The Coronary ARteriogenesis with combined Heparin and EXercise therapy in chronic refractory Angina (CARHEXA) trial: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled stress echocardiographic study

The clinical use of stress echocardiography in chronic coronary syndromes and beyond coronary artery disease: a clinical consensus statement from the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging of the ESC

Since the 2009 publication of the stress echocardiography expert consensus of the European Association of Echocardiography, and after the 2016 advice of the American Society of Echocardiography-European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging for applications beyond coronary artery disease, new information has become available regarding stress echo. Until recently, the assessment of regional wall motion abnormality was the only universally practiced step of stress echo. In the state-of-the-art ABCDE protocol, regional wall motion abnormality remains the main step A, but at the same time, regional perfusion using ultrasound-contrast agents may be assessed. Diastolic function and pulmonary B-lines are assessed in step B; left ventricular contractile and preload reserve with volumetric echocardiography in step C; Doppler-based coronary flow velocity reserve in the left anterior descending coronary artery in step D; and ECG-based heart rate reserve in non-imaging step E. These five biomarkers converge, conceptually and methodologically, in the ABCDE protocol allowing comprehensive risk stratification of the vulnerable patient with chronic coronary syndromes. The present document summarizes current practice guidelines recommendations and training requirements and harmonizes the clinical guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology in many diverse cardiac conditions, from chronic coronary syndromes to valvular heart disease. The continuous refinement of imaging technology and the diffusion of ultrasound-contrast agents improve image quality, feasibility, and reader accuracy in assessing wall motion and perfusion, left ventricular volumes, and coronary flow velocity. Carotid imaging detects pre-obstructive atherosclerosis and improves risk prediction similarly to coronary atherosclerosis. The revolutionary impact of artificial intelligence on echocardiographic image acquisition and analysis makes stress echo more operator-independent and objective. Stress echo has unique features of low cost, versatility, and universal availability. It does not need ionizing radiation exposure and has near-zero carbon dioxide emissions. Stress echo is a convenient and sustainable choice for functional testing within and beyond coronary artery disease.

The Effects of Exercise on Coronary Collateral Circulation: A Review

The effects of exercise on the cardiovascular system are multifaceted and complex. It is well-documented that exercise can reduce mortality related to cardiovascular pathology. One anatomical structure that has been implicated in this process is the coronary collateral circulation. The goal of this review is to evaluate the current literature on the effects of exercise on human coronary collateral circulation. A search for literature was conducted on the databases Science Direct and PubMed using the terms: coronary collateral, collateral, exercise, physical activity, resistance training, endurance training, and collateral artery. Research that had the primary outcome of assessing human coronary collateralization secondary to exercise was included. Research in which the effect of exercise was not the primary outcome was excluded. As a result, a total of 13 research papers on the effects of exercise on coronary collateral circulation were included. Thirteen original research papers were reviewed. The mean age range in all studies was between 48 and 64 years old. There was a predominance of male participants, with a total of 597 male patients and 108 female patients across all studies. It was found that initial research underestimated the effect of exercise on coronary collateral circulation due to a lack of sensitive assessment methods. With the introduction of sensitive measures like the collateral flow index (CFI) and Rentrop scoring, results have shown that coronary collateral function can be increased with exercise. Exercise has been shown to enhance coronary collateral function. There is limited evidence as to which type, duration, or intensity of exercise is most favourable to enhance coronary collateral function. There is also relatively little data on the effects of exercise in the female population and those over the age of 65 years. More research is required to determine the specific effects of exercise on coronary collateral circulation in various age groups, genders, co-morbidities, specific exercise modalities, durations, intensities, and the effect of pharmacotherapy.

Leptomeningeal anastomoses: Mechanisms of pial collateral remodeling in ischemic stroke

Arterial collateralization, as determined by leptomeningeal anastomoses or pial collateral vessels, is a well‐established vital player in cerebral blood flow restoration and neurological recovery from ischemic stroke. A secondary network of cerebral collateral circulation apart from the Circle of Willis, exist as remnants of arteriole development that connect the distal arteries in the pia mater. Recent interest lies in understanding the cellular and molecular adaptations that control the growth and remodeling, or arteriogenesis, of these pre‐existing collateral vessels. New findings from both animal models and human studies of ischemic stroke suggest a multi‐factorial and complex, temporospatial interplay of endothelium, immune and vessel‐associated cell interactions may work in concert to facilitate or thwart arteriogenesis. These valuable reports may provide critical insight into potential predictors of the pial collateral response in patients with large vessel occlusion and may aid in therapeutics to enhance collateral function and improve recovery from stroke.

This article is categorized under:

Neurological Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology

New Ultrasound Technologies for Ischemic Heart Disease Assessment and Monitoring in Cardiac Rehabilitation

Owing to its ease of application, noninvasive nature, and safety, echocardiography is an essential imaging modality to assess cardiac function in patients affected by ischemic heart disease (IHD). Over the past few decades, we have witnessed a continuous series of evolutions in the ultrasound field that have led to the introduction of innovative echocardiographic modalities which allowed to better understand the morphofunctional abnormalities occurring in cardiovascular diseases. This article offers an overview of some of the newest echocardiographic modalities and their promising application in IHD diagnosis, risk stratification, management, and monitoring after cardiac rehabilitation.