Hypercholesterolemia is the main cardiovascular (CV) risk factor with a large body of evidence. Our aim was to assess the achievement of the main therapeutic goal of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) in patients with a very high CV risk and a high-dose statin therapy. The study group consisted of 1413 consecutive patients hospitalised at the Upper-Silesian Medical Centre in Katowice due to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) treated with atorvastatin ≥ 40 mg or rosuvastatin ≥ 20 mg. The lipid profile was performed on admission and within 12 months after AMI. The main therapeutic goal was defined as LDL-C < 55 mg%. The study group (n = 1413) included 979 males (69.3%) with arterial hypertension (83.3%), diabetes (33.5%), peripheral artery disease (13.6%) and nicotinism (46.2%). In the study group, only 61 patients (4.3%) were additionally taking ezetimibe. During hospitalisation, the primary LDL-C goal was found in only 186 patients (13.2%). Subsequently, a follow-up lipidogram within 12 months was performed in 652 patients (46%), and the therapeutic goal was achieved in 255 patients (39%). There were 258 (18.26%) patients who died within 12 months after myocardial infarction. The lowest mortality rate was found in the subgroup of patients with LDL-C < 55 mg% during follow-up (11.02%). The primary lipid goal attainment among patients with a high-dose statin and a very high CV risk is low and far from the expected rate. Patients hospitalised for AMI should be given a combination of statin and ezetimibe more frequently. Low LDL-C levels measured at follow-up predict a lower risk of death at 12-month follow-up in a large group of patients.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic, which affected the entire global population, had an impact on our health and quality of life. Many people had complications, were hospitalised or even died due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The health systems of many countries had to radically change their way of functioning and scientists around the world worked intensively to develop a vaccine for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Aim: The aim of this work is to assess the quality of life of patients who were hospitalised for COVID-19, using the SF-36 questionnaire. Methods: Between May and August 2022, we conducted a telephone assessment of quality of life in patients who were hospitalised for COVID-19 at the Temporary Hospital in Pyrzowice (Silesia, Poland), between November 2021 and January 2022. Results: Quality of life was significantly lower in women (p = 0.040), those with DM2 (p = 0.013), CKD (p = 0.041) and the vaccinated (p = 0.015). Conclusions: People with chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus and women had a lower quality of life after COVID-19 disease. However, people who were vaccinated for SARS-CoV-2 had a lower quality of life than non-vaccinated people did. This is possibly due to the higher mean age, and probably the higher disease burden, in the vaccinated group.

Skin cancers are the most common cancers and they are divided into two types: melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs). Melanoma is the most lethal and aggressive type of skin cancer. The incidence of this type of cancer is increasing. Mortality from melanoma can be reduced by avoidance of exposure to ultraviolet radiation and regular skin examination. Materials and methods of research English-language scientific literature available in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases was reviewed using the following keywords: ”melanoma”; ”early-detection”; ”self-screening”; ”tanning”; ”sunscreen”; ”dermatoscopy”; ”mortality”; ”prevention”; ”risk-factors”; ”UV protection”; ”epidemiology”. Aim of the study The purpose of this narrative review is to present risk factors, prevention and the importance of early detection of melanoma. This review also shows that it is possible to increase people's awareness of skin self-examination and the importance of UV protection through the use of modern technology (text messaging). Conclusions There are many risk factors for melanoma. People's awareness of the risks of UV exposure from both sunbathing and tanning beds is increasing. More and more people are starting to protect themselves from the sun and regularly check their skin. This behavior reduces the risk of developing melanoma and increases the chances of detecting melanoma in its early stages.

Introduction and purpose: Prolactin is primarily associated with lactation and gonadal function, but it also has metabolic effects. Recent research shows prolactin's role in food intake, body weight, glucose, and lipid profile. Both low and excessive prolactin levels can lead to metabolic dysfunctions such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 DM, and dyslipidemia. Dopamine agonists, like cabergoline, used to treat hyperprolactinemia, may help balance metabolic homeostasis, likely due to their effect on prolactin. This study aims to synthesize current research on prolactin's metabolic effects, focusing on metabolic syndrome.State of knowledge: Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of dysfunctions like central obesity, atherogenic dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance. It increases the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, affecting a quarter of the European population. Different combinations of metabolic syndrome components require various treatment approaches. New research focuses on prolactin and dopamine agonists in its pathogenesis and treatment.Materials and methods: This literature review is based on PubMed materials using keywords “prolactin,” “hyperprolactinemia,” “hypoprolactinemia,” “metabolic syndrome,” “diabetes mellitus,” “obesity.”Conclusions: This study highlights prolactin's importance in metabolic homeostasis, finding a positive correlation between both low and high prolactin levels and metabolic syndrome. However, gender differences and the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders should be further explored.

Introduction: Depression is one of the most common and serious mental health disorders that negatively affects how you feel, think, and act. This syndrome is characterized by stress and emotion dysregulation, involving compromised structural integrity of frontal-limbic networks.It causes persistent feelings of sadness and a lack of interest in activities once enjoyed. Effective treatments, including therapy and medication, are available and can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. The aspect of physical activity as a component of depression treatment is currently being intensively studied. Purpose of work: This work provides a review of the knowledge on the relationship between physical activity and depression. Summary: Depression has a profound impact on the personal life, relationships, and work of those affected by the condition. Pharmacological and psychological interventions remain the cornerstone of treatment. However, these treatments do not produce the desired effects in all patients. This article presents the conclusion that physical exercise, as an alternative method for preventing and treating depression, is effective. The recent literature also suggests significant mental health benefits from being physically active, even at levels below the public health recommendations. Therefore, health practitioners should encourage any increase in physical activity to enhance mental health.

This literature review examines the pivotal role of physical activity in the treatment and rehabilitation of children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). By analysing a range of research studies, this review identifies the beneficial impact of structured physical activity programmes on motor skills, cognitive functions, and behavioural outcomes in children with FAS. Furthermore, it proposes educational recommendations for integrating physical activity into therapeutic interventions.