This month: from groundbreaking insights to global conversations-we are just one step away from Florence! Join the leading edge of Acute Cardiovascular Care!

Abstract

As cardiovascular care evolves at a rapid pace, so too does our understanding of the intricacies surrounding the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of patients with acute cardiovascular conditions. In the March issue of the European Heart Journal-Acute Cardiovascular Care, we delve into a collection of pivotal studies and expert perspectives that may help reshape our approach to managing acute myocardial in-farction (AMI), myocardial injury, and chronic coronary syndromes. Boeddinghaus et al. 1 present a groundbreaking prospective cohort study, offering a new classification system for Type 2 myocardial infarc-tion (MI) based on cardiac imaging with coronary angiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This classification challenges traditional diagnostic thresholds, separating out those without obstructive coronary disease or myocardial abnormality and seeking to provide clearer pathways to understanding the underlying pathology, with crucial implications for patient outcomes and preventive therapies. The study's findings emphasize the value of imaging in refining diagnoses and risk assessment in suspected Type 2 MI. In a different vein, Restan et al. 2 offer an important validation study on the Siemens Atellica IM high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I assay. This study provides compelling evidence for the assay's potential to optimize cardiac evaluations in emergency departments globally, bringing clarity to the decision-making process for patients presenting with non-ST-elevation MI (NSTEMI). Their findings underscore the potential of rapid, high-sensitivity assays to transform acute care settings and improve patient outcomes. Alaoui-Ismaili et al. 3 investigates a niche but important intersection between post-cardiac neuroprognostication in AMICS (Acute myocar-dial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock) patients supported by the Impella micro-axial flow pump, revealing the confounding impact of haemolysis on neuron-specific enolase (NSE) levels. The study calls for caution in interpreting NSE levels, highlighting the complexity of prognostic markers in this patient population. These findings have significant implications for patient management and the interpretation of biomarkers in acute cardiovascular care. Additionally, our Perspectives section explores the 2024 European Society of Cardiology guidelines for chronic coronary syndromes, with an in-depth focus on ischaemia with non-obstructive coronary arteries (INOCAs) 4 and antithrombotic therapy, providing expert insights into these complex conditions. 5 Furthermore, Hickman et al.'s 6 educational paper critiques the evolving role of the 99th per-centile in cardiac troponin assays, stressing the importance of context and understanding the limitations of this threshold in clinical decision-making. Finally, Verbeeck et al. 7 present a timely examination of the shift towards patient-centric outcomes in clinical trial design, advocating for the increasing importance of superiority trials over non-inferiority designs. This shift is exemplified by the REC-CAGEFREEI trial, which provides critical insights into how we assess and improve therapies aimed at enhancing patient safety and well-being. Finally, we like to take this opportunity and warmly invite you to explore the latest advancements in acute cardiovascular and intensive care at this year's Annual Conference in Florence. This event promises to be an extraordinary gathering of experts, where cutting-edge research, transforma-tive treatment approaches, and practical solutions to the most pressing challenges in cardiovascular care will be shared. Join us for an inspiring experience that will enhance your knowledge, broaden your perspective, and strengthen your network. Whether you are a clinician, researcher, or healthcare professional, this conference is an opportunity to stay at the forefront of your field and engage with peers who share your passion for improving patient outcomes. Do not miss out on the chance to be part of this pivotal event-discover more, connect with the best, and shape the future of acute cardiovascular and intensive care!