Circulation journal : official journal of the Japanese Circulation Society
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To prospectively investigate the predictive value of the preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration for major postoperative complications following off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgery. ⋯ Elevated preoperative CRP level and/or preoperative CRF indicate increased risk of developing major postoperative complications, particularly acute postoperative renal dysfunction in patients undergoing OPCAB surgery.
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In patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes, early risk stratification is crucial for appropriate management of this condition and for deciding whether early invasive strategies should be adopted. The electrocardiogram (ECG) has been extensively used for risk stratification, and the presence of ST-segment depression is an especially strong predictor of poor outcomes. ⋯ ST-segment elevation in lead a V(R) in addition to ST-segment depression in other leads is a very valuable marker of left main and/or 3-vessel disease. This review explores the clinical importance of the ECG in the current interventional era.
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Although the metabolic syndrome (MetS) is considered to be caused primarily by visceral fat accumulation, epidemiological evidence is lacking as to whether or not obesity is an essential element in the syndrome. ⋯ MetS caused moderate increases in all-cause and CVD mortality. However, the MetS definition requiring obesity may not necessarily identify non-overweight individuals who have a high mortality risk and are more prevalent than subjects with MetS.