Journal of the American College of Cardiology
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Jan 2006
Randomized Controlled TrialAtorvastatin improves left ventricular systolic function and serum markers of inflammation in nonischemic heart failure.
This study examined the effect of statin therapy on vascular markers of inflammation and echocardiographic findings in patients with nonischemic forms of cardiomyopathy. ⋯ The use of atorvastatin in patients with nonischemic HF improves LVEF and attenuates adverse LV remodeling. The effects on soluble levels of several inflammatory markers with atorvastatin suggest, in part, mechanisms by which statins might exert their beneficial effects in nonischemic HF.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Jan 2006
Comparative StudyFrequency and clinical implications of discordant creatine kinase-MB and troponin measurements in acute coronary syndromes.
We sought to evaluate the association between discordant cardiac marker results and in-hospital mortality and treatment patterns in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE ACS). ⋯ Among patients with NSTE ACS, an elevated troponin level identifies patients at increased acute risk regardless of CK-MB status, but an isolated CK-MB+ status has limited prognostic value. Recognition of these risk differences may contribute to more appropriate early use of antithrombotic therapy and invasive management for all cTn+ patients.
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We studied the acute effect of caffeine on myocardial blood flow (MBF) at rest and exercise in healthy volunteers at normoxia and during acute exposure to simulated altitude. ⋯ In healthy volunteers, a caffeine dose corresponding to two cups of coffee (200 mg) significantly decreased exercise-induced MFR at normoxia and was even more pronounced during exposure to altitude.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Jan 2006
Prolonged QTc interval and risk of sudden cardiac death in a population of older adults.
This study sought to investigate whether prolongation of the heart rate-corrected QT (QTc) interval is a risk factor for sudden cardiac death in the general population. ⋯ Abnormal QTc prolongation on the electrocardiogram should be viewed as an independent risk factor for sudden cardiac death.