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Background: Recurrent acute myocardial infarction requiring unplanned percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is one of the major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) after PCI. There is a continuing controversy about the association between serum cystatin C, a biomarker for the evaluation of renal function, and the prognosis of ACS patients following PCI. The retrospective study evaluated the association between serum cystatin C level and MACE in ACS patients after PCI. Methods: Data were retrieved for 330 patients with ACS for primary PCI in a single center. Serum cystatin C levels were measured before PCI. All patients underwent regular follow-ups after PCI, and the studied endpoint was MACE, defined as the need for a repeat revascularization in the heart. The predictive value of serum cystatin C for MACE was analyzed using univariate and multivariate analysis. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis was applied to evaluate the dose-response relationship between serum cystatin C level and MACE in ACS patients following PCI. Results: After a median follow-up of 63 months (range, 1-148 months), 121 of the 330 patients experienced MACE. Compared to patients who did not have MACE, patients who had MACE showed a significant decrease in serum cystatin C levels (0.99±0.32 vs. 1.15±0.78 mg/L, P=0.03). In multivariate regression analysis, serum cystatin C level was an independent risk factor for MACE. According to the serum cystatin C level, patients were divided into 4 categories, Cox regression analysis illustrated that the second quartile of serum cystatin C level indicated an increased risk of MACE in patients with PCI for primary ACS compared to the highest quartile [Q2: adjusted hazard ratio (HR) =2.109; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.193-3.727; P=0.01]. RCS analysis showed a significant U-shaped dose-response relationship between cystatin C level and MACE in patients with PCI for ACS (P for non-linearity =0.004). Conclusions: These results indicated an association between serum cystatin C level and post-PCI MACE in ACS patients.

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Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) poses a significant threat to health and well-being, although percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is an effective treatment method. However, many patients undergoing PCI for coronary heart disease often experience negative emotions such as depression and anxiety, as well as sleep disturbances, poor adherence to medications, and somatic symptoms. These adverse psychological effects can contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), a highly effective mind-body therapy, has been increasingly utilized in the recovery process of patients with coronary heart disease. Several scholars have conducted mindfulness interventions for post-PCI patients with coronary heart disease and achieved promising outcomes. This article primarily focuses on applying mindfulness-based stress reduction in PCI patients with coronary heart disease and its future prospects.

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BACKGROUND: Standard Modifiable Cardiovascular Risk Factors (SMuRF) such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and smoking have long been established in the etiology of atherosclerotic disease. We evaluate in-hospital outcomes of female STEMI patients without these risk factors. METHODS: The National Inpatient Sample databases (2016 to 2021) were queried to identify STEMI admissions as a principal diagnosis using ICD 10 codes. Patients with a history of coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, coronary bypass graft, percutaneous coronary intervention, takotsubo cardiomyopathy, cocaine abuse, and spontaneous coronary dissection and males were excluded from our study population. A final study population aged >18 years was divided into cohorts of SMuRF and SMuRF-less based on the presence of ≥1 risk factor. Multivariate logistic regression model adjusting for baseline characteristics and comorbidities. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcomes are STEMI-related complications and the use of mechanical circulatory support devices. RESULTS: 200,980 patients were identified. 187,776 (93.4 %) patients were identified as having ≥1 SMuRF, and 13,205 (6.6 %) patients were SMuRF-less. Compared to SMuRF patients, SMuRF-less patients are more likely to be white (75.6 % vs. 73.1 %, p < 0.01) and older median age (69 years [IQR: 58-78] vs 67 years [IQR: 57-81], p < 0.01). In comparing co-morbidities, SMuRF-less patients were less likely to have heart failure (28.0 % vs. 23.4 %, p < 0.01), atrial fibrillation/flutter (16.1 % vs. 14.6 %, p = 0.03), chronic pulmonary disease (18.9 % vs. 9.5 %, p < 0.01), obesity (20.7 % vs. 9.2 %, p < 0.01) and aortic disease (1.1 % vs. 0.6 %, p < 0.01). They were however more likely to have dementia (6.9 % vs. 5.7 %, p < 0.01). In evaluating outcomes, SMuRF-less patients had higher in-hospital mortality (aOR 3.2 [95 % CI, 2.9-3.6]; p < 0.01), acute heart failure (aOR 1.6 [95 % CI, 1.4-1.8]; p < 0.01), acute kidney injury (aOR 1.8 [95 % CI, 1.7-2.1]; p < 0.01), and Intra-aortic balloon pump (aOR 1.7 [95 % CI, 1.5-1.9]; p < 0.01). Predictors of higher mortality in SMuRF-less patients include chronic liver disease (OR 6.8, CI 2.4-19.4, p < 0.01), and Hispanic race (OR 1.62, CI 1.1-2.5, p < 0.01). We also found that SMuRF-less patients were less likely to undergo coronary angiography (aOR 0.5 [95 % CI, 0.4-0.5]; p < 0.01) and percutaneous coronary intervention (aOR 0.7 [95 % CI, 0.6-0.8]; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Female SMuRF-less patients presenting with STEMI have worse in-hospital outcomes when compared to patients with ≥1SMuRF.

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Kounis syndrome (KS) is defined as the occurrence of acute coronary syndrome due to coronary artery spasm in a patient with an allergic reaction. Antibiotics are the most common trigger for KS. In this case report, we present a 45-year-old man with HIV/AIDS who was being managed for mpox and developed chest pain and hypotension during vancomycin infusion, which was complicated by the development of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). His left heart catheterization showed normal coronaries with the resolution of ECG changes and symptoms upon discontinuing vancomycin.

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BACKGROUND: Chronic systemic anticoagulation use is prevalent for various thromboembolic conditions. Anticoagulation (usually through heparin products) is also recommended for the initial management of non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). AIMS: To evaluate the in-hospital outcomes of patients with NSTEMI who have been on chronic anticoagulation. METHODS: Using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) years 2016-2020, NSTEMI patients and patients with chronic anticoagulation were identified using the appropriate International Classification of Diseases, 10th version (ICD-10) appropriate codes. The primary outcome was all-cause in-hospital mortality while the secondary outcomes included major bleeding, ischemic cerebrovascular accident (CVA), early percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (i.e., within 24 h of admission), coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) during hospitalization, length of stay (LOS), and total charges. Multivariate logistic or linear regression analyses were performed after adjusting for patient-level and hospital-level factors. RESULTS: Among 2,251,914 adult patients with NSTEMI, 190,540 (8.5%) were on chronic anticoagulation. Chronic anticoagulation use was associated with a lower incidence of in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65-0.73, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in major bleeding (aOR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.88-1.0, p = 0.15) or ischemic CVA (aOR: 0.23, 95% CI: 0.03-1.69, p = 0.15). Chronic anticoagulation use was associated with a lower incidence of early PCI (aOR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.76-0.80, p < 0.001) and CABG (aOR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.41-0.45, p < 0.001). Chronic anticoagulation was also associated with decreased LOS and total charges (adjusted mean difference [aMD]: -0.8 days, 95% CI: -0.86 to -0.75, p < 0.001) and (aMD: $-19,340, 95% CI: -20,692 to -17,988, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients admitted with NSTEMI, chronic anticoagulation use was associated with lower in-hospital mortality, LOS, and total charges, with no difference in the incidence of major bleeding.

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BACKGROUND: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a type of coronary heart disease (CHD), which is responsible for one-third of total deaths in people older than 35 years. Even though cardiac troponin is the gold standard for myocardial necrosis it is blind for ischemia without necrosis. Studies demonstrate that Ischaemia Modified Albumin (IMA) is more sensitive in diagnosing ischemic chest pain compared to cardiac troponin T and electrocardiogram, and its combination with these tests significantly increases the sensitivity for diagnosing unstable angina, non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), or ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), with high positive and negative predictive values, making it a valuable tool for ruling out ACS in patients with inconclusive diagnoses in the emergency department. METHODS: This prospective cohort study, conducted at the Teaching Hospital, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, from 2015 to 2019, investigated ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels in 330 acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. Excluding those with various chronic conditions and those on specific medications, serum IMA was analyzed using a colorimetric assay based on cobalt (II) binding to human serum albumin affected by myocardial ischemia. Serum IMA levels were measured, and statistical analyses, including non-parametric tests and correlation analyses, were conducted to evaluate the association between IMA levels and various demographic and clinical factors. RESULTS: IMA concentrations were found to be non-normally distributed, with an average concentration of 0.252 ± 0.123 AU. No overall significant gender-based difference in IMA levels was observed, though within the younger age group (< 59 years), males exhibited higher IMA concentrations than females. Significant gender differences were observed in the younger age group, with males showing higher IMA levels than females (p = 0.033). No significant differences in IMA levels were found across different ethnicities (p = 0.217) or BMI categories (p = 0.056). A significant increase in IMA levels was noted in ACS patients compared to control subjects (p < 0.001). Correlation analysis revealed significant associations between IMA levels and total cholesterol (r = 0.262, p = 0.009) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels (r = 0.280, p = 0.006). Notably, a significant gender difference in IMA levels was found in obese patients, suggesting physiological differences in response to obesity. The study also revealed higher IMA concentrations in NSTEMI and STEMI patients compared to those with unstable angina. CONCLUSION: The study confirms elevated IMA levels in ACS patients, supporting its diagnostic potential. It reveals demographic influences, such as higher IMA levels in younger males and significant gender-specific differences in obese patients. Personalized approaches considering demographics and lipid management are essential for ACS risk reduction and IMA's role in management.

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Background: Both early detection and treatment for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) have positively affected prognosis. A microRNA, miRNA-21 (miR-21), may have additional diagnostic potential for ACS among the others. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the potential role of miR-21 in identifying ACS. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE and CENTRAL databases were searched up to March 17, 2024, for case-control and cohort studies assessing the diagnostic value of circulating miR-21 in patients with ACS. The search was limited to studies published in either English or Chinese. The primary outcome was the discriminative ability to circulate miR-21 for ACS, represented by the area under the standard receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) analysis. Meta-analyses combined the AUCs using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity among the studies was detected by the I2 and Q statistics. The quality of the studies included was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2. Publication bias analysis was assessed constructing by the Egger's test (PROSPERO: CRD42020209424). Results: Eleven case-control studies containing a total of 2,413 subjects with 1,236 ACS cases and 1,177 controls were included. The mean age of participants in these studies ranges between 51.0 and 69.0 years. The meta-analysis showed an overall pooled AUC of 0.779 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.715-0.843], with high heterogeneity noted between the studies (Q statistic =190.64, I2=94.23%, P<0.001). In subgroup analyses according to the subtypes of ACS, a pooled AUC of 0.767 (95% CI: 0.648-0.887) was derived from the studies focused on acute myocardial infarction cases only. The pooled AUC for unstable angina was 0.770 (95% CI: 0.718-0.822). In subgroup analyses according to the types of control groups, pooled AUC for ACS versus healthy controls was 0.779 (95% CI: 0.715-0.843), whereas the pooled AUC for ACS versus unhealthy controls was 0.740 (95% CI: 0.645-0.836). The quality assessment showed that the studies' overall quality was moderate. No evidence of publication bias was noted (P=0.49). Conclusions: Circulating miR-21 shows abilities to differentiate between ACS and non-ACS, suggesting its potential as a novel diagnostic biomarker for ACS. However, the evidence is weakened by high heterogeneity observed among the studies. Further research is essential before it can be applied in clinical practice.

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Recent studies suggest a potential association between myocardial bridging (MB) and accelerated atherosclerotic plaque formation. We describe the case report of a 37-year-old South Asian male with no established risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) who presented with a non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) with a coincident widowmaker lesion and severe MB. He was successfully managed with comprehensive guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) and urgent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the culprit lesion, sparing the MB segment. The clinician should be cognizant of MB implicating ACS as a major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) and its key management strategies.

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BACKGROUND: Chest pain is a prevalent reason for emergency room referrals and presents diagnostic challenges. The physician must carefully differentiate between cardiac and noncardiac causes, including various vascular and extracardiovascular conditions. However, it is crucial not to overlook serious conditions such as acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and early discharge management become difficult when traditional clinical criteria, ECG, and troponin values are insufficient. Recently, the focus has shifted to a "multi-marker" approach to improve diagnostic accuracy and prognosis in patients with chest pain. METHODS: This observational, prospective, single-center study involved, with informed consent, 360 patients presenting to the emergency department with typical chest pain and included a control group of 120 healthy subjects. In addition to routine examinations, including tests for hsTnI (Siemens TNIH kit), according to the 0-1 h algorithm, biochemical markers sST2 (tumorigenicity suppression-2) and suPAR (soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor) were also evaluated for each patient. A 12-month follow-up was conducted to monitor outcomes and adverse events. RESULTS: We identified two groups of patients: a positive one (112 patients) with high levels of hsTnI, sST2 > 24.19 ng/mL, and suPAR > 2.9 ng/mL, diagnosed with ACS; and a negative one (136 patients) with low levels of hsTnI, suPAR < 2.9 ng/mL, and sST2 < 24.19 ng/mL. During the 12-month follow-up, no adverse events were observed in the negative group. In the intermediate group, patients with hsTnI between 6 ng/L and the ischemic limit, sST2 > 29.1 ng/mL and suPAR > 2.9 ng/mL, showed the highest probability of adverse events during follow-up, while those with sST2 < 24.19 ng/mL and suPAR < 2.9 ng/mL had a better outcome with no adverse events at 12 months. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that sST2 and suPAR, together with hsTnI, may be useful in the prognosis of cardiovascular patients with ACS, providing additional information on endothelial damage. These biomarkers could guide the clinical decision on further diagnostic investigations. In addition, suPAR and sST2 emerge as promising for event prediction in patients with chest pain. Their integration into the standard approach in PS could facilitate more efficient patient management, allowing safe release or timely admission based on individual risk.

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Background In the emergency department (ED), the diagnosis of non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is primarily based on the presence or absence of elevated cardiac troponin levels, ECG changes, and clinical presentation. However, limited data exist regarding the incidence, clinical characteristics, and predictive value of different cardiac diagnostic tests and outcomes in patients with non-acute coronary syndrome (ACS)-related troponin elevation. Our study aimed to determine the percentage of patients with elevated troponin levels who had true ACS and identify various risk factors associated with true ACS in these patients. Methodology This was a single-center retrospective study. We performed a chart review of patients who presented to the ED from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2017, and were admitted to the hospital with an elevated cardiac troponin I level in the first 12 hours after ED presentation with a diagnosis of NSTEMI. True ACS was defined as (a) patients with typical symptoms of ischemia and ECG ischemic changes and (b) patients with atypical symptoms of myocardial ischemia or without symptoms of ischemia and new segmental wall motion abnormalities on echocardiogram or evidence of culprit lesion on angiography. A logistic regression model was used to determine the association between risk factors and true ACS. Results A total of 204 patients were included in this study. The mean age of the study group was 67.4 ± 14.5 years; 53.4% (n = 109) were male, and 57.4% (n = 117) were Caucasian. In our study, 51% of patients were found to have true ACS, and the remaining 49% had a non-ACS-related elevation in troponins. Most patients without ACS had alternate explanations for elevated troponin levels. The presence of chest pain (odds ratio (OR) = 3.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.8-7.7, p = 0.001), tobacco smoking (OR = 4, 95% CI = 1.06-3.8, p = 0.032), and wall motion abnormalities on echocardiogram (OR = 3.8, 95% CI = 1.8-6.5, p = 001) were associated with increased risk of true ACS in patients with elevated troponins. Conclusions Cardiac troponin levels can be elevated in hospitalized patients with various medical conditions, in the absence of ACS. The diagnosis of ACS should not be solely based on elevated troponin levels, as it can lead to expensive workup and utilization of hospital resources.

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We report three cases of coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) in adults who presented with acute coronary syndrome. Two of these patients did not have traditional coronary artery disease risk factors. Management of CAA poses a significant challenge to interventionalists. We discuss the etiologic mechanisms, risk factors, pathophysiology, and diagnosis using angiography, intravascular ultrasound, and coronary computed tomography. We also highlight management options, including medical therapy and catheter-based interventions such as stenting, coil embolization, stent-assisted coil embolization, and surgical exclusion.

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Background: Neutrophils play important roles in atherosclerosis and atherothrombosis. Bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) is mainly expressed in the granules of human neutrophils in response to inflammatory stress. This observational, cross-sectional study investigated the plasma level of BPI in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and its correlation with blood neutrophil counts and circulating inflammatory biomarkers. Methods: A total of 367 patients who had acute chest pain and who were admitted to our hospital for coronary angiography (CAG) and/or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from May 1, 2020 to August 31, 2020 were recruited. Among them, 256 had a cardiac troponin value above the 99th percentile upper reference limit and were diagnosed with ACS. The remaining patients (n = 111) were classified as non-ACS. The TIMI and GRACE scores were calculated at admission. The Gensini score based on CAG was used to determine atherosclerotic burden. Plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-1ß, myeloperoxidase-DNA (MPO-DNA), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), S100A8/A9, and BPI were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Correlations of plasma BPI levels with examination scores and levels of circulating inflammatory biomarkers were explored. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the diagnostic efficacy of BPI for ACS and myocardial infarction. Results: Patients in the ACS group showed significantly higher plasma BPI levels compared to the non-ACS group (46.42 ± 16.61 vs. 16.23 ± 6.19 ng/mL, p < 0.05). Plasma levels of IL-1ß, MPO-DNA, hs-CRP, and S100A8/A9 in the ACS group were also significantly higher than those in the non-ACS group (all p < 0.05). In addition, plasma BPI levels were positively correlated with the TIMI, GRACE, and Gensini scores (r = 0.176, p = 0.003; r = 0.320, p < 0.001; r = 0.263, p < 0.001, respectively) in patients with ACS. Plasma BPI levels were also positively correlated with blood neutrophil counts (r = 0.266, p < 0.001) and levels of circulating inflammatory biomarkers (IL-1ß, r = 0.512; MPO-DNA, r = 0.452; hs-CRP, r = 0.554; S100A8/A9, r = 0.434; all p < 0.001) in patients with ACS. ROC curve analysis revealed that the diagnostic efficacy of BPI for ACS was not inferior to that of IL-1ß, MPO-DNA, hs-CRP, S100A8/A9, or blood neutrophil counts. ROC analysis also showed that the diagnostic efficacy of BPI for myocardial infarction was not inferior to that of creatine kinase (CK)-MB or cardiac troponin I. Conclusion: BPI is associated with systemic inflammation in ACS and may be involved in the process of atherosclerosis and atherothrombosis. The potential of BPI as a prognostic and diagnostic biomarker for ACS should be investigated in clinical settings.

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Ischemic myocardial injury in a diabetes mellitus (DM) patient can be a trigger or a complication of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This case series examines the phenomenon of elevated troponin levels in patients with DKA in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease. Two out of three cases showed ST-segment elevation on electrocardiogram (EKG). Despite the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease on coronary angiography, all cases exhibited troponinemia (>79 ng/dl). These elevated troponin levels and EKG changes may pose diagnostic challenges for clinicians. Alternatively, troponinemia could be due to myocardial injury caused by acidotic stress and free fatty acid utilization along with increased myocardial oxygen demand and not obstructive coronary artery pathology in every case. However, a better understanding of the complex interplay between DKA and myocardial injury needs further research.

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Background: Standard Modifiable Cardiovascular Risk Factors (SMuRF) such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, and smoking have long been established in the etiology of atherosclerotic disease. Studies suggest that patients without any of these risk factors (SMuRF-less) who present with ST-elevation myocardial infarction have worse outcomes. Methods: The National Inpatient Sample databases (2016 to 2020) was queried to identify STEMI admissions as a principal diagnosis using ICD 10 codes. The study population aged 18 to 45 years were divided into cohorts of SMuRF and SMuRF-less based on the presence of ≥1 risk factor (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and smoking), and in-hospital outcomes were compared. Results: 41,990 patients were identified as the final study population. 38,495 patients were identified as SMuRF, and 3495 patients were SMuRF-less. Compared to SMuRF patients, SMuRF-less patients are more likely to be females (23.2 % vs. 21.2 %), have congestive heart failure (16.6 % vs. 13.7 %, p < 0.01) but less likely to have obesity (13.7 % vs 28.0 %, p < 0.01) In evaluating outcomes, SMuRF-less patients had higher adjusted in-hospital mortality (aOR 2.6, CI 1.5-4.2, p < 0.01), Cardiogenic shock (aOR 1.8, CI 1.3-2.5, p < 0.01), acute kidney injury (aOR 1.4, CI 1.0-1.9, p = 0.02), and Extramembrane Corporeal Oxygenation (aOR 4.1, CI 1.1-15.1, p = 0.03). Fluid and electrolyte abnormalities was an independent predictor of mortality among SMuRF-less patients (aOR 3.82, CI 1.3-11.2, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Young patients who present with STEMI and have no traditional cardiovascular risk factors have worse in-hospital outcomes. Further research is needed to evaluate the impact of non-traditional risk factors on acute myocardial infarction.

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The Tityus trinitatis, a black scorpion species endemic to the fauna of Trinidad, has been implicated in envenomation with devastating clinical sequelae such as acute pancreatitis and major adverse cardiovascular events. We present the first in-Caribbean case of a 59-year-old Caribbean South Asian male with human immunodeficiency virus who presented with a non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome after being stung, which was managed with comprehensive, guideline-directed medical therapy. The clinician should be cognizant of scorpion-induced acute coronary syndrome (ACS) as a potential sequela of envenomation and its clinical management.

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Takotsubo syndrome, a type of transient cardiomyopathy, is typically triggered by emotional or physical stress and exhibits symptoms like acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The condition often results in apical ballooning of the left ventricle, which can hinder the heart's ability to circulate blood throughout the body effectively. While Takotsubo syndrome does not occur alongside obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), there are rare cases where both conditions coexist. This report details an uncommon case of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in a 49-year-old man who had previously been in remission for rectal adenocarcinoma. He presented with atypical symptoms consistent with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy while also experiencing acute occlusion of the left circumflex artery.

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Introduction: Chemokines mediate recruitment and activation of leucocytes. Chemokine ligand 18 (CCL18) is mainly expressed by monocytes/macrophages and dendritic cells. It is highly expressed in chronic inflammatory diseases, and locally in atherosclerotic plaques, particularly at sites of reduced stability, and systemically in acute coronary syndrome patients. Reports on its prognostic utility in the latter condition, including myocardial infarction (MI), are scarce. Aim: To assess the utility of CCL18 as a prognostic marker of recurrent cardiovascular events in patients hospitalized with chest pain of suspected coronary origin. Methods: The population consisted of 871 consecutive chest-pain patients, of whom 386 were diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) based on Troponin-T (TnT) levels >50 ng/L. Stepwise Cox regression models, applying normalized continuous loge/SD values, were fitted for the biomarkers with cardiac mortality within 2 years and total mortality within 2 and 7 years as the dependent variables. Results: Plasma samples from 849 patients were available. By 2 years follow-up, 138 (15.8%) patients had died, of which 86 were cardiac deaths. Univariate analysis showed a positive, significant association between CCL18 and total death [HR 1.55 (95% 1.30-1.83), p < 0.001], and for cardiac death [HR 1.32 (95% 1.06-1.64), p = 0.013]. Associations after adjustment were non-significant. By 7 years follow-up, 332 (38.1%) patients had died. CLL18 was independently associated with all-cause mortality [HR 1.14 (95% CI, 1.01-1.29), p = 0.030], but not with MI (n = 203) or stroke (n = 55). Conclusion: CCL18 independently predicts long-term all-cause mortality but had no independent prognostic bearing on short-term cardiac death and CVD events.

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Altered mental status (AMS) is a common condition encountered in daily practice. Finding the cause is essential for treatment, but sometimes this may be challenging. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is frequently underdiagnosed and is a potentially fatal cause of acute coronary syndrome. Clinical presentation depends on the extent of SCAD, ranging from unstable angina to sudden death. AMS has not been reported with this condition, but it may be possible in hypoperfusion states. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is part of the microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA) spectrum, presenting with AMS as the cardinal symptom. TTP is a clinical emergency, and a high index of suspicion should be present as the mortality rate in untreated patients is extremely high and can be significantly reduced with proper treatment. We present a case of a 44-year-old female with a past medical history of antiphospholipid syndrome not on anticoagulation, peptic ulcer disease, chronic kidney disease, stroke, seizures, congestive heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (EF 40%), two non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions not on dual antiplatelet therapy due to a history of gastrointestinal bleeding, and TTP, admitted to the hospital with AMS. The patient was diagnosed with two life-threatening pathologies with overlapping features but opposing management; TTP may have been caused by SCAD, even though this has never been reported. It is essential to recognize that while a single diagnosis frequently explains a patient's clinical manifestations, there are instances when various conditions may be present.

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BACKGROUND: The chance of coronary artery disease (CAD) is much higher in women who have gone through menopause than in those who have not, owing to hormonal defense against atherosclerosis. More advanced CAD and several comorbidities were observed in postmenopausal women. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of information comparing the angiographic severity of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in premenopausal and postmenopausal women of different ages. This research sought to determine the Friesinger score's use in evaluating the degree of CAD in premenopausal and postmenopausal women with ACS. METHODS: A total of 145 female patients with ACS were included in this cross-sectional observational research. Depending on the stage of menopause, they were categorized into two groups: group I (premenopausal) and group II (postmenopausal). The study examined the differences in clinical data and the severity of coronary angiographic features based on the Friesinger score between the premenopausal and postmenopausal ACS groups. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference (p = 0.001) was found in the mean age of premenopausal ACS patients, which was 41.53 ± 5.45 years, and postmenopausal ACS patients, which was 57.23 ± 7.45 years. Between the premenopausal group (31.4% vs. 17.1%; p = 0.04 and 31.4% vs. 15.7%; p = 0.002) and postmenopausal group (48.6% vs. 20%; p = 0.001), there was a greater prevalence of normal coronary angiography, single-vessel disease, and triple-vessel disease. Comparing the postmenopausal group to the premenopausal group, the high to intermediate Friesinger score (11-15) was found to be considerably higher (2.9% vs. 1.4%; 72.9% vs. 50%; p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Prior to menopause, single-vessel disease and normal coronary angiography were more common, whereas postmenopausal individuals had triple-vessel disease. The postmenopausal group's CAD was found to be more severe than the premenopausal group's according to the Friesinger score used for severity evaluation.