January-June 2023
In this issue of the Philippine Journal of Cardiology, we feature two guideline articles, six original research articles and a case report. Each article is a product of the perseverance and persistence of the stonecutter in each researcher. Every successful completion of a research work that equates to its publication and citation is made possible because of the first crack at the rock on day one, and the repetitive cracks made day in and day out, ultimately leading to its printed final article.
The Stonecutter
This “Stonecutter’s Credo” serves as a philosophy about perseverance and persistence in our work. A stonecutter works for hours or days cutting down hard stones into desired shapes.
Philippine Learning Framework for Specialty Fellows in General Adult Cardiology
Update of the Report of the: Philippine College of Cardiology/Philippine Heart Association, Specialty Board of Adult Cardiology, Task Force for Core Curriculum Guidelines, Heads and Training Officers of Cardiology Training Institutions
Interim Guidance for Training Programs in Philippine Adult Cardiology During the COVID-19 Pandemic
A Special Report of the Joint Task Force on Adult Cardiology Training: the Subcommittee on Core Curriculum, Heads and Training Officers of Various Training Programs, and the Specialty Board of Adult Cardiology, Philippine College of Cardiology/Philippine Heart Association
Noninvasive Hemodynamic Profiling of Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis Using a Handheld Ultrasound Device
Accurate determination of volume status for patients with end-stage renal disease is essential in determining ultrafiltration rate during hemodialysis (HD). To complement the current dry weight method, inferior vena cava (IVC) collapsibility, made accessible by point of-care ultrasonography, is considered. This study determined the utility of IVC measurement in estimating the volume status of patients during HD in comparison to clinical parameters.
Comparison of Radial Artery Occlusion Occurrence Between Compression Band Device and Manually Applied Gauze Compression After Transradial Coronary Procedure
Hemostasis of the radial artery after transradial coronary procedure can be achieved either manually by means of a gauze or through a device compression band, and radial artery occlusion (RAO) is one of its common complications. The study sought to compare the occurrence of RAO between the two hemostasis methods being used after a transradial coronary procedure.
Diagnostic Performance of Electrocardiographic Criteria Compared With Echocardiographic Diagnosis of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Patients at the Outpatient Department
Several electrocardiographic (ECG) criteria have previously been suggested to diagnose left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Studies on diagnostic performance of each criterion in Asian population were limited and this study was done to determine the diagnostic performance of the six different ECG criteria, including the newly developed Peguero–Lo Presti criterion, in diagnosing LVH in Filipino patients.
Perspectives of Adult Cardiology Consultants Regarding Practice of Clinical Cardiology in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Q Methodology Study
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has drastically changed lives, challenging all to adapt new norms and survive. Safety guidelines for physician have been set, yet fear for health and safety hounds the physician.
The aims of this study were to segment cardiologists’ viewpoints according to perceived stressors and coping mechanisms in their clinical practice during the COVID-19 pandemic and to draw implications to coping in the light of the model of salutogenesis.
Windows, Wings and Wonder: Advanced Cardiac Imaging Via Transesophageal Two-Dimensional and Transthoracic Three-Dimensional Echocardiography for the Accurate Diagnosis of Double-Orifice Mitral Valve in the Background of Primum Atrial Septal Defect: A Case Report
The assessment of mitral valve anatomy can be difficult or even misleading on standard cardiac imaging procedures. Such is the scenario in a 40-year-old woman with an incidental finding of atrial septal defect (ASD) and consideration of a trileaflet versus double-orifice mitral valve (DOMV) on transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography.
A Comparison of the 6-Minute Walk Test to Treadmill Exercise Test as a Tool to Evaluate Functional Capacity in Healthy ManilaMed Employees: The CoST TET Study
Functional capacity is a strong predictor of mortality and nonfatal cardiovascular outcomes in both men and women with and without coronary artery disease. This study aimed to compare the distance traveled of the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) to the metabolic equivalent (MET) of the treadmill exercise test (TET) as a measure of functional capacity among healthy ManilaMed (Medical Center Manila) employees and to determine and compare the distance traveled in 6MWT and the MET of TET according to general characteristics such as age, sex, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) as determinants of maximal walking distance and the cause of the early termination of the TET.
Clinical Profile and Management Approach of Patients Diagnosed with Resistant Hypertension in the Philippine General Hospital
Resistant hypertension is blood pressure (BP) that remains above target despite treatment with maximum doses of three antihypertensive drugs, which may include a diuretic. The prevalence of resistant hypertension is unknown, and there are no local studies in the Philippines concerning this condition. A retrospective descriptive cohort study was conducted in the Hypertension Clinic of the Section of Hypertension of the Philippine General Hospital.
Commentary on “Clinical Profile and Management Approach of Patients Diagnosed with Resistant Hypertension in the Philippine General Hospital”
This descriptive cohort conducted at the Philippine General Hospital focused on the burden of resistant hypertension in the institution’s hypertension clinic. Resistant hypertension is generally defined as uncontrolled blood pressure despite maximum doses of three anti hypertensives (including a diuretic) after ruling out pseudo-resistant hypertension (e.g., improper measurements, white coat effect, poor adherence to medications).