Current Cardiology Reviews最新文献

{"title":"Association between Prediabetes and Stroke in Hospitalized Geriatric Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: A Contemporary Population-Based Analysis.","authors":"Terry Ricardo Went, Srikanth Sampath, Jaimy Raichel John, Sheelly Singh, Akshay Sharma, Nidhi Kotian, Alpha James, Ram Prasanjith Reddy Bollampalli, Pinak Shah, Rupak Desai, Muhammad Usman Ghani","doi":"10.2174/011573403X417709251205101156","DOIUrl":"10.2174/011573403X417709251205101156","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The association of prediabetes (pDM) with stroke risk in non-diabetic geriatric patients with AF is unclear. This analysis examined the relationship among pDM, AF, and stroke, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and risk management in this population. </P> Methods: We identified all non-diabetic geriatric admissions with AF using the 2019 National Inpatient Sample and ICD-10-CM coding. Patients were categorized into pDM+ and pDMgroups. The primary outcomes were stroke incidence and sex disparities in stroke risk. </P> Results: Among 218,130 geriatric AF admissions, 3,525(1.6%) had pDM. The pDM+ cohort was younger (median 75 vs 77 years), and had higher rates of hypertension (50.2 vs 43.6%), hyperlipidemia (66.4 vs 53.7%), obesity (30.2 vs 13.6%), and peripheral vascular disease (15.3 vs 9.9%). Adjusting for baseline characteristics, stroke risk was higher in the pDM+ cohort (1.4% vs. 0.8%, OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.06-3.77; p=0.033). In subgroup analyses, males showed a stronger association (OR 5.48, 95% CI 1.43-21.02; p=0.013). </P> Discussion: pDM exists as an underrecognized stroke risk factor in elderly patients with AF. Male patients showed a stronger association between pDM and stroke, warranting additional investigation to understand underlying biological and clinical contributors. Identifying pDM enables earlier detection of vulnerable patients and developing preventive strategies. Incorporating pDM into risk models could improve patient risk assessment and support individualized treatment planning. </P> Conclusion: Geriatric patients hospitalized with AF and concomitant pDM had approximately twofold higher odds of in-hospital stroke, with a male preponderance. These findings support early identification of pDM in AF patients to enable the development of tailored interventions that mitigate stroke risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":10832,"journal":{"name":"Current Cardiology Reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13656239/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147722008","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unlocking the Potential of Biomarkers in Varied Cardiovascular Associated Conditions with Individualized Treatment Approaches: A Comprehensive Review.","authors":"Mridul Guleria, Arprita Malhan, Deepanshu Goyal, Diksha Sharma, Sudarshan Singh, Kantrol Kumar Sahu, Dwi Marlina Syukri, Vijay R Chidrawar, Deepanjan Datta, Pooja V Nagime","doi":"10.2174/011573403X403834251204161927","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011573403X403834251204161927","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Biomarkers play a pivotal role in the prognosis, risk stratification, and management of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which remain the foremost cause of morbidity and mortality globally.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive review explores the various types of biomarkers utilized in the treatment of different CVD conditions, presenting the information clearly and concisely. Additionally, this overview summarizes recent clinical trial findings and advances in biomarker research.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Recent advancements in biomarker research have identified a range of circulating biomarkers, including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), cardiac troponins (cTn) and various microRNAs, that enhance the predictive accuracy for cardiovascular events. These biomarkers are derived from diverse pathophysiological processes such as inflammation, endothelial dysfunction and MI.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>As versatile tools, biomarkers serve as prognostic indicators, diagnostic markers, intermediate and surrogate endpoints, and safety monitors, making them essential in personalized medicine. In this context, biomarker-guided cardiovascular therapies represent an advanced approach, allowing clinicians to customize treatment choices and track therapeutic effectiveness in real time. In addition, nanobiotechnology-based systems are also pivotal in personalized medicine, offering targeted therapeutic delivery for CVDs, particularly in addressing heart cell death. Moreover, artificial intelligence, which is emerging as a useful tool in biomarker-guided, personalized cardiovascular treatment, is improving patient care and aiding cardiologists.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Recent strides in biomarker research suggest that personalized medicine guided by circulating biomarkers could revolutionize CVD management by enhancing risk prediction and tailoring treatments to each patient. Future research should focus on refining these biomarkers and addressing current limitations to optimise their clinical utility in improving cardiovascular health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":10832,"journal":{"name":"Current Cardiology Reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147670966","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cost-Effectiveness of Empagliflozin in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure and Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Sultanbaeva Nargiza, Mukhamedova Shohista, Umarova Shakhnoz, Mullabaeva Guzal","doi":"10.2174/011573403X403324251130140853","DOIUrl":"10.2174/011573403X403324251130140853","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of empagliflozin in patients with chronic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (CHFpEF) and moderately reduced ejection fraction (CHFmrEF) across various healthcare systems.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA 2024 guidelines. A total of 6 studies were included after screening 225 records from PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Studies evaluating cost-effectiveness outcomes, including incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER), quality-adjusted life years (QALY), and healthcare costs, were analyzed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All included studies applied a Markov model over a 10-year time horizon. Empagliflozin was associated with a 15-18% reduction in hospitalizations, an increase in QALYs by 0.11-0.67, and ICERs ranging from €5,089/QALY to $174,053/QALY, depending on the healthcare setting and model assumptions. Examples include: Spain: €5,089/QALY, China: $11,292/QALY, USA: $25,974-$174,053/QALY, Australia: A$29,202/QALY. ICER per life year (LY) ranged from $6,246 to $151,929, indicating variable cost-effectiveness based on country-specific cost structures and thresholds.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Empagliflozin appears to be a cost-effective add-on therapy to standard care for CHFpEF and CHFmrEF, especially in healthcare systems with high hospitalization costs. However, its value is highly sensitive to drug pricing and national willingness-to-pay thresholds. Further real-world studies are needed to confirm long-term economic benefits. The review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD420250654439). Available from: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420250654439.</p>","PeriodicalId":10832,"journal":{"name":"Current Cardiology Reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13656258/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147670585","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Maternal Obesity and Risk of Congenital Heart Defects.","authors":"Helena Meneses, Luís Guedes-Martins","doi":"10.2174/011573403X420230251207100244","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011573403X420230251207100244","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Congenital heart defects are the most common malformations in newborns and the leading cause of morbidity and mortality due to congenital abnormalities. As a result of genetic susceptibility and environmental exposure, a few of these anomalies could be prevented by managing modifiable risk factors. Given that maternal obesity is a predisposing factor for obstetric and fetal complications, this review aims to explore its association with congenital heart disease, while addressing mechanisms underlying its pathophysiology at the cellular and molecular levels. For this purpose, a series of searches was carried out on the PubMed database, and additional articles were identified via citation searches. Studies suggest a 17 - 32% increase in risk of the offspring developing a congenital heart defect when compared to normal weight mothers, with an estimate of 7% increased risk per 5 kg/m2 body mass index rise. This review highlights the role of placental dysfunction, a pro-inflammatory state, systemic oxidative stress, and decreased adiponectin, all caused by maternal obesity, in disrupting fetal cardiac development and leading to the development of congenital heart disease. Overall, obesity seems to impair essential cellular processes involved in cardiogenesis, inflicting long-lasting damage to fetal cells. Literature remains inconsistent regarding the role of confounding factors, such as gestational weight gain, gestational diabetes and maternal diet. Further investigation is needed concerning preconceptional and gestational prevention and management strategies suited for these mothers. This narrative review aims to offer an integrated overview of maternal obesity and its physiological consequences, with a particular focus on placental function, fetal cardiac development, and the risk of congenital heart disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":10832,"journal":{"name":"Current Cardiology Reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147670854","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Narrative Review on Repurposing Azithromycin for Rheumatic Heart Disease: Exploring its Therapeutic Potential and Mechanisms of Action.","authors":"Pranay Wal, Ankita Wal, Ajay Kumar, Rakesh Verma, Anurag Rawat, Hanish Singh Jayasingh Chellammal, Astik Manju Ashesh, Dileep Kumar, Amin Gasmi","doi":"10.2174/011573403X422878251224144524","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011573403X422878251224144524","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Despite effective preventative measures, rheumatic heart disease (RHD) continues to be a significant contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in low- and middle- income nations. Azithromycin (AZM) has drawn attention due to its antibacterial, antiinflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties that are pertinent to the pathophysiology of RHD. In the context of RHD and acute rheumatic fever (ARF), this narrative review synthesises mechanistic, preclinical, and limited clinical information on AZM, differentiating between evidence-based therapeutic application and hypothesis-generating biological plausibility.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Through May 2025, a systematic narrative literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to find research on AZM's immunoregulatory effects, modulation of inflammatory pathways, and antibacterial activity. Key findings were summarized using conceptual synthesis and reference screening.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>According to experimental research, AZM reduces inflammatory mediators like MUC5AC, MMP-9, and IL-8 by influencing molecular pathways like MAPK, NF-κB, and AP-1. These processes may be important for reducing immune-mediated tissue damage in RHD. Clinical data is still limited and inconsistent, nevertheless. Benzathine penicillin G (BPG) is still the best option for secondary prophylaxis, according to comparative research; AZM only exhibits theoretical or situationspecific benefits (e.g., oral dose, patient adherence, or allergy scenarios).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Research indicates that azithromycin's three distinct mechanisms-antibacterial, antiinflammatory, and immunomodulatory-may provide a tactical edge in the treatment of RHD, particularly in situations where conventional therapies are ineffective. A wider use in secondary prevention and possible disease modification is suggested by its effects on important inflammatory mediators and signalling pathways. However, pharmacogenomic research and long-term clinical trials are necessary to confirm its effectiveness and customise therapies.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Rather than being a proven treatment for RHD prophylaxis, AZM should be considered an experimental supplement. Although well-designed, context-specific randomised trials integrating safety, resistance surveillance, and cost-effectiveness assessments are necessary to translate their molecular effects into therapeutic benefit, they do offer useful information for idea formulation. AZM may only be taken into consideration in situations of penicillin intolerance or as part of an implementation or feasibility study in places with limited resources.</p>","PeriodicalId":10832,"journal":{"name":"Current Cardiology Reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147671287","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nationwide Trends in PCI Outcomes for Older Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients with a History of CABG.","authors":"Sidhartha Senapati, Tanisha Mishra, Anupama Gupta, Pooja Suchday, Rishwa Patel, Dayana Shree Narayna Swamy, Sravya Pinnamaneni, Rashma Anne, Urvashi Rathod, Rutvij Patel, Rupak Desai, Nihar Jena","doi":"10.2174/011573403X417319251222084028","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011573403X417319251222084028","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Techniques for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have evolved over the last decade. However, there is not enough data on recent trends among high-risk groups, particularly patients with a Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG). This study examines current PCI outcomes in older patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) and a history of CABG. It aims to provide useful insights for this vulnerable group.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We analyzed the 2016-2020 National Inpatient Sample database along with the relevant ICD-10-CM codes. The focus was on PCI outcomes for ACS patients aged 65 and older who have a history of CABG. We measured primary outcomes to evaluate observed trends.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of 94,610 patients, 74.5% were male, and 84.1% were white, with a median age of 75 years. A significant 94.6% underwent non-elective PCI. Common additional health issues included hyperlipidemia (83.7%), smoking (40%), complicated diabetes (34.6%), and hypertension (53.7%). We found statistically significant differences in post-catheterization-related bleeding, post-procedural respiratory failure, and Impella usage after PCI (all P<0.001). There were declining trends in PC-B (1.5% in 2016 vs. 0.7% in 2020, P<0.001) and PP-RF (0.3% in 2016 vs. 0.2% in 2020, P<0.001), with an increase in Impella usage post-PCI (1.2% in 2016 vs. 2.1% in 2020). There were declining trends in postcatheterization bleeding (1.5% [95% CI: 1.2-1.8] in 2016 vs. 0.7% [95% CI: 0.5-0.9] in 2020, P<0.001) and post-procedural respiratory failure (0.3% [95% CI: 0.2-0.4] vs. 0.2% [95% CI: 0.1-0.3], P<0.001), with an increase in Impella use (1.2% [95% CI: 1.0-1.5] vs. 2.1% [95% CI: 1.8-2.4], P<0.001). Following PCI, there were no statistically significant differences in outcomes such as All-Cause Mortality (ACM), Intracranial Bleed (IC-B), Cardiac arrest (CA), Postprocedural Stroke (PP-S), Cardiogenic Shock (CS), and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) and Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) usage.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Our study showed improved bleeding outcomes and postprocedural respiratory failure. We also noticed a rising trend in Impella use among older CABG patients with ACS. This trend reflects advances in coronary intervention technology and improved access techniques. However, there were no statistical differences in ACM, IC-B, CA, PP-S, CS, and IABP use. This underscores the complexity of the anatomy, the challenges of the procedure, and the high-risk nature of the population. It calls for a tailored approach to these patients to achieve better outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":10832,"journal":{"name":"Current Cardiology Reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147670842","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical Characteristics of Congenital Heart Disease in Eastern Indonesia: A Retrospective Study from a Major Referral Center.","authors":"Pasya Putra Pratama Ali Saini, Lowry Yunita, Sekar Andrea Fernandez","doi":"10.2174/011573403X432337251211154531","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011573403X432337251211154531","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objective: </strong>Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) is an abnormality in the heart's structure or function present from birth. Indonesia reports over 40,000 new cases annually. Despite the heavy burden, data on CHD characteristics in East Nusa Tenggara remain limited.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To investigate the clinical and demographic characteristics of CHD patients in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, and to describe their presenting symptoms and complications.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a retrospective study of 148 CHD patients enrolled between August 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024, at Prof. W.Z. Johannes Regional Hospital, Kupang. Clinical profiles and demographic data were collected from the cardiology department's registers. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS® version 30.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Acyanotic CHD (ACHD) was more prominent, accounting for 83.7% of cases, with atrial septal defect (ASD) being the most common (30.4%). Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) was the most common type of cyanotic CHD (4.1%). The largest age group was neonates (37.2%). Almost half (45.3%) of the patients were underweight. Respiratory infections (25%) were the most common complication.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The results of this study demonstrate the dominance of acyanotic lesions and reveal a high prevalence of malnutrition among CHD patients in Kupang. These findings provide baseline data to enhance early detection, nutritional optimization, and the strengthening of CHD care services in areas of eastern Indonesia.</p>","PeriodicalId":10832,"journal":{"name":"Current Cardiology Reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147670643","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dietary Fiber in the Prevention and Management of Obesity, Diabetes, and Cardiovascular Disease: A Mini Review.","authors":"Dharmendra Kumar, Pramod Kumar Sharma, Kajal Goyal","doi":"10.2174/011573403X437559251128090907","DOIUrl":"10.2174/011573403X437559251128090907","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Dietary fiber is a critical modulator of metabolic pathways underlying obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and cardiovascular disease (CVD).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Literature published between 2000 and 2025 was systematically searched in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Scopus, SpringerLink, and Wiley Online Library using keywords related to dietary fiber and metabolic diseases. Only peer-reviewed, open-access studies with mechanistic or clinical evidence were included.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Studies indicate that soluble, insoluble, and fermentable fibers confer protective effects against metabolic disorders through multiple mechanisms, including modulation of glycemic control, lipid metabolism, and inflammatory pathways.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Fermentation of dietary fiber by gut microbiota generates short-chain fatty acids, which improve insulin sensitivity, modulate lipid metabolism, and attenuate inflammation. Fiber also delays gastric emptying, enhances glycemic control, and lowers serum cholesterol. These physiological effects are supported by randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses demonstrating improvements in body weight, LDL cholesterol, and glucose regulation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Incorporating dietary fiber into nutrition strategies effectively prevents and manages obesity, T2DM, and CVD, while further research is needed to understand individual variability in response.</p>","PeriodicalId":10832,"journal":{"name":"Current Cardiology Reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13656234/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147627469","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Retrospective Analysis of Clinical Repurposing of Dipyridamole and L-Arginine for Treatment of Long COVID Endothelitis.","authors":"Chandana Kulkarni, Erin Haase, Edmundo Esparza, Amy Blancke, Mohanakrishnan Sathyamoorthy","doi":"10.2174/011573403X435762251202114307","DOIUrl":"10.2174/011573403X435762251202114307","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The effect of treatment with L-arginine and dipyridamole for the reduction of symptoms of fatigue, difficulty performing activities of daily living (ADLs), dyspnea, and mental health decline in patients with Long COVID endothelitis was studied in this research, leading to conclusions that are presented.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Forty-four patients with documented Long COVID endothelitis were enrolled in this retrospective, IRB-approved analysis evaluating clinician-directed treatment strategies initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients received either dipyridamole alone, L-arginine alone, or combination therapy. Clinical responses were assessed at 6 weeks and 6 months postinitiation, and a subset of nine patients also completed a structured, patient-reported outcomes survey approximately two years after starting treatment.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 44 subjects identified, clinical follow-up at 6 weeks demonstrated a significant overall symptom improvement (p=0.0115). At 6 months, symptom improvement remained substantial but lost statistical significance (p=0.09). Combination therapy (dipyridamole and Larginine) showed sustained improvement at both 6 weeks (68.8%) and 6 months (62.5%). Dipyridamole alone demonstrated high early response (80%) but markedly reduced efficacy at 6 months (20%). Statistical comparisons between combination therapy and monotherapy groups did not yield significant results, likely due to limited sample sizes. Patient-reported outcomes supported clinical findings, with combination therapy yielding the lowest symptom burden in fatigue, dyspnea, and depression, and the highest functional capacity.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This study addressed a critical unmet need in Long COVID management, a condition affecting middle-aged and older adults with substantial symptom burden, including fatigue (reported in up to 45% of patients), dyspnea, and cognitive dysfunction. The therapeutic benefit observed with dipyridamole and L-arginine likely stems from their complementary mechanisms: dipyridamole's antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory effects may reduce microvascular dysfunction and microthrombosis, while L-arginine enhances nitric oxide production, supporting endothelial function and vascular homeostasis. Both agents possess favorable safety profiles, making them reasonable options in the absence of validated alternatives for Long COVID endothelitis.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Treatment with dipyridamole and L-arginine, particularly in combination, was associated with meaningful improvements in fatigue, dyspnea, ability to perform ADLs, and mental health symptoms in patients with Long COVID. These preliminary findings underscore the potential benefit of these therapeutic agents, though larger, randomized controlled studies are necessary to confirm efficacy and enhance statistical power.</p>","PeriodicalId":10832,"journal":{"name":"Current Cardiology Reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13656232/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147627452","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of Vegetable Oils and the Effect of Repeatedly Heated Vegetable Oils on Cardiovascular Events: A Review.","authors":"Arshdeep Kaur, Himanshu Singh, Md Misbah","doi":"10.2174/011573403X380521251210151748","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011573403X380521251210151748","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cardiovascular disease (CVD), including coronary heart disease (CHD), is the leading cause of mortality in India. It may result from interactions between various genetic and environmental factors, such as sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits. Vegetable oil is one of the most important nutritional components in daily meals. However, prolonged heating that induces lipid oxidation can diminish its health benefits. Thermal oxidation produces novel functional groups that may pose cardiovascular health risks. Consumption of repeatedly heated oils has been shown to raise blood pressure and total cholesterol, while also promoting vascular inflammation and structural changes that increase susceptibility to atherosclerosis. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is closely associated with dietary fats. Saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol-rich fats are detrimental, whereas monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)-particularly Omega-3 PUFA- are beneficial for heart health. Choosing heart-healthy oils may help reduce the risk of developing CAD. This article evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of commonly consumed edible oils with respect to heart health. An optimal N-6 to N-3 ratio (< 4:1), high smoke point, low saturated fat content, high MUFA and PUFA levels, and the absence of cholesterol and trans fats are key characteristics of a heart-healthy oil. In this context, canola and mustard oils appear to be the most favorable options. Epidemiological studies indicate that CAD prevalence is lower among regular consumers of mustard oil than among users of other oils. The aim of this review is to examine the beneficial and adverse effects of various fresh vegetable oils by providing comprehensive information about them. A further objective is to educate the public about the harmful consequences of repeatedly consuming heated oils.</p>","PeriodicalId":10832,"journal":{"name":"Current Cardiology Reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147627418","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}