Objective: Hyperlipidemia is a well-known metabolic indicator of cardiovascular risk, but its role in pulmonary hypertension (PH) has not yet been fully determined. Therefore, we evaluated whether the levels of total cholesterol (TC)/high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL)/HDL, and triglyceride/HDL, which are new applications in clinical practice, change in patients with PH. Material and Methods: Eighty-nine males (51.7%) and 83 females (48.3%) with systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP) of 40 mmHg and above, who underwent transthoracic echocardiography, were included in the study. Ratios of TC/HDL, LDL/HDL, and triglyceride/HDL were obtained from the fasting blood biochemistry values of the patients. These values were statistically compared using the SPSS 21 program. Results: A statistically significant positive correlation was found between sPAP values obtained echocardiographically and the ratios of TC/HDL, LDL/HDL, and triglyceride/HDL (respectively; p<0.001, r=0.285; p<0.001, r=0.310; and p=0.035, r=0.161). The likelihood of severe PH (sPAP =60 mmHg) was predicted with TK/HDL ratio (=4.1) with 64% sensitivity - 54% specificity, LDL/HDL ratio (=2.6) with 60% sensitivity - 56% specificity, and triglyceride/HDL ratio (=2.7) with 60% sensitivity - 51% specificity (respectively, p<0.001, p=0.002, p=0.024). Conclusions: In conclusion, our study highlights the significance of lipidemic changes in PH by providing innovative diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. These findings have the potential to reshape PH management strategies.

Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are widely used worldwide for the management of hypertension, heart failure, and cardio-renal protection. However, the widespread use of ARBs has become a subject of debate in recent years, particularly with the publication of several articles regarding the cancer risk associated with generic ARBs. This review examines the current status of the relationship between ARBs and cancer.

This report aims to discuss the management of radial artery spasm (RAS) during a transradial approach (TRA) in percutaneous coronary intervention, highlighting the challenges encountered during initial puncture. A 73-year-old male with a history of coronary and peripheral artery disease presented with exertional angina. TRA was chosen as the access technique. The patient was suspected to develop RAS when guidewire failed to advance. Contrast medium, nitroglycerin, and verapamil was administrated through a Seldinger needle, identifying the spasm level and enabling successful re-puncture proximal to the spasm site.The case highlights the importance of prompt recognition and effective management of RAS in TRA. Administration of medications through the Seldinger needle, along with precise estimation of the repuncture site, made the initial procedure to go through as planned.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the relationship between sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and arrhythmias in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus who had a preserved ejection fraction. Material and Methods: The study comprised 70 random individuals who were admitted the University of Health Sciences Turkey, Antalya Training and Research Hospital internal medicine policlinic between October 2019 and May 2021 and who started empaglifozin. The patients’ electrocardiograms were obtained at the start and finish of the sixth month. At the start and after 6 months of empaglifozin treatment, echocardiography was done. Results: When basal and 6th month electrocardiograms were compared, significant changes were observed in P wave dispersion (0.0376±0.005- 0.0361±0.0049 p<0.007), QT interval dispersion (0.0389±0.0052-0.0376±0.0043 p<0.005) and QTc interval dispersion (0.051±0.0047- 0.049±0.0047 p<0.003). Conclusions: In our study, we concluded that empaglifozin has a direct and indirect beneficial effect on arrhythmia and does not have a harmful effect. Longer follow-up research will be guided by the results of our study.

This case aims to draw attention to cardiopulmonary findings that develop as a result of blunt trauma in osteoporotic patients and to emphasize the importance of rapid, appropriate diagnosis and treatment. A 93-year-old female patient with a history of osteoporosis and hypertension presented with pain in the chest and right orbit after tripping and falling. Non-contrast thorax and brain computed tomography (CT) was requested for the patient. Thorax CT showed free air embolism in the right ventricle and pulmonary artery, and brain CT showed widespread pneumocephalus adjacent to sphenoid bone fracture. Durant maneuver was applied to the patient, whose hemodynamics were stable, and he was monitored. Three hours later, contrast-enhanced thorax CT showed that free air had disappeared. The patient’s complaints subsided, and upon the recommendation of the neurologist, intensive care follow-up was recommended due to a possible epileptic seizure attack. In this case, we wanted to emphasize the clinical approach to the association of right ventricle, pulmonary artery air embolism and pneumocephalus, which is quite rare and has a high mortality rate.

Objective: The central role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases is increasingly recognized. Chronic inflammation emerges as a key factor in the underlying processes of atherosclerosis, directly influencing plaque formation, progression, and complications. The systemic immune-inflammatory index is a measure reflecting the immune response and has been associated with coronary artery disease. It is known that high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels can reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. This study investigated whether the ratio of the systemic immune-inflammatory index to anti-inflammatory high-density lipoprotein is effective in predicting coronary artery disease in diagnosed patients. Material and Methods: This retrospective case-control study was conducted between October 2022 and May 2023 at our clinic among patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease through examinations (coronary computed tomography angiography and coronary angiography; case group: n=230) and those not diagnosed (control group: n=263). The presence of coronary artery disease was defined, consistent with previous studies, as a 50% or greater narrowing in the coronary artery. Results: Our study showed that the systemic immune-inflammatory index/high-density lipoprotein ratio was higher in the coronary artery disease group. Logistic regression analysis indicated that age, hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol levels, kidney function, and the systemic immune-inflammatory index/high-density lipoprotein ratio are independent predictors of coronary artery disease. Conclusion: The systemic immune-inflammatory index/high-density lipoprotein ratio has been shown as a potential index in determining coronary artery disease. This can provide clinicians with a fast, inexpensive, and effective screening test and may gain further importance in the future.