News and views

Dear Sirs, We thank Walker and colleagues for their interesting report of a 75-year-old man with platypnoea-orthodeoxia syndrome (POS) related to a large patent foramen ovale (PFO) with preferential shunting. The patient was under surveillance for aortic root dilatation (sinus of Valsalva 41 mm on presentation).1 We would like to further elaborate on, and highlight, the strong relationship between interatrial shunt-associated POS and aortic root pathology....

It is with great sadness that we mark the recent death of our friend and editorial board member, Professor Adrian Brady, aged 64....

Dear Sirs, We read with interest the article by Kam et al. describing delays to invasive coronary angiography for patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) admitted to hospitals without on-site catheterisation facilities in Southeast Scotland.1 Their findings reflect important logistical challenges in delivering timely care, particularly when inter-hospital transfer is required. However, such pressures are not exclusive to non-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) hospitals....

The 20th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) of the Cardiorenal Forum united clinicians and researchers to share advances in cardiovascular renal and metabolic care. Under the theme ‘Working together to meet future needs’, it showcased new evidence, therapies and integrated care models shaping future practice. Drs Annette Chanzu and Sarah Birkhoelzer report its highlights....

We are delighted to announce that Dr Sarah Birkhoelzer is joining the British Journal of Cardiology editorial board representing Women in Cardiology....

The 38th Annual Medical and Scientific Conference hosted by HEART UK delivered a comprehensive programme on cardiovascular prevention across the life course. Held in the University of Warwick from 8th–10th July, sessions spanned future cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention strategies, cholesterol and brain health, while also offering fresh insights into obesity and inflammation as key drivers of cardiometabolic disease. Dr Andreas Tridimas reports its highlights....

This year’s British Cardiovascular Society (BCS) Annual Conference – held in Manchester 2nd–4th June 2025 – focused on the risks in cardiology that affect patients, professionals, and society. Leading experts from around the world shared their insights into this important topic. George Cocks and Sarah Birkhoelzer report the conference highlights....

Dear Sirs, We read with interest the narrative review by Wahab and colleagues.1 Target populations to whom systematic or opportunistic atrial fibrillation (AF) screening should be offered are discussed and remain of debate. We would like to bring to attention AF in a specific clinical situation....

Author: Robin Choudhury Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing (Apollo imprint), London 2024 ISBN: 9781837931743 Price: £35 (hardback), £24.50 ebook...

It is with great sadness that we mark the recent passing of Professor Douglas Chamberlain- one of the ‘greats’ of cardiology. Much of his career was spent as Consultant cardiologist at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton. Douglas was a pioneering authority on thrombolysis and early defibrillation for out of hospital resuscitation of cardiac arrest. The College of Paramedics recently described him as “a mentor and true visionary-the grandfather of paramedicine". While a cardiologist colleague portrayed him as “delightful, clever, funny, an excellent physician and researcher. He terrified me at the BCS (British Cardiovascular Society). He appeared to be asleep in the front row and when one had finished, he would awake and deliver the penetrating question that you had not prepared for”....