Cardiology Letters, 2023 (vol. 32), issue 5

The significance of laboratory parameters in predicting short-term mortality in patients with acute pulmonary embolism

Čambál D, Petruš P, Haršány J, Klepanec A, Hromec J

Cardiology Letters 2023, 32(5):301-312  

Introduction: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a relatively common disease with diverse prognoses. The success of treatment is conditioned by rapid diagnosis and accurate risk stratification. Risk stratification is crucial not only from the perspective of therapeutic strategies but also from the perspective of patient management, which is reflected primarily in the economic costs of treatment. In this work, we have focused on identifying laboratory markers of unfavourable prognosis in patients with PE. Methodology: We prospectively followed patients with PE for 30 days. We analyzed selected laboratory markers as D-dimer, high sensitivity troponin I (hs-TnI),...

Coronary microvascular dysfunction and vasoprovocative test examination in clinical practice

Studenčan M, Kirsch P, Novotný R, Čurilla E

Cardiology Letters 2023, 32(5):313-317  

Microvascular dysfunction is a common cause of myocardial ischemia, which can manifest as angina pectoris, heart failure, or even ACS (acute coronary syndrome). Classic invasive coronary angiography cannot detect this form of CAD (coronary artery disease). Microvascular dysfunction can be detected with a high probability using some non-invasive tests, but today in Slovakia we already have the first experience with an objective invasive examination of microvascular dysfunction, and it is possible to distinguish its functional or structural etiology. Patients with microvascular dysfunction have a worse prognosis than other patients. Diagnosis of microvascular...

Perspectives of anticoagulation therapy in cardiovascular medicine

Sokol J, Nehaj F, Chudej J, Svetlošák M, Hlivák P, Hatala R

Cardiology Letters 2023, 32(5):318-327  

The two last decades have witnessed a revolution in the field of anticoagulation. Direct oral anticoagulants (i.e., factor IIa- and factor Xa- inhibitors) progressively dominate clinical practice because of their favourable pharmacological profile and ease of use, particularly in venous thromboembolism (VTE) treatment and stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. However, the residual risk of cardio- and cerebrovascular events, particularly in some critical settings, and the risk of major bleeding still represent unmet medical needs. As a result, ongoing research focuses on developing future anticoagulants with an improved safety profile. Several promising...

Current view: Arterial calcifications

Mohamad MS, Maďarič J

Cardiology Letters 2023, 32(5):328-335  

Arterial calcifications are ectopic accumulations of mineral deposits in one or more layers of the vascular wall of arteries in the form of calcium-phosphate complexes. The formation of arterial calcifications is currently considered an actively regulated, progressively degenerative, and systemic process. It is similar to osteogenesis and bone metabolism in the human body. The incidence of arterial calcifications has a long-term increasing trend. Their presence is associated with higher cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Stenosis and occlusions of arteries with severe and extensive calcifications are significant limitations for optimal endovascular...

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy after pacemaker implantation

Golas F, Hrčková E, Bollová D

Cardiology Letters 2023, 32(5):336-341  

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC), also known as 'broken heart syndrome,ʼ is a transient cardiovascular condition characterized by acute and reversible dysfunction of the left ventricle. This syndrome can mimic acute coronary syndrome, with coronary angiography typically not showing significant stenosis of the coronary arteries. TTC is more common in postmenopausal women and is often associated with intense emotional or physical stress. Although the etiology of TTC is not fully understood, it is hypothesized that excessive catecholamine production may play a key role. Diagnosis is established based on clinical, echocardiograpic, electrocardiographic,...

Two congenital anomalies, an alternative access - Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava

Cláudio FD, Piçarra B, Semedo P, Trinca M

Cardiology Letters 2023, 32(5):342-343  

The authors present an image case that portrays an association between two congenital anomalies (bicuspid aortic valve and persistent left superior vena cava). This case not only highlights the overlap between the two congenital anomalies, but also conveys the difference in lead placement for dual chamber pacemaker and the importance of being aware of such anatomical variants. Fig. 1, Ref. 3, on-line full text (Free, PDF) www. cardiologyletters.sk

Ebstein's anomaly of the tricuspid valve management - the importance of right ventricle assessment

Klauco F, Kaldararova M, Reptova A, Valkovicova T, Bobocka K, Hlavata T, Simkova I

Cardiology Letters 2023, 32(5):344-347