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Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic had an adverse impact on several cardiovascular risk factors. This study investigated the prevalence, awareness and treatment of hypertension in Greece before and after the pandemic. Data were collected in the context of the May Measurement Month (MMM) global survey initiated by the International Society of Hypertension., Methods: Adult volunteers (age ≥ 18 years) were recruited through opportunistic screening in public areas across cities in Greece in 2019 and 2022. Medical history and triplicate sitting blood pressure (BP) measurements were taken using validated automated upper-arm cuff devices. The data were uploaded to the international MMM cloud platform. Hypertension was defined as systolic BP ≥ 140 mm Hg and/or diastolic ≥90 mm Hg and/or self-reported use of drugs for hypertension. The same threshold was used to define uncontrolled BP in treated individuals., Results: Data from 12,080 adults were collected (5,727/6,353 in MMM 2019/2022; men 46/49%, p < 0.01; mean age 52.7 ± 16.6/54.8 ± 16.2, p < 0.001; smokers, 24.7/30.5, p < 0.001; diabetics 12/11.5%, p = NS; cardiovascular disease 5/5.8%, p = NS). The prevalence of hypertension was 41.6/42.6% (MMM 2019/2022, p = NS), with 21.3/27.5% of individuals with hypertension being unaware of their condition (p < 0.001), 5.6/2.4% aware untreated (p < 0.001), 24.8/22.1% treated uncontrolled (p < 0.05), and 48.3/47.8% treated controlled (p = NS)., Conclusion: In Greece, the COVID-19 pandemic did not appear to affect the prevalence and control of hypertension; however, the rate of undiagnosed hypertension was higher after the pandemic. National strategies need to be implemented for the early detection and optimal management of hypertension in the general population in Greece., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest M.S.K. has received lecture and consulting fees from Elpen, Menarini, Guidotti, and Servier. Α.Κ. has received lecture and consulting fees from Elpen, Menarini, and Servier. D.K. has received lecture and consulting fees from Servier, Elpen, and Menarini. V.K. has received lecture and consulting fees from Elpen, Menarini, Servier, Vianex, Viatris, and Novartis. A.Ma. has received lecture and consulting fees from Menarini and Berlin Chemie Ferrer. G.S.S. has received lecture and consulting fees from Omron Healthcare Japan & Europe, Elpen, Menarini, and Servier., (Copyright © 2024 Hellenic Society of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Evidence suggests a crucial role for vaccines in cardiovascular disease, mediated not only by disease prevention but also by immunomodulatory effects. This review attempts to briefly present the effects of pathogens and vaccines on the cardiovascular system and potential mechanisms for the development of vaccines against cardiovascular diseases per se. Current epidemiological evidence regarding vaccine effectiveness in different categories of heart disease is discussed, as well as current international guidelines' recommendations. In summary, cardiologists should strive to promote vaccination against specific pathogens with proven beneficial effects on cardiovascular diseases., (Copyright © 2019 Hellenic Society of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Smoking during pregnancy is a risk factor associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Despite the fact that these outcomes are well known, a considerable proportion of pregnant women continue to smoke during this critical period. This paper evaluates critically smoking cessation interventions targeting pregnant women. We describe the findings of key published studies, review papers and expert statements to report the efficacy and safety of strategies for smoking cessation in pregnancy, including counselling and pharmacotherapy. Counselling appears to improve quit rates but mainly when used in combination with pharmacological therapy. Pharmacotherapy is recommended for women who are heavy smokers and are unable to quit smoking on their own. Nicotine replacement therapy is a reasonable first-line drug option. It is recommended that women who are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, should be informed of potential risks for the foetus before considering smoking cessation therapy with bupropion or varenicline. Pregnant women view electronic nicotine delivery systems as being safer than combustible cigarettes, and this indeed may be the case; however, further evidence is required to assess their effectiveness as a smoking cessation aid and their safety for the mother and the child. Postpartum relapse is a significant problem, with approximately one out of two quitters relapsing in the first 2 months after delivery. These women should be considered 'at risk' and provided with ongoing support., (Copyright © 2018 Hellenic Society of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

An 80-year-old man had severe mitral regurgitation caused by myxomatous degeneration of the leaflets and perforation of the anterior leaflet. The patient underwent a transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiographic study, and three-dimensional echo was used to reinforce the diagnosis. Modern echocardiographic techniques appear to open new horizons in the study and management of valvular diseases, although they are still a long way from replacing traditional methods.