Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an umbrella term encompassing various conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. The most common types of CVD include:

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): CAD occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked due to the buildup of plaque, a process known as atherosclerosis. This can lead to chest pain (angina), heart attack, and heart failure.

• Stroke: A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted, either by a blockage (ischemic stroke) or a rupture (hemorrhagic stroke) in a blood vessel. Strokes can cause permanent brain damage, disability, and even death.

• Heart Failure: Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs and feet.

PCSK9 Inhibitors: These novel medications have shown remarkable success in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, even in patients who have not responded well to traditional statin therapy. Studies have shown that PCSK9 inhibitors can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in high-risk individuals.

SGLT-2 Inhibitors: Initially developed for type 2 diabetes, SGLT-2 inhibitors have surprised the medical community with their profound benefits for heart failure patients, even those without diabetes. These medications work by blocking the reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys, leading to increased glucose excretion in urine. This mechanism, while lowering blood sugar, also appears to have direct protective effects on the heart, independent of their glucose-lowering action. Large clinical trials have consistently shown that SGLT-2 inhibitors significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization and death from heart failure, improve symptoms, and slow the progression of the disease. This class of drugs represents a major advancement in heart failure management, offering new hope for millions affected by this condition.

Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER) for Mitral Valve Regurgitation: TEER is a minimally invasive procedure that offers a groundbreaking alternative to open-heart surgery for treating mitral valve regurgitation. In this condition, the mitral valve in the heart doesn’t close properly, allowing blood to leak backward. TEER involves inserting a catheter through a vein in the groin and guiding it to the heart. A small clip is then implanted on the mitral valve leaflets, mimicking the effect of surgical repair. TEER has shown excellent results in improving symptoms, heart function, and quality of life for patients with severe mitral regurgitation who are at high risk for surgery.