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Medicina
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Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease
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Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease

A special issue of Medicina (ISSN 1648-9144). This special issue belongs to the section "Cardiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2025 | Viewed by 10115

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Elena Bobescu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Faculty of Medicine, Transilvania University of Brasov, Brasov, Romania
2. County Emergency Hospital of Brasov, Brasov, Romania
Interests: cardiovascular disease; cardiology
Dr. Mihaela-Viviana Ivan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor Assistant
Department of Internal Medicine, Universitatea de Medicina si Farmacie Victor Babes din Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Interests: cardiovascular disease; cardiology; arithmology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to contribute to our Special Issue, “Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease”, which will be published in Medicina.

This Special Issue addresses the continuous development and research in cardiovascular diseases and comorbidities that influence prognosis and treatment, aiming to provide a significant perspective upon early diagnosis and treatment in different conditions. New guidelines on heart failure draw attention to the significant impact of early complete treatment and early diagnosis on cardiac disease. Patients with diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and anemia must be checked for cardiac conditions, and diagnosis and active treatment should address all risk factors. New data also show the utmost importance of inflammation in cardiac diseases. Moreover, novel biomarkers have emerged to improve diagnosis accuracy. In recent years, evidence has increased regarding the diagnosis and involvement of comorbidities in cardiac function. Furthermore, the recent COVID-19 pandemic showed the importance of thorough follow-up of all data known to influence treatment and prognosis and, of course, the cardiac structures themselves.

This Special Issue aims to offer a complex and current overview of new research related to cardiac disease, expanding our current knowledge and adding important insights related to its management.

Dr. Elena Bobescu
Guest Editor

Dr. Viviana Ivan
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Medicina is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • coronary artery disease
  • heart failure
  • comorbidities
  • chronic kidney disease
  • anemia
  • diabetes mellitus
  • arrhythmias
  • hypertension
  • dyslipidemia
  • novel biomarkers

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 685 KiB  
Article
First-Year Findings on Dyslipidaemia Screening in Lithuanian Children: A Focus on Cardiovascular Risk
by Odeta Kinciniene, Matas Zekonis, Viktoras Sutkus, Ramune Vankeviciene, Juste Parnarauskiene, Zaneta Petrulioniene, Urte Aliosaitiene and Rimante Cerkauskiene
Medicina 2025, 61(4), 615; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61040615 - 28 Mar 2025
Viewed by 341
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in Lithuania, with familial hypercholesterolemia being a significant risk factor. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of dyslipidaemia among healthy children and the relation with risk factors for familial hypercholesterolaemia. [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in Lithuania, with familial hypercholesterolemia being a significant risk factor. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of dyslipidaemia among healthy children and the relation with risk factors for familial hypercholesterolaemia. Materials and Methods: This study involved 127 children, aged 5 to 10 years, with a focus on the early identification of dyslipidaemia and familial hypercholesterolaemia. The relationship between body composition, dietary habits, physical activity, and dyslipidaemia was researched and statistically assessed. Results: Standard lipid profile analysis revealed that approximately one-third of participants had abnormal lipid profiles. Elevated total cholesterol (TC) was found in 19 participants (15%), elevated LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) in 24 participants (18.9%), elevated triglycerides (TGs) in 19 participants (15%), and reduced HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) in 9 participants (7.1%). Risk for familial hypercholesterolaemia was suspected for 12 participants with LDL-C elevated more than 4 mmol/L or family history of FH. While no significant link was found between dyslipidaemia and body composition, low levels of physical activity were associated with increased total cholesterol levels, suggesting a protective role for regular exercise. Dietary habits, including vegetable, sweet, and flour product consumption, did not show a significant association with dyslipidaemia. Conclusions: Dyslipidaemia is fairly common among Lithuanian children. Although this study does not show a significant effect of diet or body composition on lipid levels, it links low levels of physical activity to higher triglyceride values. Due to risk factors not always being present in children with dyslipidaemia, it should not be ruled out in apparently healthy children. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease)
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20 pages, 1202 KiB  
Article
Subclinical Changes in Type 2 Diabetes Patients with Heart Failure Stage A and B Treated with Oral Semaglutide
by Larissa Dăniluc, Adina Braha, Oana Elena Sandu, Carina Bogdan, Loredana Suhov, Lina Haj Ali, Alexandra-Iulia Lazăr-Höcher, Alexandra Sima, Adrian Apostol and Mihaela Viviana Ivan
Medicina 2025, 61(4), 567; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61040567 - 22 Mar 2025
Viewed by 447
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Heart failure (HF) among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is linked to significant morbidity and mortality, despite the increased availability of new drug therapy. This study aims to investigate subclinical changes in patients with HF stage A (at [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Heart failure (HF) among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is linked to significant morbidity and mortality, despite the increased availability of new drug therapy. This study aims to investigate subclinical changes in patients with HF stage A (at risk for HF) and B (Pre-HF) and T2DM treated with oral semaglutide. Materials and Methods: In a prospective, observational, single-center study, 50 T2DM patients were assessed at baseline and one-year follow-up for changes in spectral Doppler, tissue Doppler, and speckle-tracking (2DST) and metabolic parameters. Results: Correlation and regression analyses identified predictors of Δ GLS. In correlation analysis, Δ GLS showed a negative correlation with Δ VAI (rho = −0.3, p = 0.02), Δ LAP (rho = −0.3, p = 0.04), Δ FPG (rho = −0.3, p = 0.009), Δ TG (rho = −0.4, p = 0.004), and Δ TyG (rho = −0.3, p = 0.02). In linear stepwise regression analysis, the most accurate model, with a p-value < 0.001, was M3, explaining 70% of the variance in Δ GLS (adjusted R2 = 0.7); this model included Δ FPG (beta −0.4, p = 0.001), Δ CRR (beta −1.3, p < 0.001), and Δ LDLc (beta 0.6, p = 0.01). Conclusions: These findings show that improved subclinical left ventricular systolic dysfunction is associated with improved glycemic control, visceral adiposity, and reduced insulin resistance, respectively, with improved lipid profiling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease)
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10 pages, 500 KiB  
Article
Implications of Heart Failure Treatment on Atrial Fibrillation Onset: A Retrospective Study
by Loredana Suhov, Adrian Apostol, Larissa Dăniluc, Lina Haj Ali, Oana Elena Sandu, Carina Bogdan and Minodora Andor
Medicina 2025, 61(3), 414; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61030414 - 27 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 493
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common supraventricular arrhythmias in the adult population worldwide and it is frequently associated with heart failure (HF). The coexistence of these conditions increases morbidity, mortality and reduces quality of life in [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common supraventricular arrhythmias in the adult population worldwide and it is frequently associated with heart failure (HF). The coexistence of these conditions increases morbidity, mortality and reduces quality of life in these patients. Therefore, it is important to delay the onset of AF in HF patients in order to avoid complications. The study aims to assess whether HF treatment influences AF onset. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study included 260 patients, 144 patients with heart failure treated with sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and 116 patients with heart failure without SGLT2i treatment (control group) hospitalized at least twice in the Cardiology Department of the “Pius Brinzeu” Emergency County Hospital between 2022 and 2024. Results: Treatment with SGLT2i was associated with a lower prevalence of atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure. Conclusions: The study highlights the cardiovascular benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors and suggests a potential effect on the onset of AF in heart failure patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease)
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15 pages, 1219 KiB  
Article
Inhibiting MiR-33a-3p Expression Fails to Enhance ApoAI-Mediated Cholesterol Efflux in Pro-Inflammatory Endothelial Cells
by Kun Huang, Achala Pokhrel, Jing Echesabal-Chen, Justin Scott, Terri Bruce, Hanjoong Jo and Alexis Stamatikos
Medicina 2025, 61(2), 329; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61020329 - 13 Feb 2025
Viewed by 863
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory condition that results in cholesterol accumulating within vessel wall cells. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality worldwide due to this disease being a major contributor to myocardial infarctions and cerebrovascular accidents. Research [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory condition that results in cholesterol accumulating within vessel wall cells. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality worldwide due to this disease being a major contributor to myocardial infarctions and cerebrovascular accidents. Research suggests that cholesterol accumulation occurring precisely within arterial endothelial cells triggers atherogenesis and exacerbates atherosclerosis. Furthermore, inflamed endothelium acts as a catalyst for atherosclerotic development. Therefore, enhancing cholesterol removal specifically in pro-inflammatory endothelial cells may be a potential treatment option for atherosclerosis. While we have previously shown that inhibiting the microRNA guide strand miR-33a-5p within pro-inflammatory endothelial cells increases both ABCA1 expression and apoAI-mediated cholesterol efflux, it is unknown whether inhibiting the miR-33a-3p passenger strand in pro-inflammatory endothelial cells causes similar atheroprotective effects. In this study, this is what we aimed to test. Materials and Methods: We used plasmid transfection to knockdown miR-33a-3p expression within cultured pro-inflammatory immortalized mouse aortic endothelial cells (iMAECs). We compared ABCA1 expression and apoAI-mediated cholesterol efflux within these cells to cultured pro-inflammatory iMAECs transfected with a control plasmid. Results: The knockdown of miR-33a-3p expression within pro-inflammatory iMAECs resulted in a significant increase in ABCA1 mRNA expression. However, the inhibition of miR-33a-3p did not significantly increase ABCA1 protein expression within pro-inflammatory iMAECs. Moreover, we failed to detect a significant increase in apoAI-mediated cholesterol efflux within pro-inflammatory iMAECs from miR-33a-3p knockdown. Conclusions: Our results indicative that the knockdown of miR-33a-3p alone does not enhance ABCA1-dependent cholesterol efflux within pro-inflammatory endothelial cells. To gain any atheroprotective benefit from inhibiting miR-33a-3p within pro-inflammatory endothelium, additional anti-atherogenic strategies would likely be needed in unison. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease)
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11 pages, 1098 KiB  
Article
Visit-to-Visit Systolic Blood Pressure Variability and Risk of Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Stroke
by Oana Elena Sandu, Carina Bogdan, Adrian Apostol, Larissa Madalina-Alexandra Daniluc, Amanda Claudia Schuldesz and Mihaela Adriana Simu
Medicina 2025, 61(2), 267; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61020267 - 4 Feb 2025
Viewed by 946
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Systolic blood pressure (SBP) variability has been increasingly associated with cardiovascular outcomes, including stroke. This study aimed to evaluate the association between visit-to-visit SBP variability and the risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Materials and Methods: A prospective [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Systolic blood pressure (SBP) variability has been increasingly associated with cardiovascular outcomes, including stroke. This study aimed to evaluate the association between visit-to-visit SBP variability and the risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted on a set of 208 hypertensive patients over a period of three years, from August 2021 to September 2024, at the County Emergency Hospital “Pius Brinzeu”, Timișoara. Patients included in the study were stroke-free. SBP variability was quantified as the standard deviation of SBP measurements obtained quarterly. Results: This study demonstrated that systolic blood pressure (SBP) variability serves as a robust predictor of stroke incidence, underscoring its important role in cerebrovascular risk. The study cohort had an average age of 65.3 ± 9.1 years, with 53.4% males and 46.6% females. Patients in the highest SBP variability group had a 1.21-fold increased risk (21%, p = 0.031) of ischemic stroke and a 1.73-fold increased risk (73%, p = 0.005) of hemorrhagic stroke compared to those in the lowest variability group, revealing that higher SBP variability is strongly associated with an increased risk of both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, with the relationship being particularly pronounced for hemorrhagic stroke. Patients exhibiting greater fluctuations in SBP experienced significantly earlier stroke events and reduced stroke-free survival. Moreover, mortality rates were notably higher among individuals with very high SBP variability, indicating its profound impact on long-term outcomes. Conclusions: Visit-to-visit SBP variability is a significant and independent predictor of both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, emphasizing the clinical importance of monitoring and managing blood pressure stability. Further research should explore interventions to mitigate SBP variability and its impact on cerebrovascular outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease)
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Review

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13 pages, 808 KiB  
Review
Key Updates to the 2024 ESC Hypertension Guidelines and Future Perspectives
by Alexandru Burlacu, Masanari Kuwabara, Crischentian Brinza and Mehmet Kanbay
Medicina 2025, 61(2), 193; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61020193 - 23 Jan 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 6345
Abstract
Hypertension remains a critical global health challenge, significantly contributing to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality despite advancements in treatment. The 2024 ESC hypertension guidelines address persistent gaps in hypertension management by emphasizing comprehensive strategies encompassing early detection, socioeconomic barriers, lifestyle interventions, and personalized care. [...] Read more.
Hypertension remains a critical global health challenge, significantly contributing to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality despite advancements in treatment. The 2024 ESC hypertension guidelines address persistent gaps in hypertension management by emphasizing comprehensive strategies encompassing early detection, socioeconomic barriers, lifestyle interventions, and personalized care. Enhanced screening protocols, including home and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, aim for accurate diagnosis and risk stratification. Lifestyle recommendations now prioritize reducing sodium intake, increasing potassium consumption, and integrating tailored exercise regimens. Pharmacological updates advocate for single-pill combinations and stringent BP targets (<130/80 mmHg), emphasizing the benefits of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors for specific comorbidities. Minimally invasive therapies like renal denervation are explored for resistant hypertension, while digital tools such as telehealth and mobile applications enhance patient engagement and adherence. This multifaceted, patient-centered approach provides a roadmap for optimizing BP control, reducing cardiovascular risks, and addressing the complexities of hypertension in diverse populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease)
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