2018 Update of the Report of the Philippine College of Cardiology/Philippine Heart Association, Specialty Board of Adult Cardiology, Task Force for Core Curriculum Guidelines

For detecting myocardial injury in severe and critical COVID-19, the electrocardiogram (ECG) is neither sensitive nor specific, but in a resource-poor environment, it remains relevant. Changes in the ECG can be a potential marker of severe and critical COVID-19 to be used for predicting not only disease severity but also the prognosis for recovery. The admitting and interval ECGs of 1333 COVID-19 patients were reviewed in a 2-year, single-center, retrospective cohort study.

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters entrap emboli from the periphery going to the pulmonary circulation, preventing pulmonary embolism (PE). Studies show that many IVC filter insertions are done for weak or non–guideline-directed indications. This study examined the indications for IVC filter insertion in a tertiary care hospital in Metro Manila, adherence to society guidelines, and clinical outcomes after filter insertion.

Since earlier days of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), there has been improvement in several aspects of PCI including use of transradial approach and third-generation drug-eluting stents. Despite data showing its safety, same-day discharge (SDD) PCI has not been widely practiced in our institution and country. At present, there are no published studies from the Philippines showing the safety and outcome of SDD PCI. The primary objective of this study is to determine and compare the safety and outcomes of SDD versus overnight observation after PCI in The Medical City from 2018 to 2021.

Brugada syndrome is an inheritable syndrome that carries an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. This study aims to delineate the natural history, clinical and electrophysiologic profile, treatment strategies, and outcomes of patients with Brugada pattern electrocardiogram (ECG) and Brugada syndrome in a tertiary care hospital in the Philippines. 

Dual-antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor is the standard for the prevention of thrombotic events in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients are a subgroup with a higher risk of bleeding and thrombotic events after PCI. This meta-analysis aimed to determine whether ticagrelor monotherapy after an initial short-course DAPT is an effective and safe option in preventing thrombotic events among DM patients undergoing PC.

The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge, perceptions, insights and attitudes on cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention, personal health-related lifestyle practices, and lifestyle counseling practices of selected female physicians who are practicing or training in the PH.

Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death and major causes of disability and loss of productivity in adults worldwide. Inflammation is a key feature of atherosclerosis and its clinical manifestations. Because inflammation plays a key role in atherosclerosis and its end results, discovering new biomarkers of inflammation becomes important to help diagnostic accuracy and provide prognostic information about coronary artery disease (CAD). The eosinophil count and eosinophil-to-leukocyte ratio (ELR), in particular, have become novel biomarkers for risk assessment in patients with CAD. The current study aimed to evaluate the association of ELR with presence of CAD.

Although atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained arrhythmia, data in the Philippines are scarce. Limited data exist as to its prevalence, complications and management patterns. Notwithstanding the lack of data, state-of-the-art management and local experts are available however accessibility remains to pose a significant challenge.

The 2022 annual report of the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society reported that the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in the Philippines from 2018 to 2021 was between 0.20%-0.40%.1

This prevalence is expected to inflate unless measures are adapted for its early screening, diagnosis and compendious management. Through the years, approaches to the management of atrial fibrillation have undergone evolutionary change. Dr. Erdie Fadreguilan has discussed the evidences in his article “The Management of Atrial Fibrillation in the Philippines: A State-of-the-Art Review”. It underscores the succinct strategies to curtail the progression of paroxysmal AF to persistent one and attenuate the complications caused by AF.