Cardiology

Gender disparities exist in various aspects of ATTR-CA, a condition predominantly affecting males. Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) is a progressive disease characterized by abnormal transthyretin deposition in cardiac tissue. Recent research suggests that sex differences may play a significant role in the disease’s clinical manifestations, progression, and outcomes.  A study in the journal Heart Failure...

Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis prevalence in the transcatheter aortic valve replacement population is lower than previously described, and NT-pro BNP can guide screening, according to a recent study. Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) prevalence in aortic stenosis patients is 5–20%, with higher rates in those who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) vs. surgical aortic valve replacement...

Tafamidis slowed cardiac remodeling and potentially lowers amyloid deposition in patients with hereditary A97S transthyretin cardiomyopathy in a recent study. Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is a rare but life-threatening disease. Tafamidis decreases amyloid formation and is an effective treatment for ATTR-CM. There are differences in the level of cardiac involvement among disease variants. Up to...

Introduction Once a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation has been confirmed, the treatment goals include the following [1]: Restoration of normal cardiac rhythm (rhythm control) Reduction of an abnormally rapid heartbeat (rate control) Prevention of blood clots and stroke Prevention of additional heart rhythm problems Preventing heart failure A combination of risk factor reduction, medication, and targeted...

Introduction Atrial fibrillation (Afib) is an abnormal electrical rhythm in the upper chambers of the heart called the atria that causes a quivering or irregular heartbeat. Afib can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other cardiac complications if left untreated [1]. This is the most common clinically diagnosed arrhythmia [2] and a significant health issue due...

Introduction Atrial fibrillation occurs more often in people with the following physical conditions and lifestyle characteristics [1,2]: Fifty years of age and older High alcohol consumption Use of illegal drugs Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Smoking or vaping High levels of physical and/or emotional stress Heart failure High blood pressure Obesity Sleep apnea or poor sleep...

The findings of a preliminary investigation indicate that Nitraria retusa tea may be safe and effective for reducing serum cholesterol levels. Medications for reducing the risk of dyslipidemia have various side effects, highlighting the need for safer alternatives for prevention and treatment. One study showed that the Nitraria retusa plant inhibited cell differentiation in 3T3-L1...

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kimberly Langdon Cull, M.D. on Sept. 21, 2023 Extracardiac uptake occurs in 11% of Tc-99m PYP scintigraphy patients. However, actionable findings are rare, according to a recent study. Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) can be diagnosed with the help of technetium-labeled bone-avid radiotracers. Technetium pyrophosphate (Tc-99m PYP) extracardiac uptake in this situation has...

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kimberly Langdon Cull, M.D. on Sept. 21, 2023 No major side effects were reported in this phase 1 study of the recombinant human antibody NI006 for ATTR cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Cardiomyopathy induced by misfolded transthyretin (transthyretin amyloid, or ATTR) is a deadly, degenerative illness. There has been improvement in delaying disease...