International journal of cardiology
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Arterial CO2 tension (PaCO2) and physiological dead space (VD) are not routinely measured during clinical cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). Abnormal changes in PaCO2 accompanied by increased VD directly contribute to impaired exercise ventilatory function in heart failure (HF). Because arterial catheterization is not standard practice during CPET, this study tested the construct validity of PaCO2 and VD prediction models using 'ideal' alveolar air equations and basic ventilation and gas-exchangegas exchange measurements during CPET in HF. ⋯ These data suggest predicted PaCO2 and VD based on breath-by-breath gas exchange and ventilatory responses demonstrate acceptable agreement with criterion measurements at peak exercise in HF patients. Routine assessment of PaCO2 and VD can be used to improve interpretability of exercise ventilatory responses in HF.
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The competition for public cardiovascular research grants has recently increased. Independent researchers are facing increasing competition for public research grant support and ultimately may need to seek alternative funding sources. ⋯ However, the feasibility of crowdfunding for cardiovascular research remains unknown. Here, we performed exploratory data analysis of the feasibility of online crowdfunding in cardiovascular research.
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Review Meta Analysis
Colchicine for primary prevention of atrial fibrillation after open-heart surgery: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
Atrial fibrillation occurs frequently after open-heart surgery. It is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, longer hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs. Prophylactic administration of colchicine may mitigate post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF). ⋯ Colchicine demonstrated superior efficacy versus usual care for prevention of atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery. Moreover, colchicine treatment was associated with shorter hospital stays. These benefits outweigh increased risk of adverse drug-related effects; although further work is needed to minimize gastrointestinal effects.
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Multicenter Study
Association between QRS duration on prehospital ECG and mortality in patients with suspected STEMI.
QRS duration has previously shown association with mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with thrombolytics, less is known in patients with suspected ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) when assessing QRS duration on prehospital ECG. Thus, the objective was to investigate the prognostic effect of QRS duration on prehospital ECG and presence of classic left and right bundle branch block (LBBB/RBBB) for all-cause mortality in patients with suspected STEMI. ⋯ In patients with suspected STEMI, QRS prolongation, LBBB, and RBBB on prehospital ECG are associated with increased risk of death.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study Pragmatic Clinical Trial
NOACs and atrial fibrillation: Incidence and predictors of left atrial thrombus in the real world.
Despite optimal oral anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonist, left atrial (LA) thrombus could be detected in the left appendage (LAA) in >2% of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and CHA2DS2-VASc score≥1 but few data are available for patients treated with non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs). We evaluated the occurrence and predictors of LA thrombi by means of transesophageal echocardiography (TOE) in consecutive patients with non-valvular AF who received for at least 3weeks Apixaban, Dabigatran, or Rivaroxaban. ⋯ The incidence of LAA thrombus in a cohort of patients anticoagulated with NOACs is low but not negligible, in any case similar among the 3 drugs. Preprocedural TOE should be considered in patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc score>3.