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Cover image supplied by Márton Kolossváry, Kinga Sámson, Csaba Csobay-Novák, Béla Merkely, and Pál Maurovich-Horvat from the MTA-SE Cardiovascular Imaging Research Group, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary. The picture shows a volume-rendered CT image of a rare case of idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis (Ormond disease) with cardiac involvement. Proliferation of fibrous tissue can be seen around the proximal segments of the right coronary artery and the left anterior descending coronary artery. The alteration was named as the mistletoe sign
In a new scientific statement, the AHA addresses the revolution brought by smartphones and social media to the field of emergency cardiology. New, attractive opportunities exist alongside new dangers. Information is currently delivered to the Internet without control. Trustworthy medical information is needed: it is time for scientific societies to take action.
The primary analysis of FIRE AND ICE demonstrated that cryoablation was noninferior to radiofrequency ablation for the primary efficacy end point of first documented clinical failure. Secondary analysis suggested that cryoablation had advantages over radiofrequency ablation in terms of rehospitalizations and repeat procedures; however, the validity of these results must be questioned.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) usually begins in a self-terminating paroxysmal form. In this Review, Nattel and Dobrev extensively summarize the electrophysiological basis for paroxysmal AF occurrence and maintenance, as well as the molecular mechanisms forming the underlying substrate, drawing on data from both patients with AF and animal models of spontaneous AF. The authors also consider potential factors governing progression from paroxysmal to persistent AF.
Both the cardiovascular research and clinical communities are ideally positioned to develop and implement precision medicine to achieve more effective prevention and treatment. This Review highlights the advances in modern biomedicine that make possible the precision medicine era, provides current examples of the use of this approach in the cardiovascular field, and defines the goals and barriers to implementation of a precision medicine system.
Although patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease, therapies proven to protect both the cardiovascular and renal systems are used only at low doses or not at all. Ruiz-Hurtado et al. describe available and emerging treatments that can provide adequate cardiorenal protection without adverse effects in patients with CKD.
Atherothrombosis underlies numerous manifestations of cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease (CAD) and cerebrovascular disease (CVD). Treatment of patients with concomitant CAD and CVD is complex, owing to their increased risk of both ischaemia and bleeding. Capodanno et al. review the use of antithrombotic drugs for the secondary prevention of atherothrombotic events in patients with concomitant CAD and CVD, particularly those with a history of noncardioembolic stroke or transient ischaemic attack.
The chairs of the ESC Task Force, the chairs of the ACC/AHA/HFSA Writing Committee, and an independent opinion leader in the field offer their expert insight into the new guidelines for the management of heart failure, highlighting what is new, what the main differences are between the two sets of guidelines, and what steps should be taken to improve the guidelines in future updates.