Clinical impact of cerebral protection during transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

BACKGROUND: Embolization of debris can complicate transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) causing stroke. Cerebral embolism protection (CEP) devices can divert or trap debris. PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of CEP during TAVI vs the standard procedure. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, SCOPUS and DOAJ 1/01/2014-04/12/2023. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized and observational studies comparing CEP versus standard TAVI, according to PRISMA. PRIMARY OUTCOME: stroke. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: death, bleeding, vascular access complications, acute kidney injury and infarct area. DATA EXTRACTION: Two investigators independently assessed study quality and extracted data. DATA SYNTHESIS: Twenty-six articles were included (540.247 patients). The primary endpoint was significantly lower (RR = 0.800 95%CI:0.682-0.940; p = 0.007) with CEP. Similarly, death rates were significantly lower with CEP (RR = 0.610 95%CI:0.482-0.771; p < 0.001). No difference was found for bleeding (RR = 1.053 95%CI:0.793-1.398; p = 0.721), vascular complications (RR = 0.937 95%CI:0.820-1.070; p = 0.334) or AKI (RR = 0.982 95%CI:0.754-1.279; p = 0.891). CONCLUSIONS: Use of CEP during TAVI is associated with improved outcomes. Future studies will identify patients who benefit most from CEP.

Association between Statin Use and Chemotherapy-Induced Cardiotoxicity: A Meta-Analysis.

Background: Chemotherapy-induced cardiac dysfunction (CIC) is a significant and concerning complication observed among cancer patients. Despite the demonstrated cardioprotective benefits of statins in various cardiovascular diseases, their effectiveness in mitigating CIC remains uncertain. Objective: This meta-analysis aims to comprehensively evaluate the potential cardioprotective role of statins in patients with CIC. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases to identify relevant articles published from inception until 10th May 2023. The outcomes were assessed using pooled odds ratio (OR) for categorical data and mean difference (MD) for continuous data, with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Results: This meta-analysis comprised nine studies involving a total of 5532 patients, with 1904 in the statin group and 3628 in the non-statin group. The pooled analysis of primary outcome shows that patients who did not receive statin suffer a greater decline in the LVEF after chemotherapy compared to those who receive statin (MD, 3.55 (95% CI: 1.04-6.05), p = 0.01). Likewise, we observed a significantly higher final mean LVEF among chemotherapy patients with statin compared to the non-statin group of patients (MD, 2.08 (95% CI: 0.86-3.30), p > 0.001). Additionally, there was a lower risk of incident heart failure in the statin group compared to the non-statin group of patients (OR, 0.41 (95% CI: 0.27-0.62), p < 0.001). Lastly, the change in the mean difference for LVEDV was not statistically significant between the statin and non-statin groups (MD, 1.55 (95% CI: -5.22-8.33), p = 0.65). Conclusion: Among patients of CIC, statin use has shown cardioprotective benefits by improving left ventricular function and reducing the risk of heart failure.

Remdesivir-Induced Bradycardia.

Remdesivir, a viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitor, found extensive use in coronavirus disease 2019-infected patients because it curbs the viral load expansion. Among patients hospitalized as a result of lower respiratory tract infection, remdesivir proved to improve recovery time; however, remdesivir also can induce significant cytotoxic effects on cardiac myocytes. In this narrative review, we discuss the pathophysiological mechanism of remdesivir-induced bradycardia and diagnostic and management strategies for these patients. We conclude that further research is necessary to understand better the mechanism of bradycardia in coronavirus disease 2019 patients with or without cardiovascular disorder treated with remdesivir.

Arrhythmias and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Unravelling the Connection.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) results from gene mutations affecting cardiac sarcomeres and is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. With a prevalence of 1:200-1:500 in the general population, HCM is characterised by a hypertrophied and non-dilated left ventricle with predominant involvement of the interventricular septum. The myocardium's structural and intracellular factors, combined with triggers such as physical exertion, autonomic dysfunction, and ischemia, can lead to reentry events, and atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation (AF) which is common among HCM patients. To manage the increased risk of mortality arising from congestive heart failure and thromboembolism, in patients with AF long-term anticoagulation and antiarrhythmic drugs are employed. HCM patients may also encounter supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias, such as nonsustained ventricular tachycardia and ventricular premature beats, which can potentially lead to sudden cardiac death and necessitate treatment with implanted defibrillators. Physicians must comprehensively analyse clinical, anatomical, hemodynamic, rhythmic, functional, and genetic characteristics to identify HCM patients at high risk of sudden death. This article aims to discuss the pathophysiology of arrhythmia in HCM and clinical recommendations for various ventricular and atrial fibrillation including catheter ablation and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD).

The cardio-oncology continuum: Bridging the gap between cancer and cardiovascular care.

Cancer and cardiovascular disease are two of the leading causes of death worldwide. Although cancer has historically been viewed as a condition characterized by abnormal cell growth and proliferation, it is now recognized that cancer can lead to a variety of cardiovascular diseases. This is due to the direct impact of cancer on the heart and blood vessels, which can cause myocarditis, pericarditis, and vasculitis. Additionally, cancer patients frequently experience systemic effects such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic dysregulation, which can contribute to the development of cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. It is important to closely monitor patients with cancer, especially those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, for cardiovascular risk factors and promptly address them. This article aims to explore the clinical implications of the underlying mechanisms connecting cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Our analysis highlights the need for improved cooperation between oncologists and cardiologists, and specialized treatment for cancer survivors.

Unveiling the Silent Intruder: H. pylori's Hidden Link to Ischemic Heart Disease.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death. In addition to the well-known risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease, such as age, diabetes mellitus, smoking, hypertension, and obesity, there has been a growing concern regarding cardiac complications stemming from the Gram-negative bacteria Helicobacter pylori. While H. pylori is most commonly associated with chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, gastric adenocarcinoma, and gastric lymphoma, it has also been implicated in extra gastric manifestations, encompassing cardiac, neurologic, ocular, and dermatologic issues. Key virulent factors for coronary artery disease include the vacuolating cytotoxin gene A and the cytotoxin-associated gene A. The most likely pathogenic mechanism of the relationship between H. pylori and coronary artery disease is initiating a chronic inflammatory process associated with infection and the modifications of classic risk factors. These alterations lead to the creation of prothrombotic and procoagulant environments. Here, we review the cardiac manifestations of H. pylori and the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.

The Rising Use of E-Cigarettes: Unveiling the Health Risks and Controversies.

The use of e-cigarettes has tremendously increased in recent times due to the widespread availability of e-cigarettes in diverse flavors, reduced cost compared to regular cigarettes, and misconception of being comparatively safe, which have led to around 2.55 million US middle and high school students smoking e-cigarettes. These devices use a nicotine-rich liquid, which is aerosolized electronically, producing vapors that may also include hazardous chemicals and heavy metals. E-cigarettes are associated with e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury, which presents as an acute respiratory ailment mirroring various pulmonary diseases. Additionally, it causes endothelial dysfunction, alters blood lipid profile by elevating circulating levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, increases sympathetic tone, and is found to correlate with arterial stiffening, hence negatively affecting respiratory, cardiovascular, and overall health. We aim to provide a comprehensive analysis of the data on e-cigarettes and their harmful effects on health in comparison to conventional cigarette use by highlighting the pathophysiology of e-cigarette-induced adverse effects and critically analyzing the data both in favor and against its use. Our review concludes that no matter how much nicotine an e-cigarette contains, evidence shows that using it increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, albeit maybe not as much as smoking regular tobacco. Nonetheless, it is crucial to note that the long-term effects of e-cigarette usage are still not fully understood, and existing data have provided opposing viewpoints.

Metabolic surgery in improving arterial health in obese individuals.

PURPOSE: Arterial stiffness has gained recognition as a stand-alone risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Obesity is intricately linked to elevated arterial stiffness, the development of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, and the emergence of diastolic dysfunction, all of which collectively contribute substantially to an unfavorable prognosis. Weight loss has become a standard recommendation for all patients with CVD concurrent with morbid obesity; however, randomized evidence to support this recommendation was limited earlier. The latest scientific studies revealed dynamic changes in aortic stiffness after substantial weight loss by bariatric surgery, also known as metabolic surgery, in patients with obesity. There is also a favorable evolution in LV hypertrophy and a significant impact on arterial hypertension and other promising cardiovascular outcomes in obese people after bariatric surgery. METHODS/RESULTS: We aimed to examine the cardiovascular effects of various metabolic surgeries in morbidly obese individuals, especially their role in improving arterial health, the potential impact on surrogate markers of atherosclerotic vascular disease, and consequently reducing the likelihood of cardiovascular events. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, metabolic surgery is associated with a significant decrease in the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause mortality among obese individuals, alongside remarkable enhancement of arterial health. These findings underscore the critical importance of implementing strategies to combat obesity and reduce adiposity within the general population.

Gut Microbiome-Colorectal Cancer Relationship.

Traditionally, the role of gut dysbiosis was thought to be limited to pathologies like Clostridioides difficile infection, but studies have shown its role in other intestinal and extraintestinal pathologies. Similarly, recent studies have surfaced showing the strong potential role of the gut microbiome in colorectal cancer, which was traditionally attributed mainly to sporadic or germline mutations. Given that it is the third most common cancer and the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality, 78 grants totaling more than USD 28 million have been granted to improve colon cancer management since 2019. Concerted efforts by several of these studies have identified specific bacterial consortia inducing a proinflammatory environment and promoting genotoxin production, causing the induction or progression of colorectal cancer. In addition, changes in the gut microbiome have also been shown to alter the response to cancer chemotherapy and immunotherapy, thus changing cancer prognosis. Certain bacteria have been identified as biomarkers to predict the efficacy of antineoplastic medications. Given these discoveries, efforts have been made to alter the gut microbiome to promote a favorable diversity to improve cancer progression and the response to therapy. In this review, we expand on the gut microbiome, its association with colorectal cancer, and antineoplastic medications. We also discuss the evolving paradigm of fecal microbiota transplantation in the context of colorectal cancer management.

Precision medicine in Myocardial Infarction With Non-obstructive Coronary Disease (MINOCA): A comprehensive review.

Cardiovascular diseases, particularly myocardial infarction (MI), are a significant cause of mortality globally. Traditional MIs are commonly linked to substantial coronary artery blockage. However, a distinct subset of patients experience MI with non-obstructive coronary arteries, known as MINOCA. Imaging techniques, such as invasive coronary angiograms, are employed to diagnose MI or assess predisposition to one. Coronary angiograms help visualize vessel blockages; however, these blockages are absent in MINOCA cases, posing a diagnostic challenge. Precision medicine aims to introduce new diagnostic tools to assist in early diagnosis and further management of MINOCA. As percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) does not benefit MINOCA patients, medical management tailored to the specific pathophysiological mechanism of MINOCA is employed. For example, if MINOCA is attributed to plaque disruption with or without plaque thrombus formation, the fundamental treatments may include statins, agents that modulate the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), and antiplatelet therapies. On the other hand, if coronary artery spasm is identified as the primary cause, essential intervention involves the use of calcium channel blockers. This approach has been previously utilized in patients with vasospastic angina and could be utilized in MINOCA, although research specific to MINOCA is ongoing. Therefore, the handling of MINOCA underscores the necessity for a tailored therapeutic strategy that corresponds to the underlying physiological mechanism responsible for the patient's clinical symptoms. Ongoing research initiatives are directed at expanding the availability of these treatments, uncovering new biomarkers, creating advanced diagnostic instruments, and establishing a more individualized approach for managing MINOCA patients.

Lab testing overload: a comprehensive analysis of overutilization in hospital-based settings.

Overuse of laboratory tests has been a growing problem in the inpatient hospital setting for years, which adds to the rising cost of care. Various factors come into play, such as clinical routines, lack of cost transparency, and the convenience of electronic health record-based ordering. The financial ramifications of the overuse are significant, as lab costs drive most medical decisions. Eliminating unnecessary testing with clinical decision support and best practices is associated with marked cost savings, improved outcomes, and decreased patient distress. The excessive use of laboratory tests highly affects patients, resulting in hospital-induced anemia, low patient satisfaction, and poor outcomes. Tackling lab overuse requires a multifaceted approach that includes education, technology, and policy changes. In the era of precision healthcare, optimizing test utilization can reduce costs, decrease waste, and improve patient care.

Harmonizing Hearts: Exploring the Impact of Music Therapy on Cardiovascular Health.

Music therapy (MT) is a music intervention involving a credentialed professional and a client, which has gained increasing recognition in current practices as an adjunct therapy for various conditions, including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). MT demonstrates notable physiological as well as psychological effects leading to lowered anxiety, depression, and systolic blood pressure in patients with CVDs as well as having effects on heart rate and heart rate variability in healthy subjects. MT emerges as a promising adjunct in the prevention and rehabilitation of CVDs and its holistic impact on physiological and psychological parameters underscores its potential as a noninvasive, cost-effective intervention. Existing literature shows heterogeneity in methods in the studies such as the genre and quality of music utilized as well outcomes. While further research is warranted to optimize protocols and assess long-term effects, the current evidence highlights MT's substantial benefits in cardiovascular health care, making it a promising asset in modern therapeutic approaches. This comprehensive review explores the multifaceted role of MT in CVDs, discussing its mechanisms and clinical applications.

Complex dichotomous links of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and inflammatory bowel disease: exploring risks, mechanisms, and management modalities.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been shown to be linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) due to established risk factors such as obesity, age, and type 2 diabetes in numerous studies. However, alternative research suggests that factors related to IBD, such as disease activity, duration, and drug-induced toxicity, can contribute to NAFLD. Recent research findings suggest IBD relapses are correlated with dysbiosis, mucosal damage, and an increase in cytokines. In contrast, remission periods are characterized by reduced metabolic risk factors. There is a dichotomy evident in the associations between NAFLD and IBD during relapses and remissions. This warrants a nuanced understanding of the diverse influences on disease manifestation and progression. It is possible to provide a holistic approach to care for patients with IBD by emphasizing the interdependence between metabolic and inflammatory disorders.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators for primary prevention in patients with ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) are one of the leading causes of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Evidence supporting Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) for the prevention of SCD and mortality has shown conflicting results to date. OBJECTIVE: We aim to evaluate the impact of ICD therapy with conventional care for the primary prevention of death of various causes in adults with ICM and NICM. METHODS: We performed a systematic literature search on the electronic database for relevant articles from inception until 30th May 2023. Pooled odds ratios (OR) were calculated using a random effect model, and a p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 13 randomized controlled trials involving 7857 patients were included in the study. Pooled analysis showed that ICD therapy was associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of all-cause mortality (OR, 0.69 (95%CI:0.55-0.87), P = 0.001), with a similar trend among ICM and NICM compared with the control group. ICD therapy also reduces the incidence of SCD (OR, 0.32(95%CI: 0.24-0.43), P<0.00001) with a similar trend in ICM and NICM, as well as death due to arrhythmia (OR, 0.35(95%CI: 0.19-0.64), P<0.001). However, the incidence of cardiovascular mortality in the ICD group (OR, 0.77(95%CI: 0.58-1.02), P=0.07) was comparable to the control group. CONCLUSION: ICD therapy was associated with a reduction in the incidence of all-cause mortality, sudden cardiac death, and death due to arrhythmia among ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathy patients.

The role of renal denervation in cardiology and beyond: An updated comprehensive review and future directives.

Renal denervation (RDN) is a minimally invasive intervention performed by denervation of the nervous fibers in the renal plexus, which decreases sympathetic activity. These sympathetic nerves influence various physiological functions that regulate blood pressure (BP), including intravascular volume, electrolyte composition, and vascular tone. Although proven effective in some trials, controversial trials, such as the Controlled Trial of Renal Denervation for Resistant Hypertension (SYMPLICITY-HTN3), have demonstrated contradictory results for the effectiveness of RDN in resistant hypertension (HTN). In the treatment of HTN, individuals with primary HTN are expected to experience greater benefits compared to those with secondary HTN due to the diverse underlying causes of secondary HTN. Beyond its application for HTN, RDN has also found utility in addressing cardiac arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, and managing cases of heart failure. Non-cardiogenic applications of RDN include reducing the intensity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), overcoming insulin resistance, and in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of RDN and its uses in cardiology and beyond, along with providing future directions and perspectives.

Association of Cannabis Use Disorder With Hospitalizations for Pulmonary Embolism and Subsequent in-Hospital Mortality in Young Adults: A Contemporary Nationwide Analysis.

BACKGROUND: With the increase in popularity of cannabis and its use and the lack of large-scale data on cannabis use and venous thromboembolism and pulmonary embolism (PE), we used a nationally representative cohort of young adults (aged 18-44 years) to compare the odds of admissions and in-hospital mortality of PE with and without cannabis use disorder (CUD). METHODS AND RESULTS: Identified patients with PE using the National Inpatient Sample (2018) were compared for baseline, comorbidities, and outcomes. Multivariable regression analysis, adjusted for covariates, was used to compare the odds of PE in young patients with CUD (CUD+) versus those without (CUD-) and those with prior venous thromboembolism. Propensity score-matched analysis (1:6) was also performed to assess in-hospital outcomes. A total of 61 965 (0.7%) of 8 438 858 young adult admissions in 2018 were PE related, of which 1705 (0.6%) had CUD+. On both unadjusted (odds ratio, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.71-0.90]; P<0.001) and adjusted regression analyses, the CUD+ cohort had a lower risk of PE admission. The CUD+ cohort had fewer routine discharges (58.3% versus 68.3%) and higher transfers to short-term (7.9% versus 4.8%) and nursing/intermediate care (12.6% versus 9.5%) (P<0.001). The PE-CUD+ cohort of in-hospital mortality did not differ from the CUD- cohort. Propensity score-matched (1:6) analysis revealed comparable mortality odds with higher median hospital stay and cost in the CUD+ cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Young adults with CUD demonstrated lower odds of PE hospitalizations without any association with subsequent in-hospital mortality. The median hospital stay of the CUD+ cohort was longer, they were often transferred to other facilities, and they had a higher cost.

Efficacy and outcomes of antiplatelet therapy versus oral anticoagulants in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Recent guidelines suggest that antiplatelet therapy (APT) is the standard of care in the absence of long-term oral anticoagulation (OAC) indications in patients post-transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The superiority of one method over the other remains controversial. Materials and methods: Several databases, including MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and EMBASE, were electronically searched. The primary endpoint was the all-cause mortality (ACM) rate. Secondary endpoints included cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke/TIA, haemorrhagic stroke, bleeding events, systemic embolism, and valve thrombosis in post-TAVR patients receiving APT and oral anticoagulants (OACs). Forest plots were generated using Review Manager version 5.4, with a p value less than 0.05 indicating statistical significance. Subgroup analysis was performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. Results: Twelve studies were selected. No significant differences were observed in APT and OAC group for ACM [risk ratio (RR): 0.67; 95% CI:0.45-1.01; P=0.05], cardiovascular death [RR:0.91; 95% CI:0.73-1.14; P=0.42], MI [RR:1.69; 95% CI:0.43-6.72; P=0.46], Stroke/TIA [RR:0.79; 95% CI:0.58-1.06; P=0.12], ischaemic stroke [RR:0.83; 95% CI:0.50-1.37; P=0.47], haemorrhagic stroke [RR:1.08; 95% CI: 0.23-5.15; P=0.92], major bleeding [RR:0.79; 95% CI:0.51-1.21; P=0.28], minor bleeding [RR:1.09; 95% CI: 0.80-1.47; P=0.58], life-threatening bleeding [RR:0.85; 95% CI:0.55-1.30; P=0.45], any bleeding [RR:0.98; 95% CI:0.83-1.15; P=0.78], and systemic embolism [RR:0.87; 95% CI:0.44-1.70; P=0.68]. The risk of valve thrombosis was higher in patients receiving APT than in those receiving OAC [RR:2.61; 95% CI:1.56-4.36; P =0.0002]. Conclusions: Although the risk of valve thrombosis increased in patients receiving APT, the risk of other endpoints was comparable between the two groups.

Examining prevalence and predictors of pulmonary hypertension in adults with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a population-based analysis in the United States.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) often complicates idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a progressive parenchymal lung disease. We investigated predictors of PH in IPF hospitalizations in the United States. We identified IPF hospital- izations with or without PH using the National Inpatient Sample (2018) and relevant ICD-10-CM codes. We com- pared demographics, comorbidities, PH prevalence, and its multivariable predictors adjusted for confounders among patients with IPF. In 2018, 30,335 patients from 30,259,863 hospitalizations had IPF, of which 8,075 (26.6%) had PH. Black (41%), Hispanic (21.3%), and female (28.7%) patients had higher rates of PH compared to white patients (25%). The IPF-PH cohort was hospitalized more often in urban teaching (77.7% vs. 72.2%), Midwest, and West hospitals vs. non-PH cohort. Comorbidities including congestive heart failure (2.08 [1.81-2.39]), valvular disease (2.12 [1.74-2.58]), rheumatoid arthritis/collagen vascular disease (1.32 [1.08-1.61]) predicted higher odds of PH. The PH-IPF cohort was less often routinely discharged (35.4%) and more likely to be transferred to intermediate care facilities (22.6%) and home health care (27.1%) (P < 0.001). The PH-IPF group had higher rates of all-cause mortality (12.3% vs. 9.4%), cardiogenic shock (2.4% vs. 1%), dysrhythmia (37.6% vs. 29%), and cardiac arrest (2.7% vs. 1.5%) vs. non-PH cohort (all P < 0.001). Patients with PH-IPF also had longer hospital stays (9 vs. 8) and a higher median cost ($23,054 vs. $19,627, P < 0.001). Nearly 25% of IPF hospitalizations with PH were linked to higher mortality, extended stays, and costs, emphasizing the need to integrate demographic and comorbidity predictors into risk stratification for improved outcomes in patients with IPF-PH.

Asthma and Cardiovascular Diseases: Uncovering Common Ground in Risk Factors and Pathogenesis.

Asthma and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the 2 common and complex health problems with a substantial global impact. Epidemiological studies indicate that asthma and CVDs are common, with evidence supporting their cooccurrence. Inflammation, oxidative stress, obesity, metabolic syndrome, smoking, secondhand smoke exposure, physical inactivity, and environmental exposures are all risk factors for asthma and CVDs. In addition, inflammatory and immunological pathways, autonomic dysfunction, endothelial dysfunction, thrombosis, coagulation, and common genetic risk factors contribute to the asthma-CVD relationship. Asthmatic individuals have higher morbidity and mortality rates related to CVDs and high-risk factors. Techniques such as screening for CVDs in asthma patients, pharmaceutical therapy, and lifestyle changes are critical for effectively managing these comorbid illnesses. Understanding the link between asthma and CVD is necessary for integrated and clinical management approaches to enhance patient outcomes and lessen the burden of these related diseases.

Unraveling the link: exploring the effects of environmental change on the cardiovascular system.

Climate change has a particularly detrimental effect on the cardiovascular system, which is highly vulnerable to harmful impacts. The accumulation of particulate matter (PM) and greenhouse gasses in the environment negatively impacts the cardiovascular system through several mechanisms. The burden of climate change-related diseases falls disproportionately on vulnerable populations, including the elderly, the poor, and those with pre-existing health conditions. A key component of addressing the complex interplay between climate change and cardiovascular diseases is acknowledging health disparities among vulnerable populations resulting from climate change, familiarizing themselves with strategies for adapting to changing conditions, educating patients about climate-related cardiovascular risks, and advocating for policies that promote cleaner environments and sustainable practices.