Objective: Coronary atherosclerosis is one of the major causes of coronary artery disease. Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory process involving vascular wall cells, monocytes, T-lymphocytes, pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemoattractant cytokines (chemokines), and growth factors. The presence of inflammatory cells in the atherosclerotic lesion and elevated levels of the inflammatory markers in peripheral circulation correspond to an active inflammatory process in the body. In view of this background, this study was undertaken to evaluate the association between activation of inflammatory cytokines and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Furthermore, the correlation of these factors with severity of ACS and in-hospital mortality outcomes was studied. Study Design: It is a prospective case–control study, including forty cases of ACS (as per the inclusion criteria listed below) and twenty controls. The levels of inflammatory markers interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and troponin I were estimated in cases and controls. The levels of these markers in the peripheral circulation were also stratified on the basis of the presenting ACS type (unstable angina, non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction, and ST-elevation myocardial infarction). All statistical data were analyzed using SPSS software version 19 Statistical package for windows (Chicago, Inc., IL, USA). Results: The levels of inflammatory markers such as IL-6, TNF-α, and troponin I were higher in the ACS group than the control, and difference was statistically significant. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant difference in the levels of these markers between the various ACS groups. Conclusions: The circulating levels of inflammatory markers such as IL-6 and TNF-α are significantly elevated in patients with ACS, supporting the view that inflammatory cytokines are associated with ACS. There is a direct correlation of the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α with the severity of ACS and in-hospital mortality in these cases.

Introduction: Heart failure (HF) is an important emerging public health problem of the modern world. The scenario of HF in developing and underdeveloped countries is largely unknown. This study was carried out to understand the clinical profile of HF patients treated at a tertiary care center. Methods: It was a single-center, prospective, observational study carried out during the period 2011–2012 at MS Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, Bengaluru. All the patients admitted to the cardiology unit with a diagnosis of HF were selected, and baseline patient characteristics were noted. Patients were investigated as per the clinical need and data documented. Results: Of the 97 patients included, 41 (42.3%) were female, and 56 (57.7%) were male. Majority belonged to 65–79 years age group (59.79%) and octogenarians constituted 15.46% of our study participants. Almost all the males (94.64%) were overweight (body mass index between 25 and 29.9 kg/m²), whereas 48.78% females were overweight, 12.19% belonged to obesity Class I. 85.37% females had the waist circumference >80 cm and 73.21% males >90 cm. Hypertension (79.38%), diabetes mellitus (DM) (62.89%), and coronary artery disease (CAD) (44.33%) were the commonly associated comorbidities. Among other factors studied, anemia was seen in 24.39% female, and 32.14% of male patients. Conclusion: This study showed that a significant proportion of inpatients belonged to elderly age group. Octogenarians also formed a sizeable proportion of patients. Hypertension, CAD, DM, overweight, and anemia were identified as the commonly associated comorbidities and understanding the complex interplay of these factors to plan optimal treatment strategy is of great challenge to the physician, especially when dealing with the elderly and very elderly group.

Saturated fats have been in the line of fire for more than three decades. The major mistake in understanding fats was to equate all saturated fatty acids as one. The oversimplification of the relationship of saturated fats with cardiovascular disease (CVD) led to unwarranted removal of some valuable fats from our diets. Recently, the relationship of dietary saturated fats and that of individual saturated fatty acids (SFAs) to CVD risk has been reevaluated. All saturated fats are not equal and these fats are not as bad as they are made out to be. Thus, not all SFAs in natural fats are atherogenic (formation of fatty deposits in arteries). Butter, clarified butter (desi ghee), coconut oil, and palm oil as a part of a healthy diet are not contraindicated. The review of literature clearly suggests a relook at saturated fats with respect to atherogenicity and over health.

Early diagnosis of cancer and advances in the methods of cancer treatment over the past 25–30 years has led to increased number of cancer survivors. However, the conventional cancer treatments, radiotherapy, and the newer targeted therapy while successful at treating cancers are known to cause ill effects on the heart. Cardiotoxicity can develop during cancer treatment or can occur within days or months or even years after cessation of cancer treatment. The side effects of cancer treatment on the heart can be transient or can sometimes cause permanent damage to the heart, requiring life-long cardiac medications. The cardiovascular complications include myocardial dysfunction and heart failure, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, arterial hypertension, arrhythmia, QT prolongation, peripheral vascular disease, thromboembolic disease, and pericardial diseases. Chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity can sometimes affect the ongoing cancer treatment, reduce quality of life, and increase the risk of death from cardiac-related causes. Early diagnosis of cardiac side effects using biomarkers such and imaging followed by initiation of cardioprotective drug is of utmost importance, so that the cancer patient can get overall benefit of life-saving cancer therapy. A long-term follow-up to identify late cardiac complications is also encouraged.

Anthracycline group of antineoplastic agents is notorious for causing cumulative dose induced cardiotoxicity which is more pronounced in elderly patients and in patients with preexisting cardiac comorbidities. Several preventive strategies have been explored with variable success and without randomized studies and insufficient data. Dexrazoxane is an ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid analog which has been found to be effective when used before or along with anthracycline infusion. The drug is also found to be useful in counteracting injuries caused due to anthracycline extravasation in the tissues.

The ever-increasing use of radio devices (mobile phones) has led to widespread concerns among consumers, operators, and governmental authorities regarding environmental and health risks of their use. Various studies have demonstrated the relationship of radiowave exposure with biological effects in the body ranging from molecular to organ scale damage. However, most of them considerably failed to establish a causal association primarily owing to potential biases and errors in their conduct and analysis. Mobile usage also has both social and environmental impacts which have prompted the public health agencies to enforce certain regulations which however remain controversial due to lack of credible research evidence. In such scenario, it is recommended that mobile exposure should be minimized, especially among vulnerable populations. In addition, unbiased high-quality research is needed so as to bring more clarity to the subject and guide governmental policy and regulations.

South Asians have a very high incidence of cardiometabolic diseases such as hypertension, central abdominal obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. In spite of the fact that common risk factors associated with these clinical conditions are known, we do not have point-of-care assays, to monitor the disease of the vessels, and the efficacy of antiplatelet therapy. We have a window of opportunity to develop three-dimensional ultrasound methodologies, to monitor the subclinical atherosclerosis, altered flow velocities of regional vascular beds, as well as plaque progression and regression in the major vessels. We also have opportunities to develop state-of-the-art methodologies for monitoring the efficacy or otherwise of antiplatelet therapies. In this overview, we share our views and strategies for the development of affordable medical technologies in India, for monitoring vessel wall pathology as well as for better management of antiplatelet therapies.

The incidence and prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) are burgeoning in many countries, including India. Lifestyle management and the use of appropriate preventive therapies are keys to halting this rapidly growing public health problem. Importantly, the role of psychosocial stress in causation of CVD is now being increasingly recognized. It is important to recognize the positive aspects of life and suppress the negative personality traits to achieve long-term happiness and physical health, free from CVD.