Journal of Clinical Cardiology

Review Article Open Access

Coronary Artery Disease in Athletes-Insights from Cardiac CT

Muneeb Khan , Keishi Ichikawa , Srikanth Krishnan , Matthew J. Budoff

Exercise is widely recognized for its cardiovascular benefits, including reduced mortality and a lower risk of cardiovascular events. However, recent studies suggest that athletes may exhibit a paradoxical increase in coronary artery calcium (CAC) and high-risk plaque morphology. Additionally, there is considerable conflicting evidence and numerous gaps in current research on this topic. With the growing population of athletes, particularly “Master Athletes’, understanding the implications of coronary atherosclerosis in this group is increasingly important.

Research Article Open Access

Echocardiographic Predictors of Atrial Fibrillation after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Speckle Tracking Echocardiography Study

Bassam S Hennawy , Karim Mounir Kamel , Ahmed Mohammed Onsy , Ahmed Mohammed Abd-Elsalam

The most prevalent major arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation (AF), is causing major morbidity and mortality throughout any population. AF patients have longer hospital admissions, a higher risk of death, and worse outcomes than stroke patients without AF. Chronic AF makes a stroke more likely. Moreover, it may result in additional serious side effects such as hemodynamic disturbance, heart failure, and even death.

Case Report Open Access

Semaglutide-inducing Non-arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy and Ipsilateral Blindness -A Rare Presentation

Boran Mao , Sankalp Goberdhan , Usman Mumtaz , Sara Tahir , Sayed T Hussain

Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is the most common cause of optic nerve edema and neuropathy, involving the axons that make up the optic nerve but not including the optic nerve head (also known as posterior ischemic optic neuropathy). Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy can be further divided into arteritic (giant cell arteritis) and non-arteritic subtypes. The pathophysiology of NAION remains unclear and is currently thought to result from impaired blood flow in the posterior ciliary arteries that supply these segments of the optic nerve.

Commentary Open Access

Cholesterol Paradox: Understanding and Implications for Clinical Practice and Education

Rodney G. Bowden , Tanvir Ahmed

Cholesterol has long been recognized as a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases with traditional guidelines emphasizing the reduction of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and the increase of HDL cholesterol to lower morbidity and mortality. However, recent studies have questioned the predictive value of these traditional cholesterol measures in coronary artery disease. The concept of the cholesterol paradox has emerged, highlighting instances where elevated LDL cholesterol or high HDL levels have an inverse relationship with cardiovascular risk, particularly in certain diseased populations.

Original Research Open Access

The Diagnostic Accuracy of Ankle Brachial Index in Relation to Coronary Computed Tomography in Coronary Artery Disease

Shereen Mostafa Ahmed , Ossama Sanad Arafa , Mohamed Abdelmoaty Emam Nasr , Mohamed Abdelshafy Tabl

Arterial stiffness and loss of recoil indicate arterial aging and arteriosclerosis, which heighten the risk of cardiovascular issues, particularly ischemic heart disease. Advances in technology, particularly coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), allow for accurate detection of coronary luminal stenosis with high image quality. Due to its noninvasive nature and high specificity and negative predictive value, CCTA is widely utilized for assessing coronary artery disease (CAD). It also facilitates the analysis of plaque characteristics and calcium levels in the coronary arteries, providing further insights into coronary risk.

Original Research Open Access

Incorporation of Non-invasive, Contrast-free, and Minimal Radiation Parameters in the Diagnostic Modalities of Coronary Artery Disease

Ibrahim Gul , Naqeeb Ullah Khan , Muhammad Wasim Awan , Naila Nasir Usmani , Mahjabeen Mahmood Kamal

Ischemic heart disease is the major cause of morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis of chronic coronary syndrome is a challenge as most of the diagnostic investigation are either invasive or involve radiation or contrast material. The aim of our study was to find a scoring system comprising diagnostic parameters which are non-invasive and involve minimal radiation or contrast material and yet have high diagnostic yield.

Original Research Open Access

Hyponatremia Predicts Adverse Outcomes after Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair

Olayiwola Olalekan Paul , Emmanuel Daniel , Birgurman Singh , Abdulraheem Eniola Hassan , Busayo Samuel Osineye , Ali Junaid , Allan Santos Argueta , Tioluwani Ojo , Nirmal J. Kaur

Transcatheter mitral valve repairs have been utilized significantly more over the last decade to treat mitral valve regurgitation. Hyponatremia, the most common electrolyte abnormality in hospitalized patients, adversely impacts patient outcomes. However, the impact of hyponatremia on cardiovascular outcomes among TMVR patients remains to be explored.

Original Research Open Access

Outcome and Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation in Obesity- Insights from the National Inpatient Sample Database

Allan Santos Argueta , Archit Garg , Birgurman Singh , Olayiwola Olalekan Paul , Ali Junaid , Nirmal J. Kaur

Obesity is considered a significant risk factor for numerous cardiovascular conditions. The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is elevated among patients with obesity. Weight loss has been shown to reverse cardiac remodelling, leading to lower recurrence of AF despite the better prognosis in obese patients.

Case Report Open Access

Redefining the Role of Revascularization in Atherosclerotic Renal Artery Stenosis: A Case Report Demonstrating Transformative Clinical and Renal Outcomes

Zakiyyatul Aflakha , Muhammad Rifqi Arya Putra , Yusuf Azmi , Wynne Widiarti , Johanes Nugroho Eko Putranto , Raden Mohammad Budiarto , Nadya Luthfah , Rendra Mahardhika Putra

Renal artery stenosis (RAS), primarily caused by atherosclerosis, leads to resistant hypertension, progressive renal dysfunction, and cardiovascular complications. Treatment options include medical therapy and revascularization, with the latter offering significant benefits in selected cases. This report details a successful staged revascularization approach, demonstrating notable clinical improvements in a patient with bilateral RAS.