Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic syndrome that manifests a low grade of systemic inflammation that contributes to the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). DM is a predominant risk factor for CVDs inducing structural changes in the heart, infiltration of fibrosis, apoptosis, and cardiac remodeling, all leading to myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure (HF), and sudden cardiac death. Furthermore, more than 80% of diabetic patients usually die from heart diseases or diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). Currently, HF is one of the main causes of mortality in the world despite advances in drug treatments. According to literature, a strong association exists between chronic inflammation and the development of DCM. In order to have a better appreciation of the effect of diabetes and inflammation on the cardiovascular system (CVS), it is of paramount importance to have a better understanding of diabetes, the physiology of the CVS, and the pathophysiology of DM. Thus, the present review highlights the role of chronic inflammation in the complex interplay between the development of DM and DCM. Our understanding of the process is critical in the discovery of new targeted therapies for DCM and other forms of HF.

Background: There have been 20.5 million deaths due to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD) and stroke, so far in 2025. Atherosclerosis, which begins in newborns, may be influenced by preconception factors and continues to develop in adults, requiring a proper assessment of the burden of atherosclerotic plaque, as it is the direct cause of CAD. This review aims to emphasize the role of a staging system proposed by the Lancet Commission for the quantification of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (ACAD) with an emphasis on preconception risk factors and protective factors, based on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). Methods: It is suggested that the use of CCTA scanning makes it possible to quantify the atherosclerotic plaque burden into four stages. Results: CCTA enables us to see how much plaque has built up, as well as the type of plaque, but not the biochemistry of the plaque, to determine its vulnerability. However, if the plaque is a non-calcified fatty plaque, it is considered to be a strong predictor of the risk of myocardial infarction (MI), whereas a more stable calcified plaque is known to be protective against MI. There are several risk factors and protective factors which may influence the process of the rupture or vulnerability of the plaque. A randomized trial revealed that, after a median follow-up of 10·0 years, deaths due to CAD or non-fatal MI were less frequent in the CCTA group compared with a control group. Conclusions: Despite a few gaps in knowledge about the value of a staging system of ACAD, the available evidence indicates that it is helpful in decreasing morbidity and mortality with available therapies.

Cardiomyopathies (CMPs) encompass a heterogeneous group of cardiac disorders affecting mainly many of the elderly populations globally. Clinical presentation of cardiomyopathy varies among patients, based on the type and severity of the disorder. Preventing cardiomyopathy involves a multifaceted approach. Management strategies for cardiomyopathy encompass a spectrum of interventions. Medications, including beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, diuretics, and anti-arrhythmic drugs, are commonly prescribed to patients. Device implantation, including pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), and ventricular-assist devices (VADs), is necessary in some cases. Lifestyle changes, including dietary modifications. Reduction in alcohol consumption, smoking and stress level, weight management, and regular exercise programmes, are essential components of adherence to self-care. Surgical interventions may be considered, including cardiac surgery and, in severe cases, heart transplantation. This review provides a thorough understanding of cardiomyopathy, covering a wide range of crucial aspects, including epidemiology, risk factors, types, subcellular and molecular mechanisms, clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, treatment modalities, and prevention strategies, a profound understanding of these aspects is essential for healthcare professionals and researchers to enhance patient health care.

Diabetes mellitus can induce substantial damage to the conduction system of the heart, especially the sinoatrial node. This is due to hyperglycemia leading to bradyarrhythmia. DM, via the elevation of HG, generates the production of a number of insulting agents in the myocardium known as reactive oxygen species and reactive carbonyl species, which elicit direct damage to neuro-filament-M and β2-adrenergic receptors in the conducting system as well as a number of cardiac contractile, cation transporting and channel proteins. One cation channel protein is the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated potassium channel. It encodes the protein responsible for the hyperpolarizing-activated current or the “funny current” that participates in spontaneous diastolic membrane depolarization in sinoatrial node cells. Gene expression of these proteins and their physiological functions are decreased in the diabetic heart, which affects the generation of electrical impulses or action potentials resulting in increases in RR and PR intervals and QRS complex duration of the electrocardiogram. The heart rate and force of contraction of the myocardium are decreased leading to bradyarrhythmia and sudden cardiac death. This review attempts to explain the cellular mechanism(s) involved in diabetes-induced bradyarrhythmia with emphasis on cation-transporting proteins, especially the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels pacemaker current channels.

It seems that natural compounds with bioactivity are the food constituents, present in the diets, that may provide protective effects on health due to their biochemical effects. The main benefits appear to be decline in oxidative stress and inflammation that are crucial in the pathogenesis of obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Apart from anti-inflammatory activity, these molecules also possess antifungal, and anti-infective preventative effects. Further evidence indicate that these bioactive molecules are the constituents, which are known to increase function of the foods. This review aims to emphasize that plant based diet is rich in phytochemicals such as antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, polyphenolics and flavonoids, amino acids and fatty acids, that are able to cause benefits via these compounds. These bioactive molecules can target mechanisms of oxidative stress and inflammation that are crucial in the management of metabolic syndrome. These antioxidant compounds appear to be essential component of plant based diets and are crucial for healthiness. Most investigators have proposed that bioactive compounds act as nutraceuticals which are able to regulate certain patho-physiological mechanisms responsible for metabolic diseases. The bioactive compoundspresent in the plant based diets are primary and secondary metabolites of nutritive and non-nutritive natural components generating health benefits by preventing or managing chronic disease or its symptoms. The bioactive compounds are known for their beneficial effects to health. Despite their small quantity in the diets, these bioactive compounds may trigger certain mechanisms that may cause alteration with improvement in health. It seems that most of the bioactive compounds co-existing in the plant-based diets, may be extremely healthful. However, if they are taken in excess, they can cause toxic effects. There is an urgent need to evaluate each bioactive compound to establish a beneficial quantity and a threshold of toxicity, while treating metabolic syndrome.