research on the incidence of AF indicates a significant increase with age. AF presents a significantly higher risk of stroke compared to normal sinus rhythm, with the risk increasing approximately fivefold. It is estimated that around 5% of AF patients suffer a stroke annually. Roughly 20% to 25% of thromboembolic strokes can be attributed to AF, and AF is also associated with a twofold increase in overall mortality. The goals of AF treatment are symptom relief, restoration of normal cardiac function, prevention of thromboembolism, and reduction in mortality. Therefore, the treatment principles can be summarized into three categories: thromboembolism prevention, rate control, and rhythm control. In the treatment of AF, the first step should be to identify and eliminate any underlying causes or triggers. Caution should be exercised regarding the potential for drug-induced arrhythmias or extracardiac side effects. Safety considerations should take precedence over efficacy when selecting antiarrhythmic drugs. Nonpharmacological treatment methods are employed when anti-arrhythmic drug therapy alone is insufficient, particularly in relatively young individuals (under 70 years) without preexisting heart disease, who have experienced frequent transitions from atrial premature contractions or AF instigated by atrial premature contractions. Monitoring the patient's progress is vital, with a focus on comprehensive care for patients with AF.
Diverse perspectives on remote collaborative care for chronic disease management
Seo Yeon Baik, Hakyoung Park, Jiwon Shinn, Hun-Sung Kim
Cardiovasc Prev Pharmacother. 2024;6(1):26-32.   Published online January 25, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36011/cpp.2024.6.e5
  • 242 View
  • 12 Download
Abstract PDF
Remote collaborative care is a program that improves medical services by linking local and remote physicians with residents in areas where access to medical facilities is limited, utilizing information and communication technology. As a result, patients can obtain medical advice and counseling at local hospitals without needing to travel to distant facilities. This care model involves communication between doctors, facilitating the accurate transfer of medical information and reducing the risk of misunderstandings. For instance, managing conditions such as blood pressure or blood glucose is more straightforward because a local hospital can assess the patient's status while a remote hospital simultaneously provides high-quality, specialized medical services. With the rise in poorly controlled hypertension or diabetes, the need for remote collaborative care has also increased. This care model enables local hospitals to maintain continuous patient care with the support of remote facilities. This is particularly true following acute cardiovascular treatment, where local hospitals, assisted by remote institutions, can safely offer high-quality services such as rehabilitation and follow-up care. Although remote hospitals have many advantages with the increasing number of patients, many difficulties remain in commercializing unsystematized remote collaborative care. Specifically, low reimbursements for medical services must be addressed, proper equipment is needed, more time and effort must be invested, and the liability issue must also be dealt with. Nevertheless, remote collaborative care using information and communication technology will be necessary in the future. Medical staff need to objectively examine the advantages and disadvantages of remote collaborative care from various perspectives and find ways to revitalize it.
Recent evidence on target blood pressure in patients with hypertension
Hack-Lyoung Kim
Cardiovasc Prev Pharmacother. 2024;6(1):17-25.   Published online January 22, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36011/cpp.2024.6.e3
  • 340 View
  • 13 Download
Abstract PDF
Hypertension is a significant risk factor for a variety of cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and peripheral arterial disease. Achieving and maintaining a specific target blood pressure (BP) is crucial for effectively reducing the risk associated with these conditions. This involves customizing treatments to meet the individual needs of patients with hypertension, ensuring that each person receives the most appropriate care for their particular circumstances. Previously, based on the findings from the ACCORD (Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes) study conducted over the past decade, the target BP for patients with hypertension was set at <140/90 mmHg, regardless of the patient's risk profile. However, new insights from reanalyzed data of studies such as the SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial), the STEP (Strategy of Blood Pressure Intervention in the Elderly Hypertensive Patients) study, and ACCORD subgroup reanalysis have led to a change in this approach. These studies support a more aggressive target BP of <130/80 mmHg, especially for high-risk patients. The purpose of this article is to offer a thorough review of these updated recommendations and to explain the reasoning behind the revised target BP guidelines for individuals with hypertension.
Original Article
Current status of remote collaborative care for hypertension in medically underserved areas
Seo Yeon Baik, Kyoung Min Kim, Hakyoung Park, Jiwon Shinn, Hun-Sung Kim
Cardiovasc Prev Pharmacother. 2024;6(1):33-39.   Published online January 22, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36011/cpp.2024.6.e2
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  • 15 Download
Abstract PDF
Background
Remote collaborative care (ReCC) is a legally recognized form of telehealth that facilitates communication between physicians. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of ReCC services and establish a foundation for the usefulness and effectiveness of ReCC.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study utilized data from the Digital Healthcare Information System (DHIS) managed by the Korea Social Security Information Service. We extracted data on patients who were registered from January 2017 through September 2023 to investigate the effects of various factors.
Results
A total of 10,407 individuals participated in the remote collaborative consultation service provided by the DHIS. Of these participants, those aged ≥80 years represented 39.2% (4,085 patients), while those aged 70 to 79 years comprised 36.9% (3,838 patients). The conditions treated included hypertension, affecting 69.2% (7,203 patients), and diabetes, affecting 21.1% (2,201 patients). Although various measurement items were recorded, most data beyond blood pressure readings were missing, posing a challenge for analysis. Notably, there was a significant reduction in blood pressure that was sustained at follow-up intervals of 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-baseline (all P<0.05).
Conclusions
Owing to the lack of data, follow-up assessments for conditions other than hypertension proved to be challenging. Medical staff should increase their focus on and engagement with the system. Remote consultations have demonstrated efficacy in managing hypertension in medically underserved areas, where access to healthcare services is often limited. This suggests the potential for expanded use of remote chronic care in the future.
Review Articles
Using medical big data for clinical research and legal considerations for the protection of personal information: the double-edged sword
Raeun Kim, Jiwon Shinn, Hun-Sung Kim
Cardiovasc Prev Pharmacother. 2024;6(1):8-16.   Published online January 22, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36011/cpp.2024.6.e1
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  • 6 Download
Abstract PDF
The advent of medical big data has increased the scope of the clinical use of such data; however, these data have raised serious concerns regarding personal privacy protection, which hinders their usage. For instance, as the pseudonymization or anonymization of data increases, the quality of its clinical use decreases. Thus, a balanced approach is required to maximize clinical data use while protecting personal information as much as possible. However, Korea’s existing laws mandate several kinds of consent; soliciting some of these types of consent can be cumbersome. Moreover, while the collection of medical data by hospitals requires considerable time and money, its ownership is difficult to ascertain. To bridge the enormous gap between the protection of personal information and the use of clinical data, the European Union and countries such as Finland have already proposed various modes of guaranteeing the free movement of personal information that simultaneously strengthen people’s personal rights. Similarly, Korea has initiated the MyData Service, although it faces several limitations. Therefore, this study reviews Korea’s current healthcare big data system, the laws governing data sharing and usage, and compares them with similar laws enacted by the European Union and Finland. It then provides future direction for Korea’s personal information protection legislation. Ultimately, governments must expand and elaborate upon the scope and content of personal information protection laws to enable the development of healthcare and other industries without sacrificing either personal information protection or clinical use of medical data.
Calcium channel blockers for hypertension: old, but still useful
Eun Mi Lee
Cardiovasc Prev Pharmacother. 2023;5(4):113-125.   Published online October 30, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36011/cpp.2023.5.e16
  • 2,287 View
  • 158 Download
  • 1 Citations
Abstract PDF
Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) constitute a heterogeneous class of drugs that can be divided into dihydropyridines (DHPs) and non-DHPs. DHP-CCBs are subcategorized into four generations based on the duration of activity and pharmacokinetics, while non-DHP-CCBs are subcategorized into phenylethylamine and benzodiazepine derivatives. DHP-CCBs are vascular-selective and function as potent vasodilators, whereas non-DHP-CCBs are cardiac-selective and are useful for treating tachyarrhythmia, but reduce cardiac contractility and heart rate. Traditional DHP-CCBs (nifedipine) mainly block L-type calcium channels, whereas novel CCBs block N-type (amlodipine) and/or T-type channels (efonidipine) in addition to L-type channels, leading to organ-protective effects. DHP-CCBs have a potent blood pressure–lowering effect and suppress atherosclerosis and coronary vasospasm. Diltiazem, a non-DHP-CCB, is highly effective for vasospasm control. CCBs reduce left ventricular hypertrophy and arterial stiffness. Amlodipine, a DHP-CCB, reduces blood pressure variability. L/N- and L/T-type CCBs combined with renin-angiotensin system blockers reduce proteinuria and improve kidney function compared with L-type CCBs. According to large-scale trials, DHP-CCBs reduce cardiovascular events in patients with isolated systolic hypertension, as well as in elderly and high-risk patients. Accordingly, CCBs are indicated for hypertension in elderly patients, isolated systolic hypertension, angina pectoris, and coronary vasospasm. Non-DHP-CCBs are contraindicated in high-grade heart block, bradycardia (<60 beats per minute [bpm]), and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). DHP-CCBs should be used with caution in patients with tachyarrhythmia, HFrEF, and severe leg edema, and non-DHP-CCBs should be used carefully in those with constipation. Each CCB has distinct pharmacokinetics and side effects, underscoring the need for meticulous consideration in clinical practice.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • Design of Experimental Approach for Development of Rapid High Performance Liquid Chromatographic Process for Simultaneous Estimation of Metoprolol, Telmisartan, and Amlodipine from Formulation: Greenness and Whiteness Evaluation
    Mahesh Attimarad, Mohammed Jassim Alali, Hussain Ali Alali, Dana Hisham Alabdulmuhsin, Aljohara Khalid Alnajdi, Katharigatta Narayanaswamy Venugopala, Anroop B. Nair
    Molecules.2024; 29(5): 1087.     CrossRef
COVID-19 vaccination–related cardiovascular complications
Jae Yeong Cho, Kye Hun Kim
Cardiovasc Prev Pharmacother. 2023;5(4):134-143.   Published online October 27, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36011/cpp.2023.5.e17
  • 728 View
  • 17 Download
  • 1 Citations
Abstract PDF
The global response to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to rapid vaccine development and distribution. As vaccination efforts continue, concerns have arisen regarding potential adverse events associated with COVID-19 vaccination. This article examines emerging evidence on adverse events, including myocarditis, pericarditis, and thrombotic complications, in relation to COVID-19 vaccination. Reports of myocarditis and pericarditis cases following messenger RNA vaccines have sparked interest, with discussions revolving around potential mechanisms and genetic predispositions. The contrasting findings on pericarditis risk postvaccination highlight the complexity of studying this phenomenon. Thrombotic events, particularly vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia, have garnered attention, prompting investigations into antibody responses and mechanisms. This article underscores the importance of ongoing research, collaboration, and data analysis for accurately understanding adverse events. While the COVID-19 vaccination campaign may have ended, it is still vital to maintain vigilance, collect comprehensive data and foster interdisciplinary collaboration to uphold vaccine safety and steer public health strategies in the upcoming period.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • The Role of COVID-19 Vaccination for Patients With Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in the Upcoming Endemic Era
    Kye Hun Kim
    Journal of Lipid and Atherosclerosis.2024; 13(1): 21.     CrossRef
Decision-making for recurrent atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation
Jum Suk Ko, Sung Soo Kim, Hyung Ki Jeong, Nam Ho Kim
Cardiovasc Prev Pharmacother. 2023;5(4):102-112.   Published online October 27, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36011/cpp.2023.5.e15
  • 1,885 View
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Abstract PDF
Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF), especially pulmonary vein (PV) isolation, is widely used for rhythm control. However, AF recurrence remains a challenge, affecting 20% to 50% of cases. This review focuses on AF recurrence after catheter ablation. AF recurrence can be categorized into early recurrence (ER) within 3 months after index procedure, late recurrence (LR) within 1 year, and very LR (VLR) occurring beyond 1 year. ER has emerged as a significant predictor of LR, contrary to the traditional understanding. LR is primarily caused by PV reconnection, while VLR more involves non-PV triggers or substrates. Managing AF recurrence includes antiarrhythmic drugs, steroids, colchicine, and repeat ablation. Antiarrhythmic drugs reduce ER but have a limited impact on LR. Steroids have been shown to reduce ER, but not long-term recurrence. Colchicine, an anti-inflammatory agent, shows promise in reducing both ER and LR, although further research is necessary. Whether to perform early repeat ablation after ER remains uncertain, as not all patients require immediate intervention. In conclusion, AF recurrence after ablation remains a complex issue. Understanding the underlying mechanisms is essential for personalized management. Tailored approaches, considering individual characteristics, are crucial for long-term success. Future research should focus on improving therapeutic strategies for AF recurrence.
Lipid variability in patients with diabetes mellitus
Jeongmin Lee, Seung-Hwan Lee
Cardiovasc Prev Pharmacother. 2023;5(4):126-133.   Published online October 25, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36011/cpp.2023.5.e18
  • 696 View
  • 51 Download
Abstract PDF
Diabetic dyslipidemia is characterized by hypertriglyceridemia, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and the predominance of small dense LDL particles caused by insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) or insulin deficiency in patients with type 1 DM. Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in individuals with DM, and lowering lipid levels can reduce the associated morbidity and mortality. The current guidelines for dyslipidemia management recommend an LDL-C goal lower than 55 to 100 mg/dL, depending on the underlying risk factors. However, greater visit-to-visit variability in cholesterol levels might be an independent predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events, high incidence of atrial fibrillation, poor renal outcomes, and cognitive dysfunction in patients with DM. This review focuses on the clinical implications of lipid variability in patients with DM.
Original Article
Variation in blood viscosity based on the potential cause of stroke of undetermined etiology
Jinyoung Oh, Youngchan Jung, Jin Kim, Sun Ki Min, Sang Won Han, Jong Sam Baik
Cardiovasc Prev Pharmacother. 2023;5(4):144-150.   Published online October 25, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36011/cpp.2023.5.e14
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Abstract PDF
Background
This study investigated potential differences in blood viscosity (BV) among patients with stroke of undetermined etiology, negative evaluation (SUDn), specifically those with potential atherothrombosis (SUDn-AT) and those with possible embolism (SUDn-E).
Methods
This single-center study employed a retrospective observational design. The participants were patients over 20 years old with the SUDn stroke subtype who were admitted within 5 days of symptom onset. These patients were categorized as SUDn-AT or SUDn-E. Patients in the SUDn-AT group had nonsignificant stenosis (<50%) of a major brain artery relevant to their symptoms and exhibited one or more signs of systemic atherosclerosis, including atherosclerosis of at least one major brain artery other than those clinically relevant, coronary artery disease, and/or peripheral artery disease. For the SUDn-E group, the SUDn criteria from the TOAST (Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment) classification system were strictly applied.
Results
The final analysis included 153 patients, with 104 (68%) classified as SUDn-E and the remaining 32% as SUDn-AT. Patients in the SUDn-AT group had a higher systolic BV (P=0.012) and diastolic BV (P=0.020) than those in the SUDn-E group. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that age (odds ratio [OR], 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–1.13; P=0.003), systolic BV (OR, 3.11; 95% CI, 1.41–6.85; P=0.005), and diastolic BV (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.02–1.14; P=0.009) were associated with SUDn-AT.
Conclusions
Within the TOAST system, two SUDn entities may be distinguishable, with potentially different underlying etiologies: atherothrombosis and embolic stroke of undetermined source.
Editorial
Cardiovascular-related health behavior changes: lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic challenges
Inha Jung, Won-Young Lee
Cardiovasc Prev Pharmacother. 2023;5(4):99-101.   Published online October 25, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36011/cpp.2023.5.e13
  • 457 View
  • 12 Download
PDF
Original Article
Correlation between metformin intake and prostate cancer
Raeun Kim, Minsun Song, Jiwon Shinn, Hun-Sung Kim
Cardiovasc Prev Pharmacother. 2023;5(3):91-97.   Published online July 31, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36011/cpp.2023.5.e12
  • 1,228 View
  • 27 Download
Abstract PDF
Background
The relationship between metformin intake and prostate cancer incidence remains unclear. Therefore, we examined the correlation between prostate cancer and metformin use.
Methods
The subjects were diabetes patients aged ≥50 years who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and had undergone surgery at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital. Groups taking metformin (MET(+) group) and not taking metformin (MET(–) group) were divided and compared.
Results
The mean preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in the MET(–) and MET(+) groups were 10.7±11.9 and 8.0±5.6 ng/mL, respectively, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P=0.387). The average prostate volume of the MET(–) group was 82.4±98.0 mL, and the average prostate volume of the MET(+) group was 55.4±20.1 mL, but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P=0.226). The mean PSA velocity also did not show a significant difference between the two groups (0.025±0.102 ng/mL vs. 0.005±0.012 ng/mL, P=0.221).
Conclusions
We did not identify a significant positive correlation between metformin and prostate cancer. However, preoperational PSA and PSA velocity tended to be lower in the MET(+) group. A sophisticated prospective study with a large sample size should be planned.
Review Article
Diabetes mellitus and cancer
Jae Won Hong
Cardiovasc Prev Pharmacother. 2023;5(3):69-73.   Published online July 27, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36011/cpp.2023.5.e9
  • 1,784 View
  • 57 Download
Abstract PDF
Diabetes mellitus and cancer are the most common life-threatening illnesses worldwide. Previous epidemiological studies have suggested a strong association between diabetes mellitus and an increased risk of cancer. Potential biological mechanisms underlying this relationship include obesity, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress. The most common diabetes-related cancers are pancreatic, hepatocellular, breast, endometrial, and colorectal cancer. Special attention should be paid to patients with diabetes through careful cancer screening and preventive anticancer strategies.
Original Articles
Obesity and 30-day case fatality after hyperglycemic crisis hospitalizations in Korea: a national cohort study
Hojun Yoon, Hyun Ho Choi, Giwoong Choi, Sun Ok Song, Kyoung Hwa Ha, Dae Jung Kim
Cardiovasc Prev Pharmacother. 2023;5(3):74-80.   Published online July 27, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36011/cpp.2023.5.e10
  • 797 View
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Abstract PDFSupplementary Material
Background
We determined the case fatality rate associated with hospitalization due to hyperglycemic crises and investigated the relationship between obesity status and case fatality for hyperglycemic crises.
Methods
From the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort, 729 adults who visited the emergency room or were hospitalized due to hyperglycemic crises between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2019, were included. Preobesity or obesity was defined as a body mass index ≥23.0 kg/m2. Case fatality rates are presented as the proportion of adults who died within 30 days of hospitalization. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for 30-day fatalities according to preobesity or obesity status.
Results
The 30-day case fatality rate for hyperglycemic crises was 11.2%. In those aged ≥65 years, the fatality rate was twice as high as that in those aged 20 to 64 years (13.8% vs. 6.8%). Adults with preobesity or obesity had a lower fatality rate than those with normal weight (9.5% vs. 14.0%). After adjustment for confounding variables, preobesity or obesity was found to be significantly associated with a decreased risk for 30-day case fatality compared to normal weight (HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.40–0.98).
Conclusions
In Korea, hyperglycemic crises had a high fatality rate. Management needs to be improved to prevent hyperglycemic crises and reduce mortality.
Relationship between serum ferritin levels during iron chelating therapy and diastolic left ventricular function in transfusion-induced iron overload: a 2-year follow-up study in patients with aplastic anemia
Woo-Baek Chung
Cardiovasc Prev Pharmacother. 2023;5(3):81-90.   Published online July 26, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36011/cpp.2023.5.e11
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Abstract PDF
Background
The goal of the study was to investigate changes in cardiac function during iron chelating therapy (ICT) in patients with transfusion-induced iron overload.
Methods
We prospectively examined cardiac function in 21 aplastic anemia patients for 2 years by using transthoracic echocardiography before and during ICT.
Results
The serum ferritin level decreased from 4,961.5±2,917.9 µg/L to 2,466.9±2,533.1 µg/L after 2 years (P<0.001). The left ventricular ejection fraction decreased to under the normal limit (55%) in five patients. The serum ferritin level was positively correlated with the E/E’ ratio (r=0.595, P=0.004) and the left atrial (LA) volume (r=0.685, P=0.001) and negatively correlated with the deceleration time (r=–0.586, P=0.005) after 2 years of ICT. The seven responders (serum ferritin level <1,000 µg/L after 2 years of ICT) demonstrated a significantly higher ejection fraction, smaller LA volume and left ventricular end-systolic dimension, and a slower deceleration time than the 14 nonresponders (≥1,000 µg/L).
Conclusions
These results suggest that the response to ICT, which was estimated by the serum ferritin level, can reflect cardiac function during ICT. In nonresponders, cardiac function monitoring during ICT may be helpful for the early detection of cardiac dysfunction.

CPP : Cardiovascular Prevention and Pharmacotherapy