International journal of cardiology
-
To evaluate the influence of elevated body mass index (BMI) on short- and long-term survival following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). ⋯ Following AMI, overweight and obese individuals although paradoxically protected from short-term death have a long-term mortality risk that is similar to normal weight individuals. Younger age at the time of initial infarction and fewer non-cardiovascular comorbidities presumably explain the short-lived obesity survival paradox following myocardial infarction.
-
Comparative Study
Ontario score and cardiac risk during waiting for elective coronary bypass grafting.
Waiting lists for coronary bypass grafting are of major concern in several countries and prioritisation systems to the surgery have been proposed. The aim of this study was to verify the adequacy of Ontario score in predicting cardiac events during the waiting for elective coronary bypass grafting. ⋯ Ontario score showed a limited value in predicting cardiac events during the waiting for elective coronary bypass grafting. The results emphasise the need for shortening the wait in order to reduce complications in the period.
-
Comment Letter Comparative Study
Antiplatelet versus anticoagulant therapies in advanced age: an unfinished task.
We have read with great interest a retrospective cohort study recently published by Blich and Gross. In our opinion, this article renews the controversy of the best antithrombotic therapy in patients with AF. ⋯ However, very probably these patients are quite different than those seen in the clinical practice. The role of antiplatelet therapy is not completely established, and the selection between aspirin or warfarin in advanced age remains an unfinished task.
-
Inflammatory mediators including histamine, neutral proteases, arachidonic acid products, platelet activating factor and a variety of cytokines and chemokines are increased in blood or urine in both allergic episodes and acute coronary syndromes. The release of mediators during allergic insults has been incriminated to induce coronary artery spasm and/or atheromatous plaque erosion or rupture. A common pathway between allergic and non-allergic coronary syndromes seems to exist. ⋯ It is caused by inflammatory mediators released through mast cell activation. Kounis syndrome, as consequence, of the above pathophysiologic association is regarded as nature's own experiment and magnificent natural paradigm showing novel way in an effort to prevent acute coronary syndromes. Drugs and natural molecules which stabilize mast cell membrane and monoclonal antibodies that protect mast cell surface could emerge as novel therapeutic modalities capable to prevent acute coronary and cerebrovascular events.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Effects of a high dose intravenous bolus amiodarone in patients with atrial fibrillation and a rapid ventricular rate.
Amiodarone, given as intravenous bolus has not yet been studied in patients with atrial fibrillation and a high ventricular rate. ⋯ Amiodarone, given as an intravenous bolus is relatively safe and more effective than digoxin for heart rate control and conversion to sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation and a rapid ventricular rate.