Incidental Finding of Atrial Myxoma in a Patient Presenting With Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): A Case Report.

Atrial myxomas are benign primary cardiac tumors. They can present with nonspecific symptoms, ranging from constitutional symptoms and embolic phenomena such as transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or strokes to sudden cardiac death. Early diagnosis may be a challenge due to the nonspecific presentation of atrial myxoma. A high degree of suspicion is needed in patients with TIA having no known cardiovascular risk factors. Although benign, if left untreated, it can lead to serious complications ranging from embolic phenomena and obstructive symptoms to sudden cardiac death. An echocardiogram is of fundamental importance in diagnosing atrial myxoma, and surgical resection is the ultimate treatment of choice. Here, we discuss a case of TIA as the initial presentation of atrial myxoma.

Improvement in cardio-metabolic health and immune signatures in old individuals using daily chores (Salat) as an intervention: A randomized crossover study in a little-studied population.

Background: Decline in cardio-metabolic health, immunity, and physical activity is associated with old age. Old people also find it difficult to engage in structured exercise programs. Therefore, there is a need to investigate common daily chores as an alternative for exercise that may also help in maintaining cardio-metabolic and immune health. Objective: We aimed to investigate whether Salat, an obligatory Islamic prayer involving various physical movements and closely resembling yoga, enhances the benefits conferred by the current guidelines for physical activity. Methods: A total of 30 overweight adults (mean (SD) age of 53.5 (8.7) years) participated in this study. For a 4-week duration, we compared the effects of Salat before/after meals (Pre-MS/Post-MS) on selected immunological and metabolic parameters in serum samples. We also compared the effects of both Pre-MS/Post-MS regimens in young and old subjects to observe any age-related effects. Results: Most of the baseline metabolic parameters and the count of immune cells were normal. Post-MS resulted in a significant reduction in body weight and percent body fat (%BF). Overall, Post-MS resulted in a clear leukocytosis with a significant increase in granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes. When analyzing the lymphocyte compartment, a clear numerical increase was noted for T, B, and NK cells. The number of CD8+ T cells showed a statistically significant increase. Similarly, Post-MS induced leukocytosis in both young and old individuals, while the increase in granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes was statistically significant in old subjects only. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the Islamic obligatory and congressional Salat practice is capable of mimicking desirable pro-immune and pro-metabolic health effects. Clinical trial registration: (UMIN000048901).