1.Awareness, Diagnostic Approaches, and Management of Heart Failure in Korea: A Nationwide Survey Comparing Primary Care Physicians and Cardiology Specialists
Sunki LEE ; Min Gyu KONG ; Mi-Hyang JUNG ; Hack-Lyoung KIM ; Jae Hyuk CHOI ; Jin Oh NA ; Yang Hyun CHO ; Dong-Ju CHOI ; Eung Ju KIM
International Journal of Heart Failure 2026;8(1):76-88
Background and Objectives:
Heart failure (HF) imposes a significant global burden, yet awareness and implementation of guideline-directed management remain suboptimal. This study evaluated HF awareness, diagnostic patterns, and therapeutic strategies among physicians in Korea.
Methods:
A nationwide online survey was conducted from July to August 2019, targeting primary care physicians (PCPs; n=8,000) and hospital-based cardiology specialists (n=1,339) across Korea. The questionnaire comprised 23 items covering baseline characteristics, perceptions of HF prognosis, diagnostic approaches, and treatment practices.
Results:
A total of 543 physicians responded (209 PCPs and 334 cardiology specialists). While the majority correctly defined HF, a substantial proportion underestimated the lifetime risk and poor prognosis. Cardiology specialists were more likely than PCPs to use objective diagnostic tools, including echocardiography (97% vs. 61%, p<0.001) and natriuretic peptide testing (90% vs. 57%, p<0.001). Among PCPs, 29% reported diagnosing HF based on symptoms and physical findings without objective testing, and 27% reported referring patients to general hospitals for diagnostic evaluation. Prescription rates for guideline-directed medical therapies, including renin-angiotensin system blockers and beta-blockers, were consistently higher among cardiology specialists.PCPs more frequently cited advanced age as a barrier to prescribing evidence-based medications.
Conclusions
Physicians’ awareness and clinical practices regarding HF in Korea remain suboptimal. Given the growing burden, high mortality, and substantial costs of HF, early detection, appropriate diagnostic evaluation, and timely referral are essential. Targeted education and system-level strategies to improve guideline implementation, particularly in primary care settings, are warranted.
2.2024 KSoLA Update on New Lipid-Lowering Agents: Inclisiran and Bempedoic Acid
Hack-Lyoung KIM ; Jung-Joon CHA ; Sang-Hak LEE ;
Journal of Lipid and Atherosclerosis 2025;14(2):135-144
Inclisiran and bempedoic acid (BA) are non-statin lipid-lowering agents that have been approved for use in the US and Europe. Inclisiran, a subcutaneously administered small interfering RNA targeting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 messenger RNA, is effectively delivered to the liver via lipid nanoparticles and conjugation. In several phase 3 trials, it has successfully reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by 50% and has an acceptable safety profile. Currently, the results of clinical outcome studies are awaited. While it is indicated for both primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention, it is selectively recommended after statin-based regimens. BA, an oral inhibitor of adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase, decreases cholesterol production and enhances LDL uptake by hepatocytes. This enzyme is absent in muscle cells, and BA has fewer muscle-related adverse events. In clinical trials, it lowered LDL-C by 17%–21% compared to placebo and showed a clinical outcome benefit in patients with statin intolerance. This agent modestly increases the incidence of gout and cholelithiasis. For primary and secondary prevention, it may be recommended as a non-first-line agent, either alone or in combination therapy.
3.Effect of a miniscrew surgical guide on the success rate and root proximity of orthodontic miniscrews:A retrospective cohort study
Eun-Hack ANDREW CHOI ; Dasomi KIM ; Liu JING ; Hyung-Seog YU ; Sung-Hwan CHOI ; Jung-Yul CHA
The Korean Journal of Orthodontics 2025;55(3):167-175
Objective:
To assess the success rate and proximity of miniscrews to the root using surgical guides produced by integrating data obtained from conebeam computed tomography and intraoral scanned models.
Methods:
This retrospective study involved 113 patients (224 miniscrews) who underwent miniscrew placement as part of their orthodontic treatment. Two operators placed miniscrews between the buccal alveolar bone of each patient and assessed initial stability by measuring the Periotest value (PTV) and insertion torque (IT). Patients were divided into two groups based on the miniscrew insertion method: manual group (MG) and surgical guide group (SG). Root proximity was assessed using periapical radiography, and miniscrews that remained in place for over 6 months were considered successful.
Results:
There was a statistically significant difference in the Kaplan–Meier survival curves between the groups (P < 0.05). The success rates of the miniscrews were 79.1% and 90.5% for the MG and SG, respectively (P < 0.05). The root contact rate also differed significantly between the groups (MG, 17.5%; SG, 0.1%; P < 0.001). However, the PTV and IT did not show significant differences between the groups.
Conclusions
Proximity to the root and utilization of surgical guides have the most direct impact on the success rate of miniscrews. Root proximity can be effectively reduced using surgical guides. Therefore, the use of a miniscrew surgical guide is recommended to increase the success rate of miniscrews as stable anchorage devices, particularly in cases with narrow interradicular space.
4.2024 KSoLA Update on New Lipid-Lowering Agents: Inclisiran and Bempedoic Acid
Hack-Lyoung KIM ; Jung-Joon CHA ; Sang-Hak LEE ;
Journal of Lipid and Atherosclerosis 2025;14(2):135-144
Inclisiran and bempedoic acid (BA) are non-statin lipid-lowering agents that have been approved for use in the US and Europe. Inclisiran, a subcutaneously administered small interfering RNA targeting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 messenger RNA, is effectively delivered to the liver via lipid nanoparticles and conjugation. In several phase 3 trials, it has successfully reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by 50% and has an acceptable safety profile. Currently, the results of clinical outcome studies are awaited. While it is indicated for both primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention, it is selectively recommended after statin-based regimens. BA, an oral inhibitor of adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase, decreases cholesterol production and enhances LDL uptake by hepatocytes. This enzyme is absent in muscle cells, and BA has fewer muscle-related adverse events. In clinical trials, it lowered LDL-C by 17%–21% compared to placebo and showed a clinical outcome benefit in patients with statin intolerance. This agent modestly increases the incidence of gout and cholelithiasis. For primary and secondary prevention, it may be recommended as a non-first-line agent, either alone or in combination therapy.
5.2024 KSoLA Update on New Lipid-Lowering Agents: Inclisiran and Bempedoic Acid
Hack-Lyoung KIM ; Jung-Joon CHA ; Sang-Hak LEE ;
Journal of Lipid and Atherosclerosis 2025;14(2):135-144
Inclisiran and bempedoic acid (BA) are non-statin lipid-lowering agents that have been approved for use in the US and Europe. Inclisiran, a subcutaneously administered small interfering RNA targeting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 messenger RNA, is effectively delivered to the liver via lipid nanoparticles and conjugation. In several phase 3 trials, it has successfully reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by 50% and has an acceptable safety profile. Currently, the results of clinical outcome studies are awaited. While it is indicated for both primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention, it is selectively recommended after statin-based regimens. BA, an oral inhibitor of adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase, decreases cholesterol production and enhances LDL uptake by hepatocytes. This enzyme is absent in muscle cells, and BA has fewer muscle-related adverse events. In clinical trials, it lowered LDL-C by 17%–21% compared to placebo and showed a clinical outcome benefit in patients with statin intolerance. This agent modestly increases the incidence of gout and cholelithiasis. For primary and secondary prevention, it may be recommended as a non-first-line agent, either alone or in combination therapy.
6.Effect of a miniscrew surgical guide on the success rate and root proximity of orthodontic miniscrews:A retrospective cohort study
Eun-Hack ANDREW CHOI ; Dasomi KIM ; Liu JING ; Hyung-Seog YU ; Sung-Hwan CHOI ; Jung-Yul CHA
The Korean Journal of Orthodontics 2025;55(3):167-175
Objective:
To assess the success rate and proximity of miniscrews to the root using surgical guides produced by integrating data obtained from conebeam computed tomography and intraoral scanned models.
Methods:
This retrospective study involved 113 patients (224 miniscrews) who underwent miniscrew placement as part of their orthodontic treatment. Two operators placed miniscrews between the buccal alveolar bone of each patient and assessed initial stability by measuring the Periotest value (PTV) and insertion torque (IT). Patients were divided into two groups based on the miniscrew insertion method: manual group (MG) and surgical guide group (SG). Root proximity was assessed using periapical radiography, and miniscrews that remained in place for over 6 months were considered successful.
Results:
There was a statistically significant difference in the Kaplan–Meier survival curves between the groups (P < 0.05). The success rates of the miniscrews were 79.1% and 90.5% for the MG and SG, respectively (P < 0.05). The root contact rate also differed significantly between the groups (MG, 17.5%; SG, 0.1%; P < 0.001). However, the PTV and IT did not show significant differences between the groups.
Conclusions
Proximity to the root and utilization of surgical guides have the most direct impact on the success rate of miniscrews. Root proximity can be effectively reduced using surgical guides. Therefore, the use of a miniscrew surgical guide is recommended to increase the success rate of miniscrews as stable anchorage devices, particularly in cases with narrow interradicular space.
7.Effect of a miniscrew surgical guide on the success rate and root proximity of orthodontic miniscrews:A retrospective cohort study
Eun-Hack ANDREW CHOI ; Dasomi KIM ; Liu JING ; Hyung-Seog YU ; Sung-Hwan CHOI ; Jung-Yul CHA
The Korean Journal of Orthodontics 2025;55(3):167-175
Objective:
To assess the success rate and proximity of miniscrews to the root using surgical guides produced by integrating data obtained from conebeam computed tomography and intraoral scanned models.
Methods:
This retrospective study involved 113 patients (224 miniscrews) who underwent miniscrew placement as part of their orthodontic treatment. Two operators placed miniscrews between the buccal alveolar bone of each patient and assessed initial stability by measuring the Periotest value (PTV) and insertion torque (IT). Patients were divided into two groups based on the miniscrew insertion method: manual group (MG) and surgical guide group (SG). Root proximity was assessed using periapical radiography, and miniscrews that remained in place for over 6 months were considered successful.
Results:
There was a statistically significant difference in the Kaplan–Meier survival curves between the groups (P < 0.05). The success rates of the miniscrews were 79.1% and 90.5% for the MG and SG, respectively (P < 0.05). The root contact rate also differed significantly between the groups (MG, 17.5%; SG, 0.1%; P < 0.001). However, the PTV and IT did not show significant differences between the groups.
Conclusions
Proximity to the root and utilization of surgical guides have the most direct impact on the success rate of miniscrews. Root proximity can be effectively reduced using surgical guides. Therefore, the use of a miniscrew surgical guide is recommended to increase the success rate of miniscrews as stable anchorage devices, particularly in cases with narrow interradicular space.
8.Effect of a miniscrew surgical guide on the success rate and root proximity of orthodontic miniscrews:A retrospective cohort study
Eun-Hack ANDREW CHOI ; Dasomi KIM ; Liu JING ; Hyung-Seog YU ; Sung-Hwan CHOI ; Jung-Yul CHA
The Korean Journal of Orthodontics 2025;55(3):167-175
Objective:
To assess the success rate and proximity of miniscrews to the root using surgical guides produced by integrating data obtained from conebeam computed tomography and intraoral scanned models.
Methods:
This retrospective study involved 113 patients (224 miniscrews) who underwent miniscrew placement as part of their orthodontic treatment. Two operators placed miniscrews between the buccal alveolar bone of each patient and assessed initial stability by measuring the Periotest value (PTV) and insertion torque (IT). Patients were divided into two groups based on the miniscrew insertion method: manual group (MG) and surgical guide group (SG). Root proximity was assessed using periapical radiography, and miniscrews that remained in place for over 6 months were considered successful.
Results:
There was a statistically significant difference in the Kaplan–Meier survival curves between the groups (P < 0.05). The success rates of the miniscrews were 79.1% and 90.5% for the MG and SG, respectively (P < 0.05). The root contact rate also differed significantly between the groups (MG, 17.5%; SG, 0.1%; P < 0.001). However, the PTV and IT did not show significant differences between the groups.
Conclusions
Proximity to the root and utilization of surgical guides have the most direct impact on the success rate of miniscrews. Root proximity can be effectively reduced using surgical guides. Therefore, the use of a miniscrew surgical guide is recommended to increase the success rate of miniscrews as stable anchorage devices, particularly in cases with narrow interradicular space.
9.2024 KSoLA Update on New Lipid-Lowering Agents: Inclisiran and Bempedoic Acid
Hack-Lyoung KIM ; Jung-Joon CHA ; Sang-Hak LEE ;
Journal of Lipid and Atherosclerosis 2025;14(2):135-144
Inclisiran and bempedoic acid (BA) are non-statin lipid-lowering agents that have been approved for use in the US and Europe. Inclisiran, a subcutaneously administered small interfering RNA targeting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 messenger RNA, is effectively delivered to the liver via lipid nanoparticles and conjugation. In several phase 3 trials, it has successfully reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by 50% and has an acceptable safety profile. Currently, the results of clinical outcome studies are awaited. While it is indicated for both primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention, it is selectively recommended after statin-based regimens. BA, an oral inhibitor of adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase, decreases cholesterol production and enhances LDL uptake by hepatocytes. This enzyme is absent in muscle cells, and BA has fewer muscle-related adverse events. In clinical trials, it lowered LDL-C by 17%–21% compared to placebo and showed a clinical outcome benefit in patients with statin intolerance. This agent modestly increases the incidence of gout and cholelithiasis. For primary and secondary prevention, it may be recommended as a non-first-line agent, either alone or in combination therapy.
10.Effect of a miniscrew surgical guide on the success rate and root proximity of orthodontic miniscrews:A retrospective cohort study
Eun-Hack ANDREW CHOI ; Dasomi KIM ; Liu JING ; Hyung-Seog YU ; Sung-Hwan CHOI ; Jung-Yul CHA
The Korean Journal of Orthodontics 2025;55(3):167-175
Objective:
To assess the success rate and proximity of miniscrews to the root using surgical guides produced by integrating data obtained from conebeam computed tomography and intraoral scanned models.
Methods:
This retrospective study involved 113 patients (224 miniscrews) who underwent miniscrew placement as part of their orthodontic treatment. Two operators placed miniscrews between the buccal alveolar bone of each patient and assessed initial stability by measuring the Periotest value (PTV) and insertion torque (IT). Patients were divided into two groups based on the miniscrew insertion method: manual group (MG) and surgical guide group (SG). Root proximity was assessed using periapical radiography, and miniscrews that remained in place for over 6 months were considered successful.
Results:
There was a statistically significant difference in the Kaplan–Meier survival curves between the groups (P < 0.05). The success rates of the miniscrews were 79.1% and 90.5% for the MG and SG, respectively (P < 0.05). The root contact rate also differed significantly between the groups (MG, 17.5%; SG, 0.1%; P < 0.001). However, the PTV and IT did not show significant differences between the groups.
Conclusions
Proximity to the root and utilization of surgical guides have the most direct impact on the success rate of miniscrews. Root proximity can be effectively reduced using surgical guides. Therefore, the use of a miniscrew surgical guide is recommended to increase the success rate of miniscrews as stable anchorage devices, particularly in cases with narrow interradicular space.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail