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.