Sabino Iliceto

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This study focused on understanding how certain antibodies in the blood affect small blood vessels in the heart of patients who have a severe heart attack called STEMI. Researchers looked at 287 patients and found that those with higher levels of specific antibodies had more severe damage to their heart's small blood vessels and worse health outcomes over about 16 months. Specifically, patients with high antibody levels showed a 25% increase in coronary microvascular obstruction (CMVO) and experienced more complications. Who this helps: This research helps doctors treating heart attack patients by identifying a new target for protecting heart function after a heart attack.

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This study compared two methods for monitoring cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) in patients who received heart transplants: cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and invasive coronary angiography (ICA). Among 260 patients, those who had CCTA experienced lower overall costs and shorter hospital stays, with CCTA requiring less contrast material and lower radiation exposure. These findings show that CCTA is a safer and more cost-effective option for CAV surveillance after heart transplants. Who this helps: This benefits heart transplant patients and their doctors by providing a safer and less expensive monitoring method.

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This study looked at the rates of heart inflammation, specifically myocarditis and pericarditis, in people during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy, comparing data from 2019 and 2021. Researchers found that the rates of these conditions were similar between the two years (0.67 in 2019 compared to 0.74 in 2021), indicating that the COVID-19 vaccination did not significantly increase the risk of these heart issues. Out of 125 cases of heart inflammation in 2021, 32 (about 26%) were linked to the vaccine, with younger men under 40 being the most affected. Who this helps: This research benefits patients, doctors, and public health officials by reassuring them about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines regarding heart inflammation.

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This study looked at a blood test called high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) to see how well it predicts the risk of death in patients with a specific heart condition called wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy. Researchers found that using a cutoff level of 80 nanograms per liter (ng/L) for hs-cTnI helps identify patients at higher risk of death. For example, among the study groups, about 23% of patients with high levels of hs-cTnI died within 22 months, compared to 16% in another group, highlighting its importance for doctors in assessing patient risk. Who this helps: This benefits patients with wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how measuring the relationship between the right side of the heart and the pulmonary artery can help predict outcomes for patients with a specific type of heart condition called wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy. The researchers followed 100 patients and found that 37% of them faced serious health events like death or hospitalization for heart failure over about 16 months. They discovered that certain measurements (TAPSE/sPAP, RVFWLS/sPAP, and RV4CLS/sPAP) were strong indicators of these poor outcomes, which emphasizes the importance of these assessments in early risk evaluation. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy and their doctors, enabling better monitoring and potential early interventions.

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This study looked at the effects of repeat heart tissue biopsies in patients with myocarditis who were undergoing immune-suppressive treatment. It found that about 25% of patients had a reason to have a follow-up biopsy, and 55% of those biopsies showed ongoing or borderline myocarditis, which led to changes in treatment for 83% of them. This matters because it shows that checking for the disease’s status after treatment can help doctors adjust therapies effectively. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with myocarditis and their doctors by improving management and treatment decisions.

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This study looked at two methods for closing the main access point after a procedure called transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Researchers found that using a combined approach of a crossover balloon occlusion technique (CBOT) along with the standard ProGlide suture led to significantly lower bleeding rates (2.4% compared to 11.9%), fewer severe kidney injuries, and shorter hospital stays (around 7 days versus about 9 days). This is important because it could improve patient safety and reduce recovery time after TAVI procedures. Who this helps: Patients undergoing TAVI procedures.

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This research paper examined the role of angiotensin II (AngII) in heart disease, going beyond its well-known connection to high blood pressure. The study found that AngII contributes to the development of atherosclerosis, a condition where arteries become clogged with plaque, which can increase the risk of heart attacks. Understanding this link is important because it may help identify new treatment strategies for preventing cardiovascular disease. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk for heart disease.

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This study looked at two specific autoantibodies found in patients who have suffered from a severe heart attack, known as STEMI. Researchers found that 31% of patients with both autoantibodies and 25% with one had significant heart complications after the attack, compared to only 13% of patients without these autoantibodies. Understanding the presence of these autoantibodies can help identify patients at higher risk for future heart problems and guide potential new treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients who have experienced a heart attack by identifying their risk for complications.

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This study compared the effectiveness of two ways to diagnose serious heart problems called STEMI: one using telemedicine and the other using traditional evaluations at local hospitals. In a group of 1,001 patients, the telemedicine approach had a false-positive diagnosis rate of 21.3%, while the traditional method had a rate of 35.8%, showing that telemedicine is more accurate. This matters because it means patients can receive faster and more accurate diagnoses, which can save lives and reduce healthcare costs. Who this helps: This helps patients experiencing heart problems by improving diagnosis speed and accuracy.

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This research paper examines how heart rhythm changes and specific features seen on electrocardiograms (ECGs) relate to cardiac amyloidosis, a heart condition caused by protein buildup. The study highlights common ECG patterns, such as low voltage readings and unusual heart beats, that can indicate this disease. Recognizing these patterns is crucial for doctors as it can lead to earlier diagnosis and better treatment for patients with cardiac amyloidosis. Who this helps: This helps patients with cardiac amyloidosis and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the rates of hospitalizations due to systemic and cardiac amyloidosis in the Veneto Region of Italy from 2010 to 2020. Researchers found that between 2015 and 2020, there were 23.5 hospitalizations per 100,000 people each year, mostly affecting men and those over 65 years old. The incidence of these hospitalizations is rising by 17% each year, indicating a growing concern for this condition. Who this helps: This research benefits patients, particularly older men, who may be at a higher risk for these conditions.

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This study looked at patients with a condition called cardiac amyloidosis (CA) to see what factors might predict the development of a heart rhythm problem known as atrial fibrillation (AF). Researchers found that during an average follow-up of 18 months, 29% of the patients developed AF, with those affected being older (average age 79) and more likely to have certain heart changes. Specifically, the study identified that older age, specific heart electrical patterns, and lower heart function were key indicators for the likelihood of developing AF, with a notably high risk for those with multiple warning signs. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and helps them identify and monitor patients at higher risk of atrial fibrillation.

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This study looked at how certain autoantibodies (AT1R-AAs and ETAR-AAs) relate to changes in the heart after a heart attack (specifically ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction) and the risk of severe heart problems later on. The research included 131 patients, and it found that 31% of them had adverse heart changes. Those with the autoantibodies were more likely to have these changes (39% compared to 11% for AT1R-AAs, and 37% compared to 12% for ETAR-AAs), with AT1R-AAs increasing the risk of further serious heart issues nearly twenty-fold. Who this helps: This helps patients who have had a heart attack by identifying potential risks for heart complications.

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This study looked at different types of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathies (ACM) and how they affect patient health. Researchers analyzed 446 patients and found that 44% had arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), 23% had arrhythmogenic left ventricular cardiomyopathy (ALVC), and 33% had both sides affected. Those with ARVC and biventricular forms had more dangerous heart arrhythmias, while those with ALVC experienced more heart failure and needed heart transplants. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and patients by providing insights into the different risks associated with each type of ACM.

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This study focused on using deep learning technology to predict serious heart rhythm problems in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition that weakens the heart. Researchers developed a model called DARP-D, which analyzed heart images and clinical information from 154 patients. The initial results showed that this model can identify a patient's risk of major events, achieving a statistical performance measure of 0.12-0.68, indicating some promise, but more work is needed before it can be used in everyday medical practice. Who this helps: This helps patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and their doctors by providing better tools for risk assessment.

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This study looked at cardiac amyloidosis, a condition where harmful proteins build up in the heart, specifically focusing on two types: light chain (AL) and transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis. The researchers found that cardiac troponin (cTn), a protein that indicates heart damage, is often elevated in patients with this disease, which can help predict outcomes and guide treatment. Understanding cTn levels is important for managing heart health in these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with cardiac amyloidosis and their doctors.

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This study looked at how cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging can help diagnose and predict outcomes for patients with myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart. Researchers followed 207 patients and found that those with better heart performance on CMR at diagnosis were more likely to do well later; specifically, 17 patients had worse outcomes based on various heart measurements. These findings are important because they help doctors identify which patients may face more severe symptoms and complications after a myocarditis diagnosis. Who this helps: This helps patients with myocarditis and their doctors.

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This study looked at how well personalized immunosuppressive therapy works for patients with immune-mediated myocarditis, a type of heart inflammation, compared to those receiving standard treatments. Researchers followed 91 patients on personalized therapy and 267 who only received standard care for five years. They found that both groups had similar survival rates (93% for the personalized therapy group versus 87% for the standard care group), but the personalized therapy patients had a higher chance of relapses. Who this helps: This study benefits patients with immune-mediated myocarditis and their doctors by providing insights into treatment options.

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This paper studied how the immune system affects myocarditis, which is an inflammation of the heart. The research found that different parts of the immune system contribute to the development and progression of this condition, affecting patients in various ways—from mild symptoms to severe heart failure and even sudden cardiac death. Understanding these immune responses opens the door for new treatment options that could improve patient outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients with myocarditis and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) affect the small blood vessels in the heart, which can lead to serious heart problems. The researchers found that patients with ARDs have a lower ability to increase blood flow in response to stress—a condition called reduced myocardial perfusion reserve index (MPRI)—when compared to healthy individuals, even if they don’t have obvious heart blockages. This is important because identifying heart issues early in these patients can help prevent severe heart complications later on. Who this helps: This helps patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases by improving early detection and treatment of heart problems.

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This study looked at how anxiety and depression relate to the development of heart and metabolic health issues, like high blood pressure and diabetes, and how these issues increase the risk of heart disease. Researchers followed over 71,000 people for ten years and found that those with anxiety or depression had a 71% greater chance of developing these health problems, and they did so more quickly. This matters because understanding this link can help in creating better prevention strategies for heart disease, especially for younger women who are most affected. Who this helps: Patients with anxiety or depression, particularly younger women.

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This study looked at how to better measure heart damage (specifically, fibrosis) in patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP), a condition that can lead to abnormal heart rhythms. Researchers evaluated 66 patients and found that 62% had fibrosis, with measurements showing that one method (the 5-SD technique) provided results closely matching a standard visual assessment. This matters because it helps standardize how doctors assess heart damage, making it easier to identify patients at risk for serious heart issues. Who this helps: This benefits patients with mitral valve prolapse and their doctors by improving diagnosis and treatment strategies.

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This study looked at patients with advanced heart failure who used both a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD). Out of 30 patients, 21 experienced some degree of electromagnetic interference, but 90% remained eligible for the S-ICD. This is important because it shows that most patients can safely use both devices together, although doctors need to be cautious about potential issues related to electromagnetic interference that could affect how the devices work. Who this helps: Patients with advanced heart failure who require mechanical support for their hearts.

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The study focused on patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP), a heart condition that can sometimes lead to irregular heartbeats called ventricular arrhythmias (VA), even without significant valve leakage. Among 108 patients with MVP, 62 (57%) experienced VA, and those patients had more severe heart tissue and structural changes, including a longer mitral annulus disjunction (average of 6.0 mm vs. 3.2 mm) and a higher prevalence of heart tissue scarring (79% vs. 52%). This research is important because it helps identify which patients with MVP are at greater risk for serious heart issues, guiding better monitoring and treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with mitral valve prolapse and their doctors in managing their health.

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This study looked at a new way to estimate pressure in the lungs for patients with heart valve problems, particularly those with narrowed mitral valves or those who have had valve surgery. Researchers found that a measurement called the left atrial expansion index (LAEI) closely relates to pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), providing accurate readings that could help doctors avoid more invasive tests. Specifically, this method successfully identified abnormal pressure levels in the lungs with a high level of accuracy (around 87% for pressures above 12 mmHg). Who this helps: This helps patients with mitral valve issues and their doctors by providing a safer way to monitor heart function.

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This study looked at a patient with Niemann-Pick disease, a rare genetic disorder, who also had a heart problem known as aortic stenosis, along with a condition where the organs are reversed (situs inversus). The researchers reported that the patient underwent a procedure called TAVI to repair the heart valve, which was successful without any complications. This is important because it shows that TAVI can be a viable treatment option for patients with complex conditions like Niemann-Pick disease and associated heart issues. Who this helps: This helps patients with Niemann-Pick disease and their doctors by providing a potential treatment pathway for heart problems.

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This study examined how certain blood vessels in heart transplant recipients, called coronary collateral arteries (CCAs), relate to survival rates. Researchers found that patients with CCAs had a higher mortality rate—57.5% compared to 32.1% for those without CCAs—over a follow-up period of about 10 years. The findings indicate that the presence of CCAs may signal more severe heart problems and can help predict who is at greater risk of dying after a heart transplant. Who this helps: This information helps doctors manage the care of heart transplant patients better.

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This study looked at heart samples from 27 patients who had cardiac amyloidosis (CA) to understand how the disease affects the heart's ability to pump blood. The researchers found that most patients (73%) showed a pattern where the heart's tip (apex) was less affected by amyloid buildup, but this was not always linked to the amount of amyloid present throughout the heart. These findings indicate that the way CA impacts heart function is more complex than previously thought. Who this helps: This helps doctors better understand heart changes in CA patients, leading to improved diagnosis and treatment strategies.

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This paper examines light-chain cardiac amyloidosis (AL-CA), a serious heart disease that can worsen quickly if not diagnosed early. It found that common tests like bone scans might miss AL-CA, as many patients show little to no signs of the disease, so doctors should not rely solely on these tests. Additionally, a fat pad biopsy may not always confirm the diagnosis, meaning more testing is needed, particularly when there's a high chance of the disease being present. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and healthcare providers who treat patients with heart conditions.

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This study looked at a rare condition called spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), which can cause heart attacks in women. Researchers found that 60% of women with SCAD had specific autoantibodies (proteins that mistakenly attack the body’s own cells), compared to only 10% of healthy women and those with another type of heart attack. This is important because it suggests that these autoantibodies could play a role in causing SCAD, which may lead to new ways to understand and treat this condition. Who this helps: Patients experiencing spontaneous coronary artery dissection and their doctors.

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This study looked at fulminant myocarditis, a severe type of heart inflammation that can present differently in patients. It found that the definition of this condition has changed a lot over the past 20 years, causing confusion about how to treat it effectively. The researchers emphasized the need for quick and targeted treatments based on specific causes, as fulminant myocarditis can lead to serious long-term health issues. Who this helps: This helps patients with fulminant myocarditis and their doctors in finding the right treatments faster.

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The study looked at patients with a serious heart condition called STEMI to see if certain antibodies in their blood were linked to a problem called no-reflow, where blood flow does not return to heart tissue even after arteries are opened. Out of 50 patients studied, 48% experienced no-reflow, and those with the antibodies had a much higher rate of this issue (72% compared to 38% without the antibodies). These findings could help doctors identify patients at greater risk for further complications after a heart attack. Who this helps: This helps patients with STEMI by improving risk assessment and potential treatment options.

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In this study, researchers looked at chest pain in 174 patients with cardiac amyloidosis, finding that 38% reported experiencing chest pain. Those with chest pain were more likely to have a history of coronary artery disease (27% vs. 15%) and heart failure symptoms (62% vs. 43%), and they had higher levels of certain cardiac proteins (high sensitivity troponin I at 101 vs. 65 ng/L). This is important because chest pain indicates more severe heart issues and predicts a higher likelihood of being hospitalized for heart failure. Who this helps: This helps patients with cardiac amyloidosis and their doctors.

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This research focused on a rare condition called transient pericardial constriction, which can occur during early stages of heart inflammation. The study found two specific cases where this condition developed but was successfully managed without leading to serious long-term heart issues. Recognizing and treating this condition early is important because, if ignored, it could progress to a more severe and permanent heart problem. Who this helps: This research helps patients with heart conditions and doctors diagnosing and treating them.

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This study looked at new non-invasive imaging technologies for monitoring heart transplant patients. Researchers found that advanced techniques like echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance can provide valuable information about heart function and inflammation without needing painful procedures like biopsies or invasive scans. Using these methods could improve patient care and reduce risks associated with traditional testing. Who this helps: Heart transplant patients and their doctors.

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This study looked at how severe psoriasis affects heart health in patients who don’t show any other signs of heart disease. Researchers found that 31.5% of the 448 patients tested had coronary microvascular dysfunction, which is a problem with the small blood vessels in the heart. Factors like more severe skin symptoms, longer time living with psoriasis, having psoriatic arthritis, and high blood pressure were linked to a higher risk of this heart issue. Recognizing and treating these heart problems in people with severe psoriasis is important because it could prevent serious cardiovascular issues later. Who this helps: Patients with severe psoriasis and their doctors.

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This study looked at how coronary artery disease is diagnosed differently in men and women, focusing on the small blood vessels in the heart. Researchers found that women often have issues with these tiny blood vessels that aren't as common in men, meaning they may need different tests for accurate diagnosis. It matters because using the right diagnostic methods for each gender can lead to better treatment and outcomes for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially women, at risk of coronary microvascular dysfunction.

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This study looked at how different imaging techniques, like ultrasounds and MRIs, can help diagnose and manage advanced heart failure (AHF). The review highlighted that using these various imaging methods leads to better care for patients, ensuring devices like heart pumps and transplants work effectively. Specifically, it noted that echocardiography can help catch issues like heart transplant rejection early on, improving patient safety and outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with advanced heart failure and their doctors.

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This study looked at how patients with a history of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart) fared during COVID-19 infection and vaccination. Out of 409 patients, only 28% had COVID-19, and 85% got vaccinated, yet there were no cases of myocarditis returning after infection or vaccination, indicating a safe experience. This is important because it suggests that people with a history of myocarditis can safely navigate COVID-19 without heightened risk of heart issues. Who this helps: Patients with a history of myocarditis and their doctors.

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This study looked at elderly patients over 80 years old who have atrial fibrillation and are treated with the blood thinner edoxaban. Out of 176 patients followed for two years, 49 experienced serious health issues like strokes, major bleeding, or death, but there was no significant difference in these outcomes between frail and non-frail patients. The key finding was that frailty did not affect the safety of edoxaban treatment, but having anemia was linked to worse outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits very elderly patients with atrial fibrillation, ensuring they can safely receive anticoagulation treatment regardless of their frailty level.

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This study looked at patients with a heart condition called arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) who received a special heart device known as the third-generation subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD), implanted using a new two-incision technique. Over a follow-up period of about 3.8 years, only 17.4% of the patients received at least one inappropriate shock from the device, mainly due to muscle movement during physical activity, and there was just one case of device malfunction. The findings suggest that this new implantation method is effective with a low overall complication risk, although doctors need to be aware of the potential for the device to mistakenly deliver shocks during exercise. Who this helps: This benefits patients with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy who need heart rhythm monitoring and treatment.

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In this study, researchers looked at how effective cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is in diagnosing heart ruptures in patients who have suffered heart attacks. They found that among 19 studied patients, those with a confirmed heart rupture had significantly higher levels of certain stress indicators in their heart tissue and showed more severe damage in heart function compared to those without ruptures. This is important because it helps identify high-risk patients and improve management of heart attack complications. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients at risk of heart ruptures following a heart attack.

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This study looked at how a new measurement called the left atrial expansion index (LAEI) can help estimate pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Researchers found that LAEI had a strong link to PCWP, accurately identifying cases with a PCWP equal to or greater than 15 mmHg with 82.4% sensitivity and 88.2% specificity, making it a reliable non-invasive option for evaluation. This is important because it could make it easier for doctors to monitor heart function in DCM patients without needing invasive procedures. Who this helps: Patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and their doctors.

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This study looked at heart problems in patients who had recovered from severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Researchers found that 36% of these patients had subtle heart issues that didn't improve over the course of a year, and those issues were more likely in men and in patients with other heart risk factors. Understanding these heart risks matters because it helps to monitor and manage long-term health for COVID-19 survivors. Who this helps: This helps patients who have recovered from COVID-19, especially those with existing heart conditions.

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This study looked at people who had been hospitalized for severe COVID-19 pneumonia and noticed that many of them continued to have difficulty breathing months after they left the hospital. Out of 225 patients evaluated five months later, 51 still reported breathing problems. The study found that factors like being overweight, how long the patients were hospitalized, and certain blood test results were linked to ongoing breathing issues. Understanding these connections can help doctors identify which patients are at risk for prolonged symptoms after COVID-19. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from COVID-19 and their healthcare providers.

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This study focused on how well isoprenaline works for patients with unstable third-degree atrioventricular block, a serious heart condition that can lead to fainting or even death. Researchers found that isoprenaline was effective for 84% of patients, compared to only 31% for dopamine, making isoprenaline a much better option. This is important because it suggests a safer and more effective treatment while waiting for a permanent pacemaker, which can significantly improve patient outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients experiencing unstable heart conditions and their doctors.

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This study looked at the outcomes of a procedure called transvenous lead extraction (TLE) in patients aged 80 and older, specifically using advanced tools to help with the process. Out of 83 patients, the procedure was successful in 93.9% of cases, with a 30-day mortality rate of 6%. The findings show that, although older patients have higher risks of complications, the extraction can be done safely and effectively using specialized methods, helping doctors make better decisions about heart device removals for this age group. Who this helps: This research benefits elderly patients with heart devices, as well as their healthcare providers.