We need research for scientific advancement, to contribute to what we know or contradict what is known. We need to test theories in a systematic manner and for our results to be communicated, hopefully be replicated, and generate more questions for the future.

Most deaths from cardiovascular disease result from coronary artery disease (CAD). In the country, it consistently has been the most common cause of overall mortality for the last 10 years. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of hospitalization due to CAD using data collected from PhilHealth hospitalization claims from January 1 to December 31, 2017.

Here we report the case of a patient who underwent TEVAR with total debranching of supra-aortic trunks. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) can be limited by inadequate proximal and distal landing zones. Debranching or hybrid TEVAR has emerged as an important modality to expand landing zones and facilitate TEVAR. The incidence of intraoperative surgical conversion remains low, but late complications and remedial secondary procedures may necessitate complex aortic reconstructions that demand advanced endovascular skills.

Radiation-induced coronary artery disease is associated with absolute risk between 0.1% and 0.5% per year after mediastinal radiotherapy of Hodgkin disease. Risk increases with time and becomes statistically significant after 10 years. This often involves the left anterior descending (LAD) and right coronary arteries with proximal arterial narrowing involving the coronary ostia. This is the first documented case of radiation-induced coronary artery disease in a 25-year-old Filipino man diagnosed with nodular sclerosing-type Hodgkin lymphoma stage IIA treated with percutaneous revascularization using bioresorbable vascular scaffolds in a bifurcation type of lesion admitted at St Luke’s Medical Center for chest pain.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) of the lower extremities is a chronically  progressive disorder characterized by the presence of arterial occlusion. Screening for PAD by  the Ankle–Brachial Index (ABI) is recommended and traditionally computed using the higher  ankle pressure divided by the higher brachial pressure. Alternative methods that utilize the lower  pressure of the pressures have been proposed with the premise of reclassifying a greater number  of at-risk individuals. 

Studies have demonstrated earlier valve degeneration in patients with bioprosthetic aortic valves (AVs), necessitating redo surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve implantation (ViV-TAVI) is a novel, off-label technique that offers a feasible alternative to SAVR. 

Infective endocarditis (IE) continues to be a fatal disease if inappropriately diagnosed or managed. This study aims to determine the clinical features, outcomes, and predictors of mortality among those with IE in our institution.

Arterial switch operation (ASO) is the preferred surgical management for  D-transposition of the great arteries. It was first performed in this institution in 1991, with a high  mortality from the expected learning curve. Two decades later, there is a need to revisit our  outcomes to further improve surgical treatment of this common cyanotic condition. 

Wellens syndrome, also known as “widow maker,” was first described by de  Zwaan et al as a pattern of electrocardiographic changes for patients with significant left anterior  descending coronary artery infarction. Early recognition could prevent an extensive infarction of  the anterior wall, which could possibly lead to the demise of the patient.