Impaired efferocytosis of macrophages within advanced atherosclerotic plaques leads to plaque deposition and rupture, ultimately resulting in atherothrombotic events. Effective restoration of efferocytic capacity in lesional macrophages remains a challenge in atherosclerosis treatment.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, characterized by atrial fibrosis, a crucial substrate facilitating its initiation and persistence. CKAP4 (cytoskeleton-associated protein 4) has been associated with fibroblast activation; however, its involvement in atrial remodeling and AF susceptibility remains unclear.

Multifocal ectopic Purkinje-related premature contractions syndrome presents as a rare cardiac disorder characterized by frequent multifocal ectopic ventricular beats with narrow QRS complexes, originating from various ectopic foci along the fascicular-Purkinje system. It is characterized by mutations in the SCN5A gene, inducing a gain-of-function in the human cardiac voltage-gated Na+ channel (Nav1.5), which causes an alteration in the action potentials of the cardiomyocytes. The syndrome was initially delineated in 2012 by Laurent et al in 3 Dutch families, subsequently garnering recognition through several reported cases worldwide. Clinically, it often manifests with a familial predisposition to other arrhythmogenic cardiac diseases, alongside symptoms such as palpitations and syncope. A key diagnostic hallmark is the high daily burden of multifocal premature ventricular contractions observed on 24-hour dynamic ECG, with evidence of repetitive ventricular arrhythmias. This can potentially induce a reversible form of left ventricular dilation with systolic dysfunction, known as premature ventricular contraction-induced cardiomyopathy. Diagnosis may be challenging, requiring exclusion of the most frequent causes of ventricular arrhythmias first. The disappearance of arrhythmias during a stress test and the inefficacy of catheter ablation procedures may serve as additional elements to bolster the suspicion of multifocal ectopic Purkinje-related premature contractions syndrome. Genetic testing and electrophysiological studies are pivotal in confirming the diagnosis. Therapeutic management of this syndrome primarily involves medical therapy with class I antiarrhythmic drugs, such as flecainide and quinidine, which may reduce ventricular arrhythmias and associated symptoms. In this systematic review, our aim was to provide an exhaustive insight into the genetic basis, diagnosis, and treatment strategies for this intriguing yet relatively underexplored syndrome.

A 3-dimensional hyperboloid model has been proposed to characterize ventricular tachycardia (VT) circuitry. We sought to characterize the geometric features of viable corridors, derived from late gadolinium enhanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance, that participate in VT circuitry in ischemic cardiomyopathy.

While balloon postdilation (BPD) during transcatheter aortic valve replacement may enhance hemodynamic performance by optimizing valve expansion, it was also linked with leaflet mechanical stress, potentially reducing valve durability. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of BPD on long-term bioprosthetic valve durability.

Residual mitral regurgitation (rMR) ≤1+ has been associated with improved 1-year outcomes after mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair, regardless of the mean mitral pressure gradient (MPG). Prior evidence is limited to 30-day echocardiographic follow-up and patients treated with the MitraClip (Abbott Structural Heart). Whether rMR and MPG assessed at discharge are associated with outcomes after PASCAL mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (Edwards Lifesciences) remains unknown.

Cardiovascular and metabolic health are influenced by the circadian system, which regulates 24-hour rhythms across numerous physiologic processes. Disruptions to circadian rhythmicity can adversely affect cardiometabolic function and health. Given the importance of circadian health to overall human health, this scientific statement provides an overview of the circadian system and key behavioral factors that can synchronize or desynchronize these rhythms, including light exposure, food intake, physical exercise, and sleep timing. We also summarize the literature on associations between circadian health and cardiometabolic health indicators, such as excessive weight, type 2 diabetes (T2D), hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. We discuss strategies to improve circadian health and reduce circadian disruptions, focusing on interventions that target the key synchronizers of circadian rhythms and involve appropriate timing of exposure to these synchronizers. These include morning bright light exposure and avoidance of light at night, as well as appropriately timed sleep, meals, and exercise. Clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and the public should recognize the role of circadian rhythms in maintaining and promoting cardiometabolic health and focus on identifying modifiable behaviors that can improve them.

It remains unclear whether drug-coated balloons (DCBs) and drug-eluting stents are comparable in the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD) and whether limus versus paclitaxel DCBs yield similar clinical outcomes. We aimed to assess the clinical efficacy of limus and paclitaxel DCBs in patients with CAD through a network meta-analysis.

Little correlation exists between the burden of ischemia and severity of angina in patients with stable coronary artery disease. This placebo-controlled, n-of-1 study investigated the relationship between ischemia, the collateral circulation, and symptoms in stable coronary artery disease. Additionally, it explored the association between progressive collateral recruitment and ischemic preconditioning.