Global longitudinal strain: clinical use and prognostic ... - Heart
### Learning objectives Non-invasive evaluation of left ventricular (LV) systolic function by echocardiography remains one of the most pivotal measures in clinical cardiology. Although conventionally quantified by means of LV ejection fraction (LVEF), it has become evident that this parameter is subject to a number of limitations. LVEF can …
Management of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
### Learning objectives Heart failure is a syndrome characterised by a triad of symptoms, signs and objective evidence of cardiac dysfunction. The syndrome is divided into subtypes based on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Where the LVEF is below 40% this is termed heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). This differentiation …
Bradyarrhythmias in patients with atrial fibrillation | Heart
The increasing burden of atrial fibrillation (AF) and significant morbidity/mortality associated with this arrhythmia encourage screening it in clinical practice, as recommended in current guidelines. It means opportunistic screening (in patients over 65 years) or systematic screening (in people above 75 years) by using clinical examination, followed by an ECG, 24-hour ECG monitoring or ...
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk prediction: current state ...
### Learning objectives Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide, resulting in ~18 million deaths annually.1 Atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) accounts for four out of every five cardiovascular (CV) deaths, one-third of which are premature.1 From 2010 to 2020, there was a global increase of ~19% in CV deaths.1 The economic burden of CVD on the European economy exceeds ...
Eisenmenger syndrome: diagnosis, prognosis and clinical …
Eisenmenger syndrome (ES) represents the most severe phenotype of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) associated with congenital heart disease (CHD) and occurs in patients with large unrepaired shunts. Despite early detection of CHD and major advances in paediatric cardiac surgery, ES is still prevalent and requires a multidisciplinary approach by adult CHD experts in tertiary centres ...
Management of premature ventricular complexes | Heart
Introduction. Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are the most common arrhythmias in daily practice. At the cellular level, ventricular myocytes spontaneously depolarise to create an extrasystole ‘out of sync’ with the cardiac cycle. 1 The prevalence depends on the characteristics and comorbidities of the population, the method by …
Aortic sclerosis: not an innocent murmur but a marker of ... - Heart
The detection of an ejection systolic murmur in the aortic valve region often corresponds to a diagnosis of aortic sclerosis or minor disruption of the aortic valve with associated turbulence but minimal obstruction. Aortic sclerosis has two important clinical implications. Firstly, aortic sclerosis is an antecedent to clinically significant aortic valve obstruction and, secondly, it acts as a ...
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Each year the Heart editorial team selects the most meritorious research papers to receive the Heart Best Research Paper Award.. We are pleased to announce the winner and finalists for the Heart Best Research Paper Award 2024 in recognition of high quality and clinical impact.
Management of valve dysfunction in patients with mitral annular
Introduction. Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is a degenerative process of the fibrous base of the mitral valve. Most patients with MAC present with mild or moderate severity of the calcification pattern, whereas severe MAC is rather rare. 1 It increases the risk for mitral valve dysfunction (regurgitation and/or stenosis). 2 Predisposing factors for …
Blood pressure management in type 2 diabetes: a review of recent ...
The frequent concurrence of elevated blood pressure (BP) and type 2 diabetes markedly elevates the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. In this review, we discuss the evidence supporting the role of BP-lowering therapies in preventing cardiovascular events in people with type 2 diabetes and the most appropriate BP treatment target in these individuals. We outline possible reasons for ...