International journal of cardiology
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Pre-test probability of obstructive coronary stenosis in patients undergoing coronary CT angiography: Comparative performance of the modified diamond-Forrester algorithm versus methods incorporating cardiovascular risk factors.
Current guidelines recommend the use of the Modified Diamond-Forrester (MDF) method to assess the pre-test likelihood of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to compare the performance of the MDF method with two contemporary algorithms derived from multicenter trials that additionally incorporate cardiovascular risk factors: the calculator-based 'CAD Consortium 2' method, and the integer-based CONFIRM score. ⋯ Newer risk factor-encompassing models allow for a more precise estimation of pre-test probabilities of obstructive CAD than the guideline-recommended MDF method. Adoption of these scores may improve disease prediction and change the diagnostic pathway in a significant proportion of patients.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effect of remote ischemic preconditioning on myocardial injury and inflammatory response induced by ablation for atrial fibrillation: A randomized controlled trial.
Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) has been suggested to reduce postoperative release of cardiac and inflammatory markers in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of RIPC on nonischemic myocardial damage and inflammatory response in patients undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). ⋯ These results show that RIPC before ablation for paroxysmal AF significantly reduces the increase in cTnI, hs-CRP, and IL-6 associated with the procedure and results in a lower risk of ERAF. These findings suggest that RIPC could provide cardioprotection against nonischemic myocardial damage.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Efficacy of high intensity atorvastatin versus moderate intensity atorvastatin for acute coronary syndrome patients with diabetes mellitus.
To investigate whether more benefits can be achieved through high intensity atorvastatin compared with moderate intensity atorvastatin in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). ⋯ For ACS patients with DM, high intensity atorvastatin induced better long-term outcomes compared with moderate intensity.