WHAT IS NEW IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE?

The rapid pace of change continues to be a hallmark in cardiovascular medicine and many see that pace accelerating in adult cardiovascular medicine as well as in paediatric cardiology medicine. Cardiovascular medicine is an area of clinical practice with a continually rapid expansion of knowledge, guidelines, best practices and new technology. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality in the world and cause major costs for the health sector and economy. Primary care clinicians are challenged to optimally manage a multitude of diseases including congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, valvular diseases, arrhythmias, lipid disorders, and hypertension. Multimodality imaging techniques are being used more frequently as their utility is better appreciated. Echocardiography has been the mainstay approach, cardiac computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging provide a good imaging alternative for patients with multiple complex surgeries. 3D printing has seen a rapid growth in use for planning treatments for patients with congenital heart disease. Simulation using 3D models is emerging as a fundamental resource for teaching procedural techniques and a new standard of care. Artificial intelligence holds the greatest potential for revolutionizing medicine. Innovative technologies in the world of cardiovascular health are expanding every day: wearable computing technologies, bioresorbable stents, leadless pacemaker, valve-in-valve procedure, protein patch for heart muscle growth and others. As a part of lifelong learning process for all professionals in cardiovascular medicine, the imperative is to have continuity of reviewing novelties, with results data from numerous researches in order to treat patient according to best practices and evidence-based medicine.