Canadian journal of cardiovascular nursing = Journal canadien en soins infirmiers cardio-vasculaires
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Can J Cardiovasc Nurs · Jan 2007
Review Comparative StudyLow-fat or low-carbohydrate diet for cardiovascular health.
Obesity is a major, modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Climbing obesity rates are leaving Canadians at increased risk for disability, disease and premature death. This has led to increased interest in dietary interventions to control weight and reduce obesity. ⋯ The marketing strategies of diet promoters have led consumers and health care professionals to consider the benefits and risks of these diets for cardiovascular health. The purpose of this paper is to compare the traditional low-fat diet with one such dietary innovation -- the low-carbohydrate diet. Research studies are reviewed to provide some evidence for practice in assisting patients to improve cardiovascular health through weight loss.
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Can J Cardiovasc Nurs · Jan 2007
ReviewNeurocognitive dysfunction post-cardiac surgery and the neuroprotective effects of erythropoietin.
Neurocognitive dysfunction is a common postoperative complication exacerbated by cardiopulmonary bypass triggering a systemic inflammatory response. This clinical column focuses on the up-regulation of endogenous erythropoietin related to neurological inflammation and the use of recombinant erythropoietin as a neuroprotective pharmacotherapeutic agent.
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Can J Cardiovasc Nurs · Jan 2005
ReviewPalliative trajectory markers for end-stage heart failure. Or "oh Toto. This doesn't look like kancerous!".
Heart failure is a complex syndrome with a high morbidity and mortality rate. The Canadian mortality rate is between 25% and 40% annually. End-stage heart failure patients suffer from many debilitating symptoms. ⋯ This is difficult to determine due to the lack of tangible trajectory markers and the roller-coaster nature of the trajectory itself. These circumstances were the impetus for a review of the current literature and a clinical experience in a cardiac clinic within a major teaching hospital in Vancouver. The objective was to determine if clear palliative trajectory markers for heart failure existed and, if so, could they be used to produce a tool to assist health care professionals to accurately determine a timeline of six months or less.