Previous
Aim:
Allostatic load (AL) is a composite measure of cumulative physiological stress, but its role in heart failure (HF) onset and prognosis remains unclear.
Methods:
We analyzed data from two U.S. cohorts. Logistic regression assessed AL and incident HF in 3,814 adults from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS, 2016–2020). Cox regression examined AL with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in 1,200 HF patients from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 1999–2010 and 2015–2016). AL was derived from nine biomarkers and categorized as low (0–2), medium (3), or high (≥ 4).
Results:
In HRS, after full adjustment, high AL was associated with increased incident HF risk versus low AL (OR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.29–3.32; P = 0.002), with each 1-unit increase raising risk by 30% (P < 0.001). In NHANES, after full adjustment, high AL predicted elevated cardiovascular (HR = 2.03; 95% CI: 1.37–3.03; P < 0.001) and all-cause mortality (HR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.30–2.22; P < 0.001). Per unit increase, AL raised cardiovascular mortality by 18% and all-cause mortality by 15%. Model performance improved modestly with AL.
Conclusions:
Elevated AL is independently associated with HF incidence and poorer prognosis, supporting its potential as an integrative biomarker for HF risk stratification and prevention.
Aim:
Allostatic load (AL) is a composite measure of cumulative physiological stress, but its role in heart failure (HF) onset and prognosis remains unclear.
Methods:
We analyzed data from two U.S. cohorts. Logistic regression assessed AL and incident HF in 3,814 adults from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS, 2016–2020). Cox regression examined AL with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in 1,200 HF patients from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 1999–2010 and 2015–2016). AL was derived from nine biomarkers and categorized as low (0–2), medium (3), or high (≥ 4).
Results:
In HRS, after full adjustment, high AL was associated with increased incident HF risk versus low AL (OR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.29–3.32; P = 0.002), with each 1-unit increase raising risk by 30% (P < 0.001). In NHANES, after full adjustment, high AL predicted elevated cardiovascular (HR = 2.03; 95% CI: 1.37–3.03; P < 0.001) and all-cause mortality (HR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.30–2.22; P < 0.001). Per unit increase, AL raised cardiovascular mortality by 18% and all-cause mortality by 15%. Model performance improved modestly with AL.
Conclusions:
Elevated AL is independently associated with HF incidence and poorer prognosis, supporting its potential as an integrative biomarker for HF risk stratification and prevention.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37349/ec.2026.1012118
Pembrolizumab, a programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitor, has had a substantial impact on cancer treatment across multiple malignancies, but is associated with immune-related cardiovascular toxicities that pose significant clinical challenges. Complications such as myocarditis, arrhythmias, and cardiomyopathy are emerging as significant entities with high morbidity and mortality. This article is a narrative review and was not designed or conducted as a systematic review. No formal systematic review protocol was followed and attempts to identify or include all published studies on this topic were not undertaken. The goal is to provide a clinically oriented synthesis of the current literature on pembrolizumab-associated cardiotoxicity. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar databases for articles published between January 2014 and March 2025. Search terms included ‘pembrolizumab,’ ‘PD-1 inhibitor,’ ‘immune checkpoint inhibitor,’ ‘cardiotoxicity,’ ‘myocarditis,’ ‘pericarditis,’ ‘arrhythmia,’ and ‘cardiac adverse events,’ used individually and in combination. Inclusion criteria encompassed English-language clinical trials, observational studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, pharmacovigilance analyses, clinical practice guidelines, and case reports involving human subjects. Non-English publications, preclinical studies without clinical correlates, and editorials without original data were excluded. Reference lists of identified articles were manually reviewed to identify additional relevant publications. Study selection was performed by a single author. Pembrolizumab-induced myocarditis, although rare, carries a high mortality rate and typically presents within the first few weeks of treatment, including a relative risk of myocarditis ~4.5 with combination immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Proposed mechanisms of this cardiotoxicity, though not settled, include shared antigenic targets between tumor and cardiac tissue and impaired immune tolerance. Current management relies on prompt recognition, immunosuppression with high-dose IV methylprednisolone as first-line therapy, and additional immunomodulatory agents for refractory cases. Emerging evidence from case reports and small cohort studies suggests potential benefit from abatacept with ruxolitinib in steroid-refractory cases; however, prospective validation is needed. Baseline cardiac screening and serial monitoring of cardiac biomarkers including high-sensitivity troponin and NT-proBNP, and a multidisciplinary cardio-oncology approach are essential for early detection and optimal outcomes.
Pembrolizumab, a programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitor, has had a substantial impact on cancer treatment across multiple malignancies, but is associated with immune-related cardiovascular toxicities that pose significant clinical challenges. Complications such as myocarditis, arrhythmias, and cardiomyopathy are emerging as significant entities with high morbidity and mortality. This article is a narrative review and was not designed or conducted as a systematic review. No formal systematic review protocol was followed and attempts to identify or include all published studies on this topic were not undertaken. The goal is to provide a clinically oriented synthesis of the current literature on pembrolizumab-associated cardiotoxicity. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar databases for articles published between January 2014 and March 2025. Search terms included ‘pembrolizumab,’ ‘PD-1 inhibitor,’ ‘immune checkpoint inhibitor,’ ‘cardiotoxicity,’ ‘myocarditis,’ ‘pericarditis,’ ‘arrhythmia,’ and ‘cardiac adverse events,’ used individually and in combination. Inclusion criteria encompassed English-language clinical trials, observational studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, pharmacovigilance analyses, clinical practice guidelines, and case reports involving human subjects. Non-English publications, preclinical studies without clinical correlates, and editorials without original data were excluded. Reference lists of identified articles were manually reviewed to identify additional relevant publications. Study selection was performed by a single author. Pembrolizumab-induced myocarditis, although rare, carries a high mortality rate and typically presents within the first few weeks of treatment, including a relative risk of myocarditis ~4.5 with combination immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Proposed mechanisms of this cardiotoxicity, though not settled, include shared antigenic targets between tumor and cardiac tissue and impaired immune tolerance. Current management relies on prompt recognition, immunosuppression with high-dose IV methylprednisolone as first-line therapy, and additional immunomodulatory agents for refractory cases. Emerging evidence from case reports and small cohort studies suggests potential benefit from abatacept with ruxolitinib in steroid-refractory cases; however, prospective validation is needed. Baseline cardiac screening and serial monitoring of cardiac biomarkers including high-sensitivity troponin and NT-proBNP, and a multidisciplinary cardio-oncology approach are essential for early detection and optimal outcomes.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37349/ec.2026.1012117
Moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) remains a ‘grey area’ for clinicians, with evidence-based decision-making for patients referred for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) being particularly challenging. IMR results from left ventricular remodeling and subvalvular deformation, not primary leaflet pathology. Even moderate regurgitation (effective regurgitant orifice area 20–39 mm2) is associated with a 1.5–2-fold increased risk of death. Among diagnostic methods, stress echocardiography is valuable but underutilized. An exercise-induced increase in the effective regurgitant orifice area of ≥ 13 mm2 or an absolute value ≥ 30 mm2 identifies patients with prognostically significant dynamic regurgitation requiring valve intervention, despite moderate resting values. Most randomized trials, particularly the Cardiothoracic Surgical Trials Network study, show that adding mitral valve annuloplasty to CABG reduces regurgitation severity but does not improve two-year survival or heart failure hospitalization rates, resulting in only a class IIb recommendation for the combined procedure. Modern imaging techniques, including three-dimensional echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance, provide added value in assessing IMR, annular geometry, and myocardial viability. Natriuretic peptides offer additional prognostic information. Transcatheter percutaneous mitral valve repair (‘edge-to-edge’) shows promise in high-risk patients and opens new prospects for hybrid revascularization. Optimal medical therapy, including Sacubitril/Valsartan and SGLT2 inhibitors, may slow IMR progression through enhanced reverse remodeling. In the absence of convincing evidence for any single approach, the current standard remains an individualized strategy implemented by the Heart Team, simultaneously considering clinical status, stress echocardiography data, anatomical characteristics, and surgical risks. Future research priorities include standardization of stress echocardiography protocols, validation of prognostic models, and long-term assessment of transcatheter approach outcomes in this complex patient category.
Moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) remains a ‘grey area’ for clinicians, with evidence-based decision-making for patients referred for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) being particularly challenging. IMR results from left ventricular remodeling and subvalvular deformation, not primary leaflet pathology. Even moderate regurgitation (effective regurgitant orifice area 20–39 mm2) is associated with a 1.5–2-fold increased risk of death. Among diagnostic methods, stress echocardiography is valuable but underutilized. An exercise-induced increase in the effective regurgitant orifice area of ≥ 13 mm2 or an absolute value ≥ 30 mm2 identifies patients with prognostically significant dynamic regurgitation requiring valve intervention, despite moderate resting values. Most randomized trials, particularly the Cardiothoracic Surgical Trials Network study, show that adding mitral valve annuloplasty to CABG reduces regurgitation severity but does not improve two-year survival or heart failure hospitalization rates, resulting in only a class IIb recommendation for the combined procedure. Modern imaging techniques, including three-dimensional echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance, provide added value in assessing IMR, annular geometry, and myocardial viability. Natriuretic peptides offer additional prognostic information. Transcatheter percutaneous mitral valve repair (‘edge-to-edge’) shows promise in high-risk patients and opens new prospects for hybrid revascularization. Optimal medical therapy, including Sacubitril/Valsartan and SGLT2 inhibitors, may slow IMR progression through enhanced reverse remodeling. In the absence of convincing evidence for any single approach, the current standard remains an individualized strategy implemented by the Heart Team, simultaneously considering clinical status, stress echocardiography data, anatomical characteristics, and surgical risks. Future research priorities include standardization of stress echocardiography protocols, validation of prognostic models, and long-term assessment of transcatheter approach outcomes in this complex patient category.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37349/ec.2026.1012116
Aim:
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is an acute form of systolic dysfunction triggered by physical or emotional stress, most commonly seen in postmenopausal women. Its pathophysiology involves catecholamine surge, autonomic imbalance, and microvascular dysfunction. Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder observed primarily in premenopausal women characterized by autonomic dysregulation, central sensitization, and high psychiatric comorbidity—mechanisms that overlap substantially with TTC. Nevertheless, fibromyalgia has not been established as an independent risk factor for TTC. This study evaluated the association between fibromyalgia and TTC using a nationally representative sample.
Methods:
A retrospective case-control study was conducted using the 2022 National Inpatient Sample. Adult hospitalizations with TTC (ICD-10-CM I51.81) were identified, and a 1% random sample of non-TTC admissions served as controls. Fibromyalgia was defined by ICD-10 code M79.7. Survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression assessed the association between fibromyalgia and TTC, adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, and severity of illness.
Results:
Among 9,376 TTC and 65,690 control hospitalizations, fibromyalgia was present in 282 (3.0%) TTC cases and 827 (1.3%) controls. After multivariable adjustment, fibromyalgia was independently associated with TTC (OR 1.19; 95% CI 1.00–1.42, P = 0.044). This association persisted after accounting for psychiatric comorbidities.
Conclusions:
Fibromyalgia was associated with increased odds of TTC. These findings highlight the need for vigilance in evaluating fibromyalgia patients with chest pain and warrant further research into mechanisms underlying stress-induced cardiomyopathy.
Aim:
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is an acute form of systolic dysfunction triggered by physical or emotional stress, most commonly seen in postmenopausal women. Its pathophysiology involves catecholamine surge, autonomic imbalance, and microvascular dysfunction. Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder observed primarily in premenopausal women characterized by autonomic dysregulation, central sensitization, and high psychiatric comorbidity—mechanisms that overlap substantially with TTC. Nevertheless, fibromyalgia has not been established as an independent risk factor for TTC. This study evaluated the association between fibromyalgia and TTC using a nationally representative sample.
Methods:
A retrospective case-control study was conducted using the 2022 National Inpatient Sample. Adult hospitalizations with TTC (ICD-10-CM I51.81) were identified, and a 1% random sample of non-TTC admissions served as controls. Fibromyalgia was defined by ICD-10 code M79.7. Survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression assessed the association between fibromyalgia and TTC, adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, and severity of illness.
Results:
Among 9,376 TTC and 65,690 control hospitalizations, fibromyalgia was present in 282 (3.0%) TTC cases and 827 (1.3%) controls. After multivariable adjustment, fibromyalgia was independently associated with TTC (OR 1.19; 95% CI 1.00–1.42, P = 0.044). This association persisted after accounting for psychiatric comorbidities.
Conclusions:
Fibromyalgia was associated with increased odds of TTC. These findings highlight the need for vigilance in evaluating fibromyalgia patients with chest pain and warrant further research into mechanisms underlying stress-induced cardiomyopathy.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37349/ec.2026.1012115
This article belongs to the special issue Heart–Brain Interactions: Clinical-Psychological Perspectives on Cardiovascular Function
Aim:
Artificial intelligence may support syncope evaluation, but reliability of language models in structured syncope care remains uncertain. We evaluated diagnostic performance, safety, and within-case consistency of Generative Pre-trained Transformer-5 (GPT-5) in patients with transient loss of consciousness (T-LOC).
Methods:
This prospective cohort study included 55 patients evaluated in syncope units. GPT-5 and a syncope-expert assessed identical case information after core evaluation (CE: history-taking, physical examination, active standing test, and 12-lead electrocardiogram) and extended evaluation (EE: CE plus additional testing when indicated). An expert panel adjudicated the final diagnosis after 18 months. Outcomes were diagnostic yield, final-diagnosis inclusion rate, diagnostic precision score (DPS), cardiac diagnostic safety, and within-case consistency across five repeated GPT-5 runs.
Results:
Of 55 patients, 54 had complete follow-up for performance analyses. Diagnostic yield was 94% for the syncope-expert at CE and EE, and 100% and 96% for GPT-5 at CE and EE, respectively. GPT-5 included the final diagnosis in 52% (CE) and 57% (EE) of cases, versus 67% for the syncope-expert. DPS remained negative for GPT-5 at CE (mean −0.03, SD 0.54) and EE (mean −0.01, SD 0.49). Among four final cardiac syncope cases, GPT-5 selected the final diagnosis in one case and the syncope-expert in three. First-diagnosis consistency across five GPT-5 runs was 69% after CE and 74% after EE.
Conclusions:
GPT-5 generated diagnostic outputs frequently but showed limited precision, cardiac safety concerns, and within-case variability. Its role in syncope evaluation should remain supportive within clinician-led pathways rather than autonomous.
Aim:
Artificial intelligence may support syncope evaluation, but reliability of language models in structured syncope care remains uncertain. We evaluated diagnostic performance, safety, and within-case consistency of Generative Pre-trained Transformer-5 (GPT-5) in patients with transient loss of consciousness (T-LOC).
Methods:
This prospective cohort study included 55 patients evaluated in syncope units. GPT-5 and a syncope-expert assessed identical case information after core evaluation (CE: history-taking, physical examination, active standing test, and 12-lead electrocardiogram) and extended evaluation (EE: CE plus additional testing when indicated). An expert panel adjudicated the final diagnosis after 18 months. Outcomes were diagnostic yield, final-diagnosis inclusion rate, diagnostic precision score (DPS), cardiac diagnostic safety, and within-case consistency across five repeated GPT-5 runs.
Results:
Of 55 patients, 54 had complete follow-up for performance analyses. Diagnostic yield was 94% for the syncope-expert at CE and EE, and 100% and 96% for GPT-5 at CE and EE, respectively. GPT-5 included the final diagnosis in 52% (CE) and 57% (EE) of cases, versus 67% for the syncope-expert. DPS remained negative for GPT-5 at CE (mean −0.03, SD 0.54) and EE (mean −0.01, SD 0.49). Among four final cardiac syncope cases, GPT-5 selected the final diagnosis in one case and the syncope-expert in three. First-diagnosis consistency across five GPT-5 runs was 69% after CE and 74% after EE.
Conclusions:
GPT-5 generated diagnostic outputs frequently but showed limited precision, cardiac safety concerns, and within-case variability. Its role in syncope evaluation should remain supportive within clinician-led pathways rather than autonomous.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37349/ec.2026.1012114
Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) were originally developed as glucose-lowering therapies for type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, robust clinical evidence has demonstrated substantial cardiovascular and renal protective effects that extend beyond glycemic control. Emerging data highlight their systemic influence across the cardiovascular–renal–metabolic (CRM) continuum, a conceptual framework describing the shared pathophysiological links between metabolic dysfunction, heart failure (HF), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Despite the rapid expansion of clinical and mechanistic evidence, the integration of these insights into coordinated therapeutic implementation across cardiology, nephrology, and endocrinology remains incompletely synthesized. This structured narrative review synthesized evidence from PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Google Scholar to identify relevant studies published between January 2016 and December 2025. Emphasis was placed on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, large observational cohorts, guideline documents, and translational mechanistic investigations evaluating pharmacologic mechanisms, clinical efficacy, and multidisciplinary applications of SGLT2i across CRM conditions. Cardiovascular and renal outcome trials consistently show that SGLT2i reduce hospitalization for heart failure, delay CKD progression, and improve major cardiovascular outcomes in both diabetic and non-diabetic populations. Mechanistically, these agents restore tubuloglomerular feedback, enhance cardiac energy efficiency through increased ketone utilization, attenuate inflammatory and profibrotic signaling pathways, and improve mitochondrial bioenergetics. These multisystem effects contribute to therapeutic benefits across HF phenotypes and CKD stages while also improving metabolic parameters such as adiposity, blood pressure, and hepatic steatosis. Collectively, current evidence supports SGLT2i as foundational disease-modifying therapies across the CRM spectrum. Future investigations should prioritize precision-based treatment approaches, biomarker-guided patient selection, and rational combination pharmacotherapy to further optimize outcomes across interconnected cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic diseases.
Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) were originally developed as glucose-lowering therapies for type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, robust clinical evidence has demonstrated substantial cardiovascular and renal protective effects that extend beyond glycemic control. Emerging data highlight their systemic influence across the cardiovascular–renal–metabolic (CRM) continuum, a conceptual framework describing the shared pathophysiological links between metabolic dysfunction, heart failure (HF), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Despite the rapid expansion of clinical and mechanistic evidence, the integration of these insights into coordinated therapeutic implementation across cardiology, nephrology, and endocrinology remains incompletely synthesized. This structured narrative review synthesized evidence from PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Google Scholar to identify relevant studies published between January 2016 and December 2025. Emphasis was placed on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, large observational cohorts, guideline documents, and translational mechanistic investigations evaluating pharmacologic mechanisms, clinical efficacy, and multidisciplinary applications of SGLT2i across CRM conditions. Cardiovascular and renal outcome trials consistently show that SGLT2i reduce hospitalization for heart failure, delay CKD progression, and improve major cardiovascular outcomes in both diabetic and non-diabetic populations. Mechanistically, these agents restore tubuloglomerular feedback, enhance cardiac energy efficiency through increased ketone utilization, attenuate inflammatory and profibrotic signaling pathways, and improve mitochondrial bioenergetics. These multisystem effects contribute to therapeutic benefits across HF phenotypes and CKD stages while also improving metabolic parameters such as adiposity, blood pressure, and hepatic steatosis. Collectively, current evidence supports SGLT2i as foundational disease-modifying therapies across the CRM spectrum. Future investigations should prioritize precision-based treatment approaches, biomarker-guided patient selection, and rational combination pharmacotherapy to further optimize outcomes across interconnected cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic diseases.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37349/ec.2026.1012113
Gasdermin D (GSDMD) has been identified as a potential key effector protein within the inflammatory response and is characterized as a primary executor of pyroptosis through the formation of transmembrane pores. This review evaluates the emerging role of GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), with a specific focus on its potential contributions to atherosclerosis. We examine how the activation of GSDMD by inflammasomes, such as NLRP3 and AIM2, facilitates the release of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-18) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Central to this discussion is the proposed role of GSDMD in driving macrophage foam cell death and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) dysfunction. These factors are associated with necrotic core expansion and increased risk of atherosclerotic plaque instability. Furthermore, GSDMD may mediate endothelial dysfunction and disrupt lipid metabolism, and is suggested to participate in systemic signaling via extracellular vesicles. Finally, we highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting GSDMD as a possible strategy to stabilize vulnerable plaques, which may offer new avenues for cardiovascular precision medicine.
Gasdermin D (GSDMD) has been identified as a potential key effector protein within the inflammatory response and is characterized as a primary executor of pyroptosis through the formation of transmembrane pores. This review evaluates the emerging role of GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), with a specific focus on its potential contributions to atherosclerosis. We examine how the activation of GSDMD by inflammasomes, such as NLRP3 and AIM2, facilitates the release of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-18) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Central to this discussion is the proposed role of GSDMD in driving macrophage foam cell death and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) dysfunction. These factors are associated with necrotic core expansion and increased risk of atherosclerotic plaque instability. Furthermore, GSDMD may mediate endothelial dysfunction and disrupt lipid metabolism, and is suggested to participate in systemic signaling via extracellular vesicles. Finally, we highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting GSDMD as a possible strategy to stabilize vulnerable plaques, which may offer new avenues for cardiovascular precision medicine.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37349/ec.2026.1012112
Aim:
Low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) may be improvable; hence, timely detection and intervention are essential. However, no model has been established for the prediction of LCOS onset post non-isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a machine-learning-based model to predict LCOS after non-isolated CABG.
Methods:
A total of 378 patients who underwent non-isolated CABG at Nanjing First Hospital, China, were retrospectively assessed. Five algorithms [L2 regularized logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF) classifier, extreme gradient boosting (XGB), light gradient boosting machine (LGBM), and support vector machine (SVM)] were employed. Model performance and clinical utility were evaluated using area under the curve (AUC), 10-fold cross-validation, and decision curve analysis (DCA). SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) were used to assess the model’s interpretability. A web calculator was developed.
Results:
XGB showed superior performance and calibration (AUC: 0.933, 95% CI: 0.903–0.962; Brier score of 0.107), with excellent specificity (0.865), accuracy (0.860), and precision (0.753). In testing, XGB maintained excellent discrimination (AUC: 0.868, 95% CI: 0.799–0.936), best specificity (0.785), accuracy (0.781), and precision (0.614). DCA confirmed clinical usefulness. SHAP analysis identified the ejection fraction, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, and lactate levels as the most influential predictors. The web calculator is accessible via https://lcos-cabg-xgb-model.streamlit.app/
Conclusions:
The developed web-based XGB model effectively predicts LCOS after non-isolated CABG, aiding early risk stratification and detection.
Aim:
Low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) may be improvable; hence, timely detection and intervention are essential. However, no model has been established for the prediction of LCOS onset post non-isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a machine-learning-based model to predict LCOS after non-isolated CABG.
Methods:
A total of 378 patients who underwent non-isolated CABG at Nanjing First Hospital, China, were retrospectively assessed. Five algorithms [L2 regularized logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF) classifier, extreme gradient boosting (XGB), light gradient boosting machine (LGBM), and support vector machine (SVM)] were employed. Model performance and clinical utility were evaluated using area under the curve (AUC), 10-fold cross-validation, and decision curve analysis (DCA). SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) were used to assess the model’s interpretability. A web calculator was developed.
Results:
XGB showed superior performance and calibration (AUC: 0.933, 95% CI: 0.903–0.962; Brier score of 0.107), with excellent specificity (0.865), accuracy (0.860), and precision (0.753). In testing, XGB maintained excellent discrimination (AUC: 0.868, 95% CI: 0.799–0.936), best specificity (0.785), accuracy (0.781), and precision (0.614). DCA confirmed clinical usefulness. SHAP analysis identified the ejection fraction, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, and lactate levels as the most influential predictors. The web calculator is accessible via https://lcos-cabg-xgb-model.streamlit.app/
Conclusions:
The developed web-based XGB model effectively predicts LCOS after non-isolated CABG, aiding early risk stratification and detection.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37349/ec.2026.1012111
Aim:
Older adults with dyslipidemia often have coexisting diabetes and hypertension, requiring triple therapy with statins, antihypertensives, and oral antidiabetics. Given that statin adherence is a key metric in the Medicare STAR Ratings program, understanding statin use in this population is critical. However, prior studies have focused on adherence to statin monotherapy or composite adherence to triple therapy, with limited evidence on statin-specific patterns in this population.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective cohort study using a Texas-based Medicare Advantage database (2016–2017). Adults receiving concurrent triple therapy (statins, renin-angiotensin system antagonists, and oral antidiabetics) were followed for 12 months. Statin adherence was measured monthly using the proportion of days covered (PDC) and modeled using group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM). Multinomial logistic regression, informed by the Andersen behavioral model, was used to identify sociodemographic and clinical predictors of adherence trajectories.
Results:
Among 7,847 patients, three distinct statin adherence trajectories were identified: near-perfect adherence (57.0%), adherent (23.6%), and rapid decline (19.4%). Female sex was associated with higher odds of rapid decline than male sex. Younger age (≤ 65 years) and having at least one prior hospitalization were significant predictors of rapid adherence decline, whereas older age and a greater number of concomitant medications were associated with lower odds of decline. Notably, about 80% of patients were adherent to statin despite lower adherence to the overall triple-therapy regimen.
Conclusions:
This study identified three distinct statin adherence trajectories among older adults on triple therapy. By highlighting predictors of rapid adherence decline, including female sex and prior hospitalization, these findings can help clinicians identify high-risk patients and inform targeted interventions to improve adherence and cardiovascular outcomes.
Aim:
Older adults with dyslipidemia often have coexisting diabetes and hypertension, requiring triple therapy with statins, antihypertensives, and oral antidiabetics. Given that statin adherence is a key metric in the Medicare STAR Ratings program, understanding statin use in this population is critical. However, prior studies have focused on adherence to statin monotherapy or composite adherence to triple therapy, with limited evidence on statin-specific patterns in this population.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective cohort study using a Texas-based Medicare Advantage database (2016–2017). Adults receiving concurrent triple therapy (statins, renin-angiotensin system antagonists, and oral antidiabetics) were followed for 12 months. Statin adherence was measured monthly using the proportion of days covered (PDC) and modeled using group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM). Multinomial logistic regression, informed by the Andersen behavioral model, was used to identify sociodemographic and clinical predictors of adherence trajectories.
Results:
Among 7,847 patients, three distinct statin adherence trajectories were identified: near-perfect adherence (57.0%), adherent (23.6%), and rapid decline (19.4%). Female sex was associated with higher odds of rapid decline than male sex. Younger age (≤ 65 years) and having at least one prior hospitalization were significant predictors of rapid adherence decline, whereas older age and a greater number of concomitant medications were associated with lower odds of decline. Notably, about 80% of patients were adherent to statin despite lower adherence to the overall triple-therapy regimen.
Conclusions:
This study identified three distinct statin adherence trajectories among older adults on triple therapy. By highlighting predictors of rapid adherence decline, including female sex and prior hospitalization, these findings can help clinicians identify high-risk patients and inform targeted interventions to improve adherence and cardiovascular outcomes.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37349/ec.2026.1012110
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in women worldwide. While increasing parity has been associated with greater CVD risk in several populations, limited data exist on this association in South Asian women who experience some of the highest fertility rates globally. This narrative review synthesizes current literature examining the relationship between multiparity and CVD in South Asian women, including epidemiologic patterns, proposed biological mechanisms, and the influence of sociocultural factors. Evidence from South Asia suggests a possible association between high parity (particularly ≥ 4 or 5 births) and increased risk of hypertension, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and coronary heart disease. However, the available data are limited, largely cross-sectional, and occasionally contradictory. Some studies found no association or even protective effects at lower parity levels, suggesting a potential threshold or nonlinear effect. Biologically, proposed mechanisms include insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, and dysregulation of adipokines. Sociocultural factors such as male child preference, restricted contraceptive access, and limited autonomy in family planning decisions may also contribute to high parity and indirectly affect cardiovascular health. Although global research supports a positive association between multiparity and CVD, the evidence specific to South Asian populations remains inconsistent and underexplored. Further region-specific, longitudinal research is essential to clarify causality and inform culturally tailored screening and prevention strategies.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in women worldwide. While increasing parity has been associated with greater CVD risk in several populations, limited data exist on this association in South Asian women who experience some of the highest fertility rates globally. This narrative review synthesizes current literature examining the relationship between multiparity and CVD in South Asian women, including epidemiologic patterns, proposed biological mechanisms, and the influence of sociocultural factors. Evidence from South Asia suggests a possible association between high parity (particularly ≥ 4 or 5 births) and increased risk of hypertension, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and coronary heart disease. However, the available data are limited, largely cross-sectional, and occasionally contradictory. Some studies found no association or even protective effects at lower parity levels, suggesting a potential threshold or nonlinear effect. Biologically, proposed mechanisms include insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, and dysregulation of adipokines. Sociocultural factors such as male child preference, restricted contraceptive access, and limited autonomy in family planning decisions may also contribute to high parity and indirectly affect cardiovascular health. Although global research supports a positive association between multiparity and CVD, the evidence specific to South Asian populations remains inconsistent and underexplored. Further region-specific, longitudinal research is essential to clarify causality and inform culturally tailored screening and prevention strategies.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37349/ec.2026.1012108
This article belongs to the special issue Cardiovascular Risk for Mothers and Offspring Resulting from Complicated Pregnancy
Cardiopulmonary interaction is a fundamental physiological process during spontaneous breathing, but it is profoundly altered in critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation (MV). Positive-pressure ventilation modifies intrathoracic, pleural, and transpulmonary pressures, with major effects on pulmonary vascular hemodynamics and right ventricular performance. Among these consequences, acute pulmonary hypertension (aPH) has emerged as a clinically relevant yet frequently underrecognized complication. This review summarizes the current evidence on cardiopulmonary interaction during spontaneous breathing and MV, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms driving aPH and right ventricular dysfunction in critically ill patients. A narrative review was performed using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Free-text terms and controlled vocabulary related to positive-pressure ventilation, right ventricular dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension (PH), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), right heart catheterization, intensive care, and respiratory compliance were combined using Boolean operators. Priority was given to studies involving adult patients, including systematic reviews, observational studies, clinical trials, and relevant reference lists. During spontaneous breathing, cardiopulmonary interaction is governed by negative intrathoracic pressure, venous return (VR), transpulmonary pressure, and physiological ventilation-perfusion relationships. In contrast, MV reverses this physiological pressure profile and may reduce VR, increase right ventricular afterload, impair ventricular interdependence, and increase PVR. High tidal volumes, excessive positive end-expiratory pressure, increased plateau pressure, hypercapnia, hypoxemia, alveolar overdistension, and diffuse lung injury all contribute to aPH, potentially disrupting right ventricle-pulmonary artery coupling and promoting right ventricular dysfunction. MV profoundly reshapes cardiopulmonary physiology and may precipitate aPH and right ventricular dysfunction. Early recognition of these mechanisms and the application of protective ventilatory strategies are essential to reduce pulmonary and hemodynamic complications.
Cardiopulmonary interaction is a fundamental physiological process during spontaneous breathing, but it is profoundly altered in critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation (MV). Positive-pressure ventilation modifies intrathoracic, pleural, and transpulmonary pressures, with major effects on pulmonary vascular hemodynamics and right ventricular performance. Among these consequences, acute pulmonary hypertension (aPH) has emerged as a clinically relevant yet frequently underrecognized complication. This review summarizes the current evidence on cardiopulmonary interaction during spontaneous breathing and MV, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms driving aPH and right ventricular dysfunction in critically ill patients. A narrative review was performed using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Free-text terms and controlled vocabulary related to positive-pressure ventilation, right ventricular dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension (PH), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), right heart catheterization, intensive care, and respiratory compliance were combined using Boolean operators. Priority was given to studies involving adult patients, including systematic reviews, observational studies, clinical trials, and relevant reference lists. During spontaneous breathing, cardiopulmonary interaction is governed by negative intrathoracic pressure, venous return (VR), transpulmonary pressure, and physiological ventilation-perfusion relationships. In contrast, MV reverses this physiological pressure profile and may reduce VR, increase right ventricular afterload, impair ventricular interdependence, and increase PVR. High tidal volumes, excessive positive end-expiratory pressure, increased plateau pressure, hypercapnia, hypoxemia, alveolar overdistension, and diffuse lung injury all contribute to aPH, potentially disrupting right ventricle-pulmonary artery coupling and promoting right ventricular dysfunction. MV profoundly reshapes cardiopulmonary physiology and may precipitate aPH and right ventricular dysfunction. Early recognition of these mechanisms and the application of protective ventilatory strategies are essential to reduce pulmonary and hemodynamic complications.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37349/ec.2026.1012109
Aim:
This study aims to evaluate how demographic and treatment variables, including age, tumor type, resectability, and metastasis, affect survival outcomes across prognostic subgroups of primary malignant cardiac tumors (PMCTs).
Methods:
PMCT cases diagnosed between 2000 and 2021 were identified from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 18 registries. 730 patients were analyzed and categorized into prognosis groups based on 5-year survival (< 50%, 50–95%, > 95%). Demographic, histologic, and treatment varieties were examined using descriptive statistics, Kaplan-Meier estimates, and Cox proportional hazards models.
Results:
Among 730 patients, most were middle-aged (56.6%), male (52.5%), and White (60.1%). Soft tissue sarcomas predominated in the poorest-prognosis group (80.3%), while hematologic malignancies were most common in intermediate prognosis (52.0%). Younger age significantly reduced mortality risk [hazard ratio (HR) 0.49–0.52; p < 0.01]. Brain and lung metastases increased mortality (HR 2.04 and 1.89; p < 0.05). Surgical resection improved survival in sarcoma-dominant tumors, while systemic metastasis predicted poorer outcomes in hematologic malignancies. Chemotherapy improved survival in sarcomas (ρ = 0.457; p < 0.0001) but was associated with poorer outcomes in hematologic cancers (ρ = −0.337; p < 0.0001).
Conclusions:
PMCT prognosis is primarily influenced by histologic subtype and resectability. Sarcoma-dominant tumors benefit from aggressive surgical and chemotherapeutic management, conversely systemic control is key for hematologic malignancies. Younger age and absence of metastasis consistently predict better outcomes. Histology-specific and early intervention strategies are critical to improving survival in this rare malignancy.
Aim:
This study aims to evaluate how demographic and treatment variables, including age, tumor type, resectability, and metastasis, affect survival outcomes across prognostic subgroups of primary malignant cardiac tumors (PMCTs).
Methods:
PMCT cases diagnosed between 2000 and 2021 were identified from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 18 registries. 730 patients were analyzed and categorized into prognosis groups based on 5-year survival (< 50%, 50–95%, > 95%). Demographic, histologic, and treatment varieties were examined using descriptive statistics, Kaplan-Meier estimates, and Cox proportional hazards models.
Results:
Among 730 patients, most were middle-aged (56.6%), male (52.5%), and White (60.1%). Soft tissue sarcomas predominated in the poorest-prognosis group (80.3%), while hematologic malignancies were most common in intermediate prognosis (52.0%). Younger age significantly reduced mortality risk [hazard ratio (HR) 0.49–0.52; p < 0.01]. Brain and lung metastases increased mortality (HR 2.04 and 1.89; p < 0.05). Surgical resection improved survival in sarcoma-dominant tumors, while systemic metastasis predicted poorer outcomes in hematologic malignancies. Chemotherapy improved survival in sarcomas (ρ = 0.457; p < 0.0001) but was associated with poorer outcomes in hematologic cancers (ρ = −0.337; p < 0.0001).
Conclusions:
PMCT prognosis is primarily influenced by histologic subtype and resectability. Sarcoma-dominant tumors benefit from aggressive surgical and chemotherapeutic management, conversely systemic control is key for hematologic malignancies. Younger age and absence of metastasis consistently predict better outcomes. Histology-specific and early intervention strategies are critical to improving survival in this rare malignancy.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37349/ec.2026.1012107
Diabetes mellitus significantly increases the burden of coronary artery disease and peripheral arterial disease, frequently necessitating vascular bypass surgery. Imaging plays a central role across the perioperative continuum, from preoperative risk stratification and surgical planning to intraoperative guidance and postoperative surveillance. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on the application of multimodality imaging in diabetic patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting and peripheral arterial bypass procedures. A structured literature search of major databases was undertaken to identify contemporary studies evaluating echocardiography, computed tomography angiography, duplex ultrasound, magnetic resonance angiography, digital subtraction angiography, and functional nuclear imaging. Diabetic-specific factors such as diffuse multivessel disease, medial arterial calcification, renal impairment, and microvascular dysfunction substantially influence imaging performance and modality selection. While noninvasive imaging increasingly guides surgical decision-making and follow-up, the available evidence remains heterogeneous and largely observational. Advanced and hybrid imaging techniques show promise for individualized care but are limited by cost, availability, and a lack of robust outcome-driven data. Standardized imaging pathways and higher-quality comparative studies are required to optimize perioperative imaging strategies in this high-risk population.
Diabetes mellitus significantly increases the burden of coronary artery disease and peripheral arterial disease, frequently necessitating vascular bypass surgery. Imaging plays a central role across the perioperative continuum, from preoperative risk stratification and surgical planning to intraoperative guidance and postoperative surveillance. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on the application of multimodality imaging in diabetic patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting and peripheral arterial bypass procedures. A structured literature search of major databases was undertaken to identify contemporary studies evaluating echocardiography, computed tomography angiography, duplex ultrasound, magnetic resonance angiography, digital subtraction angiography, and functional nuclear imaging. Diabetic-specific factors such as diffuse multivessel disease, medial arterial calcification, renal impairment, and microvascular dysfunction substantially influence imaging performance and modality selection. While noninvasive imaging increasingly guides surgical decision-making and follow-up, the available evidence remains heterogeneous and largely observational. Advanced and hybrid imaging techniques show promise for individualized care but are limited by cost, availability, and a lack of robust outcome-driven data. Standardized imaging pathways and higher-quality comparative studies are required to optimize perioperative imaging strategies in this high-risk population.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37349/ec.2026.1012106
High-sensitivity cardiac biomarkers have transformed modern cardiology by enabling earlier diagnosis and refined risk stratification in acute coronary syndromes and heart failure. However, increasing analytical sensitivity has also amplified the clinical impact of immunoassay interferences, particularly those caused by heterophile antibodies. These endogenous antibodies can interact with assay antibodies and generate false-positive or false-negative results, most notably in sandwich immunoassays used for cardiac troponins and natriuretic peptides. Persistent, clinically implausible biomarker elevations related to heterophile antibody interference have led to unnecessary invasive procedures, inappropriate pharmacologic treatment, repeated hospital admissions, and prolonged diagnostic uncertainty. Conversely, false-negative results may delay diagnosis, result in inappropriate discharge, and contribute to adverse clinical outcomes in high-risk patients. This review summarizes the immunological basis and analytical mechanisms of heterophile antibody interference, highlights cardiac biomarkers most commonly affected, and outlines key clinical red flags that should prompt suspicion. Practical laboratory strategies include polyethylene glycol precipitation as an initial approach to detect antibody-mediated interference, followed by dilution studies, heterophile blocking reagents, and cautiously interpreted alternative platform testing within assay-specific reference frameworks, together with close clinician-laboratory collaboration. Greater awareness of analytical interference is critical as cardiology becomes increasingly biomarker-driven. Integrating clinical judgment with structured laboratory verification can substantially reduce diagnostic error, improve patient safety, and prevent avoidable healthcare utilization in contemporary cardiovascular practice.
High-sensitivity cardiac biomarkers have transformed modern cardiology by enabling earlier diagnosis and refined risk stratification in acute coronary syndromes and heart failure. However, increasing analytical sensitivity has also amplified the clinical impact of immunoassay interferences, particularly those caused by heterophile antibodies. These endogenous antibodies can interact with assay antibodies and generate false-positive or false-negative results, most notably in sandwich immunoassays used for cardiac troponins and natriuretic peptides. Persistent, clinically implausible biomarker elevations related to heterophile antibody interference have led to unnecessary invasive procedures, inappropriate pharmacologic treatment, repeated hospital admissions, and prolonged diagnostic uncertainty. Conversely, false-negative results may delay diagnosis, result in inappropriate discharge, and contribute to adverse clinical outcomes in high-risk patients. This review summarizes the immunological basis and analytical mechanisms of heterophile antibody interference, highlights cardiac biomarkers most commonly affected, and outlines key clinical red flags that should prompt suspicion. Practical laboratory strategies include polyethylene glycol precipitation as an initial approach to detect antibody-mediated interference, followed by dilution studies, heterophile blocking reagents, and cautiously interpreted alternative platform testing within assay-specific reference frameworks, together with close clinician-laboratory collaboration. Greater awareness of analytical interference is critical as cardiology becomes increasingly biomarker-driven. Integrating clinical judgment with structured laboratory verification can substantially reduce diagnostic error, improve patient safety, and prevent avoidable healthcare utilization in contemporary cardiovascular practice.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37349/ec.2026.1012105
Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) play a central role in the prevention of sudden cardiac death. Although implantation is generally safe, rare but clinically significant complications may occur. One such complication is inadvertent placement of a transvenous ICD lead into the left ventricle via a patent foramen ovale (PFO), which carries a risk of systemic thromboembolism and may remain clinically silent for prolonged periods. We report a case of an ICD lead malpositioned in the left ventricle through a PFO, detected 17 months after implantation during transthoracic echocardiography performed for worsening dyspnoea. Imaging demonstrated the lead traversing the interatrial septum and mitral valve into the left ventricle. The patient underwent successful transvenous extraction and reimplantation of a new right ventricular lead without complications. This case highlights the limitations of electrocardiographic clues alone and underscores the importance of multimodality imaging and meticulous implantation technique. A focused narrative review integrates current literature regarding mechanisms, diagnostic strategies, management options, and preventive considerations.
Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) play a central role in the prevention of sudden cardiac death. Although implantation is generally safe, rare but clinically significant complications may occur. One such complication is inadvertent placement of a transvenous ICD lead into the left ventricle via a patent foramen ovale (PFO), which carries a risk of systemic thromboembolism and may remain clinically silent for prolonged periods. We report a case of an ICD lead malpositioned in the left ventricle through a PFO, detected 17 months after implantation during transthoracic echocardiography performed for worsening dyspnoea. Imaging demonstrated the lead traversing the interatrial septum and mitral valve into the left ventricle. The patient underwent successful transvenous extraction and reimplantation of a new right ventricular lead without complications. This case highlights the limitations of electrocardiographic clues alone and underscores the importance of multimodality imaging and meticulous implantation technique. A focused narrative review integrates current literature regarding mechanisms, diagnostic strategies, management options, and preventive considerations.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37349/ec.2026.1012104
Coronary vasospasm, affecting both epicardial arteries and the coronary microcirculation, is a significant yet frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated cause of coronary syndromes. When promptly identified, it carries a relatively benign prognosis. Recognition can be straightforward in non-cardiology settings when triggered by known spasmogenic agents such as misoprostol (obstetrics) or 5-fluorouracil (oncology). Vasospasm may also be incidentally revealed during noninvasive functional testing, typically presenting as ST-segment elevation during early recovery phases, or after administration of agents like aminophylline following dipyridamole or β-blockers following dobutamine. In patients with high clinical suspicion but negative Holter or stress test findings, targeted provocation with ergonovine or hyperventilation protocols can safely induce vasospasm and unmask regional wall motion abnormalities, indicating epicardial involvement. Hyperventilation-Doppler echocardiography enables the detection of microvascular dysfunction through reductions in coronary flow velocity in the mid-distal left anterior descending coronary artery. A multi-stress, multi-marker functional testing approach offers a noninvasive, safe, and effective diagnostic strategy. Inducible wall motion abnormalities are specific for epicardial spasm, while Doppler-detected flow reduction is more sensitive for microvascular dysfunction. Early diagnosis is essential, as coronary vasospasm, though potentially life-threatening, is highly manageable with appropriate therapy. Management of patients with proven epicardial coronary artery or microvascular vasospasm involves starting therapy with calcium channel blockers and nitrates, and avoiding β-blockers, as they can worsen vasospasm by blocking β2-mediated vasodilation and leaving α1-mediated vasoconstriction unopposed.
Coronary vasospasm, affecting both epicardial arteries and the coronary microcirculation, is a significant yet frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated cause of coronary syndromes. When promptly identified, it carries a relatively benign prognosis. Recognition can be straightforward in non-cardiology settings when triggered by known spasmogenic agents such as misoprostol (obstetrics) or 5-fluorouracil (oncology). Vasospasm may also be incidentally revealed during noninvasive functional testing, typically presenting as ST-segment elevation during early recovery phases, or after administration of agents like aminophylline following dipyridamole or β-blockers following dobutamine. In patients with high clinical suspicion but negative Holter or stress test findings, targeted provocation with ergonovine or hyperventilation protocols can safely induce vasospasm and unmask regional wall motion abnormalities, indicating epicardial involvement. Hyperventilation-Doppler echocardiography enables the detection of microvascular dysfunction through reductions in coronary flow velocity in the mid-distal left anterior descending coronary artery. A multi-stress, multi-marker functional testing approach offers a noninvasive, safe, and effective diagnostic strategy. Inducible wall motion abnormalities are specific for epicardial spasm, while Doppler-detected flow reduction is more sensitive for microvascular dysfunction. Early diagnosis is essential, as coronary vasospasm, though potentially life-threatening, is highly manageable with appropriate therapy. Management of patients with proven epicardial coronary artery or microvascular vasospasm involves starting therapy with calcium channel blockers and nitrates, and avoiding β-blockers, as they can worsen vasospasm by blocking β2-mediated vasodilation and leaving α1-mediated vasoconstriction unopposed.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37349/ec.2026.1012103
Aim:
Cardiac memory is classically expressed as persistent T wave changes following restoration of normal ventricular activation. Its manifestations in idiopathic intermittent left bundle branch block (ILBBB) remain incompletely characterized. The aim of this report is to describe a distinct electrocardiographic phenotype potentially related to cardiac memory.
Methods:
We retrospectively analyzed a homogeneous series of 14 patients with idiopathic, rate-dependent ILBBB, absence of demonstrable structural heart disease, homophasic T waves in leads V5–V6 during left bundle branch block (LBBB), and pseudo-ischemic T wave inversion in the right precordial leads during phases of normal conduction.
Results:
In all patients, memory-related negative T waves were observed during normal conduction, while concordant (homophasic) T waves were consistently present during LBBB. A close relationship emerged between the width of the intraventricular conduction zone and the severity of repolarization abnormalities: narrower conduction zones were associated with deeper T wave inversion during normal conduction. During follow-up, most patients progressed to permanent LBBB, without documented major arrhythmic events.
Conclusions:
These findings describe a distinctive and reproducible electrocardiographic phenotype within idiopathic ILBBB, likely related to cardiac memory. This pattern, provisionally designated homophasic idiopathic intermittent left bundle branch block and cardiac memory (OIL-CAME), warrants further confirmation in larger prospective studies.
Aim:
Cardiac memory is classically expressed as persistent T wave changes following restoration of normal ventricular activation. Its manifestations in idiopathic intermittent left bundle branch block (ILBBB) remain incompletely characterized. The aim of this report is to describe a distinct electrocardiographic phenotype potentially related to cardiac memory.
Methods:
We retrospectively analyzed a homogeneous series of 14 patients with idiopathic, rate-dependent ILBBB, absence of demonstrable structural heart disease, homophasic T waves in leads V5–V6 during left bundle branch block (LBBB), and pseudo-ischemic T wave inversion in the right precordial leads during phases of normal conduction.
Results:
In all patients, memory-related negative T waves were observed during normal conduction, while concordant (homophasic) T waves were consistently present during LBBB. A close relationship emerged between the width of the intraventricular conduction zone and the severity of repolarization abnormalities: narrower conduction zones were associated with deeper T wave inversion during normal conduction. During follow-up, most patients progressed to permanent LBBB, without documented major arrhythmic events.
Conclusions:
These findings describe a distinctive and reproducible electrocardiographic phenotype within idiopathic ILBBB, likely related to cardiac memory. This pattern, provisionally designated homophasic idiopathic intermittent left bundle branch block and cardiac memory (OIL-CAME), warrants further confirmation in larger prospective studies.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37349/ec.2026.1012102
Aim:
To evaluate the health literacy (HL) of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) admitted to a public hospital of high complexity in the interior of Minas Gerais, Brazil, through the application of the instrument Short Assessment of Health Literacy for Portuguese Speaking Adults (SAHLPA)-18.
Methods:
Retrospective cross-sectional study, from the Good Clinical Practices (GCP) project developed in a tertiary hospital. The 175 patients with ACS were analyzed, in which the profile and the SAHLPA-18 were evaluated.
Results:
It was found that 55.43% (97 among 175; 95% CI: 48.07–62.79) were considered with inadequate HL, and 40.00% of patients who have completed elementary school or higher education had inadequate HL (36 among 90). Female sex and complete primary education or higher increased the HL, and diabetes decreased the HL.
Conclusions:
We observed low literacy even in the presence of formal education, which, combined with the presence of diabetes, may represent a risk to patients with ACS, highlighting the need for continuous health education in this group regardless of the profile.
Aim:
To evaluate the health literacy (HL) of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) admitted to a public hospital of high complexity in the interior of Minas Gerais, Brazil, through the application of the instrument Short Assessment of Health Literacy for Portuguese Speaking Adults (SAHLPA)-18.
Methods:
Retrospective cross-sectional study, from the Good Clinical Practices (GCP) project developed in a tertiary hospital. The 175 patients with ACS were analyzed, in which the profile and the SAHLPA-18 were evaluated.
Results:
It was found that 55.43% (97 among 175; 95% CI: 48.07–62.79) were considered with inadequate HL, and 40.00% of patients who have completed elementary school or higher education had inadequate HL (36 among 90). Female sex and complete primary education or higher increased the HL, and diabetes decreased the HL.
Conclusions:
We observed low literacy even in the presence of formal education, which, combined with the presence of diabetes, may represent a risk to patients with ACS, highlighting the need for continuous health education in this group regardless of the profile.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37349/ec.2026.1012101
The aim is to evaluate the transannular patch (TAP) repair and valve-sparing repair (VSR) techniques following tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) correction, focusing on post-operative complications and cardiac function. A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus using relevant terms like “Tetralogy of Fallot, right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), VSR, pulmonary valve replacement, transannular-patch repair”. Results indicated that VSR is favored due to its shorter cardiopulmonary bypass duration, preservation of the pulmonary valve, less demanding surgical requirements, shorter post-operative hospital stays, lower mortality rates, survival of at least 30 years, reduced pulmonary regurgitation, decreased right ventricular dysfunction, and improved physical activity tolerance and neurodevelopment. While TAP alleviates RVOT obstruction (RVOTO), it is associated with long-term pulmonary regurgitation. Both TAP and VSR are effective in managing TOF, but VSR provides better valve function preservation and long-term outcomes.
The aim is to evaluate the transannular patch (TAP) repair and valve-sparing repair (VSR) techniques following tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) correction, focusing on post-operative complications and cardiac function. A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus using relevant terms like “Tetralogy of Fallot, right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), VSR, pulmonary valve replacement, transannular-patch repair”. Results indicated that VSR is favored due to its shorter cardiopulmonary bypass duration, preservation of the pulmonary valve, less demanding surgical requirements, shorter post-operative hospital stays, lower mortality rates, survival of at least 30 years, reduced pulmonary regurgitation, decreased right ventricular dysfunction, and improved physical activity tolerance and neurodevelopment. While TAP alleviates RVOT obstruction (RVOTO), it is associated with long-term pulmonary regurgitation. Both TAP and VSR are effective in managing TOF, but VSR provides better valve function preservation and long-term outcomes.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37349/ec.2026.1012100
In the editorial game, authors are the players, reviewers are the linesmen on the sidelines, and the editor is the umpire. However, it is not uncommon for the umpire, to have a limited view of the pitch, only to be called back for revision through the video-assisted review. In the editorial context, the video-assisted review assistants are the readers, who critically evaluate the journal’s content and integrate, expand, and correct it when necessary. The journal remains open to this process, and we are well aware that only through dialectics—the comparison of differing views—can a sharper truth emerge. I described the role of the Editor-in-Chief as it is, based on my 40+ years of experience. Daly and Teixeira da Silva describe it as it should be, and this perspective is stimulating, refreshing, and timely.
In the editorial game, authors are the players, reviewers are the linesmen on the sidelines, and the editor is the umpire. However, it is not uncommon for the umpire, to have a limited view of the pitch, only to be called back for revision through the video-assisted review. In the editorial context, the video-assisted review assistants are the readers, who critically evaluate the journal’s content and integrate, expand, and correct it when necessary. The journal remains open to this process, and we are well aware that only through dialectics—the comparison of differing views—can a sharper truth emerge. I described the role of the Editor-in-Chief as it is, based on my 40+ years of experience. Daly and Teixeira da Silva describe it as it should be, and this perspective is stimulating, refreshing, and timely.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37349/ec.2026.101299
