Bmc Cardiovasc Disor
-
Bmc Cardiovasc Disor · Jan 2013
Observational StudyRed cell distribution width is associated with long-term prognosis in patients with stable coronary artery disease.
Data regarding the association between red cell distribution width (RDW) values and mortality in patients with stable coronary artery disease are scarce. We aimed to investigate the link between mortality and RDW in patients with stable coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). ⋯ Higher RDW values correspond to higher comorbidity burdens and higher mortality. RDW is an independent predictor of mortality in patients with stable coronary artery disease.
-
Bmc Cardiovasc Disor · Jan 2013
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyCognitive function after cardiac arrest and temperature management; rationale and description of a sub-study in the Target Temperature Management trial.
Mild to moderate cognitive impairment is common amongst long-term survivors of cardiac arrest. In the Target Temperature Management trial (TTM-trial) comatose survivors were randomized to 33°C or 36°C temperature control for 24 hours after cardiac arrest and the effects on survival and neurological outcome assessed. This protocol describes a sub-study of the TTM-trial investigating cognitive dysfunction and its consequences for patients' and relatives' daily life. ⋯ This large international sub-study of a randomized controlled trial will focus on mild to moderate cognitive impairment and its consequences for cardiac arrest survivors and their caregivers. By using an additional battery of tests we may be able to detect more subtle differences in cognitive function between the two intervention groups than identified in the main study. The results of the study could be used to develop a relevant screening model for cognitive dysfunction after cardiac arrest.
-
Bmc Cardiovasc Disor · Jan 2013
Circulating cardio-enriched microRNAs are associated with long-term prognosis following myocardial infarction.
Increased levels of cardio-enriched microRNAs (miRNAs) have been described in patients with myocardial infarction (MI). We wanted to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic potential of cardio-enriched miRNAs in patients presenting with a suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS). ⋯ Our findings confirm increased levels of cardio-enriched miRNAs in the blood of MI patients and establish association of increased miRNA levels with reduced systolic function after MI and risk of death or heart failure.
-
Bmc Cardiovasc Disor · Jan 2013
Review Meta Analysisβ-Blockers for the prevention of sudden cardiac death in heart failure patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
In many studies, beta-blockers have been shown to decrease sudden cardiac death (SCD) in heart failure patients; other studies reported mixed results. Recently, several large randomized control trials of beta blockers have been carried out. It became necessary to conduct a systematic review to provide an up-to-date synthesis of available data. ⋯ Beta-blockers reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) by 31%, cardiovascular death (CVD) by 29% and all-cause mortality by 33%. These results confirm the mortality benefits of these drugs and they should be recommended to all patients similar to those included in the trials.
-
Bmc Cardiovasc Disor · Jan 2013
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyPatient-centered disease management (PCDM) for heart failure: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.
Chronic heart failure (HF) disease management programs have reported inconsistent results and have not included comorbid depression management or specifically focused on improving patient-reported outcomes. The Patient Centered Disease Management (PCDM) trial was designed to test the effectiveness of collaborative care disease management in improving health status (symptoms, functioning, and quality of life) in patients with HF who reported poor HF-specific health status. ⋯ The PCDM trial builds on previous studies of HF disease management by prioritizing patient health status, implementing a collaborative care model of health care delivery, and addressing depression, a key barrier to optimal disease management. The study has been designed as an 'effectiveness trial' to support broader implementation in the healthcare system if it is successful.