As the use of wearable devices continues to expand, their integration into various aspects of healthcare becomes increasingly prevalent. Indeed, significant advancements have been made in the field of cardiology through the application of wearable technology to monitor heart rate, rhythm, and other biological signals. This review examines the various applications of wearable technology in cardiology, with the goal of improving patient care. We evaluate the accuracy and functionality of existing wearable electrocardiograms, defibrillators, blood pressure monitors, fitness trackers, activity trackers, and sleep trackers, including their roles in cardiac rehabilitation. Furthermore, we highlight the significant advancements in wearable electrocardiograms, demonstrating their accuracy comparable to that of traditional monitoring devices, as shown by studies such as the Apple Heart Study and the Fitbit Heart Study. Recent research suggests that wearable electrocardiograms are comparable to conventional monitoring devices in terms of performance and can help reduce healthcare costs. However, as technological improvements continue to evolve, challenges related to accessibility, patient privacy, and the need for improved accuracy are also emerging. This review highlights recent advancements that aim to address these challenges. Nonetheless, further research is crucial to critically assess and identify shortcomings, as wearable devices possess significant potential to enhance cardiovascular and overall health.

Catheter ablation (CA) was found to outperform antiarrhythmic drug therapy (AAD), and it is a key treatment for rhythm control for patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF). Nevertheless, the procedure’s effectiveness is limited by recurrence rates. Identifying determinants of effective ablation is critical for optimizing patient selection, operative results, and long-term rhythm management strategies. In this state-of-the-art review, we have comprehensively discussed the various factors that can determine the recurrence of AF after a successful CA.

Background/Objectives: Patients with infective endocarditis (IE) are more susceptible to acute kidney injury (AKI). The presence of AKI increases in-hospital complications in these patients. Methods: The 2016–2020 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database consisting of adult admissions with IE and AKI was utilized. The primary outcome was all-cause inpatient mortality. Secondary outcomes included fluid and electrolyte disorders, stroke, septic arterial embolism, septic shock, cardiogenic shock, valve surgery, vasopressor support, mechanical ventilation, length of stay (LOS), and total hospital charges. Results: Out of a total of 63,725 adult admissions with IE, 16,295 (25.5%) admissions had AKI. Patients with AKI were more likely to be males (63% vs. 57.6%, p < 0.001) and older (55.8 vs. 50.4, p < 0.001). A higher proportion of these patients were admitted to large hospitals (60.6 vs. 55.3%, p < 0.001) and urban teaching hospitals (81.9 vs. 75%, p < 0.001). Patients with AKI had higher LOS (17 ± 16.1 vs. 11.32 ± 11.7, p < 0.001) and hospital charges (USD 239,046.8 ± 303,977.3 vs. USD 124,857.6 ± 192,883.5, p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed higher odds of all-cause inpatient mortality (aOR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.81–2.73, p < 0.001). They also had higher risk for fluid and electrolyte disorder (aOR: 2.31, 95% CI: 2.10–2.53, p < 0.001), septic arterial embolism (aOR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.42–1.84, p < 0.001), septic shock (aOR: 3.78, 95% CI: 2.97–4.82, p < 0.001), cardiogenic shock (OR: 3.37, 95% CI: 2.65–4.28, p < 0.001), valve surgery (aOR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.35–1.71, p < 0.001), vasopressor requirement (aOR: 1.99, 95% CI: 1.52–2.60, p < 0.001), and mechanical ventilation (aOR: 2.75, 95% CI: 2.33–3.24, p < 0.001). The association with stroke was elevated but not statistically significant. Conclusions: This large retrospective analysis demonstrated that patients with AKI and infective endocarditis had increased mortality, adverse hospital outcomes, increased LOS, and hospital costs.

Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is a life-threatening disorder that involves a complex interplay between the two organs. Managing this multifaceted syndrome is challenging in the hospital and requires a multidisciplinary approach to tackle the many manifestations and complications. There is no universally accepted algorithm to treat patients, and therapeutic options vary from one patient to another. The mainstays of therapy involve the stabilization of hemodynamics, decongestion using diuretics or renal replacement therapy, improvement of cardiac output with inotropes, and goal-directed medical treatment with renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors, beta-blockers, and other medications. Mechanical circulatory support is another viable option in the armamentarium of agents that improve symptoms in select patients.

A straddling thrombus within a patent foramen ovale (PFO), also known as an impending paradoxical embolism, is an infrequent event that is rarely encountered in clinical practice. This should be considered whenever there is an arterial embolism in the presence of right-sided thromboembolic disease. Symptoms are widely variable depending on the severity of thrombus and obstructive embolic events. We present a patient who arrived at the hospital with signs and symptoms consistent with a cerebrovascular disease that was ultimately diagnosed with small foci of acute ischemic cerebral infarcts, bilateral pulmonary emboli, and a straddling thrombus traversing three cardiac chambers. Treatment included PFO closure, inferior vena cava filter placement, and surgical thrombectomy with a successful outcome. Consensus for treatment of an impending paradoxical embolism in the medical literature is a subject of controversy and is our reason behind contributing this case presentation with our treatment strategy.