Cardiology Commons^™

Baroreceptor Activating Therapy And Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators: An Electrical Mismatch?, Eboselumen Aigbe, Gunjan Mundhra, Munachiso Egbo, Yuhning Linda Hu

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Acute Ischemic Stroke In The Setting Of Lambl’S Excrescenses, Natalia C. Badillo, Jay Heckert, Yoan Rodriguez, Ashu Dhanjal

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

When Innocent Becomes Malignant... Unmasking Stemi Through Pvcs, Sharul Saxena, Jomel Jacinto, Yuhning Linda Hu

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

No Patient Left Behind: Improving Transition Of Care In Coronary Artery Disease And Heart Failure Patients, Rebecca Schuyler, Gunjan Mundhra, Mubbasher Syed

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Body Composition In Patients With Obesity-Related Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Comparison Study, Hannah Salmons, Syed Imran Ahmed, Hayley E. Billingsley, Alex Reavey-Cantwell, Roshanak Markley, Michele Golino, Marco Giuseppe Del Buono, Juan Ignacio Damonte, Sebastian Pinel, R. Lee Franco, Antonio Abbate, Carrie P. Earthman, Salvatore Carbone

EVMS School of Health Professions Faculty Publications

Background

Appendicular lean mass index is a major determinant of cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with obesity-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Moreover, appendicular lean mass index can be used to diagnose sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity in this population. We aimed to validate the ability of segmental single-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (SF-BIA) to assess body composition compared with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in patients with HFpEF and obesity, with a focus on appendicular lean mass index for its critical role in diagnosing sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity.

Methods

We analyzed 62 euvolemic patients from a heart failure outpatient clinic with …

Emcreg-International Multidisciplinary Consensus Panel On Management Of Hyperkalemia In Chronic Kidney Disease And Heart Failure, Natalie Kreitzer, Nancy M. Albert, Alpesh N. Amin, Craig J. Beavers, Richard C. Becker, Gregg Fonarow, W. Brian Gibler, Katherine W. Kwon, Robert J. Mentz, Biff F. Palmer, Charles V. Pollack, Iliana L. Piña

Division of Cardiology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Hyperkalemia, generally defined as serum potassium levels greater than 5.0 mEq/L, poses significant clinical risks, including cardiac toxicity and muscle weakness. Its prevalence and severity increase in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes mellitus, and heart failure (HF), particularly when compounded by medications like angiotensin converting inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and potassium sparing diuretics. Hyperkalemia arises from disruptions in potassium regulation involving intake, excretion, and intracellular-extracellular distribution. In CKD and acute kidney injury, these regulatory mechanisms are impaired, leading to heightened risk. The management of chronic hyperkalemia presents a challenge due to the necessity of balancing effective cardiovascular …

Long-Term Health-Related Quality Of Life In Kawasaki Disease-Related Coronary Artery Aneurysm: A Large Single-Center Assessment In Nanjing, China, Yun Zhou, Mei Chen, Wenting Gao, Yu Chen, Ying Meng

The Texas Heart Institute Journal

BACKGROUND: The impact of coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) caused by Kawasaki disease (KD) on long-term health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children has not been well documented.

METHODS: This study investigated long-term HRQOL in a large sample of children diagnosed with KD-related CAAs. A case-control, retrospective study included 66 patients with KD-related CAAs. A total of 98 hospitalized patients were matched as controls based on age and sex: 49 patients were allocated to a group with pneumonia and 49 patients were allocated to a group with arterio-arterial fistula. Both child-reported and parent-proxy-reported Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory surveys were collected. …

The Mental Health Of Cardiology Fellows In Training, Juan Simon Rico-Mesa, Suman M Atluri, Maria Antonia Rico-Mesa

The Texas Heart Institute Journal

No abstract provided.

Effective Thrombectomy For Biventricular Thrombosis With An Endoscope Via The Aortic And Tricuspid Heart Valves, Yuki Endo, Yoshiei Shimamura, Chizuo Kikuchi, Hiroshi Niinami

The Texas Heart Institute Journal

The simultaneous formation of thrombi in the left and right ventricles is extremely rare, and this condition's clinical characteristics and prognosis remain unknown. Therefore, treatment methods are still controversial. This case highlights the potential for endoscopic thrombectomy as a viable option for the treatment of giant floating biventricular thrombi in a patient with restricted cardiac function. This approach via the aortic and tricuspid heart valves allowed for effective and complete removal of the thrombi, thereby preventing further embolic complications.

Atrial Fibrillation Burden And Clinical Outcomes In Dual-Chamber Pacemaker Recipients, Ka Ho Oscar Chiu, Shou Yan Kam, Ka Chun Kevin Lee, To Shing Wong, Jacky Kit Chan, Yuk-Kong Lau, Kwok-Lun Lee, Wai-Ling Jessica Poon

Journal of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology

Background

Pacemaker-detected atrial fibrillation (PDAF) and its burden are associated with adverse clinical outcomes, but consensus is lacking on its definition and local clinical outcomes are unclear. We evaluated PDAF, its burden and relationship with major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE).

Methods

This retrospective study recruited adult patients receiving dual-chamber pacemakers from 2014 to 2022. The presence of PDAF of 5 minutes, PDAF burden (defined by the longest episode) and time to new-onset PDAF were measured and analysed. High PDAF burden was defined as PDAF lasting 24 hours.

Results

A total of 275 patients were analysed and followed for …

Robot-Assisted Surgical Treatment Of Caseoma, Nancy Wang, Abdussalam Elsenousi, Kenneth K Liao

The Texas Heart Institute Journal

This report reviews 5 cases of mitral annular caseoma. Four patients presented with fatigue, stroke, or mitral stenosis. Robot-assisted resection of caseoma with or without mitral valve replacement was successfully performed in all patients with good outcomes. These cases demonstrate the safety and efficacy of robotic surgery in treating caseoma.

Iatrogenic Ventricular Septal Defect After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: A Rare Complication, Muhammad Sabri, Hussam Al Hennawi, Shayan Qadir, Lucy Checchio, Chaitra Janga, Hamza Muhammadzai, Donald C. Haas

Abington Jefferson Health Papers

Iatrogenic ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a rare complication following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). An 83-year-old male underwent TAVI for severe aortic stenosis (AS) and was diagnosed with a peri-membranous VSD on echocardiography, which was not evident on pre-procedural imaging. This case highlights the risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and management of iatrogenic VSD following TAVI.

Acute Myocarditis Secondary To Human Metapneumovirus: A Case Series And Mini-Review, Hussam Al Hennawi, Aamna Khan, Alexander Shpilman, Jennifer A. Mazzoni

Abington Jefferson Health Papers

Among viral myocarditis, human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a rare causative agent with associated cardiac complications. This report provides insight into the disease progression and sheds light on reported cases from the literature. We present the clinical courses of two patients, aged 68 and 58, who developed myocarditis secondary to hMPV infection. Despite the typical severity associated with viral myocarditis in older populations, both patients experienced significant improvement in their condition and ultimately survived. This report highlights the necessity of recognizing hMPV as a potential cause of myocarditis, particularly in older adults presenting with simultaneous respiratory and cardiac symptoms. The recovery …

Pumping Iron, Straining Hearts: Androgen Building Cardiomyopathy In A Middle Aged Bodybuilding Enthusiast, Milan Terzic, Yash B. Patel

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

A 46-year-old bodybuilder presenting with new onset dyspnea found to have a new onset non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (CM) attributed to exogenous trenbolone and testosterone use. Steroid cessation and guideline-directed heart failure therapy led to notable recovery in left ventricular function supported by global longitudinal strain, ejection fraction and symptomatology.

Anabolic steroid-induced CM involves multiple mechanisms including lipid disturbances, hypertrophy, reduced receptor sensitivity, and cell damage. This case emphasizes the importance of recognizing anabolic steroid misuse as a potential cause of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy in middle aged men. With prompt discontinuation of steroids, remained abstinence and early initiation of guideline-directed medical therapy, myocardial …

Letter To "Early Do-Not-Attempt Resuscitation Orders And Neurological Outcomes In Older Out-Of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Patient: A Multicenter Observational Study", Benjamin Tangkamolsuk, Quang La, David F Lo

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

We enjoyed reading the article by Kohri et al., titled “Early do‐not‐attempt resuscitation orders and neurological outcomes in older out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest patients: A multicenter observational study” and would like to offer additional commentary on the article. We hope these perspectives may provide insight into areas that may require further research and improvement.

Embolic Stroke In A Patient With Left Atrial Myxoma, Muhammad Sabri, Sheraz Qamar, Naila Ijaz, Mark Decaro

Division of Cardiology Faculty Papers

We present a case of a patient with a left atrial myxoma who presented with an ischemic stroke. Her cardiac myxoma had an irregular contour and was highly mobile, both features that have been associated with a greater risk of thrombo- embolism. She was treated with prompt surgical resection

Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis In Orthopedic Surgery: A Narrative Review, Jacob Lahti, Sarah Gallitto, Thomas C. Varkey

Annual Research Symposium

This poster highlights current and updated guidelines for chemical and mechanical prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing major and minor orthopedic surgery. Existing and new potential therapies were reviewed, as well as an analysis into the lack of high-quality risk-prediction score calculators to improve personalization of prophylaxis regimens. Alongside a summary of existing and potential new prophylaxis protocols, a call to action to improve validity of said risk score calculators so as to improve patient outcomes and personalized medicine is made.

Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy After Hospitalization For Acute Heart Failure: Insights From The Connect-Hf, Satoshi Shoji, Lisa Kaltenbach, Bradi B. Granger, Gregg C. Fonarow, Hussein R. Al-Khalidi, Nancy M. Albert, Javed Butler, Larry A. Allen, David E. Lanfear, Jennifer T. Thibodeau, Brittany M. Chapman, Sandra M. Oliver-Mcneil, G. Michael Felker, Ileana L. Piña, Christopher B. Granger, Adrian F. Hernandez, Adam D. Devore

Division of Cardiology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Significant gap remains in the implementation of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) in patients with heart failure after a hospitalization. We aimed to evaluate the use and titration of GDMT at discharge and over a 12-month period after hospital discharge and to identify factors associated with GDMT use and titration.

METHODS AND RESULTS: The CONNECT-HF (Care Optimization Through Patient and Hospital Engagement Clinical Trial for Heart Failure) trial evaluated the effect of a hospital and postdischarge quality improvement intervention in participants with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. In this secondary analysis, we examined use and titration to at least …

The Power Of Prevention: Integrating Dental And Cardiovascular Care With The Baledoneen Method™, Amy Doneen Dnp

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

This article details the BaleDoneen Method™ which offers a collaborative, science-based approach to preventing and managing cardiovascular disease (CVD) by targeting the root causes of arterial plaque formation. This method integrates dental care by addressing high-risk periodontal pathogens, recognizing the critical connection between oral health and vascular health, and emphasizes the importance of personalized care to reduce systemic inflammation and cardiovascular risk.

Cardiac Amyloidosis Versus Other Restrictive Cardiomyopathies: A Retrospective Analysis Of Cardiovascular Outcomes And Arrhythmic Burden, Andrew Sagalov, Waqas Ullah, Yevgeniy Brailovsky, Michael Buhnerkempe, Steve Scaife, Abhishek Kulkarni, Mohamed Labedi, Shruti Hegde

Abington Jefferson Health Papers

BACKGROUND: The arrhythmic burden and cardiovascular risks of cardiac amyloidosis compared with other types of restrictive cardiomyopathies (RCM), such as hemochromatosis and cardiac sarcoid, have not been well characterized in the literature. An increase in emphasis on screening has resulted in more diagnoses of cardiac amyloidosis and a larger data pool to analyze the cardiovascular outcomes of this cardiomyopathy.

METHODS AND RESULTS: We queried the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database to identify all adult patients diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis or other RCM between the years 2016 and 2019. Discharge-weighted analysis using survey regressions accounts for discharge weights and characteristics found …

Surgical Treatment Of Brachiocephalic Artery Aneurysm With Impending Rupture And Tracheal Communication, Soon Jin Kim, Kyung Hwa Kim, Jong Hun Kim, Tae Yun Kim

The Texas Heart Institute Journal

Brachiocephalic artery aneurysm is uncommon but may require surgery because it tends to enlarge, rupture, or cause symptoms related to thrombosis or compression. This case report describes a brachiocephalic artery aneurysm in a 72-year-old man who presented at the hospital with dyspnea and hemoptysis resulting from impending rupture and tracheal communication.

Pharmacological Interventions Alone Versus Lifestyle Modifications For Reduction In Atrial Fibrillation, Cody Alan Pike Msn, Enp-C, Fnp-C, Cen, Cfrn, Ctrn, Margaret Harvey Phd, Aprn, Acnp-Bc, Chfn

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Atrial fibrillation is considered the most common arrythmia affecting individuals globally with an estimated occurrence of 12.1 million individuals by 2030 in the US alone (Joglar et al., 2023). Recent evidence suggests lifestyle modification in combination with pharmacological therapy may decrease the overall financial and health burdens associated with atrial fibrillation (Elliot et al., 2023). The aim of this scoping review is to examine the existing literature to evaluate prescription only versus prescription and lifestyle modifications and its effect of reducing negative health outcomes and overall burden of atrial fibrillation diagnoses.

Methods

Ten articles from 2014 through 2024 were …

Editorial: Cardiogenic Shock: Basic And Clinical Consideration, Volume Ii, Umberto Di Dedda, Indranee Rajapreyar, J. Eduardo Rame, Clement Delmas, Paolo Meani

Division of Cardiology Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing In Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension And Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension, Alexis Coulis, Shir Levanon, Gurshaun Randhawa, Yevgeniy Brailovsky, Farhan Raza, Estefania Oliveros

Division of Cardiology Faculty Papers

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing allows for a comprehensive assessment of the mechanism of exercise limitation in pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Competitive pathophysiologic mechanisms may affect the clinical interpretation of cardiopulmonary disease as they relate to dyspnea, leg fatigue, and exercise intolerance.

Acute Mitral Regurgitation Presenting As Unilateral Pulmonary Edema, Jacob Seth Psomiadis, Austin Kim Md, Whitnee Otto Md, Kavitha Vemuri Md

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

Acute mitral regurgitation caused by papillary muscle rupture is a rare and life-threatening complication of myocardial infarction. This devastating complication can present as unilateral cardiogenic pulmonary edema which can be easily mistaken for other cardiopulmonary pathology, resulting in delay of care. Proper evaluation and diagnosis is key for obtaining timely surgical evaluation. Here we present a case of an 87-year-old male with a past medical history of coronary artery disease status post percutaneous intervention with one stent, cerebrovascular accident status post left carotid stenting, and Alzheimer’s dementia that presented to the emergency department with a chief complaint of exertional dyspnea …

Digital, Social Micro-Interventions To Promote Physical Activity Among Midlife Adults With Elevated Cardiovascular Risk: An Ambulatory Feasibility Study With Momentary Randomization., Danielle Arigo, Leah M Schumacher, Kiri Baga, Jacqueline A Mogle

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

BACKGROUND: Although regular physical activity (PA) mitigates the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) during midlife, existing PA interventions are minimally effective. Harnessing social influences in daily life shows promise: digital micro-interventions could effectively engage these influences on PA and require testing.

PURPOSE: This feasibility study employed ecological momentary assessment with embedded micro-randomization to activate two types of social influences (i.e., comparison, support; NCT04711512).

METHODS: Midlife adults (N = 30, MAge = 51, MBMI = 31.5 kg/m2, 43% racial/ethnic minority) with ≥1 CVD risk conditions completed four mobile surveys per day for 7 days while wearing PA monitors. After 3 days …

The Impact Of Changes In Depression On Cardiovascular Outcomes In Patients With Coronary Heart Disease., Nishant Vatsa, Josiah Bennett, Sonika Vatsa, Alireza Rahbar, Daniel A Gold, Vardhmaan Jain, Matthew E Gold, Alexander Razavi, Adithya Yadalam, Shivang Desai, Muhammad Owais, Joy D Hartsfield, Yi-An Ko, Laurence Sperling, Viola Vaccarino, Puja K Mehta, Arshed A Quyyumi

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

BACKGROUND: Depression is associated with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Whether longitudinal changes in depression affect MACE in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) remains unknown.

OBJECTIVES: The authors evaluated the hypothesis that increasing or persistent depression predicts MACE in patients with CHD.

METHODS: At baseline, 3,483 Emory Cardiovascular Biobank participants (median age 65.5 years, 31.6% female) completed the Patient Health Questionnaire 8 (PHQ8) for depression evaluation. At 1 year, 2,639 of these event-free participants repeated the questionnaire. Depression was defined as a PHQ8 score >9 and change in depressive symptoms (Δ" role="presentation"> PHQ8) was year 1 score minus baseline …

Temporal Variations In And Predictive Values Of Abg Results Prior To In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest, Mina Attin, Jie Rin, Chad Cross, Sidath Kapukotuwa, Ryan Shao, Peter G. Kaufmann, C.D. (Joey) Lin, Kim Arcoleo

Nursing Faculty Research

In-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) has been understudied relative to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Further, studies of IHCA have mainly focused on a limited number of pre-arrest patient characteristics (e.g., demographics, number and types of comorbidities). Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis, one of the most common diagnostic tests for assessing and managing critically or acutely ill hospitalized patients, reflects pathophysiological changes associated with adverse events or complications, including IHCA. Yet the predictive and prognostic values of patterns of pre-arrest ABG parameters for IHCA have not been fully studied. The purpose of this retrospective pilot cohort study was to investigate temporal variations in …

Pediatric Cardiac Xenotransplantation And Expanded Access: Ethical Considerations, Daniel J Hurst, Christopher Bobier, Anthony Merlocco, Luz A Padilla, Daniel Rodger, David Cleveland, John D Cleveland

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Due to the current organ shortage waitlist, alternatives to allotransplantation are necessary. Xenotransplantation is currently being pursued as one such alternative in adults in need of kidney or heart transplantation. Cardiac xenotransplantation of genetically modified pig hearts has been conducted twice in adults under the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded access criteria. Because of the shortage of transplantable hearts for children as well as the lack of mechanical circulatory support in this population, pediatric researchers are exploring FDA expanded access in high-risk neonates and infants who lack alternative options for survival. The adult cardiac xenotransplantation experience with …

Comparative Outcomes Of Transcatheter Versus Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement In Elderly Patients With Severe Symptomatic Aortic Stenosis: A Systematic Review, Omar Hamodat, Saif Almuzainy, Salma Nizar

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Objectives: Aortic stenosis is the most common valvular heart disease globally; while transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has proven to be a competitive alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and revolutionized treatment, its safety and efficacy has yet to be comprehensively assessed against SAVR for certain subsets of aortic stenosis patients; therefore, this study aims to systematically analyze all the available clinical evidence from randomized clinical trials on TAVR versus SAVR among intermediate and low-risk patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis.

Methodology: We performed a systematic review of the randomized controlled trials (RCT), studies comparing TAVR and …