Annals of medicine
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Heart transplantation has evolved from an experimental procedure with a low survival rate to a therapeutic option for patients with end-stage heart disease. The most common diagnosis among recipients is cardiomyopathy, followed by coronary artery disease and vascular disease. ⋯ The number of suitable donors available is limited so we should ensure that donor's hearts go those patients who stand to gain the greatest benefit after operation. The cost-benefit ratio has been shown to be good and heart transplantation is nowadays a routine procedure in cardiac surgery.
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In a national Belgian nutritional study (the B. I. R. ⋯ A total of 29.9% of the male population, and 32.7% of the female population are at 'high risk' of CHD according to their serum cholesterol levels. In general the results are better for the Dutch-speaking population than for their French-speaking counterparts. In conclusion, despite modifications in eating patterns and a decrease in CHD mortality in Belgium during the 1970s, a very high percentage of males and females are still far from the recommended nutritional goals and ideal serum cholesterol levels.