Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD) is a rare X-linked muscular dystrophy, with an incidence of 3 in 100,000 live male births. The most common cardiac presentation is cardiomyopathy (occurs in 50% of cases) and conduction disorders. This is a case of a 27 year-old male who was diagnosed with BMD during his childhood. He developed gradual progressive muscle weakness with decrease in basal functional capacity.

The most common mycobacterial species causing infection in the Philippines is Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have not been reported in Philippine literature to disseminate to the pericardium. We present a case of disseminated mycobacterial (tuberculous and non-tuberculous co-infection) involving the pericardium, pleura, spleen and abdominal wall.

The objective is to determine the utility of micro-bubble hang-out time (MHT) in determining reversal of pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) by oxygen challenge test among patients with shunt anomalies. This is a cross-sectional study involving 16 in-patients aged older than 14 years, with an isolated shunt anomaly, a pulmonary artery pressure of greater than 60 mmHg who underwent a hemodynamic study (HS).

Ebstein Anomaly (EA) is a rare congenital heart disease. Clinical presentation depends on the severity of tricuspid valve displacement and associated intracardiac congenital anomalies. Surgical indications have been described on recent guidelines, resulting in favorable outcomes in well-selected patients. There is no published experience in tricuspid valve surgery for EA in the Philippines. 

Despite important advances in the treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), the risk of recurrent ischemic events remains high. This generates interest for improved antithrombotic therapy in addition to the current standard management of dual anti-platelet therapy. This study aimed to evaluate randomized controlled trials on the efficacy and safety of new oral anticoagulants (NOACs) compared with placebo in patients receiving dual anti-platelet therapy after an ACS.

Low high density lipoprotein (HDL), a common problem among Filipinos, is associated with cardiovascular disease. The association between HDL and outcomes of coronary stenting particularly among Filipinos has not been evaluated. The objective is to determine the association of baseline HDL levels to major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at 1 month and 1 year after percutaneous coronary stenting among Filipinos. 

Symptomatic, severe aortic stenosis (AS) is a potentially life threatening and functionally limiting disease that typically affects the elderly. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) may be an effective, minimally invasive valve replacement technique comparable to surgical aortic valve replacement for high-risk patients with severe, symptomatic AS. 

The Council on Hypertension (COH) has observed a progressive rise in the prevalence of hypertension in the Philippines based on the series of nationwide surveys it conducted from 1992 up to 2007. The increasing prevalence was associated with low rates of blood pressure (BP) control and treatment compliance; an increasing prevalence of co-morbidities; and evidence of target organ damage. 

Onset of atrial fibrillation (AF) is related to congestive heart failure (CHF) severity. The renin angiotensin-aldosterone system activates the mineralcorticoid receptor in patients with CHF, increasing the concentration of aldosterone and cortisol levels. Prolonged, these may cause deleterious effects leading to arrhythmia, worsening of CHF and mortality. Aldosterone antagonists may influence the atrial fibrosis and remodeling, which may prevent the onset of AF in patients with CHF.