Future cardiology
-
Intermittent fasting has produced a variety of beneficial health effects in animal models, although high-quality research in humans has been limited. This special report examines current evidences for intermittent fasting in humans, discusses issues that require further examination, and recommends new research that can improve the knowledge base in this emerging research area. While potentially useful for health improvement, intermittent fasting requires further study prior to widespread implementation for health purposes. Randomized, longer-term studies are needed to determine whether using intermittent fasting as a lifestyle rather than a diet is feasible and beneficial for the health of some members of the human population.
-
Endocarditis of a prosthetic heart valve is a life-threatening condition that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Perivalvular extension in infective endocarditis includes complications such as periannular or intramyocardial abscesses, pseudoaneurysms and fistulae. ⋯ Herein, we describe a case of a 66-year-old man who presented endocarditis of a prosthetic aortic valve complicated by infective pseudoaneurysm with localization next to the right coronary sinus of Valsalva. Moreover, we underscore the importance of the diagnostic imaging tools options and surgical timing.
-
Prospective studies show an association between obstructive sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the treatment of choice and effectively reduces subjective sleepiness and apneic and hypopneic events. However, randomized trials have not shown a reduction in cardiovascular outcomes with CPAP therapy. ⋯ The majority of studies found no significant improvement in cardiovascular outcomes with CPAP, although many noted nonsignificant benefits. Adjusted analysis in several trials showed significant cardiovascular benefit in those patients with higher CPAP compliance. Existing trials may lack sufficient follow-up and CPAP compliance, among other limitations.
-
Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are effective in preventing and treating venous thromboembolism, and preventing stroke in atrial fibrillation. Until recently, there has been no specific reversal agent for DOACs. Now, a specific antidote for the direct thrombin inhibitor, dabigatran has been approved for use, and antidotes for factor Xa inhibitors (rivaroxaban, apixaban and edoxaban) are being developed. We review the evidence for currently used and emerging reversal strategies, and discuss possible clinical implications, including increased prescription of DOACs, use of DOACs in clinical situations previously felt to pose too great a risk of bleeding, and use of reversal agents beyond currently approved indications.