Electrocardiographic Changes in a Patient With Pulmonary Embolism and Septic Shock

Various electrocardiography (ECG) abnormalities have been reported in patients who present with pulmonary embolism (PE). Severe sepsis is also associated with ECG changes that may mimic ST elevation myocardial infarction. We report a case of an elderly patient with PE and septic shock associated with striking ECG changes

[Case Report] Stress induced (Takotsubo) cardiomyopathy triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stress induced (Takotsubo) cardiomyopathy (TC) represents an acute heart failure syndrome triggered by physical or emotional stressors. COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented health crisis resulting in fear, distress and anxiety, with emerging cardiovascular implications. COVID-19 related stress can act as potential trigger for TC. We present a case of an elderly female who developed TC due to stress surrounding COVID-19

Effectiveness and Adherence to Treatment with Perindopril/Indapamide/Amlodipine Single-Pill Combination in a Greek Population with Hypertension

Background: Despite the overwhelming evidence and the established benefits of antihypertensive treatment, adherence to treatment remains low. Objective: To assess the adherence to treatment with a perindopril/indapamide/amlodipine single-pill combination (SPC), its effectiveness on blood pressure (BP) reduction, as well as the safety and tolerability of this SPC over a 4-month treatment period. Methods: This multicenter, non-interventional study prospectively included 2285 hypertensive patients on perindopril/indapamide/amlodipine SPC. The data were recorded at baseline, 1 month, and 4 months. Results: Of the 2285 hypertensive patients included in the study, 50.5% were at “high/very high risk”. Mean systolic (SBP)/diastolic (DBP) decreased from 162.3 ± 13.3/93.1 ± 9.3 mmHg at baseline to 129.7 ± 8.3/78.6 ± 7.1 mmHg at 4 months (p < 0.001). Patients with higher baseline BP levels showed greater BP reduction. Patients with hypertension stages 1, 2, and 3 showed mean SBP/DBP reductions of 21.5/10.4 mmHg, 34.2/14.7 mmHg, and 51.2/22.5 mmHg, respectively, at study end (p < 0.001). Only 26 patients (1.1%) prematurely discontinued treatment (0.58% due to an adverse reaction or event). Conclusions: Perindopril/indapamide/amlodipine SPC decreased BP levels rapidly and significantly. The degree of BP reduction was associated with the severity of hypertension and/or with total cardiovascular risk at baseline. Simplifying the drug regimen by using this SPC improved adherence and showed excellent tolerability. © 2019, Springer Nature Switzerland AG

The Role of Statins in Prevention of Preeclampsia: A Promise for the Future?

Preeclampsia has been linked to high morbidity and mortality during pregnancy. However, no efficient pharmacological options for the prevention of this condition are currently available. Preeclampsia is thought to share several pathophysiologic mechanisms with cardiovascular disease, which has led to investigations for the potential role of statins (HMG CoA reductase inhibitors) in its prevention and early management. Pravastatin seems to have a safer pharmacokinetic profile compared to other statins, however, the existing preclinical evidence for its effectiveness in preeclampsia treatment has been mostly restricted to animal models. This review aims to summarize the current data and delineate the potential future role of statins in the prevention and management of preeclampsia

Aortic Valve Stenosis and Arterial Hypertension: A Synopsis in 2013

Systemic hypertension and aortic valve stenosis (AVS) are both age-related diseases. The pathophysiology of AVS shares some similarities with essential hypertension, which might be the link between the two diseases. Although AS is usually related with low blood pressure levels, approximately one third of patients with severe AS suffer from arterial hypertension, a percentage that can increase up to 50 % according some studies. This review will summarize various aspects regarding the prevalence the pathophysiology and the natural history of those two diseases that seems to be linked, as well as the effect of blood pressure and antihypertensive treatment on various echocardiographic parameters in patients with AVS

[Case Report] Stress induced (Takotsubo) cardiomyopathy triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic

Stress induced (Takotsubo) cardiomyopathy (TC) represents an acute heart failure syndrome triggered by physical or emotional stressors. COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented health crisis resulting in fear, distress and anxiety, with emerging cardiovascular implications. COVID-19 related stress can act as potential trigger for TC. We present a case of an elderly female who developed TC due to stress surrounding COVID-19