International journal of cardiology
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Incremental value of biomarkers to clinical variables for mortality prediction in acutely decompensated heart failure: the Multinational Observational Cohort on Acute Heart Failure (MOCA) study.
This study aims to evaluate the incremental value of plasma biomarkers to traditional clinical variables for risk stratification of 30-day and one-year mortality in acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF). ⋯ In this study, biomarkers provided incremental value for risk stratification of ADHF patients. Biomarkers such as sST2, MR-proADM, natriuretic peptides and CRP, reflecting different pathophysiologic pathways, add prognostic value to clinical risk factors for predicting both short-term and one-year mortality in ADHF.
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Multicenter Study
Airway obstruction in systolic heart failure--COPD or congestion?
The diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in patients with systolic heart failure (SHF) is challenging because symptoms of both conditions overlap. We aimed to estimate the prevalence, correlates and prognostic impact of true COPD in patients with SHF. ⋯ Airway obstruction is a dynamic phenomenon in SHF. Therefore, a valid diagnosis of COPD in SHF demands serial PFT under stable conditions with special attention to hyperinflation. COPD proven by PFT is associated with an increased all-cause mortality risk.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
The Virtual histology In CaroTids Observational RegistrY (VICTORY) study: a European prospective registry to assess the feasibility and safety of intravascular ultrasound and virtual histology during carotid interventions.
Carotid occlusive disease is the most common determinant of thromboembolic stroke. However, limited insights in vivo into the pathophysiology and pathology of carotid plaques are available. We designed a prospective multicenter registry to appraise the safety and feasibility of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and IVUS-virtual histology (IVUS-VH) imaging before and immediately after carotid stenting. ⋯ IVUS and IVUS-VH examinations during carotid interventions are feasible and safe, and provide important insights on qualitative and quantitative compositions of carotid plaques. Whether carotid IVUS-VH can predict clinical events remains uncertain, awaiting long-term follow-up of the VICTORY study and additional clinical trials.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Topical nitroglycerin and lidocaine to dilate the radial artery prior to transradial cardiac catheterization: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial: the PRE-DILATE Study.
Transradial access (TRA) is being increasingly used for both diagnostic and interventional cardiac procedures. Use of TRA offers many advantages: decreased bleeding, vascular complications, reduced length of hospital stay, and reduced cost. However, the small size of the radial artery limits the size of the equipment that can be used via this approach. We sought to determine whether pre-procedural administration of topical nitroglycerin and lidocaine increases the size of the radial artery. ⋯ NCT01155167.
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Multicenter Study
Prevention of heart failure in older adults may require higher levels of physical activity than needed for other cardiovascular events.
Little is known if the levels of physical activity required for the prevention of incident heart failure (HF) and other cardiovascular events vary in community-dwelling older adults. ⋯ In community-dwelling older adults, high level of physical activity was associated with lower risk of incident HF, but all levels of physical activity were associated with lower risk of incident AMI, stroke, and cardiovascular mortality.