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Introduction: Wearable Activity Trackers (WATs) offer real-time feedback on activity levels. We assessed the impact of WAT usage on physicians’ exercise habits. Methods: Physicians from the Athens Medical Association, Greece (n = 742) responded to a self-administered questionnaire evaluating usage of WAT, demographic characteristics, specialty, and physical exercise habits. WHO guidelines recommend at least 150 min/week of moderate-intensity exercise in all healthy adults. Subjects were divided in Users of WATs (Group A), and Non-Users of WATs (Group B). This is an observational, cross-sectional study. Results: There was no difference in baseline characteristics between the two groups (age, sex, body mass index). WATs were used by 38%. Between Group A and B, there was difference in mean exercise training time (302 ± 304 min vs. 210 ± 268 min, p < 0.001), higher percentage of WHO goal achievement (66.3% vs. 50.7%, p < 0.001), and greater awareness of WHO Guidelines (59.9% vs. 47.4%, p < 0.001). WATs were mostly used by four main specialties, with higher use from Cardiologists: Cardiology (47%), Endocrinology (44%), Surgery (35%) and Internal Medicine (25%), with a p = 0.045. Finally, users of WATs compared to non-users showed higher willingness to reduce body weight (58.5% vs. 48%, p = 0.01), apply dietary restrictions (36.5% vs. 29.6%, p = 0.05), and greater motivation for weekly physical exercise (74.1% vs. 32.4%, p < 0.001); Conclusion: Physicians using WATs demonstrate increased exercise training time, greater awareness of WHO guidelines and a higher propensity to implement dietary restrictions compared to non-users. Variations in WAT usage across medical specialties emphasize the need for targeted interventions to promote physical activity and enhance healthcare professionals’ health.

The burden of cardiovascular diseases and the critical role of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in their progression underscore the need for effective diagnostic and prognostic tools. Biomarkers have emerged as crucial instruments for ACS diagnosis, risk stratification, and prognosis assessment. Among these, high-sensitivity troponin (hs-cTn) has revolutionized ACS diagnosis due to its superior sensitivity and negative predictive value. However, challenges regarding specificity, standardization, and interpretation persist. Beyond troponins, various biomarkers reflecting myocardial injury, neurohormonal activation, inflammation, thrombosis, and other pathways are being explored to refine ACS management. This review article comprehensively explores the landscape of clinically used biomarkers intricately involved in the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and prognosis of ACS (i.e., troponins, creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), B-type natriuretic peptides (BNP), copeptin, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), d-dimers, fibrinogen), especially focusing on the prognostic role of natriuretic peptides and of inflammatory indices. Research data on novel biomarkers (i.e., endocan, galectin, soluble suppression of tumorigenicity (sST2), microRNAs (miRNAs), soluble oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (sLOX-1), F2 isoprostanes, and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15)) are further analyzed, aiming to shed light on the multiplicity of pathophysiologic mechanisms implicated in the evolution of ACS. By elucidating the complex interplay of these biomarkers in ACS pathophysiology, diagnosis, and outcomes, this review aims to enhance our understanding of the evolving trajectory and advancements in ACS management. However, further research is necessary to establish the clinical utility and integration of these biomarkers into routine practice to improve patient outcomes.

Over the last decades, significant advances have been achieved in the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD). Proper non-invasive diagnosis and appropriate management based on functional information and the extension of ischemia or viability remain the cornerstone in the fight against adverse CAD events. Stress echocardiography and single photon emission computed tomography are often used for the evaluation of ischemia. Advancements in non-invasive imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT) coronary angiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have not only allowed non-invasive imaging of coronary artery lumen but also provide additional functional information. Other characteristics regarding the plaque morphology can be further evaluated with the latest modalities achieving a morpho-functional evaluation of CAD. Advances in the utilization of positron emission tomography (PET), as well as software advancements especially regarding cardiac CT, may provide additional prognostic information to a more evidence-based treatment decision. Since the armamentarium on non-invasive imaging modalities has evolved, the knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of each imaging modality should be evaluated in a case-by-case basis to achieve the best diagnosis and treatment decision. In this review article, we present the most recent advances in the noninvasive anatomical and functional evaluation of CAD.