Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
James Freeman, Angela Y. Higgins, Yongfei Wang, Chengan Du, Daniel J. Friedman, Usama A. Daimee, Karl E. Minges, Lucy Pereira, Andrew M. Goldsweig, Matthew J. Price, Vivek Y. Reddy, Douglas Gibson, Shephal K. Doshi, Paul D. Varosy, Frederick A. Masoudi, Jeptha P. Curtis
Summary: This study evaluated the postprocedure care patterns and compared the risk of adverse events for different discharge antithrombotic strategies after left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) with the Watchman device. The study found that practitioners rarely followed the recommended postprocedure treatment protocols and that discharge on warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) without aspirin was associated with a lower risk of adverse outcomes.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Hui-Jin Lee, So-Ryoung Lee, Eue-Keun Choi, Sang-Hyun Park, Jae-Wook Chung, Jung-Min Choi, Min-Ju Han, Jin-Hyung Jung, Kyung-Do Han, Seil Oh, Gregory Y. H. Lip
Summary: The findings of this cohort study suggest that all types of smoking were associated with a significantly higher risk of dementia in patients with new-onset AF. Smoking cessation after AF diagnosis was associated with a lower risk of dementia than among current smokers.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Yong Wei, Qingye Zeng, Lidong Cai, Xingjie Wang, Bin Wang, Chaoying Shen, Chao Li, Caihong Wang, Yahong Shen, Shunhong Yang, Xiaoyu Wu, Yan Liu, Juan Xu, Xiaofeng Lu, Songwen Chen, Genqing Zhou, Shaowen Liu
Summary: Ischemic stroke remains a leading cause of death in Chinese atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Oral anticoagulants (OAC) are underused in this population. Age, AF subtype, previous tumor, prior myocardial infarction, hypoglycemic therapy, low body weight, and lack of calcium channel blocker (CCB) use are independent risk factors for death.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Carlos Escobar, A. John Camm
Summary: Atrial fibrillation is associated with a five-fold increase in the risk of stroke, and the CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc score is recommended for risk stratification. Guidelines suggest modifying conditions that increase the risk of bleeding to decrease the risk. However, many patients do not receive appropriate treatment, therapeutic inertia is common, and underdosing of anticoagulants is becoming an issue. Therefore, a new approach to risk stratification is necessary.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Mette F. Hindsholm, Dorte Damgaard, M. Edip Gurol, David Gaist, Claus Z. Simonsen
Summary: Atrial fibrillation is a significant risk factor for ischemic stroke and oral anticoagulation can reduce the risk but also increase bleeding risk. AF-related strokes have worse outcomes compared to non-AF strokes. The management of AF-related strokes is challenging and requires considering individual risks and benefits in treatment and prevention strategies. This review summarizes the current knowledge and implications for the acute and long-term management of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in patients with AF.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Adenike R. Adelakun, Ricky D. Turgeon, Mary A. De Vera, Kimberlyn McGrail, Peter S. Loewen
Summary: The study aims to examine the phenomenon of oral anticoagulant (OAC) switching in patients with atrial fibrillation. The results show that OAC switching is common, with varying types and frequencies. However, there is limited research on switching from direct-acting OACs (DOACs).
Article
Clinical Neurology
Phavalan Rajendram, Krystal Fox, Brindan Sivanandan, Daniel Selchen, Charles D. Kassardjian, Gustavo Saposnik
Summary: This study aimed to explore the rates of appropriate DOAC use between repatriated and non-repatriated patients with AF who presented with an acute ischemic stroke not deemed candidates for revascularization therapies. Repatriation was associated with over six fold likelihood of suboptimal or inappropriate anticoagulation.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Mu Chen, Jian Sun, Qun-Shan Wang, Peng-Pai Zhang, Wei Li, Rui Zhang, Bin-Feng Mo, Yi-Chi Yu, Xingxing Cai, Mei Yang, Xiao-Ming Lian, Yan Zhao, Changqi Gong, Yi Yu, Bo Liu, Xiangfei Feng, Qiufen Lu, Yi-Gang Li
Summary: This study evaluated the procedural safety and long-term outcome of the combined procedure of catheter ablation and left atrial appendage closure in patients with atrial fibrillation. The results showed that the combined procedure was safe and effective in controlling heart rhythm and reducing the risk of strokes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Omar Saeed, Shuaiqi Zhang, Snehal R. Patel, Ulrich P. Jorde, Mario J. Garcia, Nurilign Bulcha, Tanush Gupta, Ying Xian, Roland Matsouaka, Shreyansh Shah, Eric E. Smith, Lee H. Schwamm, Gregg C. Fonarow
Summary: In older patients with heart failure and without atrial fibrillation, initiation of oral anticoagulation after an ischemic stroke is associated with increased risk of death, bleeding, and re-hospitalization without reducing the risk of recurrent ischemic stroke. These findings suggest caution in prescribing OAC to this patient population.
JOURNAL OF CARDIAC FAILURE
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Weijia Wang, Jane S. Saczynski, Darleen Lessard, Robert J. Goldberg, David Parish, Robert Helm, Catarina I. Kiefe, Katherine Trymbulak, Jordy Mehawej, Hawa Abu, Robert Hayward, Joel Gore, Jerry H. Gurwitz, David D. McManus
Summary: In older patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) taking anticoagulants, cognitive impairment and frailty are independently associated with major bleeding.
JOURNAL OF GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Inigo Anduaga, Alessandro Affronti, Pedro Cepas-Guillen, Jorge Alcocer, Eduardo Flores-Umanzor, Ander Regueiro, Salvatore Brugaletta, Eduard Quintana, Laura Sanchis, Manel Sabate, Xavier Freixa
Summary: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia worldwide and is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Thromboembolism prevention is crucial in managing AF, and oral anticoagulation is the first-line treatment. However, surgical and percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) have emerged as non-pharmacological alternatives due to the formation of thrombi in the left atrial appendage and contraindications to anticoagulant therapy. This review provides a summary of existing evidence on surgical and percutaneous LAAO.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Do Yeon Kim, Seok-Gil Han, Han-Gil Jeong, Keon-Joo Lee, Beom Joon Kim, Moon-Ku Han, Kang-Ho Choi, Joon-Tae Kim, Dong-Ick Shin, Jae-Kwan Cha, Dae-Hyun Kim, Dong-Eog Kim, Wi-Sun Ryu, Jong-Moo Park, Kyusik Kang, Jae Guk Kim, Soo Joo Lee, Mi-Sun Oh, Kyung-Ho Yu, Byung-Chul Lee, Hong-Kyun Park, Keun-Sik Hong, Yong-Jin Cho, Jay Chol Choi, Sung Il Sohn, Jeong-Ho Hong, Tai Hwan Park, Kyung Bok Lee, Jee-Hyun Kwon, Wook-Joo Kim, Jun Lee, Ji Sung Lee, Juneyoung Lee, Philip B. Gorelick, Hee-Joon Bae
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of covert brain infarction (CBI) on the risk of stroke recurrence in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). A prospective cohort study was conducted on patients with acute ischemic stroke, and AF patients without a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack were enrolled. The results showed that CBI may increase the risk of stroke recurrence in patients with AF.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Jarl Emanuel Strange, Caroline Sindet-Pedersen, Laila Staerk, Erik Lerkevang Grove, Thomas Alexander Gerds, Christian Torp-Pedersen, Gunnar H. Gislason, Jonas Bjerring Olesen
Summary: This Danish nationwide cohort study found no significant differences in the risks of all-cause mortality, stroke, and bleeding in patients with AF and VHD treated with VKA compared with FXa-I. Subgroup analysis showed a significantly reduced risk of bleeding in patients treated with apixaban compared with VKA and rivaroxaban.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL-CARDIOVASCULAR PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gernot Wagner, Michael Smeikal, Christoph Gisinger, Deddo Moertl, Stephan Nopp, Gerald Gartlehner, Ingrid Pabinger, Gerald Ohrenberger, Cihan Ay
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in long-term care hospital patients. The study found a high burden of AF, but only half of the patients received oral anticoagulation therapy.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
K. E. Juhani Airaksinen
Summary: Cardioversion is an important strategy in the treatment of atrial fibrillation, and the timing of the procedure is crucial for its success and safety. Early cardioversion has a higher success rate and lower risk of early recurrences compared to later elective cardioversion. However, cardioversion does increase the risk of thromboembolic complications, which can be reduced with effective anticoagulation. Even with therapeutic anticoagulation, each elective cardioversion still carries a higher risk of stroke compared to acute cardioversion or avoiding cardioversion. For otherwise healthy patients on therapeutic anticoagulation, a short wait-and-see approach may be a reasonable option.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Rehabilitation
Thea Liljeroos, Soorej Jose Puthoopparambil, John Wallert, Claes Held, Erik M. G. Olsson
Summary: The study aimed to explore the self-perceived cognitive status and cognitive challenges associated with lifestyle changes in cardiac rehabilitation among elderly myocardial infarction (MI) patients (>= 65 years). Further, the study explored coping strategies developed to manage these challenges in the everyday life. By adopting individually tailored interventions and improving healthcare provider continuity and accessibility, cognitive challenges associated with cardiac rehabilitation could be easier to overcome.
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION
(2022)
Editorial Material
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Claes Held
TRENDS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Cynthia L. Green, Brian C. Gulack, Shaf Keshavjee, Lianne G. Singer, Kenneth McCurry, Marie M. Budev, Tammy L. Reece, Anne O. Lidor, Scott M. Palmer, R. Duane Davis
Summary: A multicenter retrospective study found limited benefits of fundoplication for preventing bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome and improving survival compared to reflux disease without surgery after lung transplantation. However, the study had limitations in terms of sample size, follow-up duration, and potential selection bias, highlighting the need for a randomized, prospective study.
ANNALS OF THORACIC SURGERY
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Halldora Ogmundsdottir Michelsen, Peter Henriksson, John Wallert, Maria Back, Ingela Sjolin, Mona Schlyter, Emil Hagstrom, Anna Kiessling, Claes Held, Emma Hag, Lennart Nilsson, Alexandru Schiopu, M. Justin Zaman, Margret Leosdottir
Summary: This study investigated the predictors of attaining risk factor targets after myocardial infarction, using data from 7549 patients and 78 cardiac rehabilitation centers in Sweden. The study found that offering psychosocial management, having a psychologist in the rehabilitation team, extended opening hours, adequate facilities, and a medical director were the strongest organizational predictors of achieving low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and blood pressure targets. Patient-level predictors included low baseline LDL-C, no history of hypertension, participation in exercise-based rehabilitation, and group education.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Gorav Batra, Johan Lindback, Richard C. Becker, Robert A. Harrington, Claes Held, Stefan K. James, Tibor Kempf, Renato D. Lopes, Kenneth W. Mahaffey, Philippe Gabriel Steg, Robert F. Storey, Eva Swahn, Kai C. Wollert, Agneta Siegbahn, Lars Wallentin
Summary: This study developed a biomarker-based prediction model for predicting the 1-year risk of cardiovascular death and myocardial infarction in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The model showed good calibration and discrimination in both the development cohort and the validation cohort.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Elisabet Rondung, Sophia Monica Humphries, Erik Martin Gustaf Olsson, Runa Sundelin, Fredrika Norlund, Claes Held, Jonas Spaak, Per Tornvall, Patrik Lynga
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an internet-based intervention on patients with stress and anxiety after myocardial infarction. Through a small-scale single arm study, the feasibility of conducting a large-scale randomized controlled trial (RCT) was demonstrated, with improvements made to the study protocol and intervention.
INTERNET INTERVENTIONS-THE APPLICATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN MENTAL AND BEHAVIOURAL HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Philip Leissner, Claes Held, Elisabet Rondung, Erik M. G. Olsson
Summary: This study examined the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire (CAQ) in a Swedish population of cardiovascular disease patients. The results showed that the original 3-factor structure of the CAQ is valid, but some items may need revision, and a shorter version with 10 items could be considered.
BMC MEDICAL RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Christine Gyldenkerne, Michael Maeng, Lars Kjoller-Hansen, Akiko Maehara, Zhipeng Zhou, Ori Ben-Yehuda, Hans Erik Botker, Thomas Engstrom, Mitsuaki Matsumura, Gary S. Mintz, Ole Froebert, Jonas Persson, Rune Wiseth, Alf I. Larsen, Lisette O. Jensen, Jan E. Nordrehaug, Oyvind Bleie, Elmir Omerovic, Claes Held, Stefan K. James, Ziad A. Ali, Hans C. Rosen, Gregg W. Stone, David Erlinge
Summary: Patients with diabetes have a higher risk of major adverse cardiac events due to both treated culprit lesions and untreated nonculprit lesions. However, this study did not identify diabetes-related high-risk plaque characteristics using multimodality imaging.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Troels Yndigegn, Bertil Lindahl, Joakim Alfredsson, Jocelyne Benatar, Lisa Brandin, David Erlinge, Urban Haaga, Claes Held, Pelle Johansson, Patric Karlstrom, Thomas Kellerth, Toomas Marandi, Katarina Mars, Annica Ravn-Fischer, Johan Sundstrom, Ollie Ostlund, Robin Hofmann, Tomas Jernberg
Summary: This article introduces a trial called REDUCE-AMI, which aims to evaluate the effect of long-term beta-blocker treatment on death and recurrent myocardial infarction in patients with acute MI. The study will involve 5000 patients and observe both primary and secondary endpoints. The results will have important implications for guidelines and clinical practice.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL-CARDIOVASCULAR PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Pia Davidsson, Susanna Eketjall, Niclas Eriksson, Anna Walentinsson, Richard C. Becker, Anders Cavallin, Anna Bogstedt, Anna Collen, Claes Held, Stefan James, Agneta Siegbahn, Ralph Stewart, Robert S. Storey, Harvey White, Lars Wallentin
Summary: This study investigated the associations between circulating VEGF ligands and/or soluble receptors and cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and chronic coronary syndrome (CCS). The results showed that VEGF-D, KDR, Flt-1, and PlGF were significantly associated with CV outcomes. Furthermore, genetic variants of VEGFD were also found to be independently associated with CV outcomes.
CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Divan Ishak, Suleman Aktaa, Lars Lindhagen, Joakim Alfredsson, Tatendashe Bernadette Dondo, Claes Held, Tomas Jernberg, Troels Yndigegn, Chris P. Gale, Gorav Batra
Summary: This nationwide cohort study found that continued use of beta-blockers (BB) beyond one year after myocardial infarction (MI) in patients without heart failure or left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) did not improve cardiovascular outcomes. The study concluded that the effectiveness of BB treatment in this patient population remains uncertain.
Article
Virology
Lorenzo Zaffiri, Joshua E. Messinger, Erika J. Bush, Janet S. Staats, Prekshaben Patel, Scott M. Palmer, Kent J. Weinhold, Laurie D. Snyder, Micah A. Luftig
Summary: Reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is often seen in lung transplant recipients (LTRs), but the cellular immune responses to EBV in adult LTRs have not been fully described. In this study, we found significant changes in CD4/CD8 ratio, EBV-specific CD8(+)CD69(+) T cell responses, and NK cell phenotypic changes in adult LTRs with EBV-associated diseases. These findings provide valuable insights into the immune responses to EBV in adult LTRs and may contribute to improved management of EBV-related complications.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Aaditya Khatri, Jamie L. . Todd, Fran L. . Kelly, Andrew Nagler, Zhicheng Ji, Vaibhav Jain, Simon G. Gregory, Kent J. Weinhold, Scott M. Palmer
Summary: Chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD), characterized by decline in pulmonary function and bronchiolitis obliterans, lacks approved therapies. Single-cell RNA-Seq and spatial transcriptomic analysis identified the important role of JAK-STAT signaling in airway epithelial cells in CLAD. Activation of JAK-STAT signaling leads to upregulation of MHC-I in airway basal cells, resulting in cytotoxic T cell-mediated basal cell death. This study provides mechanistic insight and potential therapeutic strategy for CLAD.
Meeting Abstract
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
D. Ishak, S. Aktaa, L. Lindhagen, J. Alfredsson, T. B. Dondo, C. Held, T. Jernberg, T. Yndigegn, C. P. Gale, G. Batra
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
C. Christersson, E. L. Skogseid, J. Westerbergh, C. Held, G. Batra
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL
(2022)