Cardiovascular Prevention and Pharmacotherapy

Original Article

Health behaviors, knowledge, and attitudes toward cardiovascular disease risk factors in young Iraqi adults: a sample from Erbil, Iraq: Halmat Ahmed Sulaiman, Isil Isik Andsoy; Cardiovasc Prev Pharmacother. 2024;6(3):92-101. Published online July 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.36011/cpp.2024.6.e12

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Abstract PDF: Background
Cardiovascular disease continues to be a leading cause of death among young people globally. This cross-sectional study was designed to assess the health behaviors, knowledge, and attitudes regarding cardiovascular disease risk factors among young adults in Erbil, Iraq.
Methods
Data were collected using the WHO STEPS Instrument for Chronic Disease Risk Factor Surveillance and the Heart Disease Fact Questions.
Results
Ninety percent of participants demonstrated moderate to high knowledge and exhibited a positive attitude. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that while a history of smoking, a lack of knowledge, and the absence of formal education negatively impacted knowledge levels, being aged 38 to 45 years, recognizing the importance of consuming less salt, walking for at least 10 minutes on 5 or more days per week, and regularly checking blood sugar levels positively contributed to knowledge. Unwillingness to change lifestyle had the most significant negative influence on knowledge.
Conclusions
Establishing effective educational interventions may increase knowledge and promote more positive attitudes.

Review Article

Re-evaluating the PCSK9 guidelines for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol targets: weighing the benefits against the risks: Terry Gbaa, John Bolodeoku; Cardiovasc Prev Pharmacother. 2024;6(3):85-91. Published online July 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.36011/cpp.2024.6.e11

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Abstract PDF: Cardiovascular disease management has made significant progress with lipid-lowering interventions, primarily statin therapy. However, statins' side effects, combined with their variable efficacy, have sparked interest in alternative treatments, particularly proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) monoclonal antibodies. These biologics, approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency, have shown a significant impact on lipid levels, particularly low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), resulting in a 50% to 60% reduction. Despite the benefits of PCSK9 inhibitors, the guidelines for their use differ, with specific thresholds determining eligibility. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends starting PCSK9 therapy for patients with LDL-C levels above 3.5 mmol/L and lipid levels above 5.0 mmol/L who do not have cardiovascular disease. This rigid framework, while cost-effective, may exclude a subset of patients who do not meet these criteria despite having a high cardiovascular risk. The limited scope of these guidelines presents a challenge for specialists managing patients excluded as a result of LDL-C levels that fall just below the threshold but still show signs of significant cardiovascular risk. Recent audits revealed that a significant proportion of patients fall into this grey area, emphasizing the importance of re-evaluating LDL targets for PCSK9 inhibitor initiation. Biological variations, pharmacogenomics, and other factors all contribute to this challenge, highlighting the importance of personalized medicine.

Original Article

Cardiovascular risk assessment of newborns in Nigeria using the atherogenic index of plasma and its associations with gestational age and birth weight: a cross-sectional hospital-based study: Obinna Victory Obaji, Uche Charles Adizua, Ndubuisi Kennedy Chukwudi, Daberechi Kenneth Adiele, Justus Uchenna Onu; Cardiovasc Prev Pharmacother. 2024;6(2):65-73. Published online April 26, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.36011/cpp.2024.6.e9

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Abstract PDF: Background
The prevalence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is rising, and its onset from childhood is widely studied. Prematurity and low birth weight were associated with higher atherogenic risk when assessed using some lipid ratios. However, the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), a sensitive marker for atherosclerosis is understudied in newborns. Utilizing AIP, this study aimed to determine atherogenic risk prevalence among newborns and its association with gestational age and birth weight.
Methods
Newborns were consecutively recruited, and their lipid profiles were determined. The AIP was calculated as the logarithm to base 10 (log10) of the ratio of molar concentrations of triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The atherogenic risk was operationalized using AIP: high, >0.24; medium, 0.1–0.24; and low/no risk, <0.1. The relationship between AIP values, gestational age, and birth weight was analyzed using Pearson correlation.
Results
The mean AIP of the 167 newborns studied was –0.35±0.34, which is within the global reference range. Three (1.8%), 10 (6.0%), and 154 (92.2%) newborns were in the high, medium, and low/no atherogenic risk categories, respectively. Hence, 13 newborns (7.8%) had medium to high atherogenic risk. AIP had a moderate significantly positive relationship only with gestational age (r=0.35, P<0.001).
Conclusions
The study found an atherogenic risk prevalence of 7.8% using AIP in newborns which, contrary to previous studies that used other ratios, has no significant association with birth weight, correlating positively with gestational age, though is lowest in late preterms. Follow-up studies will elucidate these findings.

Review Articles

Expectations and concerns regarding medical advertisements via large commercial medical platform advertising companies: a legal perspective: Raeun Kim, Hakyoung Park, Jiwon Shinn, Hun-Sung Kim; Cardiovasc Prev Pharmacother. 2024;6(2):48-56. Published online April 26, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.36011/cpp.2024.6.e8

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Abstract PDF: Advertising in the medical and legal fields, which are among Korea's leading professions, has increasingly utilized major advertising platforms such as LawTalk and UNNI—two of the most prominent and contentious platforms in their respective fields. While it is generally unproblematic for professionals like lawyers and doctors to promote public interest through advertising on these commercial platforms, the creation of a profit-driven structure has the potential to undermine their professional ecosystems. This article explores the issues associated with advertising in the medical field through large commercial platforms, drawing on notable examples from the legal and medical fields in Korea. Specifically, we analyze two of the most popular yet controversial platforms in these sectors, LawTalk and UNNI. In Korea, the format and method of advertising are legal as long as they do not involve referring or soliciting clients, thereby making platform advertising lawful when used solely for that purpose. Nevertheless, it is crucial to prevent medical advertising platforms from establishing market monopolies by skirting various profit regulations and laws. In response to these concerns, the Korean Bar Association has prohibited all advertisements by platform companies. The medical community should closely examine the rationale and process behind this decision. Given the significant social influence of large corporate platforms and the unique social responsibilities of the medical and legal professions, future platform advertising should be subject to distinct legal and institutional regulations that differ from those applied to general services.

The emergence and clinical significance of artificial intelligence–enhanced electrocardiography: Yong-Soo Baek; Cardiovasc Prev Pharmacother. 2024;6(2):41-47. Published online April 26, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.36011/cpp.2024.6.e7

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Abstract PDF

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with electrocardiography (ECG), a technology known as AI-ECG, represents a transformative leap in the field of cardiovascular medicine. This innovative approach has significantly advanced the capabilities of ECG, traditionally used for diagnosing heart diseases. AI-ECG excels in detecting subtle changes and interconnected patterns in cardiac waveforms, offering a level of precision and sensitivity that was previously unattainable with conventional methods. The scope of AI-ECG extends beyond the realm of heart diseases. It has shown remarkable potential in predicting and identifying the impacts of noncardiac conditions on heart health, thereby broadening the diagnostic capabilities of ECG. This is especially valuable given the complex nature of cardiovascular diseases and their interactions with other health conditions. Despite its groundbreaking potential, AI-ECG faces several challenges. One of the primary concerns is the "black box" nature of AI algorithms, which can make the decision-making process opaque and difficult to interpret. This poses a challenge in medical settings where understanding the rationale behind a diagnosis is crucial. Additionally, the effectiveness of AI-ECG is dependent on the quality and diversity of the datasets used to train the algorithms. Limited or biased datasets can lead to inaccuracies and diminish the reliability of the technology. However, the benefits of AI-ECG are significant. It enables faster, more accurate diagnoses and has the potential to greatly enhance the efficiency of cardiovascular care. As research and technology continue to evolve, AI-ECG is poised to become an indispensable tool in the diagnosis and management of heart diseases.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

AI-Enhanced ECG Applications in Cardiology: Comprehensive Insights from the Current Literature with a Focus on COVID-19 and Multiple Cardiovascular Conditions
Luiza Camelia Nechita, Aurel Nechita, Andreea Elena Voipan, Daniel Voipan, Mihaela Debita, Ana Fulga, Iuliu Fulga, Carmina Liana Musat
Diagnostics.2024; 14(17): 1839. CrossRef

Original Articles

Cardiac rehabilitation using intensive lifestyle habituation combined with outdoor exercise in an urban forest environment for primary and secondary prevention of coronary artery disease: a feasibility test: Jong-Young Lee, Kee-Chan Joo, Kyung-Su Choi, Dae-Sik Yoon; Cardiovasc Prev Pharmacother. 2024;6(2):74-83. Published online April 25, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.36011/cpp.2024.6.e10

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Abstract PDF: Background
We aimed to examine the feasibility of intensive lifestyle habituation with a subsequent home program, including forest-based exercise, as an alternative approach to conventional cardiac rehabilitation for both primary and secondary prevention of coronary artery disease (CAD).
Methods
A total of 28 participants were included in a 1-week intensive education program aimed at fostering desirable lifestyle habits in the study: 17 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention and 11 participants at high risk of CAD. Subsequently, they engaged in a self-directed, home-based program that included unstructured exercise in an urban forest. The terrain of the urban forest was analyzed to estimate metabolic equivalent levels and to assess safety and accessibility for patient exercise.
Results
Throughout the program, no adverse cardiac events were reported. Additionally, risk factors for CAD—including body composition, blood sugar levels, hemodynamic variables, total cholesterol levels, and cardiorespiratory endurance—showed significant improvement in both groups.
Conclusions
Intensive lifestyle habituation and unstructured, self-directed exercise in the forest were as effective and safe as conventional cardiac rehabilitation for patients with CAD. The study demonstrated that an urban forest could serve as a safe exercise environment in both primary and secondary prevention strategies for CAD.

Changes in cardiovascular-related health behaviors after the end of social distancing: the 2023 Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Awareness Survey: Jaeyong Lee, Eunji Kim, Won-Young Lee, Eun-Jung Rhee, Hyeon Chang Kim; Cardiovasc Prev Pharmacother. 2024;6(2):57-64. Published online April 5, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.36011/cpp.2024.6.e6

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
The COVID-19 pandemic and the implementation of social distancing have been reported to negatively impact cardiovascular-related health behaviors. However, the effects of lifting social distancing restrictions on these health behaviors remain unclear. This study investigated public awareness and behavioral changes related to cardiovascular disease prevention after the end of social distancing.
Methods
Between June 5 and June 12, 2023, 2,000 adults participated in the 2023 Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Awareness Survey in Korea. The survey comprehensively addressed sociodemographic factors, cardiometabolic disease history, cardiovascular disease concern, prevention awareness, and behavioral changes after the end of social distancing. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the associations between behavioral changes and sociodemographic factors.
Results
Cardiovascular disease ranked as the second most feared disease (most feared, 18.0%; second most feared, 26.3%) after cancer (most feared, 42.3%; second most feared, 21.7%). Among nine cardiovascular disease prevention recommendations, stress management, being physically active, and maintaining a healthy diet were perceived as the most challenging recommendations. After the end of social distancing, there were more positive changes than negative changes in smoking, alcohol consumption, dietary habits, physical activity, and healthcare service use, whereas stress management more frequently changed negatively (40.0%) than it changed positively (19.5%).
Conclusions
Positive changes in cardiovascular-related health behaviors, except for stress management, were observed after the end of social distancing. Further research is necessary to fully comprehend the impact of discontinuing social distancing practices.

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

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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

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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

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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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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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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

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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
The Evolving Role of Calcium Channel Blockers in Hypertension Management: Pharmacological and Clinical Considerations
Kamryn E. Jones, Shaun L. Hayden, Hannah R. Meyer, Jillian L. Sandoz, William H. Arata, Kylie Dufrene, Corrado Ballaera, Yair Lopez Torres, Patricia Griffin, Adam M. Kaye, Sahar Shekoohi, Alan D. Kaye
Current Issues in Molecular Biology.2024; 46(7): 6315. 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

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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

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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

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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.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Meta-analysis of Pulsed Field Ablation Versus Thermal Ablation for Pulmonary Vein Isolation in AF: A Broad Overview Focusing on Efficacy, Safety and Outcomes
Mohammad Iqbal, William Kamarullah, Raymond Pranata, Iwan Cahyo Santosa Putra, Giky Karwiky, Chaerul Achmad, Young Hoon Kim
Arrhythmia & Electrophysiology Review.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

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