Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare condition characterized by heart failure secondary to left ventricular systolic dysfunction, occurring in women during the last trimester of pregnancy or within five months postpartum. Despite advancements in research, PPCM remains a life-threatening disorder associated with significant maternal morbidity and mortality. The primary clinical manifestations of PPCM result from heart failure due to impaired left ventricular systolic function. This article reviews the epidemiology, etiology, diagnostic criteria, management strategies, and outcomes of PPCM. Additionally, we present a case of a 34-year-old woman with PPCM who achieved full recovery within nine months, underscoring the importance of early recognition, prompt treatment, standardized medication, and regular follow-up.

Aim: Coronary heart disease (CHD) has been the leading cause of death worldwide for several decades. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common liver pathology, is considered a risk factor (RF) for the development of CHD and a predictor of an unfavourable prognosis. Our study aimed to compare cardiometabolic parameters in patients with CHD with and without NAFLD. Methods: The study prospectively included 85 patients with CHD, 61 with NAFLD (group I) and 24 without NAFLD (group II). In both groups, a comparative analysis of RF, anthropometric parameters, lipidogram, glycemic profile, brachiocephalic arteries (BCA) ultrasound (USD), and heart structural and geometric parameters according to echocardiography (EchoCG) and coronary calcium (CC) parameters was performed. Results: Patients with CHD and NAFLD had statistically significantly higher levels of total cholesterol, very low-density lipoproteins, triglycerides, insulin, heart structural parameters, and CC. Conclusions: Thus, the relationship between NAFLD and CHD is two-way, and liver diseases can exacerbate the course of cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

L-Carnitine (LC) is integral to energy production and fatty acid metabolism, facilitating the transport of long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria for β-oxidation. It modulates metabolic pathways, including pyruvate dehydrogenase activity, proteolysis, and protein synthesis, while also having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics. LC can be commonly applied to win the battle against HIV and cancer cachexia. Also, it can be recruited with the aim of improving physical and cognitive functions in athletes and the elderly. Despite these benefits, long-term LC administration has been associated to cardiovascular risks due its conversion to trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) by the gut microbiota. Elevated TMAO levels are linked to atherosclerosis, oxidative stress, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Managing TMAO levels using dietary treatments and gut microbiota-targeting techniques, such as probiotics, may reduce these risks. This comprehensive review presents the state-of-the-art information on LC’s dual role, emphasizing the balance between its therapeutic potential and the risks of prolonged supplementation. It aims to guide clinicians and researchers in optimizing LC’s benefits while addressing its long term cardiovascular safety concerns.