Cardiovascular diseases significantly burden healthcare systems globally, necessitating innovative solutions to enhance diagnosis, treatment, and patient management. Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant promise in interventional cardiology but a rapidly emerging tool with growing clinical impact. AI-driven technologies can analyze vast amounts of clinical data, recognize intricate patterns, and generate clinically relevant, evidence-based recommendations, augmenting physician expertise and streamlining care. In diagnostics, AI enhances imaging interpretation and lesion assessment, while procedurally, it supports real-time guidance and catheter-based interventions. Its integration into decision support systems has improved risk stratification, early disease detection, and individualized treatment planning. AI also advances personalized medicine using predictive models to tailor interventions to patient-specific needs. Despite its promise, challenges such as costs, ethical issues, and the need for rigorous validation remain barriers to widespread adoption. Nevertheless, as AI advances, its integration into interventional cardiology is expected to transform care delivery, optimize outcomes, and improve system efficiency.

This systematic review aims to examine the racial disparities and outcomes of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) in patients above 65 years in America. The review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines 2020 and includes a comprehensive search strategy, study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment. The search strategy identified 10 relevant articles that were included in the review. The findings indicate that racial disparities exist in access to PCI, door-to-balloon (DTB) time, procedure utilization, and outcomes among elderly patients. African American and Hispanic patients were found to experience longer door-to-balloon time and lower rates of PCI utilization compared to White patients. Moreover, racial and ethnic minorities had worse clinical outcomes, including higher mortality rates and increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. The review also highlights the impact of Medicaid expansion on reducing disparities in access, treatment, and outcomes for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, limitations in data availability and representation of racial and ethnic minorities in clinical trials were identified. The discussion section provides a robust analysis of the findings, exploring potential underlying factors contributing to the observed disparities. The review concludes that addressing racial disparities in PCI outcomes among elderly patients is crucial for achieving equitable healthcare delivery and improving cardiovascular health outcomes in America.

Hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis (ATTRv amyloidosis), known as Corino de Andrade disease, is a rare neurodegenerative disorder with a significant global impact characterized by the misfolding of transthyretin (TTR) protein leading to amyloid aggregation, ATTRv amyloidosis, especially with polyneuropathy, poses a considerable challenge in managing its rapid progression and debilitating effects. This mini-review focuses on the recent advancements in the treatment landscape for ATTRv amyloidosis with polyneuropathy, specifically the RNA interference therapeutic Vutrisiran and the ligand-conjugated antisense oligonucleotide Eplontersen. We aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms, current evidence from clinical trials, and future directions for these novel therapeutic agents. Vutrisiran and Eplontersen have demonstrated significant clinical efficacy in improving neuropathic impairment, quality of life, and serum TTR levels in various trials. The distinct mechanistic approaches of these therapies, coupled with their acceptable safety profiles, offer promising avenues for addressing the complexities of ATTRv amyloidosis with polyneuropathy. The introduction of Vutrisiran and Eplontersen marks a pivotal moment in the quest for effective therapies against ATTRv amyloidosis with polyneuropathy. While clinical evidence is promising, ongoing research is crucial to deepen mechanistic understanding and address research gaps. Future perspectives include the potential expansion of therapeutic options and a more inclusive approach to cater to the diverse needs of individuals globally. This mini-review provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of ATTRv amyloidosis management and sets the stage for further exploration in this challenging domain.

Water pipe smoking, commonly referred to as hookah or shisha, is a centuries-old practice that has gained global popularity in recent decades, particularly among young adults. This resurgence is fueled by its cultural appeal, social nature, and the perception of it being a safer alternative to cigarette smoking. However, mounting evidence suggests that waterpipe smoking has significant cardiovascular consequences, including the development of ventricular dysfunction, a precursor to heart failure. Heart failure (HF), a complex clinical syndrome characterized by the heart’s inability to pump blood adequately, affects approximately 64 million people worldwide, with regional variations in prevalence and etiology. In high-income countries, the prevalence ranges from 1-2% of the adult population, increasing to over 10% in individuals above 70 years, while in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the prevalence is often underreported due to limited healthcare access. Emerging evidence links water pipe smoking to ventricular dysfunction through mechanisms such as oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and direct myocardial toxicity. Comparative studies highlight that a single water pipe session delivers greater quantities of carbon monoxide and nicotine than a cigarette, intensifying cardiovascular strain. These substances induce myocardial hypoxia, lipid peroxidation, and cytokine-mediated inflammation, impairing ventricular function. Given the growing prevalence of water pipe smoking, especially among younger populations, this practice constitutes an underrecognized but significant public health risk. Addressing the cardiovascular implications of water pipe smoking requires targeted research and global efforts to enhance awareness, implement preventive strategies, and inform healthcare policies.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The optimal approach to managing AF, specifically rate control versus rhythm control, remains a topic of debate in clinical practice. This systematic review aims to compare the rate control and rhythm control strategies based on their clinical outcomes, quality of life, and adverse events associated with them. A comprehensive search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Research Gate, MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online), Scopus, and Embase (Excerpta Medica dataBASE) databases. A total of 1657 research papers were identified through the search strategy, and after applying the eligibility criteria, 28 studies were selected for the analysis. The studies encompassed a range of methodologies, including randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and meta-analyses. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed for study selection, data extraction, and analysis. The outcomes of interest included all: cause mortality, stroke, bleeding events, cardiovascular hospitalizations, quality of life, and adverse effects of treatment. Data were synthesized and presented in tables, charts, and forest plots for meta-analysis where appropriate. The results indicate that both rate control and rhythm control strategies have their own merits and limitations, with the outcomes varying based on patient characteristics and comorbidities. While rhythm control strategies may lead to better symptom control and improved quality of life, rate control strategies may be associated with lower risks of adverse events and complications. This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the current evidence regarding rate and rhythm control strategies in AF management, offering insights for clinical decision-making and highlighting the need for individualized treatment approaches.

Tricuspid valve disease (TVD), primarily tricuspid regurgitation (TR), is increasingly recognized for its significant morbidity and mortality. Traditional management with medical therapy or high-risk surgical interventions leaves many patients untreated. The emergence of percutaneous interventions introduces a transformative, minimally invasive alternative for high-risk surgical candidates. Clinical trials such as TRILUMINATE have demonstrated the efficacy of devices like TriClip, achieving TR reduction to moderate or less in 86% of patients at 1 year, alongside improvements in functional capacity (6MWT) and quality of life (KCCQ scores). Real-world data from the TriValve registry revealed a 91% procedural success rate, marked improvements in the NYHA functional class, and a low complication profile. Long-term follow-up confirms sustained symptom relief, reduced edema, and improved exercise tolerance, with KCCQ scores increasing by 18–22 points. Survival benefits have also been reported, with a 35% 1-year mortality reduction compared to medical management. Although long-term data are limited, emerging transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) devices like EVOQUE show promising outcomes. Challenges persist in patient selection, particularly in congenital or complex structural abnormalities. Integrating advanced imaging techniques, such as 3D echocardiography, enhances procedural planning and outcome assessment. Ongoing trials like TRILUMINATE Pivotal aim to address evidence gaps, refine techniques, and expand indications. As percutaneous approaches evolve, they can revolutionize TVD management, improving survival, quality of life, and functional capacity in this high-risk population. Further research will solidify their role in contemporary cardiac care.