Distinct Neuroimaging Signatures: Atrial Fibrillation and Atherosclerosis Drive Divergent Vascular Brain Lesion Patterns
Posted inCardiology Neurology news

Distinct Neuroimaging Signatures: Atrial Fibrillation and Atherosclerosis Drive Divergent Vascular Brain Lesion Patterns

A large-scale comparative study of 3,508 patients reveals that atrial fibrillation and atherosclerosis produce significantly different vascular brain lesions on MRI, with AF favoring non-lacunar infarcts and periventricular white matter changes, while atherosclerosis is linked to lacunar infarcts and micro-bleeds.
Low Potassium Levels Linked to Five-Fold Increase in Daily Atrial Fibrillation Risk: Insights from Continuous Monitoring
Posted inCardiology Internal Medicine news

Low Potassium Levels Linked to Five-Fold Increase in Daily Atrial Fibrillation Risk: Insights from Continuous Monitoring

A post hoc analysis of the LOOP study reveals that hypokalaemia is significantly associated with an increased risk of daily atrial fibrillation, particularly longer episodes. The study highlights that deviations from a patient's individual baseline potassium level are stronger predictors of AF than absolute values.
Lowering Blood Pressure in Isolated Diastolic Hypertension: Evidence Supports Risk Reduction Across All Diastolic Levels
Posted inCardiology Internal Medicine news

Lowering Blood Pressure in Isolated Diastolic Hypertension: Evidence Supports Risk Reduction Across All Diastolic Levels

A large-scale meta-analysis reveals that lowering blood pressure in patients with isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH) provides cardiovascular protection comparable to those with systolic elevations, suggesting that diastolic thresholds alone should not preclude treatment in high-risk individuals.
Beyond Standard Risk Factors: High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein as a Critical Driver of Cardiovascular Risk Prediction
Posted inCardiology Internal Medicine news

Beyond Standard Risk Factors: High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein as a Critical Driver of Cardiovascular Risk Prediction

Recent large-scale studies demonstrate that high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is a potent, stable predictor of cardiovascular events, even in individuals without traditional risk factors. Despite its clinical utility in improving risk reclassification, barriers to widespread adoption in clinical practice remain.