European heart journal
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European heart journal · Apr 2000
ReviewSystematic review of the management of atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure.
To systematically review the management of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with heart failure. ⋯ There is a paucity of controlled clinical trial data for the management of AF among patients with heart failure. The interaction between AF and heart failure means that neither can be treated optimally without treating both. Presently treatment should be on a case by case basis.
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European heart journal · Apr 2000
Is the 6-minute walk test a reliable substitute for peak oxygen uptake in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy?
The 6-min walk test may serve as a more simple clinical tool to assess functional capacity in congestive heart failure than determination of peak oxygen uptake by cardiopulmonary exercise testing. The purpose of the study was to prospectively examine whether the distance ambulated during a 6-min walk test (i) correlates with peak oxygen uptake, (ii) allows peak oxygen uptake to be predicted, and (iii) provides prognostic information similar to peak oxygen uptake in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and left ventricular ejection fraction < or = 35%. ⋯ The 6-min walk test correlated with peak oxygen uptake when tested serially over the course of the disease. Although both tests define two distinct domains of functional capacity, the 6-min walk test provides prognostic information very similar to peak oxygen uptake in congestive heart failure patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.
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European heart journal · Apr 2000
Influence of atrial septal defect anatomy in patient selection and assessment of closure with the Cardioseal device; a three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiographic reconstruction.
The maximal diameter of the defect and the dimensions of the septal rims are essential parameters for the selection of optimal cases for device closure. Neither two-dimensional echocardiography nor balloon catheter sizing provide optimal data. Unique three-dimensional echocardiography might help to improve patient selection and assessment of results. Our aim was to optimize transcatheter closure of secundum type atrial septal defects using three-dimensional echocardiography. ⋯ Dynamic three-dimensional echocardiography enhances the understanding of the anatomy and physiology of atrial septal defect and should be an important process in future initiatives for device closures.
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European heart journal · Mar 2000
Very early diagnosis and risk stratification of patients admitted with suspected acute myocardial infarction by the combined evaluation of a single serum value of cardiac troponin-T, myoglobin, and creatine kinase MB(mass)
The diagnostic and prognostic capacity of biochemical markers of acute myocardial infarction in the emergency department were evaluated in consecutive patients (n=155) with suspected acute myocardial infarction. ⋯ Analysis of biochemical tests in the emergency department prior to hospital admission could accurately identify approximately 20% additional acute myocardial infarction patients. The prognosis of these patients is poor, and they may be a target for primary PTCA or new early initiated aggressive medical therapies.
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European heart journal · Mar 2000
Safety and prognostic value of early dobutamine-atropine stress echocardiography in patients with spontaneous chest pain and a non-diagnostic electrocardiogram.
To risk stratify and shorten hospital stay in patients with spontaneous (resting) chest pain and a non-diagnostic electrocardiogram (ECG). ⋯ Early dobutamine-atropine stress echocardiography may safely distinguish between low- and high-risk subsets for subsequent cardiac events in patients with spontaneous chest pain and a non-diagnostic ECG.