ABSTRACT
Key Clinical Message: The high-risk "Shark Fin" electrocardiogram (ECG) pattern has been associated with transmural ischemia but can also result from electrolyte anomalies. Therefore, the decision for invasive coronary catheterization requires a detailed history and dedicated biochemical tests. Abstract: Pseudo-infarction ECG pattern resembling "Shark Fin" was demonstrated in a 76-year-old lady with a previous total thyroidectomy who presented with unspecific symptoms. An incidental finding of hypokalemia and hypocalcemia was thought to be related to delayed onset hypoparathyroidism. Potential etiologies like coronary vasospasm and catecholamine-associated myocardial injury were suggested.
ABSTRACT
Globally, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is quickly becoming the dominant form of heart failure (HF) in ageing populations. However, there are still multiple gaps and challenges in making a firm diagnosis of HFpEF in many low-to-middle income Asian countries. In response to this unmet need, the Malaysian HFpEF Working Group (MY-HPWG) gathered and reviewed evidence surrounding the use of different diagnostic modalities indicated for patients with HFpEF to identify diagnostic tools that could be conveniently accessed across different healthcare settings. As a result, five recommendation statements were proposed and an accompanying algorithm was developed, with the aim of improving the diagnostic rate of HFpEF. The MY-HPWG recommends using more easily accessible and non-invasive tools, such as natriuretic peptide (NP) biomarkers and basic echocardiogram (ECHO), to ensure timely HFpEF diagnosis in the primary and secondary care settings, and prompt referral to a tertiary care centre for more comprehensive assessments in uncertain cases.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DES) who have impaired clopidogrel response, have a higher risk of subsequent major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). AIM OF THE STUDY: To establish the relationship between CYP2C19 genotype, clopidogrel responsiveness and 1-year MACE. MATERIALS & METHODS: Aspirin/clopidogrel responses were assessed with Multiplate Analyzer and CYP2C19*2 allele by SpartanRx. RESULTS: A total of 42.0% carried ≥1 CYP2C19*2 allele. Prevalences of aspirin and clopidogrel high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HPR; local cutoffs: 300 AU*min for aspirin and 600 AU*min for clopidogrel) were 11.5% and 19.8% respectively. In multivariate ana-lysis, clopidogrel HPR was found to be an independent predictor for 1-year MACE (adj HR: 3.48, p = 0.022 ). CONCLUSION: Having clopidogrel HPR could be a potentially modifiable risk factor guided by phenotyping.
