Journal Description
Cardiovascular Medicine
Cardiovascular Medicine
is an international, peer-reviewed, scholarly, open access journal that covers the entire spectrum of cardiovascular medicine. The journal is published quarterly online by MDPI (from Volume 28, Issue 1 - 2025).
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, Embase, and other databases
- Rapid Publication: first decisions in 19 days; acceptance to publication in 4 days (median values for MDPI journals in the first half of 2025).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
subject
Imprint Information
Open Access
ISSN: 1664-204X
Latest Articles
Editor-in-Chief’s Editorial: A New Chapter for Cardiovascular Medicine
Cardiovasc. Med. 2025, 28(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/cardiovascmed28010002 (registering DOI) - 10 Oct 2025
Abstract
It is with great pride and enthusiasm that we announce the relaunch of Cardiovascular Medicine, a journal with a longstanding tradition in the Swiss and international cardiology community [...]
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Open AccessEditorial
Publisher’s Note: Welcome to the New Home of Cardiovascular Medicine
by
Carla Aloè
Cardiovasc. Med. 2025, 28(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/cardiovascmed28010001 (registering DOI) - 17 Sep 2025
Abstract
Cardiovascular Medicine was launched in 1998 under the title Kardiovaskuläre Medizin, publishing articles in German, French, and English [...]
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Open AccessEditorial
A Paradox or a Different Perspective?
by
Peter Matt
Cardiovasc. Med. 2023, 26(5), 139; https://doi.org/10.4414/cvm.2023.1239215883 - 14 Aug 2024
Abstract
The latest issue of Cardiovascular Medicine deals with various topics on cardiovascular diseases, again with a focus on sex-specific subjects [...]
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Open AccessEditorial
Strike Early and Strike Strong After MI: Lowering LDL-C to Target and Below
by
Baris Gencer
Cardiovasc. Med. 2024, 27(4), 129; https://doi.org/10.4414/cvm.2024.1547920225 - 14 Aug 2024
Abstract
Based on the growing clinical evidence on the benefit of very low LDL-C levels in combination with the availability of highly effective lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) options [...]
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Open AccessCommentary
Perspectives on the Longevity of Cardiac Rhythm Management Devices
by
John Fanourgiakis
Cardiovasc. Med. 2024, 27(4), 127; https://doi.org/10.4414/cvm.2024.1443408577 - 14 Aug 2024
Abstract
Cardiac arrhythmias are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Cardiac rhythm management devices (CRMDs) are used to diagnose and treat heart rhythm abnormalities. Many prospective randomized trials over the past decade have established the efficacy of CRMD therapy in reducing all-cause mortality
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Cardiac arrhythmias are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Cardiac rhythm management devices (CRMDs) are used to diagnose and treat heart rhythm abnormalities. Many prospective randomized trials over the past decade have established the efficacy of CRMD therapy in reducing all-cause mortality and improving the quality of life. The manufacturer of every device provides its longevity in its technical characteristics, which are, as studies show, shorter in practice. Patients are concerned about the replacement procedure due to the risk of the procedure and other socioeconomic reasons. The longer the longevity of the devices, the better for the patients, the payers, the doctors and the health care systems. Given the recently redefined term of health technology assessment on a European level, a new regulatory framework has been proposed. Its intention is that, across different healthcare systems, the upfront costs and the reimbursement costs of these devices should be proportional to their longevity.
Full article
Open AccessInteresting Images
A Patient with Chest Pain and Precordial ST-Segment Elevation
by
Andreas Y. Andreou, Elena Leonidou and Andreas Tryfonos
Cardiovasc. Med. 2024, 27(4), 125; https://doi.org/10.4414/cvm.2024.1486643913 - 14 Aug 2024
Abstract
We present a challenging case of a patient with an isolated right ventricular myocardial infarction (iRVMI) caused by the spontaneous occlusion of a right ventricular branch mimicking an anterior myocardial infarction on the electrocardiogram. A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose
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We present a challenging case of a patient with an isolated right ventricular myocardial infarction (iRVMI) caused by the spontaneous occlusion of a right ventricular branch mimicking an anterior myocardial infarction on the electrocardiogram. A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose an iRVMI because the electrocardiogram may be misleading.
Full article
Open AccessIntroduction
Atrial Tachycardia Coexisting with Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia
by
Fu Guan, Firat Duru and Urs Eriksson
Cardiovasc. Med. 2024, 27(4), 122; https://doi.org/10.4414/cvm.2024.1416403729 - 14 Aug 2024
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The interpretation of the surface electrocardiogram and intracardiac recordings is key for the appropriate diagnosis and interventional treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. This report describes a patient with both a focal atrial tachycardia (AT) and an atypical atrioventricular-nodal reentrant tachycardia that were repeatedly induced
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The interpretation of the surface electrocardiogram and intracardiac recordings is key for the appropriate diagnosis and interventional treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. This report describes a patient with both a focal atrial tachycardia (AT) and an atypical atrioventricular-nodal reentrant tachycardia that were repeatedly induced and terminated by atrial ectopic beats. Radiofrequency ablation of the slow pathway, as well as targeted ablation of the specific AT focus effectively eliminated both tachycardias.
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Open AccessCase Report
Recurrent Takotsubo Syndrome with Contemporary Brady- and Tachyarrhythmic Presentation
by
Andrea Demarchi, Lorenzo Greco, Francois Regoli, Marcello Di Valentino, Marco Amoruso, Alessandro Felice Chiesa, Silvia Pirroni, Mauro Foletti, Angelo Di Simone, Simone Sarzilla and Andrea Menafoglio
Cardiovasc. Med. 2024, 27(4), 120; https://doi.org/10.4414/cvm.2024.1514199273 - 14 Aug 2024
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We present a case of recurrent takotsubo syndrome with contemporary brady- and tachyarrhythmic presentation, a rare clinical pattern for which the correct treatment is still a matter of debate.
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Open AccessCase Report
Early Onset Filamin C Cardiomyopathy
by
Catarina Ribeiro Carvalho, Marta Catarina Bernardo, Ana Baptista and Ilídio Moreira
Cardiovasc. Med. 2024, 27(4), 117; https://doi.org/10.4414/cvm.2024.1514905178 - 14 Aug 2024
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We present the case of a 27-year-old man who was admitted with new-onset acute heart failure. The echocardiogram revealed biventricular dilatation with a severely reduced systolic function. A genetic study identified a truncated variant of the filamin-C (FLNC) gene. Since the systolic function
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We present the case of a 27-year-old man who was admitted with new-onset acute heart failure. The echocardiogram revealed biventricular dilatation with a severely reduced systolic function. A genetic study identified a truncated variant of the filamin-C (FLNC) gene. Since the systolic function did not improve under heart failure guideline-directed medical therapy, an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator was placed. After two years, the patient is currently being considered for epicardial ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation due to the failure of appropriate therapies for monomorphic VT despite recovery of the left ventricular (LV) systolic function. Filamin C truncating variants have been recognized as one cause of an overlapping phenotype in dilated and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathies. These patients typically present with a mildly reduced LV ejection fraction (LVEF), with or without dilatation, and extensive myocardial fibrosis, which heightens the risk of complex ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). Our patient presented a combined phenotype with biventricular dilated cardiomyopathy with a severely reduced LVEF at an unusual young age, as well as an increased incidence of VAs. With this clinical case, we aim to highlight the importance of genetic evaluation in dilated cardiomyopathy, as it can be decisive in its orientation and, consequently, in its prognosis.
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Open AccessCase Report
Delayed Intervention’s Impact on Transcatheter Mitral Valve Implantation Strategy
by
Ion Vasiloi, Thomas Nestelberger, Beat A. Kaufmann, Fabien Praz and Oliver T. Reuthebuch
Cardiovasc. Med. 2024, 27(4), 114; https://doi.org/10.4414/cvm.2024.1514206641 - 14 Aug 2024
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Transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI) is used for treating severe mitral valve regurgitation in patients deemed unsuitable for open-heart surgery. However, delays between preoperative workup and therapy can lead to changes in the clinical condition and structural valve findings, necessitating a meticulous reevaluation
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Transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI) is used for treating severe mitral valve regurgitation in patients deemed unsuitable for open-heart surgery. However, delays between preoperative workup and therapy can lead to changes in the clinical condition and structural valve findings, necessitating a meticulous reevaluation of diagnostic and therapeutic options. Case Presentation: A 77-year-old woman with severe mitral valve regurgitation and severe comorbidities was referred to our Heart Team and was deemed suitable for TMVI based on the initial evaluation. The echocardiographic finding showed a severe degenerative mitral valve regurgitation with prolapse of the A3 and P3 segments and an eccentric jet directed posteriorly to the atrial roof but without the complete picture of Barlow’s disease. Due to delayed approval by the patient, the therapeutic procedure was postponed. Subsequent echocardiographic reevaluation six months later revealed a hypermobile anterior mitral leaflet resulting from chordal elongation in conjunction with a septal bulge, raising the risk for postoperative left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction. To mitigate this risk, TMVI combined with the Laceration of the Anterior Mitral Leaflet to Prevent Outflow Obstruction (LAMPOON) was performed. Post-implantation echocardiography revealed a well-functioning mitral valve prosthesis without para- and transvalvular leak, a mean gradient of 3 mm Hg, and no LVOT obstruction. Conclusions: The diagnostic and therapeutic evaluation of TMVI remains intricate and time-consuming, necessitating thorough planning. Prompt performance of the procedure is crucial to prevent unforeseen structural changes that could jeopardize the patient’s outcome. The combination of TMVI with the LAMPOON technique for preventing LVOT obstruction appears feasible and suitable for selected patients.
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Open AccessReview
Contemporary Antithrombotic Drug Removal via Hemoadsorption in Cardiac Surgery
by
Daniel Wendt, Efthymios Deliargyris and Stephan Geidel
Cardiovasc. Med. 2024, 27(4), 108; https://doi.org/10.4414/cvm.2024.1387770349 - 14 Aug 2024
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The incidence of severe bleeding in patients treated with dual antiplatelet therapy, including the new P2Y12 inhibitors or new direct oral anticoagulants, who are undergoing urgent cardiac surgery is very high. Novel strategies, including the removal of antithrombotics via intraoperative hemoadsorption, have shown
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The incidence of severe bleeding in patients treated with dual antiplatelet therapy, including the new P2Y12 inhibitors or new direct oral anticoagulants, who are undergoing urgent cardiac surgery is very high. Novel strategies, including the removal of antithrombotics via intraoperative hemoadsorption, have shown promising results, which are summarized in this holistic review. Overall, current evidence supports antithrombotic removal via hemoadsorption as a potential new therapy in the management of perioperative bleeding risk in patients on antithrombotic medications undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass-assisted cardiac surgery.
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Open AccessReview
Plaque Characterization Using Intracoronary Imaging: Effects of Lipid-Lowering Therapies
by
Flavio Giuseppe Biccirè and Lorenz Räber
Cardiovasc. Med. 2024, 27(4), 99; https://doi.org/10.4414/cvm.2024.1379478206 - 14 Aug 2024
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Over the past few years, large observational trials have confirmed the consistent association between vulnerable plaques identified by intracoronary imaging and major cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease. Lipid-lowering therapies have reduced the occurrence of cardiovascular events in these patients; however,
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Over the past few years, large observational trials have confirmed the consistent association between vulnerable plaques identified by intracoronary imaging and major cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease. Lipid-lowering therapies have reduced the occurrence of cardiovascular events in these patients; however, the exact pathophysiological mechanisms behind their clinical benefits have remained underexplored. Intracoronary imaging modalities, including intravascular ultrasonography, near-infrared spectroscopy, and optical coherence tomography have provided fundamental insight into the biological plausibility of these clinical results. Imaging trials employing serial intravascular ultrasonography have suggested that lipid-lowering therapies can either slow disease progression or promote plaque regression, depending on the degree of lipid lowering achieved. More recently, new randomized trials have added significant insights on the additional beneficial effects of achieving very low low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels on high-risk plaque features, including fibrous cap thickness, lipid accumulation, and inflammatory cell accumulations. This literature review aimed to summarize current evidence on the clinical usefulness of plaque characterization using contemporary intracoronary imaging and the effects of high-intensity lipid-lowering therapies on vulnerable plaque features.
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Open AccessEditorial
Evolving Concepts in Plaque Characterization
by
Andreas Flammer
Cardiovasc. Med. 2024, 27(4), 97; https://doi.org/10.4414/cvm.2024.1566105391 - 14 Aug 2024
Abstract
Dear Readers, Once again, a new issue of the journal has been printed. Every time I read the articles in the CVM journal, I am proud of how diverse, contemporary, and fascinating the field of cardiovascular medicine is [...]
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Open AccessInteresting Images
A Wide Complex Tachycardia in a 31-Year-Old Male
by
Hari Vivekanantham and Guy Amit
Cardiovasc. Med. 2024, 27(3), 94; https://doi.org/10.4414/cvm.2024.1412183678 - 29 May 2024
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We present the case of a young male presenting with a wide complex tachycardia. The diagnostic approach based on the electrocardiogram findings is discussed. The final diagnosis could be made following an adenosine challenge at baseline, underlying the use of this drug for
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We present the case of a young male presenting with a wide complex tachycardia. The diagnostic approach based on the electrocardiogram findings is discussed. The final diagnosis could be made following an adenosine challenge at baseline, underlying the use of this drug for diagnostic purposes even in the absence of ongoing tachycardia.
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Open AccessInteresting Images
Post-Operative Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy in Elective Mitral Valve Replacement
by
Abhishek Potnis, Sushrut Potwar and Uday Jadhav
Cardiovasc. Med. 2024, 27(3), 90; https://doi.org/10.4414/cvm.2024.1412187259 - 29 May 2024
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Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a type of stress cardiomyopathy that is usually seen in postmenopausal patients and can be triggered by emotional stress, hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism, and surgery. A patient post cardiac surgery can present with multiple complications causing hemodynamic compromise. Hence, takotsubo cardiomyopathy remains
[...] Read more.
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a type of stress cardiomyopathy that is usually seen in postmenopausal patients and can be triggered by emotional stress, hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism, and surgery. A patient post cardiac surgery can present with multiple complications causing hemodynamic compromise. Hence, takotsubo cardiomyopathy remains a diagnostic dilemma. Here, we present an interesting electrocardiogram (ECG) of the same condition in a patient after mitral valve replacement with normal patent coronaries but presenting with anterolateral massive infarction with shark fin pattern in the ECG.
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Open AccessReview
Should We Pace the His Bundle or the Left Bundle Branch Area?
by
Myriam Kaddour and Haran Burri
Cardiovasc. Med. 2024, 27(3), 85; https://doi.org/10.4414/cvm.2024.1379472814 - 29 May 2024
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His bundle pacing is the most physiological form of pacing as it replicates the patient’s natural ventricular activation. Its adoption has significantly grown over the last years. However, the technique has several limitations, including suboptimal thresholds. Left bundle branch area pacing has been
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His bundle pacing is the most physiological form of pacing as it replicates the patient’s natural ventricular activation. Its adoption has significantly grown over the last years. However, the technique has several limitations, including suboptimal thresholds. Left bundle branch area pacing has been introduced more recently and has gained much interest as it also delivers physiological pacing but with more favorable electrical parameters. However, there are also several unresolved issues with this technique. This article compares these strategies and highlights their advantages and disadvantages to provide guidance on which technique to select for a specific patient.
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Open AccessReview
Bempedoic Acid: Results of the CLEAR Program
by
Isabella Sudano
Cardiovasc. Med. 2024, 27(3), 80; https://doi.org/10.4414/cvm.2024.1379434015 - 29 May 2024
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Bempedoic acid is a fairly small molecule acting as a prodrug which is converted into the active compound bempedoyl-CoA in the liver. This active metabolite of bempedoic acid inhibits the enzyme ATP citrate lyase leading to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) reduction. The CLEAR (Cholesterol
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Bempedoic acid is a fairly small molecule acting as a prodrug which is converted into the active compound bempedoyl-CoA in the liver. This active metabolite of bempedoic acid inhibits the enzyme ATP citrate lyase leading to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) reduction. The CLEAR (Cholesterol Lowering via Bempedoic Acid, an ACL-Inhibiting Regimen) Harmony trial showed that bempedoic acid reduced LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) by 12.6–16.5% and the CLEAR Tranquility and Serenity showed a reduction of LDL-C in statin-intolerant patients by a mean of 21% in monotherapy and 38% in combination with ezetimibe. Similar to statins but in contrast to ezetimibe or PCSK9 inhibitors, there was a consistent reduction of high-sensitive C-reactive protein in patients treated with bempedoic acid throughout all those studies. The CLEAR Outcomes trial included patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or a high risk of developing it, a documented intolerance to statin and a LDL ≥2.6 mmol/l despite maximal tolerated lipid-lowering therapy. The study showed that bempedoic acid lowered LDL by 21% and reduced the risk of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke or coronary revascularization (primary composite endpoint) over a median of 3.4 years in statin-intolerant patients. The safety profile showed a slight increase in uric acid, gout and cholelithiasis. Bempedoic acid, used alone or with ezetimibe, is an effective LDL-lowering therapy for patients who do not attain adequate LDL-C control with maximal tolerated statin therapy and in statin-intolerant patients at risk for ASCVD.
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Open AccessEditorial
70-jähriger Mann mit Polyneuropathie und kardialer Transthyretin-Amyloidose (ATTR-CM)
by
Otmar Pfister
Cardiovasc. Med. 2024, 27(3), 77; https://doi.org/10.4414/cvm.2024.1455989891 - 29 May 2024
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Fall Der 70-jährige Patient stellte sich 2020 bei uns infolge Pensionierung des behandelnden Kar diologen vor. Er klagte über eine kardiale Leistungseinbusse und ausserdem über Prob- leme mit dem Bewegungsapparat [...]
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Open AccessReview
Challenges in the Lifetime Management of Patients with Aortic Stenosis
by
Bashir Alaour and Thomas Pilgrim
Cardiovasc. Med. 2024, 27(3), 71; https://doi.org/10.4414/cvm.2024.1317114789 - 29 May 2024
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Despite an extensive body of literature, there are still many gaps in the evidence surrounding the lifetime management of aortic stenosis (AS) and upstream interventions to prevent or slow down the progression of the disease are yet to be developed. The contemporary shift
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Despite an extensive body of literature, there are still many gaps in the evidence surrounding the lifetime management of aortic stenosis (AS) and upstream interventions to prevent or slow down the progression of the disease are yet to be developed. The contemporary shift from simple grading to a more outcome-related staging of AS has ren dered the traditional belief that aortic valve intervention is only indicated in severe symptomatic AS obsolete and opened the debate on the optimal timing for intervention. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has stood the test of time as a convenient, safe and effective treatment of AS across all risk categories. However, with the expansion of TAVI to younger patients with a longer life expectancy, there has been a gradual shift in focus from periprocedural outcomes to lifetime management, especially in patients who are likely to outlive their first valve prosthesis. In a standard scenario, when choosing the first valve, many actors come to the stage, including out comes and challenges of repeated valve implantations.
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Open AccessCommentary
«Sie müssen das System entfetten!»
by
Thierry Carrel
Cardiovasc. Med. 2024, 27(3), 68; https://doi.org/10.4414/cvm.2024.1379572570 - 29 May 2024
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Vor einigen Jahren wurde meine damalige Klinik am Inselspital von einer deutschen Beratungs Unternehmung durchleuchtet [...]
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