Circulation
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Doppler echocardiographic studies have previously documented abnormalities of mitral flow during acute rejection similar to those seen in patients with "restrictive" physiology. As central venous flow is known to be abnormal in such patients, it was proposed that examination of superior vena caval flow with Doppler echocardiography might be useful for the detection of acute cardiac rejection. ⋯ During acute cardiac rejection, forward systolic superior vena caval flow is markedly diminished compared with nonrejectors. This is accompanied by other Doppler echocardiographic features consistent with the development of "restrictive" physiology. It is postulated that the loss of forward systolic flow in the superior vena cava is due to diminished long-axis shortening of the right ventricle associated with acute cardiac rejection.
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The degree of recovery of regional myocardial contraction during coronary venous retroperfusion has not been well established, particularly in the absence of coronary collateral channels. Therefore, the maximal functional benefit attainable with coronary venous retroperfusion was assessed in pigs by means of using selective pump retroperfusion of the left anterior descending vein, with venting of the left anterior descending artery to zero pressure. ⋯ Considerable recovery of regional myocardial function with low regional capillary blood flows were observed during acute venous retroperfusion with high retroperfusion flows with arterial blood. These findings together with low levels of retrograde arterial outflow and visualization of retrograde capillary filling with a rich venous network provide evidence for possible oxygen delivery via the intramyocardial venous plexus.
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Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and disability in older people. There is little information about the distributions of risk factors in older populations. This article describes the distribution and correlates of lipoprotein lipids in people greater than or equal to 65 years old. ⋯ Cholesterol and cholesterol/HDL-C ratio were lower and HDL-C higher than previously reported values in older people, suggesting that lipid risk profiles may be improving in older Americans. TG and HDL-C concentrations, and to a lesser extent LDL-C, were associated with potentially important modifiable factors such as obesity, glucose intolerance, renal function, and medication use.
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To ascertain the effect of the intravenous administration of magnesium in acute myocardial infarction on the frequency of arrhythmias and mortality, a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was performed. ⋯ Intravenous magnesium is a safe and effective method of reducing the frequency of arrhythmias and mortality in acute myocardial infarction.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Effect of completeness of revascularization on long-term outcome of patients with three-vessel disease undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. A report from the Coronary Artery Surgery Study (CASS) Registry.
Complete revascularization after coronary artery bypass surgery is a logical goal and improves symptomatic outcome and survival. However, the impact of complete revascularization in patients with three-vessel coronary disease with varying severities of angina and left ventricular dysfunction has not been clearly defined. ⋯ Complete revascularization (grafts to three or more vessels) in patients with three-vessel coronary disease appears to most benefit those with severe angina and left ventricular dysfunction.