Immunization and cardiovascular disease in Latin America. The CorVacc study: rationale and design.

Objectives: To determine the rates of vaccination against influenza and pneumococcal disease in the general population of the Americas, both healthy and sick, and to analyze the factors influencing these rates.

Methods: The Inter-American Vaccination Registry of Influenza and Pneumococcus, (CorVacc Study) is a cross-sectional survey of the general population that will be enacted in 19 Latin American countries. A total of 34 questions will be given to consecutive patients aged 18 years or older through an online survey.

The Psychological Impact of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators: A Narrative Review.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are critical to the prevention of sudden cardiac death caused by life-threatening arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation. While their clinical value is well-established, the psychological impact of living with an ICD remains underrecognized. Patients often experience anticipatory anxiety, depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and reduced quality of life.

Successful Zero-Fluoroscopy Ablation of an Atypical Clockwise Simple-Loop Biatrial Flutter Involving the Bachmann Bundle Region.

A 69-year-old woman presented with an atypical clockwise simple-loop biatrial flutter as a consequence of an anterior mitral line ablation for perimitral atrial flutter. Local activation mapping and entrainment maneuvers helped define the circuit, highlighting a critical epicardial connection through the Bachmann bundle region. Successful radiofrequency ablation was performed at the left lateral atrial insertion of the Bachmann bundle.

Percutaneous or surgical revascularization in patients with severe left main coronary artery disease in Latin America: A GRADE clinical practice guideline.

Background: Severe left main coronary artery disease (LMD) poses a major treatment challenge in Latin America, where both percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are used.

Methods: This guideline was developed de novo using the GRADE approach. A multidisciplinary panel reviewed evidence from a systematic review of randomized trials comparing PCI and CABG, incorporating a comprehensive literature search of patient values and preferences and outcome utilities.

Left Septal Fascicular Block Following Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing.

Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) is a type of conduction system pacing wherein the left bundle branch and/or the left side of the interventricular septum are stimulated with a permanent pacing lead to maintain physiological electrical activation of the left ventricle. As understanding grows regarding trifascicular activation in the left ventricle and left septal fascicular block (LSFB), there is an indication that new electrocardiographic alterations may emerge, particularly in instances of arterial occlusions. Here, we present a case study delineating LSFB subsequent to LBBAP.

Emotions & Heart:Exploring the Impact of Negative Emotions on Cardiovascular Health.

Negative emotions can have a significant impact on individuals, which then influences their cardiovascular system. However, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical implications of this association remain inadequately defined. A narrative review of pertinent literature was conducted to examine the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and treatment related to the interplay between emotions and conditions such as takotsubo cardiomyopathy, atherosclerosis, acute plaque rupture, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Black Widow Spider Envenomation and Cardiovascular Complications.

Envenomation (latrodectism) with black widow spider (BWS) venom can cause dysfunction in the cardiovascular system. The pathophysiology and consequences of cardiovascular effects have not been fully elucidated. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

A Case of Post-TAVI: Left Septal Fascicular Block & Right Bundle Branch Block.

This paper describes a case of patient post-TAVI who developed Left Septal Fascicular Block (LSFB) and Right Bundle Branch Block (RBBB). This combination has not been previously reported and must be actively sought out, given the possible increased risk of complete atrioventricular block and sudden cardiac death. RBBB following transcatheter aortic valve replacement is rare and is associated with complete atrioventricular block and permanent pacemaker implantation.

Atrial fibrillation in transthyretin amyloidotic cardiomyopathy: prevalence and echocardiographic predictors.

Background: Conduction disorders and arrhythmias frequently accompany cardiac amyloidosis (CA), with atrial fibrillation (AF) being the most prevalent manifestation. The prevalence of AF varies across different types of CA, with transthyretin (TTR) type showing the highest prevalence upon diagnosis.

Methods: A retrospective, observational analysis was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of AF and to identify echocardiographic predictors related to the development of AF in our population of patients with transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (TTR-CA).

Rationale and design of the artificial intelligence scalable solution for acute myocardial infarction (ASSIST) study.

Background: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS), specifically ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction is a major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout Europe. Diagnosis in the acute setting is mainly based on clinical symptoms and physician's interpretation of an electrocardiogram (ECG), which may be subject to errors. ST-segment elevation is the leading criteria to activate urgent reperfusion therapy, but a clear ST-elevation pattern might not be present in patients with coronary occlusion and ST-segment elevation might be seen in patients with normal coronary arteries.

Latin-American guidelines of recommendations at discharge from an acute coronary syndrome.

The diagnostic criteria, treatments at the time of admission, and drugs used in patients with acute coronary syndrome are well defined in countless guidelines. However, there is uncertainty about the measures to recommend during patient discharge planning. This document brings together the most recent evidence and the standardized and optimal treatment for patients at the time of discharge from hospitalization for an acute coronary syndrome, for comprehensive and safe care in the patient's transition between care from the acute event to the outpatient care, with the aim of optimizing the recovery of viable myocardium, guaranteeing the most appropriate secondary prevention, reducing the risk of a new coronary event and mortality, as well as the adequate reintegration of patients into daily life.

Atrial Arrhythmias Following Pulmonary Thromboendarterectomy: A Comprehensive Review Of Current Literature.

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) presents as a progressive vascular condition arising from previous episodes of acute pulmonary embolism, contributing to the development of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE) is the gold-standard surgical treatment for CTEPH; however, it may be associated with postoperative sequelae, including atrial arrhythmias (AAs). This comprehensive literature review explores the potential mechanisms for PTE-induced AAs with emphasis on the role of PH-related atrial remodelling and the predisposing factors.

Congenital short QT syndrome: A review focused on electrocardiographic features.

Congenital short QT syndrome is a very low prevalence inherited primary arrhythmia syndrome first reported in 2000 by Gussak et al., who described two families with a short QT interval, syncope, and sudden cardiac death. In 2004, Ramon Brugada et al.

[Characteristics of cardiologist training in Latin America: a survey of the Interamerican Society of Cardiology].

Objectives: Describe the characteristics of the different cardiology medical residencies in Latin America.

Method: Cross-sectional study that aims to evaluate the characteristics of cardiology residencies in Spanish-speaking countries of Latin America, through self-administered electronic surveys.

Results: Three hundred seven residents of 147 residences were surveyed.