<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> Background: Prothrombotic state and impaired clot dissolution can contribute to the occurrence of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension in primary antiphospholipid syndrome. Pulmonary endarterectomy - the surgical removal of the organized thromboembolic material from the proximal pulmonary arteries - is the procedure of choice and potentially a curative option for patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, including patients with antiphospholipid syndrome. We report an exceptionally severe and complicated case with favourable outcome. Case presentation: We present a case of a successful high risk pulmonary endarterectomy in a 29-year-old female with primary antiphospholipid syndrome and end-stage chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Despite highly complicated perioperative course an impressive improvement in symptoms and functional status was achieved. Conclusion: We hope that this complicated but successfully managed case of a combination of two rare diseases will arouse earlier suspicion and timely diagnosis for such patients and will encourage physicians to promptly refer the suitable patients to a pulmonary endarterectomy team. It is important to remember that severe thrombocytopenia may occur in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome</abstract>

Case report: Life-saving pulmonary endarterectomy for a young female with primary antiphospholipid syndrome complicated by severe chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> Heart failure (HF) is an increasing cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, the lay public awareness about HF is shown to be inferior to the knowledge of myocardial infarction or stroke. The vast majority of HF patients lack basic comprehension of HF and self-care, which translates into suboptimal treatment outcomes. Therefore this study aimed to establish the present level of knowledge about HF of the lay public and to evaluate the effects of a single public lecture for the consideration of implementing further steps to raise public awareness. Design and methods: We performed a cross sectional survey study using an anonymous questionnaire designed by the German Competence Network Heart Failure (CNHF). Respondents were selected randomly and fulfilled the questionnaire free-willingly prior to and after a standardized lecture on HF. The CNHF questionnaire consisted of two sets of questions focusing on individual characteristics of the respondent and HF-related knowledge. The gathered data were verified by a standardized procedure in Wurzburg, Germany. Results: Among 1025 respondents 60% were females: 15% of the participants had occupational experience in the medical field. The majority (79%) of the study population had heard about HF previously. Typical complaints and symptoms of HF were correctly identified as ‘shortness of breath’ by 69%, ‘swelling of feet’ by 56%, ‘fatigue’ by 56%, and ‘weakness’ by 54% survey participants. The lecture resulted in 22% (from 26% to 48%) increase of correct identification of the combination all three HF symptoms (shortness of breath, swelling of feet and tiredness). The lecture significantly increased the proportion of correct answers for most of the questions. Particularly notable gains were observed in respondents without prior medical experience. Conclusion: The study population’s initial awareness of HF was insufficient. Standardized lecture improved the short-term knowledge about HF symptoms and nature of the disease. Regular educational activities increasing the HF awareness of general population and HF patients can increase the overall HF treatment success.</abstract>

Heart failure awareness: a cross-sectional study on misconceptions and educational opportunities

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are authorized for the relief of pain and inflammation in a wide range of conditions including the discomfort associated with headaches, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and menstrual pain and are available by prescription or over-the-counter (OTC). We reviewed common adverse effects of NSAIDs (especially those related to cardiovascular [CV] system) along with NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence), EMA (European Medicines Agency), and the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) guidelines for safe and effective use of particular NSAIDs. Furthermore, we examined the NSAIDs market in Lithuania in a period between June 2016 and May 2017 and discussed how well recommendations mentioned above were followed. We emphasized that there was a high percentage of diclofenac prescribed in Lithuania while international guidelines encourage prescribing ibuprofen or naproxen for their relatively lower CV risk. Reviewing past trials, we observed that despite existing guidelines no single NSAID could be considered to be the safest one due to a lack of superiority trials</abstract>

Review: The choice and cardiovascular safety of particular nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Objective: To evaluate the impact of two original compositions of polyphenols-containing dietary supplement on lipid profile and level of C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with angiographycally verified coronary artery disease (CAD). Design and methods: 167 patients were selected during their scheduled post-event elective bicycle stress-test examination. All patients received standard CAD therapy and permanent statin therapy and had elevated total cholesterol (TC > 5.0 mmol/L) and/or CRP (>3.5 mg/L) levels. The study consisted of 2 days of polyphenol depletion followed by a 12-week supplementation period in a randomized, blinded, placebo-uncontrolled parallel design. Two different compositions SILVA 1 (Quercetine, linseed oil and Resveratrol), and SILVA 2 (Quercetine, linseed oil and Pycnogenol) were tested. Results: All parameters changed compared baseline and 1 and 3 months in both groups. CRP decreased from 2.48 ± 1.62 mg/L at baseline to 1.97 ± 1.15 mg/L, high density cholesterol (HDL-C) increased from 1.18 ± 0.31 to 1.38 ± 0.34 mmol/L, also decrease of triglycerides (TG) from 1.5 to 1.29 mmol/L after 3 months treatment in SILVA I group was statistically significant (p &lt; 0.001). Changes of parameters between baseline and 1 or 3 months in SILVA II group were not statistically significant. Hovewer, decrease of CRP (from 2.6 ± 1.28 to 2.41 ± 1.68), decrease of low density cholesterol (LDL-C from 2.95 ± 1.2 to 2.88 ± 1.21), increase of HDL-C (from 1.25 ± 0.22 to 1.34 ± 0.23), decrease of TC (from 5.2 ± 1.3 to 5.1 ± 1.28) and decrease of TG (from 1.4 ± 0.41 to 1.3 ± 0.38) can be counted as tendency of changes. Conclusion: This study reveals the superiority of treatment with statins in combination with composition containing Resveratrol for correction of lipid profile and inflamation marker CRP of patients with CAD</abstract>

Original paper: A new type of polyphenols-containing dietary supplement for correction of lipids and inflammatory markers in patients with coronary artery disease

AHEAD OF PRINT

Volume 29 (2023): Issue 1 (January 2023)

Volume 28 (2022): Issue 1 (January 2022)

Volume 27 (2022): Issue 1 (January 2022)

Volume 26 (2020): Issue 1 (January 2020)

Volume 25 (2019): Issue 1 (January 2019)

Volume 24 (2018): Issue 1 (August 2018)

Volume 23 (2017): Issue 1 (June 2017)

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Volume 21 (2015): Issue 2 (December 2015)

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Seminars in Cardiovascular Medicine

 The journal covers all fields of cardiovascular medicine and mostly reflects status of cardiovascular medicine in the Baltic States, but also publishes papers submitted by authors from other countries. Why subscribe and read   The journal reflects status of cardiovascular medicine in the Baltic States and also contains articles from renowned authors.   Why submit   Fast reviewing and publishing.   Rejection Rate   20%   Archiving  Sciendo archives the contents of this journal in Portico - digital long-term preservation service of scholarly books, journals and collections.  Plagiarism Policy  The editorial board is participating in a growing community of Similarity Check System's users in order to ensure that the content published is original and trustworthy. Similarity Check is a medium that allows for comprehensive manuscripts screening, aimed to eliminate plagiarism and provide a high standard and quality peer-review process. 