Cardiology Medical Journal Abstracts
Advert for Healthcare Professionals only
Local Versus Epidural Anesthesia in Fast-Track Abdominal Aortic Surgery
Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia
Jan 2013
Local Versus Epidural Anesthesia in Fast-Track Abdominal Aortic Surgery
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate a possible alternative to epidural anesthesia/analgesia. The authors compared thoracic epidural anesthesia/analgesia with continuous wound infiltration anesthesia/analgesia in patients scheduled for mini-invasive abdominal aortic surgery in a fast-track setting...β-Blockers and Volatile Anesthetics May Attenuate Cardioprotection by Remote Preconditioning in Adult Cardiac Surgery: A Meta-analysis of 15 Randomized Trials
Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia
Jan 2013
β-Blockers and Volatile Anesthetics May Attenuate Cardioprotection by Remote Preconditioning in Adult Cardiac Surgery: A Meta-analysis of 15 Randomized Trials
Objective: Clinical trials on cardioprotection by remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) for adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery revealed mixed results. Previous meta-analyses have been conducted and found marked heterogeneity among studies. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the factors affecting..Frequency of Coronary Angiography and Revascularization among Men and Women with Myocardial Infarction and Their Relationship to Mortality at One Year: An Analysis of the Geisinger Myocardial Infarction Cohort
Journal of Interventional Cardiology
Dec 2012
Frequency of Coronary Angiography and Revascularization among Men and Women with Myocardial Infarction and Their Relationship to Mortality at One Year: An Analysis of the Geisinger Myocardial Infarction Cohort
Objectives: To determine sex bias in the selection of strategies to evaluate patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and determine if the choice of strategy influences survival. Background: Controversy exists regarding the role of female sex in the use of invasive evaluation for AMI and its possible effect on..Aortic Valve Stenosis: To the Gradient and Beyond—The Mismatch Between Area and Gradient Severity
Journal of Interventional Cardiology
Dec 2012
Aortic Valve Stenosis: To the Gradient and Beyond—The Mismatch Between Area and Gradient Severity
The clinical severity of aortic stenosis (AS) is based largely on symptoms. However, AS severity is primarily determined by estimating the aortic valve area (AVA) and pressure gradients (ΔP). Conditions may arise in which there is a mismatch in severity between AVA and ΔP determinations secondary to errors in..A Pilot Study of Prasugrel Followed by Post-Procedural Maintenance with Clopidogrel in Patients Receiving Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Journal of Interventional Cardiology
Dec 2012
A Pilot Study of Prasugrel Followed by Post-Procedural Maintenance with Clopidogrel in Patients Receiving Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Background: Dual anti-platelet therapy including clopidogrel or prasugrel is standard of care for patients receiving stents. Prasugrel has quicker onset so it can be loaded later than clopidogrel with greater efficacy. However, prasugrel is much more expensive than clopidogrel. Objectives: To describe the incidence of..25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and risk of venous thromboembolism in the general population with 18,791 participants
Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis
Dec 2012
25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and risk of venous thromboembolism in the general population with 18,791 participants
Background: Vitamin D has potential antithrombotic effects suggesting that vitamin D analogs could be used as adjunctive antithrombotic agents. However, epidemiological evidence of an association between reduced 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and risk of venous thromboembolism is lacking. Objectives: We tested the..Platelet dysfunction associated with the novel Trp29Cys thromboxane A2 receptor variant
Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis
Dec 2012
Platelet dysfunction associated with the novel Trp29Cys thromboxane A2 receptor variant
Background: Genetic variations that affect the structure of the thromboxane A2 (TP) receptor provide insights into the function of this key platelet and vascular receptor, but are very rare in unselected populations. Objectives: To determine the functional consequences of the TP receptor Trp29Cys (W29C) substitution...Rituximab for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP): benefit of early administration during acute episodes and use of prophylaxis to prevent relapse
Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis
Dec 2012
Rituximab for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP): benefit of early administration during acute episodes and use of prophylaxis to prevent relapse
Background: Rituximab has been documented in the treatment of acute (≤3 days from admission), relapsed/refractory TTP and given as prophylaxis in selected cases to prevent acute relapse. The precise timing of Rituximab in acute TTP has not been determined. Objective: To perform a retrospective analysis of rituximab use..Coagulation and cancer: biological and clinical aspects
Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis
Dec 2012
Coagulation and cancer: biological and clinical aspects
Malignancy affects the haemostatic system and the haemostatic system affects malignancy. In cancer patients there are a number of coagulation abnormalities which provide the background for an increased tendency of these patients to both thrombosis and haemorrhages. The causes of this coagulation impairment rely on..New Developments in the Area of Factor XIII
Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis
Dec 2012
New Developments in the Area of Factor XIII
Coagulation factor XIII (FXIII) is best known for its role in fibrin stabilization and crosslinking of antifibrinolytic proteins to the fibrin clot. From patients with congenital FXIII deficiency it was known that FXIII also has important functions in wound healing and maintaning pregnancy. Over the last decade more..Atrial Tachyarrhythmias and the Cox-maze Procedure in Congenital Heart Disease
Congenital Heart Disease
Dec 2012
Atrial Tachyarrhythmias and the Cox-maze Procedure in Congenital Heart Disease
Introduction: Atrial tachyarrhythmias, particularly atrial flutter and fibrillation, are commonly associated with congenital heart disease and are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The Cox-maze procedure, introduced by Dr. James Cox in 1987, is effective at controlling atrial fibrillation in structurally normal..Doppler Tissue Imaging Provides an Estimate of Pulmonary Arterial Pressure in Children with Pulmonary Hypertension Due to Congenital Intracardiac Shunts
Congenital Heart Disease
Dec 2012
Doppler Tissue Imaging Provides an Estimate of Pulmonary Arterial Pressure in Children with Pulmonary Hypertension Due to Congenital Intracardiac Shunts
Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between the cardiac catheterization findings and pulsed-wave (PW) Doppler and Doppler tissue imaging (DTI) in pulmonary arterial hypertension patients with congenital heart disease with intracardiac shunts. Design and Patients: The present study aims to..The American Heart Association's Recent Scientific Statement on Cardiac Critical Care: Implications for Pediatric Practice
Congenital Heart Disease
Dec 2012
The American Heart Association's Recent Scientific Statement on Cardiac Critical Care: Implications for Pediatric Practice
A writing group sponsored by the Council on Cardiopulmonary, Critical Care, Perioperative and Resuscitation, the Council on Clinical Cardiology, the Council on Cardiovascular Nursing, and the Council on Quality of Care and Outcomes Research of The American Heart Association has recently formulated a roadmap to meet the..Transesophageal Echocardiography Probe Insertion Failure in Infants Undergoing Cardiac Surgery
Congenital Heart Disease
Dec 2012
Transesophageal Echocardiography Probe Insertion Failure in Infants Undergoing Cardiac Surgery
Background: The use of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (iTEE) in neonates ≤4 kg has not been systematically described. We sought to describe the use of and determine risk factors for iTEE probe insertion failure in small infants. We also sought to develop an algorithm for predicting the likelihood of..Facilitators of and Barriers to Advance Care Planning in Adult Congenital Heart Disease
Congenital Heart Disease
Dec 2012
Facilitators of and Barriers to Advance Care Planning in Adult Congenital Heart Disease
Background: Most adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) are interested in discussing matters related to advance care planning (ACP) early in the disease course, yet few such conversations actually occur. We aimed to evaluate factors that impact these discussions between patients and adult CHD providers. Methods:..Assessment of the Cerebral Circulation in Adults with Coarctation of the Aorta
Congenital Heart Disease
Dec 2012
Assessment of the Cerebral Circulation in Adults with Coarctation of the Aorta
Aims: There is a fivefold increase in the frequency of intracranial aneurysm (IA) in adults with coarctation of the aorta (CoA). Current guidelines for management of adults with CoA recommend computed tomography angiography (CTA) or magnetic resonance imaging of the intracranial vessels. However, this recommendation..Physical Activity Behavior Two to Six Years Following Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Socioecological Analysis
Clinical Cardiology
Dec 2012
Physical Activity Behavior Two to Six Years Following Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Socioecological Analysis
Background: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) promotes long-term positive health behaviours, such as physical activity (PA), in patients following a cardiovascular event. We have limited knowledge of long-term PA and its correlates. Therefore, this research examined both PA behaviour and socioecological correlates among..Lytic and mechanical stability of clots composed of fibrin and blood vessel wall components
Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis
Dec 2012
Lytic and mechanical stability of clots composed of fibrin and blood vessel wall components
Background: Proteases expressed in atherosclerotic plaque lesions generate collagen fragments, release glycosaminoglycans (chondroitin sulfate CS, dermatan sulfate DS) and expose extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins (e.g. decorin) at sites of fibrin formation. Objective: Here we address the effect of these vessel wall..Prospective, multicenter validation of prediction scores for major bleeding in elderly patients with venous thromboembolism
Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis
Dec 2012
Prospective, multicenter validation of prediction scores for major bleeding in elderly patients with venous thromboembolism
Background: The Outpatient Bleeding Risk Index (OBRI) and the Kuijer, RIETE, and Kearon scores are clinical prognostic scores for bleeding in patients receiving oral anticoagulants for venous thromboembolism (VTE). We prospectively compared the performance of these scores in elderly patients with VTE. Methods: In a..Influence of Acidosis on Cardiotonic Effects of Colforsin and Epinephrine: A Dose-Response Study
Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia
Dec 2012
Influence of Acidosis on Cardiotonic Effects of Colforsin and Epinephrine: A Dose-Response Study
Objective: Acidosis produces a negative inotropic effect on cardiac muscle against which catecholamines and phosphodiesterase III inhibitors have limited therapeutic effects. This study evaluated the effects of colforsin, which directly activates adenylate cyclase without β-adrenergic receptor activation, in isolated..Sevoflurane Confers Additive Cardioprotection to Ethanol Preconditioning Associated With Enhanced Phosphorylation of Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β and Inhibition of Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore Opening
Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia
Dec 2012
Sevoflurane Confers Additive Cardioprotection to Ethanol Preconditioning Associated With Enhanced Phosphorylation of Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β and Inhibition of Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore Opening
Objective: The purposes of this study were to investigate whether sevoflurane (SEVO) enhances moderate-dose ethanol (EtOH) preconditioning and whether this additional cardioprotection is associated with glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), protein kinase B (Akt), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), 70-kDa ribosomal..Depression before and after cardiac surgery: Do all patients respond the same?
The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
Dec 2012
Depression before and after cardiac surgery: Do all patients respond the same?
Objective: To characterize the prevalence, incidence, and risk factors for depression before and after cardiac surgery. Methods: Patients awaiting nonemergent surgery (N = 436), completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for depression, as well as the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short version..Tirone David valve-sparing aortic root replacement and cusp repair for bicuspid aortic valve disease
The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
Dec 2012
Tirone David valve-sparing aortic root replacement and cusp repair for bicuspid aortic valve disease
Objectives: The durability of valve-sparing aortic root replacement with or without cusp repair in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) disease is questioned. We analyzed the results of 75 patients with a BAV undergoing Tirone David reimplantation valve-sparing aortic root replacement. Methods: Average age was 45..A 64,489-patient full-disclosure database of cardiovascular risk factors and events status analysed in a Bayesian framework: A unique contribution to predictive science
International Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
A 64,489-patient full-disclosure database of cardiovascular risk factors and events status analysed in a Bayesian framework: A unique contribution to predictive science
Today in the International Journal of Cardiology Liu et al. [1] publish an unusual exercise in open science which should set a pioneering trend for future knowledge sharing. They present both the principle and a large fully-analysed real world dataset to show how Bayesian reasoning can be practically helpful for..Highlights of the mechanistic and therapeutic cachexia and sarcopenia research 2010 to 2012 and their relevance for cardiology
International Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
Highlights of the mechanistic and therapeutic cachexia and sarcopenia research 2010 to 2012 and their relevance for cardiology
Sarcopenia and cachexia are significant medical problems with a high disease related burden in cardiovascular illness. Muscle wasting and weight loss are very frequent particularly in chronic heart failure and they relate to poor prognosis. Although clinically largely underestimated, the fields of cachexia and..Age-dependent inequalities in improvements in mortality occur early after acute myocardial infarction in 478,242 patients in the Myocardial Ischaemia National Audit Project (MINAP) registry
International Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
Age-dependent inequalities in improvements in mortality occur early after acute myocardial infarction in 478,242 patients in the Myocardial Ischaemia National Audit Project (MINAP) registry
Background: Mortality rates after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have declined, but there is uncertainty regarding the extent of improvements in early mortality in the elderly. Methods: Mixed-effects regression analysis of 30-day mortality using data from 478,242 patients with AMI at 215 hospitals in England and..Effect of Isoflavone on Balloon Catheter-Induced Neointimal Hyperplasia in Ovariectomised Rabbit Carotid Artery
Heart, Lung and Circulation
Nov 2012
Effect of Isoflavone on Balloon Catheter-Induced Neointimal Hyperplasia in Ovariectomised Rabbit Carotid Artery
Background: This study was designed to investigate the effects of phytoestrogen isoflavone on balloon catheter-induced hyperplasia of carotid artery. Methods: Forty-eight female New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: control (balloon-induced carotid artery injury only); ovariectomy control..Prognostic Values of Serum Tenascin-C in Patients with Ischaemic Heart Disease and Heart Failure
Heart, Lung and Circulation
Nov 2012
Prognostic Values of Serum Tenascin-C in Patients with Ischaemic Heart Disease and Heart Failure
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic values of serum tenascin-C in patients with heart failure and ischaemic heart disease. Methods: Serum tenascin-C levels were assessed in 83 patients with heart failure and in 30 healthy subjects. The correlations between serum tenascin-C levels and left..Quantification of circulating CD34+/KDR+/CD45dim endothelial progenitor cells: Analytical considerations
International Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
Quantification of circulating CD34+/KDR+/CD45dim endothelial progenitor cells: Analytical considerations
The discovery of peripheral circulating cells that contribute to vasculogenesis and endothelial repair was one of the most fascinating breakthroughs in the domain of vascular research during the last two decades. The population of vasculogenic cells however, is heterogeneous and can be analyzed using different..Drug adherence and the incidence of coronary heart disease- and stroke-specific mortality among 218,047 patients newly prescribed an antihypertensive medication: A five-year cohort study
International Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
Drug adherence and the incidence of coronary heart disease- and stroke-specific mortality among 218,047 patients newly prescribed an antihypertensive medication: A five-year cohort study
Background: Randomized trials have shown that optimal adherence to antihypertensive agents could protect against cardiovascular diseases, but whether adherence reduces cardiovascular deaths in community settings has not been explored so fully. This study evaluates the association between antihypertensive adherence and..Anterior ECG changes following iatrogenic dissection of the right coronary artery into the aortic root: Exclusion of left coronary obstruction with transoesophageal echocardiography
Cardiovascular Revascularization Medicine
Nov 2012
Anterior ECG changes following iatrogenic dissection of the right coronary artery into the aortic root: Exclusion of left coronary obstruction with transoesophageal echocardiography
One of the most troublesome complications of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or angiography is retrograde dissection of the artery into the aortic root. We report a case involving the right coronary artery (RCA) which was treated with prompt deployment of stents. Recurrent chest pain and ST segment elevation..Determinants and clinical significance of flow via the fenestration in the Fontan pathway: A multimodality study
International Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
Determinants and clinical significance of flow via the fenestration in the Fontan pathway: A multimodality study
Background: The use of a fenestration in the Fontan pathway remains controversial, partly because its hemodynamic effects and clinical consequences are insufficiently understood. The objective of this study was to quantify the magnitude of fenestration flow and to characterize its hemodynamic consequences after an..Feasibility limits of transradial primary percutaneous coronary intervention in acute myocardial infarction in the real life (TRAP-AMI)
International Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
Feasibility limits of transradial primary percutaneous coronary intervention in acute myocardial infarction in the real life (TRAP-AMI)
Background: There is growing evidence that transradial (TRI) as compared to transfemoral (TFI) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with improved clinical outcome driven by less hemorrhagic complications, in particular in STEMI patients receiving aggressive antithrombotic treatment. Feasibility rate..Elderly patients diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension: Results from the COMPERA registry
International Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
Elderly patients diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension: Results from the COMPERA registry
Background: Originally reported to occur predominantly in younger women, idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) is increasingly diagnosed in elderly patients. We aimed to describe the characteristics of such patients and their survival under clinical practice conditions. Methods: Prospective registry in 28..Congenital valvular aortic stenosis in young adults: Predictors for rate of progression of stenosis and aortic dilatation
International Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
Congenital valvular aortic stenosis in young adults: Predictors for rate of progression of stenosis and aortic dilatation
Background: Congenital aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common obstructive left-sided cardiac lesion in young adults, however little is known about the progression in adults. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the progression rate of AS and aortic dilatation in a large multicenter retrospective cohort of asymptomatic..A gender perspective on short- and long term mortality in ST-elevation myocardial infarction — A report from the SWEDEHEART register
International Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
A gender perspective on short- and long term mortality in ST-elevation myocardial infarction — A report from the SWEDEHEART register
Background: Previous studies of patients admitted for ST-elevation myocardial infarction [STEMI] have indicated that women have a higher risk of early mortality than do men. These studies have presented limited information on gender related differences in the short term and almost no information on the long term...Acute kidney injury following transcatheter aortic valve implantation: incidence, predictors and clinical outcome
International Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
Acute kidney injury following transcatheter aortic valve implantation: incidence, predictors and clinical outcome
Background: Limited data exist on renal complications of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) within a comprehensive program using different valves with transfemoral, transapical, and trans-subclavian approach. Methods: Prospective single-center registry of 102 consecutive patients undergoing TAVI using both..Five-year outcomes of surgical or percutaneous myocardial revascularization in diabetic patients
International Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
Five-year outcomes of surgical or percutaneous myocardial revascularization in diabetic patients
Background: The study compares five-year clinical outcomes of CABG vs PCI in a real world population of diabetic patients with multivessel coronary disease since it is not clear whether to prefer surgical or percutaneous revascularization. Methods: Between July 2002 and December 2008, 2885 multivessel coronary diabetic..Endothelial progenitor cells in relation to endothelin-1 and endothelin receptor blockade: A randomized, controlled trial
International Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
Endothelial progenitor cells in relation to endothelin-1 and endothelin receptor blockade: A randomized, controlled trial
Aims: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) represent an endogenous repair mechanism involving rendothelialization and neoangiogenesis. Patients with both diabetes and vascular disease have low numbers of circulating EPC. The endothelium-derived peptide, endothelin-1 (ET-1), is increased in patients with type 2 diabetes..Intravascular ultrasound assessed incomplete stent apposition and stent fracture in stent thrombosis after bare metal versus drug-eluting stent treatment the Nordic Intravascular Ultrasound Study (NIVUS)
International Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
Intravascular ultrasound assessed incomplete stent apposition and stent fracture in stent thrombosis after bare metal versus drug-eluting stent treatment the Nordic Intravascular Ultrasound Study (NIVUS)
Background: This prospective multicenter registry used intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in patients with definite stent thrombosis (ST) to compare rates of incomplete stent apposition (ISA), stent fracture and stent expansion in patients treated with drug-eluting (DES) versus bare metal (BMS) stents. ST is a rare, but..Impaired arm development after Blalock–Taussig shunts in adults with repaired tetralogy of Fallot
International Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
Impaired arm development after Blalock–Taussig shunts in adults with repaired tetralogy of Fallot
Background: Many adults with repaired tetralogy of Fallot have had prior Blalock–Taussig shunts. These shunts may theoretically hinder growth and development of the ipsilateral arm. Methods: We prospectively enrolled consecutive patients with tetralogy of Fallot in a cross-sectional study to measure arm length and..Defensive active coping facilitates chronic hyperglycaemia and endothelial dysfunction in African men: The SABPA study
International Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
Defensive active coping facilitates chronic hyperglycaemia and endothelial dysfunction in African men: The SABPA study
Background: Dissociation between behavioural defensive active coping (AC) control albeit physiological “loss of control” responses was associated with silent ischaemia and structural wall abnormalities in African men. Whether it applies to structural alterations and endothelial dysfunction is uncertain. We therefore..Population trends and inequalities in incidence and short-term outcome of acute myocardial infarction between 1998 and 2007
International Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
Population trends and inequalities in incidence and short-term outcome of acute myocardial infarction between 1998 and 2007
Objective: We studied time trends in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) incidence, including out-of-hospital mortality proportions and hospitalized case-fatality rates. In addition, we compared AMI trends by age, gender and socioeconomic status. Methods: We linked the national Dutch hospital discharge register with the..Potentially important considerations in choosing specific statin treatments to reduce overall morbidity and mortality
International Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
Potentially important considerations in choosing specific statin treatments to reduce overall morbidity and mortality
Hypercholesterolemia and dyslipidemia are independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease and death. Statins are the drugs of choice to decrease plasma cholesterol and have other beneficial actions beyond lipid-lowering leading to substantial improvements in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However,..Catheter-based renal sympathetic denervation exerts acute and chronic effects on renal hemodynamics in swine
International Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
Catheter-based renal sympathetic denervation exerts acute and chronic effects on renal hemodynamics in swine
Objectives: We investigated the acute and chronic effects of catheter-based renal sympathetic denervation (RSD) on renal hemodynamics assessed by average peak velocity (APV), renal blood flow (RBF), renal flow reserve (RFR) and resistive index (RI). Background: Sympathetic overdrive is accompanied by impaired RBF,..Thigh circumference and low ankle brachial index in US adults: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2004
International Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
Thigh circumference and low ankle brachial index in US adults: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2004
Objective: Recent studies have suggested that smaller thighs are a disadvantage for health and survival, but the association of thigh circumference with atherosclerosis remains uncertain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between thigh circumference and peripheral arterial disease (PAD), as..Women hospitalized with atrial fibrillation: Gender differences, trends and outcome from a 20-year registry in a middle eastern country (1991–2010)
International Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
Women hospitalized with atrial fibrillation: Gender differences, trends and outcome from a 20-year registry in a middle eastern country (1991–2010)
Background: Most of the published research on atrial fibrillation (AF) is limited to studies in the developed world and included mainly Caucasian patients. Data about women with AF among other ethnicities is very limited. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics, treatment and..QiShenYiQi Pills® prevents cardiac ischemia–reperfusion injury via energy modulation
International Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
QiShenYiQi Pills® prevents cardiac ischemia–reperfusion injury via energy modulation
Background: QiShenYiQi Pills® (QSYQ) is a compound Chinese medicine used in China for alleviating cardiac function. The present study was designed to explore the effect and mechanism of QSYQ on ischemia–reperfusion (I/R)-induced disorders in myocardial structure and function, with particularly focusing on the..Comparisons of detailed arterial healing response at seven months following implantation of an everolimus- or sirolimus-eluting stent in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
International Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
Comparisons of detailed arterial healing response at seven months following implantation of an everolimus- or sirolimus-eluting stent in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Background: The difference of arterial healing response following everolimus-eluting stent (EES) or sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) implantation in patients with ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) has not been compared in detail. Methods: Thirty-five patients with STEMI were randomly implanted with an EES..Early intravenous beta-blockers in patients with acute coronary syndrome—A meta-analysis of randomized trials
International Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
Early intravenous beta-blockers in patients with acute coronary syndrome—A meta-analysis of randomized trials
Background: Intravenous (IV) beta-blockade is currently a Class IIa recommendation in early management of patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) without obvious contraindications. Methods: We searched the PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Register for Controlled Clinical Trials for randomized clinical trials from..Validation of contemporary stroke and bleeding risk stratification scores in non-anticoagulated Chinese patients with atrial fibrillation
International Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
Validation of contemporary stroke and bleeding risk stratification scores in non-anticoagulated Chinese patients with atrial fibrillation
Background: Risk stratification schemes assessing stroke and thromboembolism (stroke/TE) and bleeding relating to atrial fibrillation (AF) have largely been derived and validated in Western populations. We assessed risk factors that constitute scores for assessing stroke/TE (CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc) and bleeding..CXCR6 deficiency ameliorated myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury by inhibiting infiltration of monocytes and IFN-γ-dependent autophagy
International Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
CXCR6 deficiency ameliorated myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury by inhibiting infiltration of monocytes and IFN-γ-dependent autophagy
Background: Emerging evidence shows that the chemokine CXCL16 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of myocardial remodeling and development of heart failure following ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. CXCR6, the receptor for CXCL16, is also critically involved. However, the underlying mechanism remained..Successful Treatment by Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation of Severe Aortic Regurgitation in a Patient with Ascending Aorta Prosthesis
Heart, Lung and Circulation
Nov 2012
Successful Treatment by Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation of Severe Aortic Regurgitation in a Patient with Ascending Aorta Prosthesis
Severe aortic regurgitation (AR), when intervention is required, is managed by surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Recently, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for severe aortic stenosis (AS) has shown non-inferiority to SAVR and superiority to medical management. TAVR could be a valid “off label”..Accurate assessment of load-independent right ventricular systolic function in patients with pulmonary hypertension
Heart, Lung and Circulation
Nov 2012
Accurate assessment of load-independent right ventricular systolic function in patients with pulmonary hypertension
Background: End-systolic elastance (Ees), a load-independent measure of ventricular function, is of clinical interest for studies of the right ventricle (RV) in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The objective of this study was to determine whether, in PAH patients, Ees can be estimated from mean..Patients with low compared with high body mass index gain more weight after implantation of a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device
Heart, Lung and Circulation
Nov 2012
Patients with low compared with high body mass index gain more weight after implantation of a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device
Background: Patterns of weight change after implantation of a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) can affect transplant candidacy and may influence outcomes. We evaluated changes in weight over a 24-month period from a national LVAD clinical trial database. Methods: A retrospective analysis was..The prognosis of periprocedural myocardial infarction after percutaneous coronary interventions
Cardiovascular Revascularization Medicine
Nov 2012
The prognosis of periprocedural myocardial infarction after percutaneous coronary interventions
An increase of biomarkers of myocardial necrosis is observed frequently after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) even when the procedure seems angiographically successful and otherwise uncomplicated. The recently updated Universal Definition of Myocardial infarction (MI) arbitrarily defined periprocedural MI..Temporal Trends in Medical Therapies for ST- and Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction: (from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities [ARIC] Surveillance Study)
American Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
Temporal Trends in Medical Therapies for ST- and Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction: (from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities [ARIC] Surveillance Study)
Reports from large studies using administrative data sets and event registries have characterized recent temporal trends and treatment patterns for acute myocardial infarction. However, few were population based, and fewer examined differences in patterns of treatment for patients presenting with ST-segment elevation..Influence of Gender on Ischemic Times and Outcomes After ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
American Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
Influence of Gender on Ischemic Times and Outcomes After ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Previous studies investigating the influence of gender on ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction have reported conflicting results. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of gender on ischemic times and outcomes after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in patients treated with primary..Real Incidence of Diabetes Mellitus in a Coronary Disease Population
American Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
Real Incidence of Diabetes Mellitus in a Coronary Disease Population
The high prevalence of unknown diabetes mellitus (DM) in patients with coronary disease and that the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is the best diagnostic method in this context are well known. However, data about the incidence of DM in this population have not been well described. In the present study, we sought..Effects of Niacin on Glucose Levels, Coronary Stenosis Progression, and Clinical Events in Subjects With Normal Baseline Glucose Levels (<100 mg/dl): A Combined Analysis of the Familial Atherosclerosis Treatment Study (FATS), HDL-Atherosclerosis Treatment Study (HATS), Armed Forces Regression Study (AFREGS), and Carotid Plaque Composition by MRI During Lipid-lowering (CPC) Study
American Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
Effects of Niacin on Glucose Levels, Coronary Stenosis Progression, and Clinical Events in Subjects With Normal Baseline Glucose Levels (<100 mg/dl): A Combined Analysis of the Familial Atherosclerosis Treatment Study (FATS), HDL-Atherosclerosis Treatment Study (HATS), Armed Forces Regression Study (AFREGS), and Carotid Plaque Composition by MRI During Lipid-lowering (CPC) Study
Although the effect of niacin on the glucose levels in subjects with diabetes mellitus has been investigated, niacin’s effects on the glucose levels and atherosclerosis in subjects with normal glucose levels have not been well established. We examined the effect of niacin on the glucose levels, coronary stenosis..Relation of Morbid Obesity and Female Gender to Risk of Procedural Complications in Patients Undergoing Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
American Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
Relation of Morbid Obesity and Female Gender to Risk of Procedural Complications in Patients Undergoing Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
Obese patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are frequently treated with AF ablation. We sought to examine whether a body mass index (BMI) threshold exists beyond which the odds of experiencing a complication from AF ablation increases. All patients enrolled in the Vanderbilt AF Registry who underwent catheter-based AF..Comparison of Surgical Septal Myectomy to Medical Therapy Alone in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Syncope
American Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
Comparison of Surgical Septal Myectomy to Medical Therapy Alone in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Syncope
The presence of syncope despite medical therapy in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC) is considered an indication for surgical myectomy; however, no study has examined the long-term effects on recurrent syncope and survival after surgery in these patients. We examined 239 patients with HC and a history of..Indexes of von Willebrand Factor as Biomarkers of Aortic Stenosis Severity (from the Biomarkers of Aortic Stenosis Severity [BASS] Study)
American Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
Indexes of von Willebrand Factor as Biomarkers of Aortic Stenosis Severity (from the Biomarkers of Aortic Stenosis Severity [BASS] Study)
We correlated von Willebrand factor (VWF) activity indexes and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) with measures of aortic stenosis (AS) severity, bleeding, symptoms, and freedom from death or aortic valve replacement. Patients with AS (n = 66 [16 mild, 20 moderate, and 30 severe]) and aortic valve replacement (n = 21)..Desmin Mutations and Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy
American Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
Desmin Mutations and Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited heart muscle disease characterized by fibrofatty replacement of the myocardium and ventricular arrhythmias, associated with mutations in the desmosomal genes. Only a missense mutation in the DES gene coding for desmin, the intermediate filament..Refining the Role of Antiplatelet Therapy in Medically Managed Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome
American Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
Refining the Role of Antiplatelet Therapy in Medically Managed Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome
Dual-antiplatelet therapy with aspirin plus a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor is recommended for use as first-line therapy in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) who undergo high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention. However, revascularization may not be a beneficial option for some subgroups of patients with ACS...Cardiovascular Risk Assessment of Pulmonary Embolism With the GRACE Risk Score
American Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
Cardiovascular Risk Assessment of Pulmonary Embolism With the GRACE Risk Score
Despite the existence of several risk scores, the accurate prediction of the prognosis in pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a challenge. The Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score has a high diagnostic performance for adverse outcomes in acute coronary syndrome. We aimed to assess the applicability..Relation of Vitamin D and Parathyroid Hormone to Cardiac Biomarkers and to Left Ventricular Mass (from the Cardiovascular Health Study)
American Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
Relation of Vitamin D and Parathyroid Hormone to Cardiac Biomarkers and to Left Ventricular Mass (from the Cardiovascular Health Study)
Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) may affect cardiovascular health in patients with kidney disease and in the general population. The aim of this study was to investigate associations of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and PTH concentrations with a comprehensive set of biochemical, electrocardiographic, and..C-reactive protein induces expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9: A possible link between inflammation and plaque rupture
International Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
C-reactive protein induces expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9: A possible link between inflammation and plaque rupture
Background: Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). However, little is known about the mechanisms responsible for MMP expression in ACS. C-reactive protein (CRP) not only is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events, but also may exert direct..Residual risk of cardiovascular mortality in patients with coronary heart disease: The EUROASPIRE Risk Categories
International Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
Residual risk of cardiovascular mortality in patients with coronary heart disease: The EUROASPIRE Risk Categories
Background: The EUROASPIRE I, II and III surveys revealed high prevalences of modifiable risk factors in the high priority group of coronary patients all over Europe. The potential to further reduce coronary heart disease (CHD) morbidity and mortality rates is still considerable. We report here on the relative risk of..Cardioprotective molecules are enriched in beating cardiomyocytes derived from human embryonic stem cells
International Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
Cardioprotective molecules are enriched in beating cardiomyocytes derived from human embryonic stem cells
Background: Cardiomyocytes derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESC-CMs) have attracted attention because of their cardiac regenerative potential in vivo. Differentiated CMs can be distinguished into two different phenotypic populations: beating and non-beating CMs. A thorough understanding of the different..Diallyl trisufide (DATS) suppresses high glucose-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by inhibiting JNK/NFκB signaling via attenuating ROS generation
International Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
Diallyl trisufide (DATS) suppresses high glucose-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by inhibiting JNK/NFκB signaling via attenuating ROS generation
Background: Hyperglycemia is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases no matter if it resulted from type I or type II diabetes mellitus. High glucose-induced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can lead to diabetic cardiomyopathy. In our previous study, we showed that NADPH oxidase-related..Outcomes after listing with a requirement for a prospective crossmatch in pediatric heart transplantation
Heart, Lung and Circulation
Nov 2012
Outcomes after listing with a requirement for a prospective crossmatch in pediatric heart transplantation
Background: Allosensitization is associated with inferior waitlist outcomes in pediatric heart transplant candidates, presumably because of the requirement for a negative prospective crossmatch. However, there are no reports of heart transplant candidate outcomes according to prospective crossmatch requirements...Resistance training improves cardiac output, exercise capacity and tolerance to positive airway pressure in Fontan physiology
International Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
Resistance training improves cardiac output, exercise capacity and tolerance to positive airway pressure in Fontan physiology
Background: Subjects with Fontan-type circulation have no sub-pulmonary ventricle and thus depend exquisitely on the respiratory bellows and peripheral muscle pump for cardiac filling. We hypothesised that resistance training to augment the peripheral muscle pump might improve cardiac filling, reduce..Early Identification of Asymptomatic Subjects at Increased Risk of Heart Failure and Cardiovascular Events—Progress and Future Directions
Heart, Lung and Circulation
Nov 2012
Early Identification of Asymptomatic Subjects at Increased Risk of Heart Failure and Cardiovascular Events—Progress and Future Directions
Increasing evidence for a latent, preclinical phase of cardiac pathology prior to the development of symptomatic heart failure has fuelled interest in the potential of developing a screening program for early disease detection and intervention. Cardiac biomarkers have shown promise in identifying subjects with..Risk Modelling in Quality Clinical Registries: Monitoring Lesion Treatment Failure Rate in Percutaneous Coronary Interventions
Heart, Lung and Circulation
Nov 2012
Risk Modelling in Quality Clinical Registries: Monitoring Lesion Treatment Failure Rate in Percutaneous Coronary Interventions
Aims: This paper describes the development of a risk adjustment (RA) model predictive of individual lesion treatment failure in percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) for use in a quality monitoring and improvement program. Methods and results: Prospectively collected data for 3972 consecutive revascularisation..Hemodynamic adaptation to pregnancy in women with structural heart disease
International Journal of Cardiology
Nov 2012
Hemodynamic adaptation to pregnancy in women with structural heart disease
Background: Many women with structural heart disease reach reproductive age and contemplate motherhood. Pregnancy induces and requires major hemodynamic changes. Pregnant women with structural heart disease may have a reduced cardiac reserve. There are no longitudinal data on cardiovascular adaptation throughout..OxLDL causes both epigenetic modification and signaling regulation on the microRNA-29b gene: Novel mechanisms for cardiovascular diseases
Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology
Dec 2011
OxLDL causes both epigenetic modification and signaling regulation on the microRNA-29b gene: Novel mechanisms for cardiovascular diseases
MicroRNA-29b has been reported to epigenetically regulate proatherogenic genes in response to oxLDL. Since transcription factors and epigenetic regulations are important mechanisms to regulate gene expression, we investigated whether these mechanisms are involved in oxLDL-induced microRNA-29b upregulation. First, we..Left ventricular dynamic gradient and pericardial effusion. A life threatening combination in patients with apical ballooning syndrome
International Journal of Cardiology
Dec 2011
Left ventricular dynamic gradient and pericardial effusion. A life threatening combination in patients with apical ballooning syndrome
Although most complications of apical ballooning syndrome (ABS) are known, data regarding its incidence in series of patients is scanty...Coronary collateral growth—back to the future
Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology
Dec 2011
Coronary collateral growth—back to the future
The coronary collateral circulation is critically important as an adaptation of the heart to prevent the damage from ischemic insults. In their native state, collaterals in the heart would be classified as part of the microcirculation, existing as arterial-arterial anastomotic connections in the range of 30 to 100μM in..New and old mechanisms associated with hypertension in the elderly
International Journal of Hypertension
Oct 2011
New and old mechanisms associated with hypertension in the elderly
Hypertension is a widely prevalent and important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases that increase with aging. The hallmark of hypertension in the elderly is increased vascular dysfunction. However, the molecular mechanisms by which increased blood pressure leads to vascular injury and impaired endothelial function..Risk of cardiovascular disease in kidney donors as a chronic kidney disease cohort.
Molecular medicine reports
Oct 2011
Risk of cardiovascular disease in kidney donors as a chronic kidney disease cohort.
Kidney donors are a chronic kidney disease (CKD) cohort virtually guaranteed to have a low risk of CKD progression, as they are screened for CKD risk factors beforehand. However, there has been no evidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is an outcome of CKD, for these donors. In this study, the conditions of..Porcine vena cava as an alternative to bovine pericardium in bioprosthetic percutaneous heart valves
Biomaterials
Oct 2011
Porcine vena cava as an alternative to bovine pericardium in bioprosthetic percutaneous heart valves
Percutaneous heart valves are revolutionizing valve replacement surgery by offering a less invasive treatment option for high-risk patient populations who have previously been denied the traditional open chest procedure. Percutaneous valves need to be crimped to accommodate a small-diameter catheter during deployment,..Myocardial revascularization by percutaneous coronary intervention: past, present, and the future.
Current problems in cardiology
Sep 2011
Myocardial revascularization by percutaneous coronary intervention: past, present, and the future.
Percutaneous coronary revascularization was introduced over 30 years ago by Dr Andreas Gruntzig. This event catapulted adult invasive cardiology from a diagnostic entity to a therapeutic modality, which has since become the most frequently performed coronary revascularization procedure worldwide. This success has been..The SHAPE Guideline: Ahead of Its Time or Just in Time?
Current atherosclerosis reports
Sep 2011
The SHAPE Guideline: Ahead of Its Time or Just in Time?
In 2006, a grass roots movement called SHAPE (Screening for Heart Attack Prevention and Education) published a novel practice guideline for cardiovascular screening in the asymptomatic at-risk population. It suggested the use of noninvasive tests for subclinical atherosclerosis in cardiovascular risk assessment to..Radionuclide cardiac stress testing
Current Opinion in Cardiology
Sep 2011
Radionuclide cardiac stress testing
Purpose of review: To briefly review the field of radionuclide stress imaging, including recent technologic advances and clinical applications. Recent findings: ECG gating and attenuation correction help increase specificity and accuracy of myocardial single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging...
Advert for Healthcare Professionals only