International journal of cardiology
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Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with cognitive decline and may contribute to an increased risk of dementia. The goal of the present study was to investigate whether statin use prevented non-vascular dementia in subjects with AF. ⋯ In this large-scale nationwide cohort study, statin use was associated with a lower risk of non-vascular dementia in AF. Use of more potent statin and longer exposure time may be associated with greater benefits.
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Total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) has been the preferred treatment for patients with univentricular hearts. Current TCPC-techniques are the intra-atrial lateral tunnel (ILT) and the extracardiac conduit (ECC). We aimed to determine ventricular function during rest and stress, and to compare results for both techniques and for left (LV) versus right ventricular (RV) dominance. ⋯ Ventricular function is relatively well preserved in modern-day Fontan patients. With dobutamine stress there is a decrease in EDVi. ECC patients have higher CI and EF during stress. Patients with a dominant RV have lower systolic, including impaired contractility, and diastolic function.
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The relationships of four basic risk factors with 50-year incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) and Heart Disease of Uncertain Etiology (HDUE) were investigated in a population study. ⋯ Due to important differences in predictors (risk factors) and expectancy of life CHD and HDUE are probably manifestations of different etiologies.