Cardiovascular diseases create an important burden on the public health systems, especially in the elderly, mostly because this group of patients frequently suffer from multiple comorbidities. Accumulating cardiovascular risk factors during their lifetime has a detrimental effect on an older adult‘s health status. The modifiable and non-modifiable cardiovascular risk factors are very diverse, and are frequently in a close relationship with the metabolic comorbidities of the elderly, mainly obesity and Diabetes Mellitus. In this review, we aim to present the most important cardiovascular risk factors which link aging and cardiovascular diseases, starting from the pathophysiological links between these factors and the aging process. Next, we will further review the main interconnections between obesity and Diabetes Mellitus and cardiovascular diseases of the elderly. Lastly, we consider the most important aspects related to prevention through lifestyle changes and physical activity on the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases in the elderly.

Background/Objectives: Understanding the prognostic factors of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is essential for improving patient outcomes. The aim of this study was to establish the predictive role of plasmatic resistin and leptin on short-term mortality in adult patients with a first episode of AIS. Methods: This study enrolled 277 patients who were consecutively hospitalized for AIS. Demographic data, cardiovascular risk, comorbidities, and laboratory tests were collected. Death was noted if it occurred during hospitalization. Results: Death was recorded in 33 (11.9%) patients. Conducting multivariate analysis, the following variables were independent variables associated with in-hospital mortality: a resistin value of >11 ng/mL (OR 10.81 (95%CI 2.31;50.57), p = 0.002), a lesion volume of >18.8 mL (OR 4.87 (95%CI 1.87;12.67), p = 0.001), a NIHSS score of >7 (OR 5.88 (95%CI 2.01;17.16), p = 0.001), and the presence of IHD (OR 4.33 (95%CI 1.66;11.27), p = 0.003). This study has some limitations: single-center design (which may affect the generalizability of the results) and the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patient outcomes. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that resistin is a significant predictor of in-hospital mortality in AIS patients. Other established factors, such as a high NIHSS score, large lesion volume, and the presence of IHD, were reaffirmed as important predictors.

Background and Objectives: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a leading cause of death and disability with poor long-term outcomes. Creating a predictive score for long-term mortality in AIS might be important for optimizing treatment strategies. The aim of this study is to develop and validate a predictive score for three-year mortality in patients with AIS using several demographic, clinical, laboratory and imaging parameters. Materials and Methods: This study included 244 AIS patients admitted to a tertiary center and followed up for three years. The patients’ data included demographics, clinical features, laboratory tests (including resistin and leptin levels) and imaging parameters. The patients were randomly divided into a predictive group (n = 164) and a validation group (n = 80). Results: Advanced age, a high NIHSS score, low levels of hemoglobin, elevated resistin levels and the presence of carotid plaques were independently associated with three-year mortality. The predictive model incorporated these variables, and it was validated in a separate cohort. Leptin levels did not significantly predict mortality. Conclusions: This study developed and validated a promising predictive score for three-year mortality in patients with AIS. Advanced age, high NIHSS scores, low hemoglobin levels, elevated resistin levels and the presence of carotid plaques were the independent predictors of long-term mortality.

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential predictive value of VKORC1, CYP4F2, and GGCX polymorphisms, as well as other clinical and demographic factors, for 5-year mortality in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Materials and Methods: The study enrolled 252 patients who were consecutively hospitalized for AIS. Demographic data, comorbidities, and laboratory tests were collected. Genotyping of the VKORC1 rs9923231 (-1639G > A; VKORC1*2), CYP4F2 rs2108622 (1347C > T), and GGCX rs11676382 (12970C > G) polymorphisms was performed. Mortality was noted if it occurred within five years following the 30 days after discharge, using the National Health Insurance House registry. Results: Death was recorded in 71 (28.1%) patients. In multivariate analysis the following variables were independent variables associated with 5-year mortality: age > 72 years (OR 2.83 (95%CI 1.32; 6.08), p = 0.007), a lesion volume > 12.6 mL (OR 4.05 (95%CI 2.05; 7.99), p < 0.001), and an NIHSS score > 7 (OR—2.64 (95%CI 1.31; 5.31), p = 0.006). VKORC1 (-1639G > A) SNP m/m variant was only marginally associated with mortality. Conclusions: In this study which included AIS patients, VKORC1, CYP4F2, and GGCX polymorphisms did not independently predict mortality. The VKORC1 variant was only marginally associated with mortality, but this was attenuated after correction for multiple testing. Advanced age, NIHSS score, and the lesion volume were independent predictors of long-term mortality in AIS patients.

Background and Clinical Significance: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a life-threatening condition usually caused by the exposure to antipsychotics. This case report presents a catatonia syndrome that may have developed in the context of a moderate NMS. Case Presentation: An 18-year-old male patient presented with a treatment-resistant catatonia syndrome that debuted 2 weeks prior to the presentation (creatin kinase levels = 4908 U/L, maximum temperature = 38.9°C, white blood count = 13.20 × 10⁹/L, Bush–Francis Catatonia Rating Scale = 30 points). Possible organic causes of catatonia were ruled out, according to the negative results obtained. The patient’s condition improved under benzodiazepine treatment and he was later discharged. After discharge, the catatonia was attributed to a possible NMS with moderate severity. The diagnosis was supported by NMS Diagnosis Criteria Score = 85 points and the presence of Levenson’s triad. Conclusions: This case highlights the concomitant manifestation of both catatonia and NMS in the same patient and the difficulty of establishing a correct diagnosis involving both entities.

Background and Objectives: The vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 (VKORC1) plays a central role in the vitamin K cycle, which is essential for γ-carboxylation of multiple bone-related proteins. Genetic variants in VKORC1 may influence bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis risk. Materials and Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the association between VKORC1 polymorphisms and osteopenia and osteoporosis. Relevant studies were identified through PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Data on study characteristics, genotypes, BMD measurement, ethnicity, sex, and menopausal status were extracted. Results: Six studies comprising 7335 participants were included. All studies assessed BMD using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The mean participant age ranged from 41.9 to 63.7 years. The VKORC1 variants most frequently studied, which were included in the meta-analysis, were rs9923231 and rs9934438. The overall effect of VKORC1 risk alleles on osteopenia/osteoporosis was significant with a p = 0.041 (fixed effects OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.01–1.35). Heterogeneity among studies was insignificant (I² = 0%, p = 0.893). Conclusions: A modest association was observed for the VKORC1 variants. The current body of evidence requires further studies to elucidate whether VKORC1 polymorphisms have a clinically meaningful role in bone health.