International journal of cardiology
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To investigate the validity and reliability of the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D), the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12v2), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) in a stable coronary population. ⋯ The EQ-5D as well as the SF-12v2 and the HADS are reliable and valid instruments for use in a stable coronary population, both on aggregate European level and on country-specific level. However, our results must be generalized with caution, because EUROASPIRE III patients might not be representative for all patients with stable coronary heart disease.
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About a fourth of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) patients develop renal dysfunction during their admission. To date, the association of ADHF treatment with the development of worsening renal function (WRF) remains contentious. Thus, we examined the association of WRF with changes in BNP levels and with mortality. ⋯ During ADHF treatment, ΔBNP was not associated with changes in renal function. Development of WRF during ADHF treatment was not associated with mortality. Our study suggests that development of WRF should not preclude diuresis in ADHF patients in the absence of volume depletion.
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Review Meta Analysis
Measurement accuracy of non-invasively obtained central blood pressure by applanation tonometry: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Non-invasive methods based on applanation tonometry have been proposed to estimate central blood pressure. However, the accuracy of these methods hasn't been systematically examined. ⋯ Present tonometry-based central BP estimating methods are acceptable in theory, with small errors. However, based on current available evidence, there is substantial room for improvement in measurement accuracy of central BP when cuff BP is used to calibrate the peripheral waveforms.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
The predictive value of C-reactive protein on recurrence of atrial fibrillation after cardioversion with or without treatment with atorvastatin.
The aim of this study was to investigate whether high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels prior to cardioversion (CV) predict recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients randomized to treatment with either atorvastatin or placebo 30 and 180 days after CV. ⋯ HsCRP was associated with AF recurrence one and six months after successful CV of persistent AF. However, the association at one month was significant only after adjusting for atorvastatin treatment.