Comprehensive Review of Hypertensive Disorders Related to Pregnancy.

Hypertensive disorder of pregnancy is a common complication during pregnancy that affects approximately 10% of pregnancies and is responsible for nearly 14% of maternal deaths worldwide. It affects the mother and the fetus simultaneously, sometimes putting the health of the mother and the fetus at odds with each other. It may present with only hypertension and proteinuria or with life-threatening complications in the mother such as eclampsia; stroke; acute pulmonary edema; acute renal failure; disseminated intravascular coagulation; placental abruption; hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet syndrome; pregnancy loss; and fetal growth restriction and prematurity resulting from the frequent need of delivering preterm in the fetus. In this review, we aimed to describe hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, mainly preeclampsia and chronic hypertension in pregnancy, by discussing the pathophysiology, the central role of abnormal placentation, the release of antiangiogenic factors in the circulation and immunological factors, the clinical outcome in the mother and the fetus, and the diagnostic criteria and principles of management of both the conditions. We also discuss possible screening methods and prevention of preeclampsia using low-dose aspirin and eclampsia prophylaxis.

Disturbed Sleep is Not Good for the Heart: A Narrative Review.

Sleep-related breathing disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA), have a major impact on cardiovascular function. It has shown an association with hypertension, coronary artery disease, cardiac arrhythmias, sudden cardiac death, and congestive heart failure (CHF). This review focuses on highlighting the relationship between sleep apnea and CHF. We discuss the underlying pathophysiology, which involves the mechanical, neurohormonal, and inflammatory mechanisms; in addition, the similarities and differentiating clinical features of OSA in patients with CHF and without CHF. We have also discussed several treatment strategies, including weight loss, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), supplemental oxygen therapy, theophylline, acetazolamide, mandibular advancement device, and hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS). We conclude that since there are several overlapping clinical features in patients with OSA with Heart Failure (HF) and without HF, early detection and treatment are crucial to decrease the risk of HF, coronary artery disease, and stroke.

Impact of Covid-19 on Medical Students around the Globe.

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused an unexpected disturbance in healthcare systems as well as medical education worldwide. This article aims to provide an overview of the circumstances experienced by medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. As this disease can cause life-threatening conditions, it has presented challenges to medical educators and students as they must adapt to changes in their medical education to ensure lectures are given safely as well as effectively. Many medical students feel the sudden change in their education system impacted their training negatively; 74% of students surveyed by members of McGill University reported a decrease in the quality of their education since the start of COVID-19. As well as a negative impact on medical education, this pandemic has caused unprecedented psychological stress on numerous people around the world, especially individuals in the medical field. 48% of medical students at a Canadian university reported feeling more depressed since the onset of COVID-19. The sudden changes, isolation, and worries about health have impacted students' mental health drastically. On the other hand, some students have reported that this pandemic has made a positive impact on their mental health as they had more time to focus on their mental well-being and they felt an overall reduction in pressure and stress. As COVID-19 remains to impact individuals worldwide, effective strategies towards improving mental health and quality of education should be provided to medical students affected by the challenges of this pandemic.

COVID-19 Vaccine Challenges in Developing and Developed Countries.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to significant psychological and economical distress. Within a year after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, several vaccines against COVID-19 were approved for emergency use. The journey from vaccine discovery to global herd immunity against COVID-19 continues to present significant challenges revolving around its development, affordability, accessibility, and acceptability at both a country level and an individual level. The main challenge faced by developed countries is the acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine and the main challenge faced by developing countries is the affordability and accessibility of the COVID-19 vaccine.