Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Garlic has a long history of use in traditional medicine for various conditions, including hypertension. This narrative review examined the scientific evidence on the efficacy of garlic in lowering blood pressure. It explores the historical uses of garlic in different cultures for medicinal purposes and delves into the phytochemical composition of garlic, highlighting key components, like allicin and ajoene, that are believed to contribute to its potential health benefits. Clinical studies that investigated the effects of garlic and garlic-based supplements on blood pressure are presented, with the findings suggesting that garlic consumption may modestly reduce blood pressure, particularly in individuals with mild hypertension. Potential mechanisms of action include increased nitric oxide production, improved endothelial function, and antioxidant properties. While garlic may offer some benefits for blood pressure management, it should not be considered a substitute for conventional antihypertensive medications. Further large-scale, long-term clinical trials are warranted to establish the efficacy of garlic in managing hypertension, including the optimal dosage and formulation.

The management of advanced heart failure (HF) has long posed significant challenges due to its complex and chronic nature. Heart transplantation, while effective, is not always feasible due to the limited availability of donor organs. In this context, long term mechanical circulatory support and mainly left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have emerged as a vital intervention to fill this gap. LVAD superiority compared to medical therapy for some patients in advanced heart failure has been demonstrated either as a bridge to transplantation or as destination therapy. This literature review provides a comprehensive overview of the effectiveness, challenges, and advancements in the use of LVADs for treating advanced heart failure. It evaluates clinical outcomes associated with LVAD therapy, focusing on survival rates and quality of life improvements. The review synthesizes findings from recent studies, highlighting both the benefits and complications of LVAD implantation, such as infectious risk, thromboembolic events, hemorrhage and device malfunction. Additionally, it explores the latest technological and biomedical advancements in LVAD design, including innovations in biocompatibility, miniaturization, and power management. By examining current research, this review aims to elucidate how LVADs are transforming heart failure treatment and to offer insights into future directions for clinical practice and research.

Cardiotoxicity or cardiomyopathy is a common side effect of the use of anthracyclines for the treatment of cancer patients. Anthracyclines produce their harmful effect on the heart after several cumulative doses; however, it is rare to find the development of cardiotoxicity after only the first dose of chemotherapy. We report a case of a young male known to have acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) who developed cardiotoxicity following the first dose of doxorubicin. The patient presented with dyspnoea, orthopnoea and chest pain, and bilateral limb oedema. He had a significant hypoxaemia requiring oxygen, raised jugular venous pressure, bilateral rales and a third heart sound on examination. A transthoracic echocardiography was performed and showed a low left ventricular ejection fraction of 40%, marked left ventricular dilation and septal hypokinesia, with no global hypokinesia and normal lateral wall motion, confirming our diagnosis of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity following the first dose. This report discusses a rare finding of cardiotoxicity following the first dose of doxorubicin in a young male patient with ALL. Doxorubicin is known to cause dilated cardiomyopathy and global hypokinesia; nonetheless, our patient had an isolated septal hypokinesia with normal lateral wall motion. This case should raise awareness about early prevention of cardiotoxicity as it can occur early in the treatment, rather than waiting for late onset of toxicity.