European heart journal
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European heart journal · Feb 2008
Randomized Controlled TrialPrognostic role of echocardiography and brain natriuretic peptide in symptomatic breathless patients in the community.
Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), left ventricular (LV) systolic function, and mitral filling pattern (MFP) are prognostic indicators in patients with heart failure (HF). This study evaluated the potential role of E/Ea for predicting cardiovascular (CV) events in patients with suspected HF. This non-invasive measure of LV filling pressure has been shown to predict outcome in more advanced HF, but not in mild HF in the community. ⋯ Both E/Ea and NT-proBNP predicted hospitalization and when used in a two-step approach (NT-proBNP first, followed by E/Ea), the combination of both (elevated NT-proBNP and elevated E/Ea) identified those patients at highest risk, thus supporting a complementary approach for echocardiography and NT-proBNP in patients with HF symptoms.
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European heart journal · Feb 2008
Randomized Controlled TrialThe Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial lipid lowering arm: extended observations 2 years after trial closure.
To determine the cardiovascular benefits in those originally assigned atorvastatin in the Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial-2.2 years after closure of the lipid-lowering arm of the trial (ASCOT-LLA). ⋯ Carry-over benefits from those originally assigned atorvastatin but no longer taking the drug may account for unchanged relative risk reductions in most cardiovascular endpoints observed 2 years after ASCOT-LLA closed.
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European heart journal · Feb 2008
Randomized Controlled TrialPredictors and outcomes of a perioperative myocardial infarction following elective vascular surgery in patients with documented coronary artery disease: results of the CARP trial.
The predictors and outcomes of patients with a peri-operative elevation in cardiac troponin I above the 99th percentile of normal following an elective vascular operation have not been studied in a homogeneous cohort with documented coronary artery disease. ⋯ Among patients with coronary artery disease who undergo vascular surgery, a peri-operative elevation in cardiac troponin levels is common and in combination with diabetes, is a strong predictor of long-term mortality. These data support the utility of cardiac troponins as a means of stratifying high-risk patients following vascular operations.