Journal of Interventional and General Cardiology

Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of mortality worldwide, urging the continual pursuit of innovative therapeutic strategies. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) emerges as a promising technique in cardiac care, leveraging light activation of photosensitizing agents to induce localized cytotoxicity or modulate biological pathways. This abstract delves into recent advancements in PDT applications for cardiac conditions, highlighting its potential to revolutionize treatment paradigms. Firstly, we explore PDT's efficacy in treating atherosclerosis, a pivotal contributor to coronary artery disease. Preclinical studies demonstrate the capacity of PDT to selectively target atherosclerotic plaques, promoting plaque stabilization and regression while minimizing systemic side effects. Moreover, PDT's ability to modulate inflammatory responses within plaque microenvironments presents a multifaceted approach to combating atherosclerosis progression.

Medication non-adherence poses a significant challenge across various medical specialties, including rheumatology, oncology, and cardiology, compromising treatment efficacy and patient outcomes. This review synthesizes current literature to elucidate risk factors contributing to medication non-adherence in these fields and assesses interventions aimed at mitigating this issue. Common risk factors identified include complex medication regimens, financial constraints, cognitive impairment, psychological factors, and lack of social support. Interventions to improve adherence encompass multifaceted approaches, including patient education, medication simplification, technological aids (e.g., reminders, smartphone applications), behavioural interventions, and healthcare system enhancements (e.g., pharmacist-led interventions, collaborative care models). Tailored interventions, addressing specific patient needs and preferences, demonstrate promising results in enhancing medication adherence. However, the optimal strategies remain elusive, warranting further research to refine approaches tailored to the unique challenges within rheumatology, oncology, and cardiology settings. Effective adherence interventions hold the potential to optimize treatment outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and improve patient well-being across these specialties.

Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) is a life-threatening condition characterized by the sudden interruption of blood flow to the heart muscle, leading to tissue damage and potentially fatal outcomes. Reperfusion therapy, aimed at restoring blood flow to the affected area, is the primary intervention for AMI. However, paradoxically, the process of reperfusion itself can induce additional injury, known as reperfusion injury. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of reperfusion injury is crucial for developing effective cardio protective strategies. This article explores the role of angiotensin II receptors in reperfusion injury and discusses potential therapeutic interventions targeting these receptors for cardioprotection in AMI.

Background: Arterial hypertension remains a significant global health burden, with a substantial proportion of patients experiencing uncontrolled blood pressure despite optimal medical therapy. Renal Denervation (RDN) has emerged as a potential therapeutic modality for such cases, offering a complementary approach to traditional pharmacotherapy.

Objective: This review aims to summarize the current evidence regarding the efficacy, safety, and potential role of renal denervation as a complementary treatment option for patients with uncontrolled arterial hypertension.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using electronic databases including Indexed at, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Relevant studies, including randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and systematic reviews, were selected and analyzed.

Results: Several clinical trials and observational studies have demonstrated the efficacy of renal denervation in reducing blood pressure in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Meta-analyses have shown significant reductions in both office and ambulatory blood pressure following renal denervation procedures. Additionally, RDN appears to have a favorable safety profile, with low rates of procedural complications reported in contemporary studies. However, further research is warranted to elucidate the long-term efficacy and safety of RDN, particularly in diverse patient populations and in comparison with standard medical therapy.

Conclusion: Renal denervation represents a promising complementary treatment option for patients with uncontrolled arterial hypertension despite optimal medical therapy. While current evidence suggests favourable short-term outcomes, ongoing research efforts are necessary to establish its role in routine clinical practice and to refine patient selection criteria and procedural techniques.