Heart & Lung最新文献

{"title":"Takostubo syndrome: A mind-body response to stress","authors":"Tamera Pearson PhD, FNP","doi":"10.1016/j.hrtlng.2026.102734","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hrtlng.2026.102734","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Takostubo Syndrome (TTS) is a unique form of heart dysfunction usually proceeded by an experience of intense stress. This unusual cardiac abnormality is a remarkable example of the mind-body connection and the intricate functioning of the autonomic nervous system. Despite global research and increased recognition of TTS, the exact cause and subsequent clinical diagnosis and treatment guidelines remain lacking</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Due to evolving knowledge, this review aims to present a current state of the science overview of TTS. The most current evidence on prevalence, risks, recognition, diagnosis and treatment for TTS is introduced and synthesized. While a holistic approach that recognizes mind-body interconnectedness in TTS supports the discussion of mind-body therapies that could benefit patients in recovery and rehabilitation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Literature searches were conducted in the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and PubMed and EBSCO Host interfaces to MEDLINE. Resources were searched using terms, Takostubo cardiomyopathy, broken-heart syndrome, acute stress and mind-body cardiac event. Limitations for English language, peer-review articles published within the past 5-year was applied initially, then publication date was extended to 10-years. Reference lists of identified articles were examined for additional key studies and publications.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Expansion of the literature search provided a dynamic understanding of TTS as a stress-induced cardiac phenomenon that most commonly affects women in their later years following an major emotional trigger. Natural disasters and physical episodes of stress can also trigger TTS. The result is damage to the cardiomyocytes due to the overstimulation of the autonomic sympathetic nervous system. This stunning of the heart produces signs and symptoms very similar to cardiac ischemia. Yet, a diagnostic cardiac work-up reveal a misshapen left apical area but no ischemia. Research is continuing provide insights to delineate the best treatment options for TTS patients. A flexible holistic approach to all aspects of evaluating, diagnosing and managing TTS patients is recommended.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>TTS is complex cardiac phenomenon that exemplifies the mind-body-heart interconnectedness. For the past three decades experts have been trying to decipher the specific pathophysiology underlying TTS and are attempting to develop clear evidence-based clinical treatment guidelines. However, a complete comprehension of TTS remains elusive.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55064,"journal":{"name":"Heart & Lung","volume":"78 ","pages":"Article 102734"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146183438","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Negotiating illness, culture, and care: A qualitative study of heart failure self-management in Jordan","authors":"Walaa Hasan Qarqodah ,&nbsp;Ahmad Rajeh Saifan ,&nbsp;Nabeel Al-Yateem ,&nbsp;Mohannad Eid AbuRuz ,&nbsp;Dena Bani Amer ,&nbsp;Nader Mahmoud Bani Younis ,&nbsp;Omar Qasim Alkolane ,&nbsp;Dana Anwer Abujaber ,&nbsp;Hanan F. Alharbi ,&nbsp;Atika Khalaf","doi":"10.1016/j.hrtlng.2026.102738","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hrtlng.2026.102738","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Heart failure (HF) requires ongoing patient engagement in self-care to manage symptoms and improve outcomes. However, limited research explores how self-care behaviors are shaped by cultural, personal, and contextual factors in Middle Eastern settings, particularly in Jordan.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To explore the self-care behaviors of Jordanian patients living with HF and examine the factors that influence their self-management practices.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A qualitative explorative design was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 patients recruited from four hospitals across Jordan using purposive sampling. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically using NVivo 15. Trustworthiness was ensured through reflexivity, peer debriefing, and audit trail documentation.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Three interrelated themes were identified: (1) Negotiating daily life under constraint, reflecting the ongoing tension between self-care demands and cultural, physical, and occupational limitations; (2) Reconstructing control and identity through self-management, highlighting patients’ personalized strategies, resilience, and evolving self-care; and (3) Family as the backbone of self-care, emphasizing the essential role of familial support in enabling or impeding self-care practices. These findings were interpreted through the Situation-Specific Theory of HF Self-Care.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Self-care among Jordanian HF patients is a dynamic, culturally embedded process influenced by personal capacity, family involvement, and contextual barriers. Nursing interventions should adopt family-centered, culturally tailored approaches that support patients' lived realities and enhance sustained self-care engagement.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55064,"journal":{"name":"Heart & Lung","volume":"78 ","pages":"Article 102738"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146167985","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association between inflammation‑based index and acute deep vein thrombosis and thrombus burden","authors":"Yifei Bai ,&nbsp;Da Li ,&nbsp;Xin Huang ,&nbsp;Kai Wang ,&nbsp;Zhongzhi Jia ,&nbsp;Hui Qin ,&nbsp;Aijiao Lu","doi":"10.1016/j.hrtlng.2026.102737","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hrtlng.2026.102737","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Inflammation is pivotal in venous thrombogenesis. Complete blood count (CBC)-derived inflammation indexes are emerging biomarkers, but their value for diagnosing acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and stratifying thrombus burden requires further investigation.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To evaluate CBC-derived inflammation indexes—neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI)—for diagnosing acute DVT and stratifying thrombus burden.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this retrospective study, 360 patients referred for venous Doppler ultrasound were categorized into non-DVT (<em>n</em> = 200), isolated distal DVT (IDDVT, <em>n</em> = 114), and proximal DVT (PDVT, <em>n</em> = 46) groups. Demographic data, comorbidities, and CBC parameters were collected to calculate the indexes. Predictive ability was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and group differences were evaluated with the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Acute DVT patients showed significantly elevated NLR, PLR, SII, and SIRI, and reduced LMR. ROC analysis indicated LMR had the highest predictive efficacy for acute DVT (AUC: 0.737) with high specificity (85.5%). For distinguishing IDDVT from PDVT, only NLR and LMR showed significant discriminative value.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>NLR and LMR are valuable biomarkers for diagnosing acute DVT and assessing thrombus burden. Their high specificity supports adjunctive use in risk stratification, but their low sensitivity necessitates integration with comprehensive clinical assessment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55064,"journal":{"name":"Heart & Lung","volume":"78 ","pages":"Article 102737"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146168019","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Initial Validation of the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale in an Adult Heart Failure Sample","authors":"Rita Gengo PhD, MSN, MSc, RN, FNI,&nbsp;Mary Ann Leavitt PhD, RN, CCRN, CHFN,&nbsp;Candy Wilson PhD, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN,&nbsp;Judyta Kociolek RN,&nbsp;Janet Holt PhD,&nbsp;David Newman PhD, MA, MS","doi":"10.1016/j.hrtlng.2026.102814","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hrtlng.2026.102814","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;BACKGROUND&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Patients with heart failure (HF) consistently report fatigue as one of the most common and distressing symptoms; however, its assessment remains challenging, as many available instruments emphasize symptom severity rather than capturing the multiple domains through which fatigue affects daily functioning. This highlights the need for multidimensional measures that reflect the complexity of fatigue in HF. The Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) uniquely assesses the impact of fatigue across physical, cognitive, and psychosocial domains, distinguishing it from other self-report fatigue measures and making it a valuable tool for evaluating fatigue-related interventions across diverse health contexts. Despite this potential, the MFIS has not yet been validated for use in individuals with HF.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;AIM&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;This study aimed to evaluate the reliability, construct validity, and internal structure of the MFIS in an HF population.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;METHODS&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;A total of 63 community-dwelling adults aged 18 years or older with HF were enrolled in the study. Individuals with COVID-19 or other conditions known to induce fatigue were excluded. Data were collected using REDCap between 2023 and 2025. Participants completed the MFIS, the Dutch General Fatigue Scale (DUFS), the Dutch Exertion Fatigue Scale (DEFS), and the WHO-5 Well-Being Index. Internal consistency reliability was evaluated using coefficient alpha. Construct validity was assessed through correlations with DUFS, DEFS, and WHO-5 scores, as well as known-groups comparisons. MFIS scores were compared across New York Heart Association (NYHA) and Medical Research Council (MRC) functional classes using independent t-tests and Cohen’s d. Structural validity was examined using graded Item Response Theory (IRT) analysis with the Partial Credit Model. The institutional review board determined that the study was exempt.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;RESULTS&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Participants had a mean age of 65.7 (11.7) years, and 50.8% were male. Most were classified as NYHA class I/II (77.8%) and MRC grade 0/1 (69.9%). The mean MFIS total score was 40.1 (17.3). Internal consistency was excellent for the total scale (α = 0.965) and across domains (α = 0.936–0.958). MFIS demonstrated statistically significant correlations with DUFS (r = 0.68–0.77), DEFS (r = 0.58–0.67), and WHO-5 (r = –0.54 to –0.62). MFIS scores were significantly higher among participants in NYHA class III/IV and MRC grades 2–4, with moderate-to-large effect sizes ranging from –0.633 to –1.073. IRT analysis indicated good item–person targeting (–5.38 to 6.05 logits), item-step difficulties ranging from –9.90 to 9.31 logits, ordered thresholds, and predominantly acceptable item fit (0.60–1.30).&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;CONCLUSIONS&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Results from this pilot study indicate that the MFIS demonstrates adequate psychometric properties for assessing fatigue among community-dwelling adults. Further research wit","PeriodicalId":55064,"journal":{"name":"Heart & Lung","volume":"78 ","pages":"Article 102814"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148523310","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Predictors of Heart Failure Self-Care: A Socioecological Perspective","authors":"Michelle Whyte PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.hrtlng.2026.102817","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hrtlng.2026.102817","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;BACKGROUND&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Sixty-four million people around the world have heart failure (HF). Self-care, a naturalistic, patient-centered decision-making process, is essential to reduce exacerbations and hospitalizations in this population. Minimal research exists regarding the relationship between food insecurity and HF self-care, despite the importance of diet in HF self-care. Research into predictors of heart failure self-care from a socioecological perspective is also limited. Socioecological determinants of health, such as emotional support, instrumental support, health literacy, and food insecurity, may impact HF self-care in ways that are not well understood.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;AIM&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;This study aimed to explore the relationship between emotional support, instrumental support, health literacy, food insecurity, and measures of HF self-care (maintenance, symptom perception, management). Emotional and instrumental support were measured separately to determine their unique contribution to the variance in HF self-care when combined with health literacy and food insecurity.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;METHODS&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;A cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational survey of 88 participants with HF was conducted. The MSPSS measured emotional support (average of five items) and instrumental support (average of four items); higher scores indicate greater perceived support. The USAFSSM measured food insecurity (0-10, 0 = high food security). The STOFHLA measured health literacy (0-36, &gt;22 = adequate). The SCHFI v7.2 measured the three components of HF self-care individually (0-100, &gt;70 = adequate). Research questions were answered using descriptive statistics and multiple regression.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;RESULTS&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Emotional support, food insecurity, and health literacy, when combined, significantly contributed 15% of the total variance in self-care maintenance (p=.003), 22% of the total variance in symptom perception (p&lt;.001), and 11% of the total variance in self-care management (p=.02). Within this model, emotional support independently contributed 13.18% to the variance in self-care maintenance (p&lt;.001), 13.99% to the variance in symptom perception (p&lt;.001), and 7.78% to the total variance in self-care management (p=.001). Food insecurity explained 6% of the variance in symptom perception in this model (p=.01).&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;The second model, which combined instrumental support, food insecurity, and health literacy, significantly contributed 12% of the total variance in self-care maintenance (p=.013), 19% of the total variance in symptom perception (p&lt;.001), 10% of the total variance in self-care management (p=.04). Instrumental support had a unique contribution of 9.86% to the total variance in self-care maintenance (p=.003), contributed 10.63% to the variance in symptom perception (p=.002), and uniquely contributed 6.5% to the variance in self-care management (p=.02). Food insecurity independently contributed 6.92% to the t","PeriodicalId":55064,"journal":{"name":"Heart & Lung","volume":"78 ","pages":"Article 102817"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148523315","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Arterial stiffness and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction: insights from the cardio-ankle vascular index","authors":"Tuan Hoang Nguyen MD,&nbsp;Takamitsu Nakamura MD, PhD,&nbsp;Takeo Horikoshi MD, PhD,&nbsp;Manabu Uematsu MD, PhD,&nbsp;Tsuyoshi Kobayashi MD, PhD,&nbsp;Toru Yoshizaki MD, PhD,&nbsp;Yosuke Watanabe MD, PhD,&nbsp;Kazuto Nakamura MD, PhD,&nbsp;Akira Sato MD, PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.hrtlng.2026.102741","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hrtlng.2026.102741","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Arterial stiffness is a contributor to cardiovascular morbidity, but its role in elevated left ventricular (LV) filling pressure and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains incompletely understood.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between arterial stiffness and the ratio of early diastolic transmitral flow velocity (E) to early diastolic mitral annulus velocity (e'), as well as its association with LV diastolic dysfunction.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study cross-sectionally analyzed 335 patients with cardiovascular disease and an ejection fraction ≥50% who underwent the Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index (CAVI) measurement. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent associated factors of elevated LV filling pressure, defined as E/e' &gt;14. Smoothing spline analysis was used to assess the dose-response relationship between CAVI, age, and elevated E/e'. Mediation analysis was used to assess the direct and indirect effects of CAVI, age, and hypertension on elevated filling pressure.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>CAVI was independently associated with E/e' &gt;14 (odds ratio (OR) 1.43; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.17–1.74, <em>p</em> <em>&lt;</em> 0.001) and diastolic dysfunction (OR 1.25; 95% CI 1.03–1.52, <em>p</em> = 0.024). CAVI enhanced risk stratification for elevated filling pressure (net reclassification index = 0.588, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.001; integrated discrimination improvement = 0.035, <em>p</em> <em>=</em> 0.008). Smoothing spline analysis revealed a near-exponential increase in E/e' &gt;14 risk above a CAVI threshold of 9.275. Mediated analysis indicated that CAVI accounted for 18.7% of the effect of age on elevated E/e' (<em>p</em> = 0.006).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Arterial stiffness, as quantified by CAVI, independently increases the LV filling pressure and mediates age-related effects.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55064,"journal":{"name":"Heart & Lung","volume":"78 ","pages":"Article 102741"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146183513","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A retrospective study on the association between C-Reactive Protein-Albumin-Lymphocyte (CALLY) index and adverse prognosis in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) at different glucose metabolic states","authors":"Yuting Liu ,&nbsp;Guo Song ,&nbsp;Heyu Chu ,&nbsp;Xiaoli Liu ,&nbsp;Xue Bao ,&nbsp;Rong Gu","doi":"10.1016/j.hrtlng.2025.102693","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hrtlng.2025.102693","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>C-Reactive Protein-Albumin-Lymphocyte (CALLY) Index has been proposed as a novel composite predictor based on inflammation, nutrition and immunity. And its clinical significance in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) at different glucose metabolism states has not previously been studied.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study aimed to evaluate the association between the CALLY index and adverse cardiovascular outcomes in CHF patients, and to examine its interaction with glucose metabolic status.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This retrospective cohort study enrolled 1674 hospitalized CHF patients between December 2018 and August 2022. The primary endpoints were cardiovascular (CV) death and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs). The CALLY index was used to stratify patients into tertiles. Regression models with multivariable Cox proportional hazards were employed to evaluate the association between CALLY levels and primary endpoints.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>During median follow-up of 876 days, MACCEs were observed in 580 patients (34.6%) and CV death were 219 patients (13.1%). After adjustment, the highest CALLY(&gt;2.05) was linked to the lowest incidence of MACCEs (HR=0.74 CI= 0.60 - 0.92 <em>p</em> = 0.021) and CV death (HR=0.36 CI= 0.25–0.53 <em>p</em> &lt; 0.001). At various glucose metabolic stages, the highest CALLY reduced MACCE risk in diabetic patients (HR = 0.64, 95% CI =0.47–0.86,<em>P</em> = 0.004), but patients with prediabetes and normoglycemia groups did not have the same connection (both <em>P</em> &gt; 0.05).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Higher CALLY values were correlated with a protective effect against adverse prognosis in CHF, particularly against MACCEs in diabetic individuals, highlighting the importance of inflammation, nutrition, and immunity in this patient population.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55064,"journal":{"name":"Heart & Lung","volume":"78 ","pages":"Article 102693"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145967936","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sex-related differences in infective endocarditis. A retrospective study in a high-volume surgical centre","authors":"Valentina Scheggi ,&nbsp;Pier Luigi Stefàno","doi":"10.1016/j.hrtlng.2025.102715","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hrtlng.2025.102715","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Despite advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, infective endocarditis (IE) remains associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Recent studies have highlighted significant sex-related differences in the clinical presentation, management, and outcomes of IE, reporting conflicting results.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>identifying the sex-related differences of patients with IE in clinical presentation and predictors of all-cause mortality.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a retrospective study at a high-volume surgical centre, examining 687 new cases of non-device-related IE admitted between January 2013 and November 2023. Data were collected from anonymized electronic hospital records, including demographic, clinical, echocardiographic, and microbiologic characteristics. Statistical analyses were performed to identify sex-related differences in clinical presentation and predictors of all-cause mortality.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Female patients represented 34% of the cohort and were significantly older than males (69.6 vs. 63.9 years, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.001). Females had higher prevalence of diabetes (24.8% vs. 18.1%, <em>p</em> = 0.039) and hypertension (65.8% vs. 57%, <em>p</em> = 0.025). Mitral valve IE was more common in females (46.6% vs. 36%, <em>p</em> = 0.023), while males had higher incidence of spondylodiscitis (10.2% vs. 3.4%, <em>p</em> = 0.002). Overall mortality was higher in females, but sex was not an independent predictor of mortality at multivariable analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our study highlights important sex-based differences in IE, emphasizing the need for sex-specific approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and management. Recognizing and addressing these differences can improve outcomes for both male and female patients with IE.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55064,"journal":{"name":"Heart & Lung","volume":"78 ","pages":"Article 102715"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145908902","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sedentary behavior and physical health status explain the relationship between years of residence in socioeconomically distressed counties and risk for Cardiovascular diseases","authors":"Ifeanyi Madujibeya PhD, APRN, AGACNP-BC ,&nbsp;Debra K. Moser PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN","doi":"10.1016/j.hrtlng.2026.102726","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hrtlng.2026.102726","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Residents of rural, socioeconomically distressed counties,such as Appalachian Kentucky, experience disproportionately high cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, compounded by sedentary behavior and poor self-reported physical health.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study investigates whether sedentary behavior and poor self-reported physical health serially mediate the relationship between years of residence in rural Appalachian Kentucky counties and CVD risk.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This secondary analysis included 309 adults residing in rural Appalachian counties. Sedentary behavior was measured as daily minutes in sedentary activity using an Actiwatch. Self-reported physical health was assessed using the Short-Form Health Survey-12, and CVD risk was measured using the Framingham risk score. Serial mediation analysis with two mediators was conducted using the PROCESS macro, controlling sociodemographic and lifestyle covariates.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The participants’ mean age was 57.3 (±15) years, with an average residence duration of 42.7 (±22.2) years. Participants spent an average of 751.6 (±215.3) minutes per day in sedentary behavior, and the mean CVD risk was 15.3% (±10.4%). Years of residence were directly associated with increased CVD risk (direct effect = 0.168; 95% Boot CI [.117, 0.219]) and indirectly associated through sedentary behavior (indirect effect = 0.016; 95% Boot CI [.006, 0.039]). An additional indirect effect emerged through sedentary behavior leading to poorer self-reported physical health (indirect effect = 0.002; 95% Boot CI [.001, 0.004]).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These findings indicate that interventions targeting CVD risk reduction in rural socioeconomically distressed counties should include strategies to reduce sedentary behavior, which may improve self-reported physical health status and decrease CVD risk.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55064,"journal":{"name":"Heart & Lung","volume":"78 ","pages":"Article 102726"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146047464","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Board of Directors","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.hrtlng.2026.102856","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hrtlng.2026.102856","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":55064,"journal":{"name":"Heart & Lung","volume":"78 ","pages":"Article 102856"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148523840","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}