Progress in cardiovascular diseases
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Prog Cardiovasc Dis · Sep 2020
Effect of patiromer on serum potassium in hyperkalemic patients with heart failure: Pooled analysis of 3 randomized trials.
Hyperkalemia (HK) is a serious medical condition that can cause potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias. Patients with heart failure (HF) are at risk of HK due to underlying chronic kidney disease and use of guideline-recommended renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors. Patiromer, a sodium-free, non-absorbed potassium (K+) binder, is indicated for the treatment of HK. ⋯ In this pooled analysis of patients with HK, patiromer was generally well tolerated and reduced serum K+ similarly in patients with and without HF over 4 weeks.
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Prog Cardiovasc Dis · Sep 2020
ReviewSpecial Article - Acute myocardial injury in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 infection: A review.
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is now a global pandemic with millions affected and millions more at risk for contracting the infection. The COVID-19 virus, SARS-CoV-2, affects multiple organ systems, especially the lungs and heart. Elevation of cardiac biomarkers, particularly high-sensitivity troponin and/or creatine kinase MB, is common in patients with COVID-19 infection. ⋯ Clinical decisions including interventions should be individualized and carefully tailored after thorough review of risks/benefits. Given the complex interplay of SARS-CoV-2 with the cardiovascular system, further investigation into potential mechanisms is needed to guide effective therapies. Randomized trials are urgently needed to investigate treatment modalities to reduce the incidence and mortality associated with COVID-19 related acute myocardial injury.
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Prog Cardiovasc Dis · Jul 2020
ReviewTranscatheter aortic valve replacement in bicuspid aortic valve stenosis.
Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital cardiac abnormality in adults, and symptoms typically develops in adulthood. In the majority of cases, BAV disease progresses with age and surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) is performed with excellent operative outcomes. Based on a series of randomized trials, transcatheter AVR (TAVR) has evolved from a novel technology to an established therapy for patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS) regardless of risk profile. ⋯ However, worse outcomes in patients with unfavorable bicuspid anatomy such as calcified raphe plus excessive leaflet calcification have raised concerns for TAVR in younger and lower risk population. For the further expansion of TAVR toward BAV-AS population, we need randomized trials of TAVR in this population. Until then, previous registry data combined with computed tomographic-based anatomical assessment may guide the optimal therapy in patients with bicuspid anatomy.