Journal of the American College of Cardiology
-
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Jun 2000
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialA randomized trial comparing heparin initiation 6 h or 24 h after pacemaker or defibrillator implantation.
The purpose of this randomized study was to evaluate the prevalence of pocket hematomas in patients treated with heparin 6 h or 24 h after pacemaker or defibrillator implantation. ⋯ Intravenous heparin initiation 6 h or 24 h after pacemaker or defibrillator implantation is associated with a 20% prevalence of pocket hematoma formation. Warfarin therapy or no anticoagulation is associated with only a 2% to 4% risk of pocket hematoma formation.
-
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Jun 2000
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialClinical effects of early angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor treatment for acute myocardial infarction are similar in the presence and absence of aspirin: systematic overview of individual data from 96,712 randomized patients. Angiotensin-converting Enzyme Inhibitor Myocardial Infarction Collaborative Group.
We sought to determine whether the clinical effects of early angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (ACEi) treatment for acute myocardial infarction (MI) are influenced by the concomitant use of aspirin (ASA). ⋯ Both ASA and ACEi are beneficial in acute MI. The present results support the early use of ACEi in acute MI, irrespective of whether or not ASA is being given.
-
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Jun 2000
Cardiac troponin T in chest pain unit patients without ischemic electrocardiographic changes: angiographic correlates and long-term clinical outcomes.
We prospectively evaluated the relation between cardiac troponin T (cTnT) level, the presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) and long-term prognosis in patients with chest pain but no ischemic electrocardiographic (ECG) changes who had short-term observation. ⋯ In a group of patients with chest pain anticipated to have a low prevalence of CAD and a good prognosis, cTnT identifies a subgroup with a high prevalence of extensive and complex CAD and increased risk for long-term adverse outcomes.
-
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Jun 2000
Prognostic significance of ST segment depression in lateral leads I, aVL, V5 and V6 on the admission electrocardiogram in patients with a first acute myocardial infarction without ST segment elevation.
We sought to investigate the short-term prognostic value of the admission electrocardiogram (ECG) in patients with a first acute myocardial infarction (MI) without ST segment elevation. ⋯ In patients with a first non-ST segment elevation acute MI, ST segment depression in the lateral leads on hospital admission predicts a poor in-hospital outcome.
-
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · May 2000
Comparative StudyThe role of thoracic ultrasonography for evaluation of patients with decompensated chronic heart failure.
This study examined the usefulness of thoracic ultrasonography for evaluation of fluid accumulation in patients with decompensated chronic heart failure (CHF) in comparison with physical signs, upright posteroanterior chest X-ray and echocardiography. ⋯ Thoracic ultrasonography is a simple, sensitive and accurate method for the evaluation of body fluid accumulation in patients with decompensated CHF. This technique can be used to assist in making the diagnosis of decompensated CHF if other causes of pleural effusion have been clinically ruled out.