Cardiovascular Institute of the South

About: Cardiovascular Institute of the South is a other organization based out in Houma, Louisiana, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Myocardial infarction & Population. The organization has 6744 authors who have published 6131 publications receiving 175736 citations.

Cardiovascular Complications in Patients with COVID-19: Consequences of Viral Toxicities and Host Immune Response.

Abstract: Purpose of review Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) is a cause of significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. While cardiac injury has been demonstrated in critically ill COVID-19 patients, the mechanism of injury remains unclear. Here, we review our current knowledge of the biology of SARS-CoV-2 and the potential mechanisms of myocardial injury due to viral toxicities and host immune responses. Recent findings A number of studies have reported an epidemiological association between history of cardiac disease and worsened outcome during COVID infection. Development of new onset myocardial injury during COVID-19 also increases mortality. While limited data exist, potential mechanisms of cardiac injury include direct viral entry through the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and toxicity in host cells, hypoxia-related myocyte injury, and immune-mediated cytokine release syndrome. Potential treatments for reducing viral infection and excessive immune responses are also discussed. COVID patients with cardiac disease history or acquire new cardiac injury are at an increased risk for in-hospital morbidity and mortality. More studies are needed to address the mechanism of cardiotoxicity and the treatments that can minimize permanent damage to the cardiovascular system.

Validation of Two Automatic Devices for Self-Measurement of Blood Pressure According to the International Protocol of the European Society of Hypertension: The Omron M6 (HEM-7001-E) and the Omron R7 (HEM 637-IT)

Abstract: BackgroundTwo electronic devices for self-measurement of blood pressure – a brachial monitor, the Omron M6, and a wrist monitor, the Omron R7 – were evaluated in two separate studies according to the International Protocol of the European Society of Hypertension.DesignThe International Validation Pr

Residual macrovascular risk in 2013: what have we learned?

Abstract: Cardiovascular disease poses a major challenge for the 21st century, exacerbated by the pandemics of obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. While best standards of care, including high-dose statins, can ameliorate the risk of vascular complications, patients remain at high risk of cardiovascular events. The Residual Risk Reduction Initiative (R3i) has previously highlighted atherogenic dyslipidaemia, defined as the imbalance between proatherogenic triglyceride-rich apolipoprotein B-containing-lipoproteins and antiatherogenic apolipoprotein A-I-lipoproteins (as in high-density lipoprotein, HDL), as an important modifiable contributor to lipid-related residual cardiovascular risk, especially in insulin-resistant conditions. As part of its mission to improve awareness and clinical management of atherogenic dyslipidaemia, the R3i has identified three key priorities for action: i) to improve recognition of atherogenic dyslipidaemia in patients at high cardiometabolic risk with or without diabetes; ii) to improve implementation and adherence to guideline-based therapies; and iii) to improve therapeutic strategies for managing atherogenic dyslipidaemia. The R3i believes that monitoring of non-HDL cholesterol provides a simple, practical tool for treatment decisions regarding the management of lipid-related residual cardiovascular risk. Addition of a fibrate, niacin (North and South America), omega-3 fatty acids or ezetimibe are all options for combination with a statin to further reduce non-HDL cholesterol, although lacking in hard evidence for cardiovascular outcome benefits. Several emerging treatments may offer promise. These include the next generation peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorα agonists, cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitors and monoclonal antibody therapy targeting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9. However, long-term outcomes and safety data are clearly needed. In conclusion, the R3i believes that ongoing trials with these novel treatments may help to define the optimal management of atherogenic dyslipidaemia to reduce the clinical and socioeconomic burden of residual cardiovascular risk.

Recruitment of immune cells across atrial endocardium in human atrial fibrillation.

Abstract: Background: Although clinical studies have suggested a link between inflammation markers and atrial fibrillation (AF), it is still unclear whether local immunologic responses actually exist in human atria during AF. Methods and Results: To address this point, human left appendages were obtained from 16 patients who underwent cardiac surgery (5 with sinus rhythm (SR) and 11 with AF) and subjected to immunohistochemical analysis. In all the AF specimens, adhesion and migration of CD45-reactive cells were consistently observed predominantly in the atrial endo- and subendomyocardium and more prominently than in SR. Most of them were immunologically active CD68-positive macrophages, whereas CD3-positive T cells infiltrated to a lesser extent. Scavenger-receptor A staining revealed maturation of macrophages not in the endocardium but in the midmyocardium, a gradient from endo- to midmyocardium. In the endocardium, along with adhesion molecules (intracellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1), a chemotactic protein-1, which facilitates the recruitment, was more abundantly expressed in AF than in SR. Cytokines including transforming growth factor-β and interleukin-6 were frequently expressed by these macrophages. Conclusions: These observations collectively imply active adhesion and recruitment of macrophages across the endocardium in human fibrillating atria, thereby supporting the concept of local immunologic inflammatory responses around the atrial endocardium of AF. (Circ J 2010; 74: 262-270)