Cardiovascular Prevention and Pharmacotherapy

Review Articles

Characteristics of Patients with Vasospastic Angina in Korea: Data from a Large Cohort (VA-KOREA): Sung Eun Kim, Sang-Ho Jo, Won-Woo Seo, Min-Ho Lee, Hyun-Jin Kim, Seong-Sik Cho, Kwan Yong Lee, Dong-Soo Kim, Tae-Hyun Yang, Sung-Ho Her, Seung Hwan Han, Byoung-Kwon Lee, Youngkeun Ahn, Seung-Woon Rha, Hyeon-Cheol Gwon, Dong-Ju Choi, Sang Hong Baek; Cardiovasc Prev Pharmacother. 2021;3(3):47-53. Published online July 31, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.36011/cpp.2021.3.e8

Abstract PDF: The Variant Angina Korea (VA-KOREA) registry is a nationwide prospective multicenter registry designed to reflect the real-world clinical data of Korean patients with vasospastic angina (VSA). A total of 2,960 patients with chest pain and presumed VSA who underwent coronary angiography (CAG) and an ergonovine provocation test were enrolled. The primary endpoint composite of death from any cause, acute coronary syndrome, and newonset symptomatic arrhythmia during the 3-year follow-up was investigated for patient characteristics, laboratory findings, CAG findings, and medications. This article reviewed the current status of VSA in Korea and new findings from VA-KOREA registries to improve the treatment and prognosis of patients with VSA.

Perioperative Management of Hypertensive Patients: Helsi Rismiati, Hae-Young Lee; Cardiovasc Prev Pharmacother. 2021;3(3):54-63. Published online July 31, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.36011/cpp.2021.3.e7

Abstract PDF: Due to the high prevalence of hypertension, hypertensive patients undergo perioperative evaluation and management. Severe hypertension may increase the operative risk. However, hypertension with a diastolic blood pressure of less than 110 mmHg usually does not appear to increase the risk. In general, it is recommended that oral antihypertensive drugs be continued before and after surgery. In particular, sympathetic blockers, such as beta-blockers, should be maintained. It is generally recommended to continue intake of calcium channel blockers, especially for surgeries with a low bleeding risk. However, in the case of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, it is recommended that they be stopped 24 hours before surgery because they can inhibit excessive compensatory renin-angiotensin activation during surgery. Statin and aspirin medications are often prescribed for patients with hypertension. It is recommended to continue intake of statins in the perioperative period. Aspirins are recommended for low-risk patients undergoing noncardiac surgery.

Special Article

Perceptron: Basic Principles of Deep Neural Networks: Eung-Hee Kim, Hun-Sung Kim; Cardiovasc Prev Pharmacother. 2021;3(3):64-72. Published online July 31, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.36011/cpp.2021.3.e9

Abstract PDF: Big data, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning have received considerable attention in the medical field. Attempts to use such machine learning in areas where medical decisions are difficult or necessary are continuously being made. To date, there have been many attempts to solve problems associated with the use of machine learning by using deep learning; hence, physicians should also have basic knowledge in this regard. Deep neural networks are one of the most actively studied methods in the field of machine learning. The perceptron is one of these artificial neural network models, and it can be considered as the starting point of artificial neural network models. Perceptrons receive various inputs and produce one output. In a perceptron, various weights (ω) are given to various inputs, and as ω becomes larger, it becomes an important factor. In other words, a perceptron is an algorithm with both input and output. When an input is provided, the output is produced according to a set rule. In this paper, the decision rules of the perceptron and its basic principles are examined. The intent is to provide a wide range of physicians with an understanding of the latest machine-learning methodologies based on deep neural networks.

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