(Critical comments on the document "2024 ESC Guidelines for the management of elevated blood pressure and hypertension")Commentary

Renata Cífková, Aleš Linhart, Miloš Táborský

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(4):541-547 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2025.073  

The article is a critical appraisal of the Guidelines for the management of elevated blood pressure and hypertension, published by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) in 2024, which were translated into Czech and published in this year's January supplement of the journal Cor et Vasa. The text draws attention to controversial aspects of the ESC guidelines, especially in the context of the guidelines of the European Society of Hypertension, published in 2023. The existence of two different European guidelines for the treatment of hypertension and "elevated blood pressure" is misleading for both doctors and patients.

(Angiotensin II - mechanism of action, current evidence, and statement of the interdisciplinary working group on the use of angiotensin II in intensive care units)Expert consensus statement

Martin Balík, Jan Beneš, Vladimír Černý, Roman Kula, Martin Matějovič, Hynek Říha, Tomáš Tencer

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(4):535-540 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2025.044  

The medicinal product Giapreza containing angiotensin II for intravenous administration has been registered in the Czech Republic since 2023. Article describes the mechanism of action of the drug, summarizes current scientific evidence of its efficacy and safety, and presents opinion of the interdisciplinary working group on the use of angiotensin II in intensive care units, especially in patients with refractory vasoplegic shock. The text has been endorsed by the Czech Society of Intensive Medicine, the Czech Society of Anesthesiology and Intensive Medicine, and the Czech Association of Acute Cardiology.

Controlling Nutritional Status Score is Linked to Cardiovascular DiseasesReview articles

Lutfu Askin, Yahya Urkmez, Okan Tanriverdi

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(4):505-509 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2025.029  

Higher Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) scores have been linked to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as coronary artery disease, stroke, and heart failure. Poor nutrition may cause inflammation and oxidative stress, which can lead to CVDs. However, the CONUT score and CVDs are complicated and impacted by age, sex, and comorbidities. Thus, the CONUT score should be used as part of a thorough evaluation of a patient's nutritional status and CV risk, not for diagnosis or therapy.

Open vs. Endovascular Aortic Repair: Guidelines and Real-World OutcomesReview articles

Abubakar I. Sidik, Vladislav V. Dontsov, Maxim L. Khavandeev, Grigorii A. Esion, Ivan G. Karpenko, Dmitriy Sobolev, Md Limon Hossain, Abdulmajid Ilyas Shafii, Ahlam Derrar, Farjana Najneen, Gulten Ak, Debraj Ghosh, Oralee Bonifacio Parera

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(4):493-504 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2025.065  

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) remains a critical vascular condition with significant morbidity and mortality, necessitating timely intervention through either open surgical repair (OSR) or endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). This review evaluates the latest clinical guidelines and real-world outcomes of these two approaches, synthesizing evidence from randomized controlled trials, large-scale registry data, and emerging technological advancements. OSR, traditionally the gold standard, offers superior long-term durability but carries higher perioperative risks, whereas EVAR provides a less invasive alternative with reduced short-term mortality but...

(Vasospastic angina pectoris - current diagnostic possibilities and management of patients)Review articles

Hana Moravcová, Petr Kala, Veronika Gašpárková, Petr Hájek, Michal Rezek, Ota Hlinomaz

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(4):483-492 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2025.066  

Angina with non-obstructive coronary artery disease is a frequent finding in patients with chest pain. Its pathophysiology involves two main mechanisms: structural and functional dysfunction of microcirculation, functional dysfunction of epicardial arteries, and their combination. The review article focuses on diagnosis of vasospastic angina and management of patients with this disease.

(Sudden cardiac death in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy)Review articles

Michael Jenšovský, Veronika Puchnerová, Petr Ošťádal, Jiří Bonaventura

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(4):469-482 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2025.086  

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the most feared complication of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and can be the first and only manifestation of HCM. Our review focuses on the evolution of epidemiology and pathophysiology of SCD in HCM patients, with an emphasis on current risk stratification options for the primary prevention of SCD in HCM. It provides a detailed overview of the individual risk factors of SCD, the benefits and potential risks of physical activity, as well as the benefits and complications of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators in patients with HCM.

(Coronary microvascular dysfunction)Review articles

Martin Pumprla, Radka Hazuková, Milan Kamínek, Petr Heinc

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(4):465-468 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2025.062  

The recent 2024 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines on chronic coronary syndromes (CCS) include, in addition to the standard issue of CCS on the basis of obstructive coronary disease (most commonly coronary artery disease, rarely congenital anomalies of the coronary arteries, and muscle bridges), also the issue of CCS on the basis of the non-obstructive coronary arteries/non-obstructive coronary artery diseases (NOCA/NOCAD). The main reason for the currently increased interest in CCS with NOCA/NOCAD is probably the recent data documenting their relatively frequent occurrence and their relatively unfavourable prognosis, which contrast with...

(Mitral regurgitation - a review article)Review articles

Alena Večeřová, Jana Podzimková, Kristýna Bayerová, Gabriela Dostálová

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(4):457-463 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2025.071  

Mitral regurgitation (MR) represents one of the most prevalent valvular heart pathologies, with its pathophysiological mechanism closely associated with structural and morphological alterations of the mitral valve (MV), which may be of congenital or acquired origin. Accurate and systematic echocardiographic evaluation of both anatomical and functional components of the MV is essential for the optimal timing of therapeutic interventions, whether surgical, transcatheter, or conservative, with the aim of improving clinical outcomes and long-term prognosis. A comprehensive assessment of MV anatomy, including leaflet morphology, annular geometry, subvalvular...

(Blood sampling for culture and interpreting microbiological findings at suspicion of infective endocarditis)Review articles

Jiří Beneš

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(4):449-456 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2025.083  

Blood culture, together with echocardiography, is the basic examination used in the diagnosis of infective endocarditis. The article summarizes the principles of correct blood sampling for culture, from the classic principles to the modern approach of a single collection of 40-60 ml of blood. The author explains under what conditions the modern concept is advantageous and when, on the contrary, it can be problematic. The article also describes the most common mistakes that doctors make when taking blood cultures and interpreting microbiological findings. The text is intended primarily for cardiologists but it can also be useful for physicians of other...

Effects of psychotropic medications on electrocardiographyOriginal research articles

Cenk Conkbayir, Abidin Akbirgün, Ersan Berksel, Didem Melis Oztas, Burak Onal, Murat Ugurlucan, Ayse Ulgen, Evren Hincal

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(4):443-448 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2025.022  

Background and aim: In recent years number of psychiatric patients has increased and psychotropic medications are becoming mostly used drugs. These drugs may affect cardiovascular system and we can check side effects with electrocardiography (ECG). In this study we aimed to analyse psychiatric medications' side effects on ECG. Objective and methods: Eighty-five patients included in this study have psychiatric diagnosis and have used psychoactive medications. Forty-five of these patients are male and 40 of them are female. Age varies from 23 to 94 years. ECG has been taken from the patients and PR duration, QRS duration, and corrected QT measured from...

Sex-Based Differences in Heart Failure: A Retrospective Analysis of Clinical Management and Outcomes in a Portuguese Cardiology DepartmentOriginal research articles

Ana Rodrigo Costa, José Luís Ferraro, Mauro Moreira, Joel Ponte Monteiro, Joana Correia, Liliana Reis, Aurora Andrade

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(4):437-442 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2025.082  

Aim: Understand sex-specific differences in heart failure (HF) with a focus on their implications for clinical management strategies and patient outcomes. Methods: This retrospective single-center observational cohort study included all patients admitted with a diagnosis of heart failure to a Portuguese cardiology department during the year of 2022. Patients were divided into two groups based on sex. The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular mortality, all-cause mortality, HF hospitalization, oral diuretic up-titration, and unplanned visits for intravenous diuretic therapy. Secondary outcomes included the prescription of complete guideline-directed...

The Prognostic Importance of Right Ventricular Functional Echocardiographic Parameters of Community-Acquired Pneumonia Patients in Intensive CareOriginal research articles

İbrahim Saraç

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(4):427-435 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2025.076  

Purpose: The relationship between transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) parameters and the prognosis of patients hospitalized in intensive care with a diagnosis of pneumonia is not well known. This study planned to investigate the relationship between patients' right ventricular functions (RVF) and clinical outcomes. Materials and methods: It is a retrospective study including patients with pneumonia and normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) who were followed up in the intensive care unit. The severity scores of the patients, complications, and mortality rates during follow-up and TTE data were compared. Results: One hundred and seven patients...

Induced apnea for better CT visualization of coronary arteries in children under 1 year. And is heart rate so essential?Original research articles

Marek Kardoš, Jana Valachová, Martin Fula, Kristián Kopáčik, Tomáš Hrtánek, Dávid Kocan

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(4):422-426 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2025.074  

Background: Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) in children under one year of age is a usefull technique in visualization of coronary arteries with high spatial resolution. CT examination of children under 1 year remains a challenge for radiologists and clinicians due to radiation and motion artefacts. Objectives: To evaluate image quality of CCTA examinations performed in children under 1 year using qualitative and quantitative parameters. Materials and methods: A single center retrospective study of CCTA with induced apnea, performed between April 2022 and August 2024. We investigated quality of coronary arteries imaging via a visual grading analysis...

Štěpán Havránek a kol. Praktická arytmologieBook reviews

Prof. MUDr. Michael Aschermann, DrSc., FACC, FESC

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(3):416 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2025.069  

Miroslav Souček, Bohuslav Kianička, editoři: Vnitřní lékařství 1. díl, 2. díl.Book reviews

Prof. MUDr. Jan Petrášek, DrSc.

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(3):414-415 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2025.068  

A Rare Case of Acute Limb Ischemia due to Left Ventricular Thrombus in Ischemic Heart Disease: Different Approaches to Long-Term Anticoagulant and Antiplatelet TherapyCase reports

Meity Ardiana, Ovin Nada Saputri, Muhammad Surya Tiyantara, Michael Jonatan, Andrianto, Anudya Kartika Ratri

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(3):408-411 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2024.044  

Left ventricular thrombus (LVT) may develop from the progression of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can rarely embolise and migrate to the peripheral artery. Here, we report the case of a 58-year-old man admitted to our hospital with a sudden onset of pain and numbness in his right lower limb, diagnosed as ALI. Unexpectedly, he also had silent and extensive CAD leading to heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and LVT formation. LVT embolization in the peripheral artery was identified as the cause of ALI in this patient. Effective long-term antithrombotic therapy was necessary to reduce cardiovascular adverse events and disease progression....

Ketone Body in Heart Failure Patients with Diabetes: Pathophysiology and the Potential Therapeutic Benefit: a Literature ReviewReview articles

Hanestya Oky Hermawan, Primasitha Maharany Harsoyo, Faizal Ablansah Anandita, Aisya Ayu Shafira, Deasy Ardiany, Andrianto

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(3):402-407 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2024.104  

Background: Common knowledge of heart failure treatment target is to intervene in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and the sympathetic autonomic nervous system. However, metabolic aspect in the therapy of heart failure is rarely discussed. It is worth noting that heart failure often co-exist with diabetes. Thus, there is a need for a treatment that can be beneficial for these two diseases. During the pathophysiological transition to heart failure, metabolic abnormalities may occur, and lactic acid, ketone bodies, and amino acids may be used as alternative energy sources. Ketone body has been shown to be associated with these two diseases. Treatment...

Pelvic venous diseaseReview articles

Mária Rašiová, Martin Koščo, Marek Hudák, Veronika Pavlíková, Marta Bavoľárová

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(3):393-401 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2025.059  

Pelvic venous disease is the second most common cause of chronic pelvic pain in women after endometriosis and accounts for 10-20% of gynecological consultations. Its main cause in women is reflux and incompetence of the left ovarian vein. In men, pelvic venous disease can manifest as varicocele and is often the result of venous obstruction in the iliocaval region. This article provides an overview of the symptoms, signs, dia- gnosis, and treatment of the most common causes of pelvic venous disease.

(The use of cardiac magnetic resonance in the stratification of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy)Review articles

Tatiana Štípalová, Roman Panovský, Mary Mojica-Pisciotti, Jan Krejčí

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(3):386-392 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2025.038  

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the most common multifactorial cardiomyopathies that manifests mostly as heart failure with an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias and/or sudden cardiac death.¹ Detailed characterization of this process plays a key role in the prognostic stratification of DCM patients and in improving clinical therapy. applicability of standard and emerging CMR techniques.

(Constrictive pericarditis after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination: a case report and literature review)Review articles

Veronika Šimovičová, Marcela Danková, Erika Drangová, Michal Hulman, Eva Gonçalvesová

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(3):381-385 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2024.107  

Constrictive pericarditis following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is likely to be very rare and is characterized by a relatively severe clinical manifestation. We describe the case of a 42-year-old patient, without significant comorbidities, who developed perimyocarditis after the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. It was treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Six months after the perimyocarditis episode, the patient presented signs and symptoms of heart failure. A suspicion of constrictive pericarditis was raised. The diagnosis was confirmed by echocardiography, which showed typical signs of constriction, and cardiac CT, revealing a thickened...

The Effect of Cigarette Exposure on Intima-Media Thickness (IMT) and VCAM-1 Expression in the Aorta of Mus musculus MiceOriginal research articles

Meity Ardiana, Andrianto, Hanestya Oky Hermawan, Primasitha Maharany Harsoyo, Bagas Setiawan Ihsan Zaini, Akbar Reza Muhammad

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(3):376-380 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2025.015  

Background: Smoking remains one of the leading causes of endothelial dysfunction, which triggers the atherosclerotic process and contributes to various cardiovascular diseases. One marker of endothelial dysfunction is an increase in VCAM-1, a molecule that promotes monocyte aggregation and accelerates the development of atherosclerosis. Thickening of the intima-media layer (IMT) is also a common indicator of endothelial damage, frequently observed in smokers. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of cigarette smoking on vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) levels and intima-media thickness (IMT). Methods: An experimental study with...

Efficacy of Left Atrial Radiofrequency Surgical Ablation in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Concomitant Cardiac Surgical PathologyOriginal research articles

Olha Shepetko-Dombrovska, Serhii Varbanets, Pavlo Shepetko-Dombrovskyi, Ivanna Zubovych, Nadiya Rudenko

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(3):367-375 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2025.007  

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the feasibility of left atrial surgical ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation and concomitant cardiovascular diseases. Methods: The experiment was conducted at the Scientific and Practical Medical Centre of Paediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Adult Clinic (Kyiv, Ukraine, 2024). A total of 69 patients who underwent surgical treatment for atrial fibrillation and concomitant cardiovascular disease took part in the study. Results: It was found that after the procedure of left atrial surgical ablation of the atrial fibrillation focus, the sinus node was the rhythm driver in 45 patients (65% of all)....

Correlation of ITGB3 Gene rs5918T>C and APOA1 Gene rs1799837C>T Variants with Serum Lipid Profiles in Turkish Cypriot Patients with Coronary Artery DiseaseOriginal research articles

Cenk Conkbayir, Mahmut Cerkez Ergoren, Havva Cobanogullari, Ozlem Balcioglu, Irem Abras, Tengul Eminsel, Didem Melis Oztas, Burak Onal, Murat Ugurlucan, Sehime Gulsun Temel

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(3):360-366 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2025.004  

Aim: The relationship between hypercholesterolemia, particularly elevated low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and coronary artery disease is recognized by the evidence from previous epidemiologic studies. Importantly, genetic polymorphisms on different genes have been reported to be associated with plasma lipid levels. In this particular study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between the ITGB3 gene rs5918 T>C and APO-A1 gene rs1799837 C>T markers and serum lipid metabolism. Patients and methods: A total of 100 subjects with CAD and 250 healthy subjects were involved in the current study. A basic biochemical...

Value of peri-procedural lung ultrasound in predicting heart failure or left ventricular systolic dysfunction within 3 months in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCIOriginal research articles

Ahmed Talaat, Mohamed Abou El Ezz, Mohamed Mahmoud Abd El Ghany, Mohamed Abdel Meguid Mahdy, Kareem Mahmoud

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(3):350-359 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2025.006  

Aim: To see if the detection of subclinical congestion in STEMI patients by lung ultrasound (LUS) could be helpful in predicting the development of future heart failure, systolic dysfunction or diastolic dysfunction. Methods: 150 patients were included. All patients were successfully revascularized and were not suffering from clinical heart failure on admission. The patients had a 28-point LUS study within the first 24 hours of admission, and B-lines were counted. Patients were divided into two groups: 64 patients into the LUS positive group (with 6 or more B-lines) and 86 into the LUS negative group. They were followed-up after 3 months, looking for...

Comparison of EuroSCORE II, STS Score, and ACEF II Score as Predictors of Mortality in CABG Patients at Tertiary Referral Hospital in East IndonesiaOriginal research articles

Yan Efrata Sembiring, Ali Mustofa, Andrianto, Heroe Soebroto

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(3):344-349 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2025.005  

Background: Identifying the optimal surgical approach and therapy for a patient is an important step in the preoperative preparation process. Risk stratification models such as EuroSCORE II, STS score, and ACEF II score were created to assist in evaluating factors associated with surgical outcomes. This scoring models are now utilized to risk stratify patients having coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. However, it has not been determined which model is better for Indonesian patients. The purpose of this study was to compare EuroSCORE II, STS score, and ACEF II score in CABG patients from Indonesia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted...

(Changes in Body Composition During Outpatient and Hybrid Cardiovascular Rehabilitation in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease)Original research articles

Marko Zváč, Ladislav Baťalík

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(3):336-343 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2025.026  

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of traditional outpatient and hybrid cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs in improving body composition and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: A total of 136 out of 169 CAD patients completed a 12-week CR program (outpatient: n = 91, hybrid: n = 45). Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis, while cardiovascular parameters were measured before and after the program. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in body composition, cardiovascular parameters, and aerobic capacity (+18 W vs +19 W; p <0.05). The outpatient...

Prevalence of Near-Death Experiences (NDE) in Patients with Refractory Cardiac Arrest Treated with Conventional and Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary ResuscitationOriginal research articles

Jaroslava Tereza Kovářová, Daniel Rob, František Trantina, Jan Bělohlávek

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(3):331-335 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2025.031  

Objective: Near-death experiences (NDE) have not yet been studied in patients with refractory cardiac arrest treated with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). The aim of this pilot project was to determine the prevalence of NDEs in patients from the randomized Prague OHCA study with refractory cardiac arrest and to analyze differences between patients resuscitated with standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and those resuscitated using the ECPR method. Methods: NDEs were analyzed using a standardized and internationally validated questionnaire among long-term survivors of the randomized Prague OHCA study. The prevalence of NDEs...

Enhancing TAVI Patient Evaluation: A User-Friendly Tool for CT-Derived Body Composition AssessmentOriginal research articles

Marek Kantor, Jakub Balušík, Piotr Branny, Lubomír Blaha, Jan Hečko, Matej Pekař

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(3):323-330 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2025.008  

Background: CT-derived body composition analysis has emerged as a powerful prognostic tool for TAVI patient outcomes. However, widespread clinical implementation remains limited by complex software requirements and technical expertise barriers. This study aims to develop and validate an accessible web-based interface that streamlines the implementation of existing AutoMATiCA's validated CT-based body composition assessment in the pre-TAVI evaluation workflow. Methods: We developed a web-based interface integrating the validated AutoMATiCA's AI-driven segmentation software for automated body composition assessment. The system analyses pre-procedural...

Sto let od narození profesora Jiřího WidimskéhoPersonalities

Prof. MUDr. Jiří Widimský Jr., CSc.

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(2):307-309  

Filip Dosbaba, Ladislav Baťalík, Kateřina Filáková a kolektiv: Kardiovaskulární rehabilitace a prevenceBook reviews

Prof. MUDr. Jan Petrášek, DrSc.

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(2):316