Hyperkalaemia in Cardiological Patients: New Solutions for an Old Problem.

Hyperkalaemia is one of the most common electrolyte disorders in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The true burden of hyperkalaemia in the real-world setting can be difficult to assess, but in population-based cohort studies up to 4 in 10 patients developed hyperkalaemia. In addition to drugs interfering with potassium metabolism and food intake, several conditions can cause or worsen hyperkalaemia, such as advanced age, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Mortality, cardiovascular morbidity, and hospitalisation are higher in patients with hyperkalaemia. Hyperkalaemia represents a major contraindication or a withholding cause for disease-modifying therapies like renin-angiotensin-aldosterone inhibitors (RAASi), mainly mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. Hyperkalaemia can be also classified as acute and chronic, according to the onset. Acute hyperkalaemia is often a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate treatment to avoid lethal arrhythmias. Therapy goal is cell membrane stabilisation by calcium administration, cellular intake, shift of extracellular potassium to the intracellular space (insulin, beta-adrenergic agents, sodium bicarbonate), and increased elimination with diuretics or dialysis. Chronic hyperkalaemia was often managed with dietary counselling to prevent potassium-rich food intake and tapering of potassium-increasing drugs, mostly RAASi. Sodium polystyrene sulphonate, a potassium binder, was the only therapeutic option. Recently, new drugs such as patiromer and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate give new opportunities for the treatment of hyperkalaemia, as they proved to be safe, well tolerated, and effective. Aim of this review is to describe the burden of hyperkalaemia in cardiovascular patients, its direct and indirect effects, and the therapeutic options now available in the acute and chronic setting.

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation and management of mitral valve prolapse - a comprehensive review.

Mitral valve prolapse is a common valve disorder that usually has a benign prognosis unless there is significant regurgitation or LV impairment. However, a subset of patients are at an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death, which has led to the recognition of "arrhythmic mitral valve prolapse" as a clinical entity. Emerging risk factors include mitral annular disjunction and myocardial fibrosis. While echocardiography remains the primary method of evaluation, cardiac magnetic resonance has become crucial in managing this condition. Cine magnetic resonance sequences provide accurate characterization of prolapse and annular disjunction, assessment of ventricular volumes and function, identification of early dysfunction and remodeling, and quantitative assessment of mitral regurgitation when integrated with flow imaging. However, the unique strength of magnetic resonance lies in its ability to identify tissue changes. T1 mapping sequences identify diffuse fibrosis, in turn related to early ventricular dysfunction and remodeling. Late gadolinium enhancement sequences detect replacement fibrosis, an independent risk factor for ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. There are consensus documents and reviews on the use of cardiac magnetic resonance specifically in arrhythmic mitral valve prolapse. However, in this article, we propose an algorithm for the broader use of cardiac magnetic resonance in managing this condition in various scenarios. Future advancements may involve implementing techniques for tissue characterization and flow analysis, such as 4D flow imaging, to identify patients with ventricular dysfunction and remodeling, increased arrhythmic risk, and more accurate grading of mitral regurgitation, ultimately benefiting patient selection for surgical therapy.

ANMCO/SIMEU consensus document on the use of reversal agents for antithrombotic therapies in patients with ongoing bleeding or at high risk of haemorrhagic events.

In recent decades, an incredible evolution in antithrombotic therapies used for treating patients with atherosclerosis, atrial fibrillation, and venous thromboembolism has been observed, leading to the availability of increasingly safe drugs. Nonetheless, bleeding complications remain a significant concern, with considerable health, social, and economic implications. To improve the acute management of patients experiencing or at risk for major bleeding events, specific reversal agents for antithrombotic drugs have been recently developed. While these agents demonstrate effectiveness in small-scale pharmacodynamic studies and clinical trials, it is imperative to balance the benefits of reversing antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy against the risk of prothrombotic effects. These risks include the potential loss of antithrombotic protection and the prothrombotic tendencies associated with bleeding, major surgery, or trauma. This joint document of the Italian Association of Hospital Cardiologists (Associazione Nazionale Medici Cardiologi Ospedalieri) and the Italian Society of Emergency Medicine (Società Italiana di Medicina d'Emergenza-Urgenza) delineates the key features and efficacy of available reversal agents. It also provides practical flowcharts to guide their use in patients with active bleeding or those at elevated risk of major bleeding events.

Italian Association of Hospital Cardiologists position paper-obesity in adults: a clinical primer.

Obesity is a chronic and relapsing disease characterized by the interaction between individual predispositions and an obesogenic environment. Recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of energetic homoeostasis paved the way to more effective therapeutic approaches compared with traditional treatments. Since obesity is a complex disease, it necessitates a multi-disciplinary approach whose implementation remains challenging. Nonetheless, emerging pharmacological interventions appear promising. Currently, therapeutic success is discreet in the short term but often fails to maintain long-term weight loss due to a high likelihood of weight regain. Cardiologists play a key role in managing patients with obesity, yet often lack familiarity with its comprehensive management. The aim of this document is to summarize knowledge to consolidate essential knowledge for clinicians to effectively treat patients living with obesity. The paper emphasizes the pivotal role of a strong patient-clinician relationship in navigating successful treatment. We analyse the criteria commonly used to diagnose obesity and point out the strengths and limitations of different criteria. Furthermore, we discuss the role of obesiologists and the contributions of cardiologists. In addition, we detail key components of effective therapeutic strategies, including educational aspects and pharmacological options.

Associazione Nazionale Medici Cardiologi Ospedalieri (ANMCO) scientific statement on the simplification of the drug regimen for secondary cardiovascular prevention.

The issue of suboptimal drug regimen adherence in secondary cardiovascular prevention presents a significant barrier to improving patient outcomes. To address this, the utilization of drug combinations, specifically single pill combinations (SPCs) and polypills, was proposed as a strategy to simplify treatment regimens. This approach aims to enhance treatment accessibility, affordability, and adherence, thereby reducing healthcare costs and improving patient health. The document is an Associazione Nazionale Medici Cardiologi Ospedalieri (ANMCO) scientific statement on simplifying drug regimens for secondary cardiovascular prevention. It discusses the underuse of treatments despite available, effective, and accessible options, highlighting a significant gap in secondary prevention across different socio-economic statuses and countries. The statement explores barriers to implementing evidence-based treatments, including patient, healthcare provider, and system-related challenges. The paper also reviews international guidelines, the role of SPCs and polypills in clinical practice, and their economic impact, advocating for their use in secondary prevention to improve patient outcomes and adherence.

Cardio-oncology rehabilitation: are we ready?

Cardio-oncology rehabilitation (CORE) is not only an essential component of cancer rehabilitation but also a pillar of preventive cardio-oncology. Cardio-oncology rehabilitation is a comprehensive model based on a multitargeted approach and its efficacy has been widely documented; when compared with an 'exercise only' programme, comprehensive CORE demonstrates a better outcome. It involves nutritional counselling, psychological support, and cardiovascular (CV) risk assessment, and it is directed to a very demanding population with a heavy burden of CV diseases driven by physical inactivity, cancer therapy-induced metabolic derangements, and cancer therapy-related CV toxicities. Despite its usefulness, CORE is still underused in cancer patients and we are still at the dawning of remote models of rehabilitation (tele-rehabilitation). Not all CORE is created equally: a careful screening procedure to identify patients who will benefit the most from CORE and a multidisciplinary customized approach are mandatory to achieve a better outcome for cancer survivors throughout their cancer journey. The aim of this paper is to provide an updated review of CORE not only for cardiologists dealing with this peculiar population of patients but also for oncologists, primary care providers, patients, and caregivers. This multidisciplinary team should help cancer patients to maintain a healthy and active life before, during, and after cancer treatment, in order to improve quality of life and to fight health inequities.

Italian Association of Hospital Cardiologists Position Paper 'Gender discrepancy: time to implement gender-based clinical management'.

It has been well assessed that women have been widely under-represented in cardiovascular clinical trials. Moreover, a significant discrepancy in pharmacological and interventional strategies has been reported. Therefore, poor outcomes and more significant mortality have been shown in many diseases. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic differences in drug metabolism have also been described so that effectiveness could be different according to sex. However, awareness about the gender gap remains too scarce. Consequently, gender-specific guidelines are lacking, and the need for a sex-specific approach has become more evident in the last few years. This paper aims to evaluate different therapeutic approaches to managing the most common women's diseases.

ANMCO (Italian Association of Hospital Cardiologists) scientific statement: obesity in adults-an approach for cardiologists.

Obesity is a complex, chronic disease requiring a multidisciplinary approach to its management. In clinical practice, body mass index and waist-related measurements can be used for obesity screening. The estimated prevalence of obesity among adults worldwide is 12%. With the expected further increase in overall obesity prevalence, clinicians will increasingly be managing patients with obesity. Energy balance is regulated by a complex neurohumoral system that involves the central nervous system and circulating mediators, among which leptin is the most studied. The functioning of these systems is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Obesity generally occurs when a genetically predisposed individual lives in an obesogenic environment for a long period. Cardiologists are deeply involved in evaluating patients with obesity. Cardiovascular risk profile is one of the most important items to be quantified to understand the health risk due to obesity and the clinical benefit that a single patient can obtain with weight loss. At the individual level, appropriate patient involvement, the detection of potential obesity causes, and a multidisciplinary approach are tools that can improve clinical outcomes. In the near future, we will probably have new pharmacological tools at our disposal that will facilitate achieving and maintaining weight loss. However, pharmacological treatment alone cannot cure such a complex disease. The aim of this paper is to summarize some key points of this field, such as obesity definition and measurement tools, its epidemiology, the main mechanisms underlying energy homeostasis, health consequences of obesity with a focus on cardiovascular diseases and the obesity paradox.Level of evidence V: report of expert committees.

The Challenge of Managing Atrial Fibrillation during Pregnancy.

The incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) during pregnancy increases with maternal age and with the presence of structural heart disorders. Early diagnosis and prompt therapy can considerably reduce the risk of thromboembolism. The therapeutic approach to AF during pregnancy is particularly challenging, and the maternal and fetal risks associated with the use of antiarrhythmic and anticoagulant drugs must be carefully evaluated. Moreover, the currently used thromboembolic risk scores have yet to be validated for the prediction of stroke during pregnancy. At present, electrical cardioversion is considered to be the safest and most effective strategy in women with hemodynamic instability. Beta-selective blockers are also recommended as the first choice for rate control. Antiarrhythmic drugs such as flecainide, propafenone and sotalol should be considered for rhythm control if atrioventricular nodal-blocking drugs fail. AF catheter ablation is currently not recommended during pregnancy. Overall, the therapeutic strategy for AF in pregnancy must be carefully assessed and should take into consideration the advantages and drawbacks of each aspect. A multidisciplinary approach with a "Pregnancy-Heart Team" appears to improve the management and outcome of these patients. However, further studies are needed to identify the most appropriate therapeutic strategies for AF in pregnancy.

A case report of cardiac neuromodulation in a young patient with a third-degree atrioventricular block.

Background: There are some functional bradyarrhythmias that are caused by a dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, for which a therapeutic strategy of cardioneuroablation (CNA) is conceivable. Case summary: In this study, we report the case of a 19-year-old woman with a non-congenital third-degree atrioventricular block (AVB), symptomatic for lipothymia and dyspnea caused by mild exertion. She had a structurally normal heart and no other comorbidities. The atropine test and the exercise stress test documented a sinus tachycardia at 190 bpm with a 2:1 AVB, a narrow QRS, and an atrioventricular conduction of 1:1 until reaching a sinus rhythm rate of 90 bpm. She underwent the CNA procedure, which targeted the inferior paraseptal ganglion plexus, with a gradual change in the ECG levels recorded during the radiofrequency delivery from a third-degree AVB to a first-degree AVB. After the procedure, we observed a complete regression of the third-degree AVB, with evidence of only a first-degree AVB and a complete regression of symptoms until the 6-month follow-up. Conclusions: Although not yet included in current guidelines, the CNA procedure could be used to treat AV node dysfunction in young subjects, as it could represent an alternative to pacemaker implantation. However, more randomized studies are needed to assess the long-term efficacy of this promising technique.

Clinical complexity of an Italian cardiovascular intensive care unit: the role of mortality and severity risk scores.

AIMS: The identification of patients at greater mortality risk of death at admission into an intensive cardiovascular care unit (ICCU) has relevant consequences for clinical decision-making. We described patient characteristics at admission into an ICCU by predicted mortality risk assessed with noncardiac intensive care unit (ICU) and evaluated their performance in predicting patient outcomes. METHODS: A total of 202 consecutive patients (130 men, 75 ±â€Š12 years) were admitted into our tertiary-care ICCU in a 20-week period. We evaluated, on the first 24 h data, in-hospital mortality risk according to Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) and Simplified Acute Physiology Score 3 (SAPS 3); Sepsis related Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) Score and the Mayo Cardiac intensive care unit Admission Risk Score (M-CARS) were also calculated. RESULTS: Predicted mortality was significantly lower than observed (5% during ICCU and 7% at discharge) for APACHE II and SAPS 3 (17% for both scores). Mortality risk was associated with older age, more frequent comorbidities, severe clinical presentation and complications. The APACHE II, SAPS 3, SOFA and M-CARS had good discriminative ability in distinguishing deaths and survivors with poor calibration of risk scores predicting mortality. CONCLUSION: In a recent contemporary cohort of patients admitted into the ICCU for a variety of acute and critical cardiovascular conditions, scoring systems used in general ICU had good discrimination for patients' clinical severity and mortality. Available scores preserve powerful discrimination but the overestimation of mortality suggests the importance of specific tailored scores to improve risk assessment of patients admitted into ICCUs.

Atrial Thrombosis Prevalence Before Cardioversion or Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Direct Oral Anticoagulants Versus Vitamin K Antagonists.

Left atrial or left atrial appendage thrombosis (LAT) is contraindicated for cardiac ablation (CA) or cardioversion (CV) of atrial fibrillation (AF). This study was aimed to compare the frequency of LAT detected by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) before CA or CV in patients with AF treated with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) or vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochran Library databases from inception through July 13, 2023 to select studies reporting data on LAT identification before CA or CV using TEE in patients with AF treated with DOACs or VKAs. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval were calculated with a random-effects model. Studies retrieved were 50 (38 observational), 29 on CA, 15 on CV, and 6 on both procedures (17,096 patients on DOACs and 13,666 on VKAs). The overall prevalence of LAT was smaller in DOACs than in VKAs, with an OR of 0.66 (0.52 to 0.84), confirmed at sensitivity analysis and in most subgroups. This finding was consistent for the 3 most reported DOACs: the pooled OR for LAT was 0.68 (0.50 to 0.90) in apixaban, 0.67 (0.51 to 0.88) in dabigatran, 0.61 (0.43 to 0.89) in rivaroxaban, and 1.10 (0.74 to 1.64) in edoxaban (not significant). In conclusion, in this large meta-analysis in patients with AF, the prevalence of LAT by TEE evaluation performed before CV or CA appears lower in those treated with DOACs than in those on VKAs. Additional research may help in better understanding differences between these classes of anticoagulant drugs in the setting of protection against AF-related left atrial thrombotic formation.

How to Manage Beta-Blockade in Older Heart Failure Patients: A Scoping Review.

Beta blockers (BBs) play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life and extending the survival of patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Initiating the therapy at low doses and gradually titrating the dose upwards is recommended to ensure therapeutic efficacy while mitigating potential adverse effects. Vigilant monitoring for signs of drug intolerance is necessary, with dose adjustments as required. The management of older HF patients requires a case-centered approach, taking into account individual comorbidities, functional status, and frailty. Older adults, however, are often underrepresented in randomized clinical trials, leading to some uncertainty in management strategies as patients with HF in clinical practice are older than those enrolled in trials. The present article performs a scoping review of the past 25 years of published literature on BBs in older HF patients, focusing on age, outcomes, and tolerability. Twelve studies (eight randomized-controlled and four observational) encompassing 26,426 patients were reviewed. The results indicate that BBs represent a viable treatment for older HFrEF patients, offering benefits in symptom management, cardiac function, and overall outcomes. Their role in HF with preserved EF, however, remains uncertain. Further research is warranted to refine treatment strategies and address specific aspects in older adults, including proper dosing, therapeutic adherence, and tolerability.

Zero-Fluoroscopy Catheter Ablation of Right Appendage Focal Atrial Tachycardia in a Pregnant Woman.

BACKGROUND: Arrhythmias in pregnancy are complex to manage due to the teratogenic effects of many antiarrhythmic drugs and the common use of ionizing radiation during catheter ablation procedures. Furthermore, pregnant women are extremely vulnerable and difficult to treat because of the progressive physical and hormonal changes that occur during the nine months of pregnancy. CASE PRESENTATION: In this case report, we describe a complex clinical case of a 34-year-old pregnant woman who was affected by an incessant right atrial tachycardia, with signs and symptoms of initial hemodynamic instability. This tachycardia was refractory to antiarrhythmic drugs, so a zero-fluoroscopy ablation was performed. The first procedure was complicated by cardiac tamponade, quickly resolved without further complications for the mother or the fetus. In the following days, a deep venous thrombosis occurred at the femoral venous access. After a few days, the patient underwent a second procedure that was successful and resulted in the restoration of a sinus rhythm. CONCLUSIONS: The management of this clinical case was complex both from a procedural and a clinical (cardiological and gynecological) point of view. Finally, the integration of the various skills led to an excellent result.

Inotropic Agents: Are We Still in the Middle of Nowhere?

Inotropes are prescribed to enhance myocardial contractility while vasopressors serve to improve vascular tone. Although these medications remain a life-saving therapy in cardiovascular clinical scenarios with hemodynamic impairment, the paucity of evidence on these drugs makes the choice of the most appropriate vasoactive agent challenging. As such, deep knowledge of their pharmacological and hemodynamic effects becomes crucial to optimizing hemodynamic profile while reducing the potential adverse effects. Given this perspective, it is imperative for cardiologists to possess a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms governing these agents and to discern optimal strategies for their application across diverse clinical contexts. Thus, we briefly review these agents' pharmacological and hemodynamic properties and their reasonable clinical applications in cardiovascular settings. Critical interpretation of available data and the opportunities for future investigations are also highlighted.

Sex differences in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome: a state-of-the-art review.

Cardiovascular conditions in the spectrum of acute coronary syndromes are characterized by sex differences with regard to pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, invasive and pharmacologic treatment, and outcomes. This review delves into these differences, including specific subsets like myocardial infarction with non-obstructed coronary arteries or Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection, and alternative diagnoses like Takotsubo cardiomyopathy or myocarditis. Moreover, practical considerations are enclosed, on how a sex-specific approach should be integrated in clinical practice: in fact, personal history should focus on female-specific risk factors, and hormonal status and hormonal therapy should be assessed. Moreover, physical and psychological stressors should be investigated, particularly in the event of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection or Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

[Lipoprotein(a): relationships with atherosclerosis and valvular heart disease, and emerging therapies]. / Lipoproteina(a): associazione con la malattia aterosclerotica e valvolare e terapie emergenti.

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a well-established cardiovascular risk factor, whose relationship with atherosclerotic disease has been confirmed by epidemiological, genome-wide association, Mendelian randomization, and meta-analysis studies. This association is determined by its pro-atherogenic, pro-thrombotic and pro-inflammatory properties. Lp(a) is the most common monogenic risk factor for atherosclerosis, with a prevalence of about 1 in 5 people. Recently, its etiopathogenetic relationship with calcific and degenerative valvular heart diseases, particularly with aortic and mitral stenosis, has been suspected. It has not yet been demonstrated whether its reduction translates into a lower risk of cardiovascular events. Up to now, Lp(a) has been considered a non-modifiable risk factor, as current lipid-lowering drugs have limited effects on its levels. New specific lipid-lowering therapies with high efficacy in reducing circulating Lp(a) levels are being investigated in randomized trials; however, the effects of this reduction on cardiovascular outcomes are still being studied.

Italian Registry in the Setting of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation with Rivaroxaban - IRIS.

BACKGROUND: Catheter ablation (CA) of atrial fibrillation is routinely used to obtain rhythm control. Evidence suggest that catheter ablation should be done during uninterrupted oral anticoagulation. METHODS: Italian Registry in the setting of atrial fibrillation ablation with rivaroxaban (IRIS) is an Italian multicenter, non-interventional, prospective study which enrolled 250 consecutive atrial fibrillation patients eligible for catheter ablation on rivaroxaban. The decision for rivaroxaban management was left to the physician: uninterrupted or shortly interrupted prior to Catheter ablation. Patients received a follow-up visit at 1 month and 12 months after the procedure. RESULTS: The primary outcome, represented by all-cause death and systemic embolism at 1 month and 12 months was characterized by one transient ischemic attack and one myocardial infarction in the first 30 days. Both events happened in patients with shortly interrupted strategy (P=0.147), and both in patients who underwent radiofrequency ablation (P=0.737). In the primary safety outcome represented by major bleeding we did not register any event in the 12-month follow-up. The secondary outcome constituted by minor bleeding registered 1 event, after the first 30 days since CA. CONCLUSIONS: IRIS is the biggest real-life data registry regarding CA ablation on rivaroxaban in Italian setting, proving the safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban.

Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect using intracardiac echocardiography: a two-center, retrospective study.

AIMS: We present the experience and long-term results of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE)-guided closure of ostium secundum atrial septal defects (ASDs) in two Italian centers and investigate its systematic applicability as the gold standard in routine clinical practice. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated all consecutive patients who underwent an ASD percutaneous closure procedure from March 2008 to February 2020. All patients underwent a preprocedural transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) evaluation. The closures were carried out under fluoroscopic and ICE guidance. A follow-up visit was performed at 1, 3 and 12 months, followed by telephone evaluations approximately every 2 years. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients (29% male individuals), mean age 43 ±â€Š16 years, were treated. In 15 cases, the TEE defect diameter was less than 10 mm, and in 8 of these patients, the ICE intraprocedural sizing increased the maximum diameter by more than 5 mm. Sizing balloon of the defect was performed in 51 cases; 2 patients received an ASD 38 mm device. Eight patients had multiple defects; in three of these, it was necessary to apply two devices. Four patients showed nonsignificant residual shunt; no complications related to the use of ICE were observed. One patient presented the migration of the ASD device into the abdominal aorta, percutaneously retrieved with a snare. No major complications were recorded during the entire follow-up period. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that ICE monitoring during ASD percutaneous closure is well tolerated and effective; it might be achievable as a routine gold standard by operators willing to use ICE systematically in all transcatheter closure interventions of interatrial communications.