Wiener klinische Wochenschrift
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Hypothyroidism (HT) has an increased risk for cardiovascular mortality and morbidity due to increased atherosclerosis. Heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP) is abundant in the cytosol of cardiomyocytes, and transports fatty acids into these cells. Although H-FABP has been shown to increase in several atherosclerotic and inflammatory conditions, there is no literature data indicating an alteration in other atherosclerotic processes such as HT. ⋯ Serum H-FABP levels progressively increased from the control group to the OH group. This suggests that H-FABP may be an indicator of low-level myocardial damage in HT, especially when used together with CIMT. Decreasing serum fT4 levels seem also to have an effect on H-FABP levels.
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Wien. Klin. Wochenschr. · Nov 2014
HerzMobil Tirol network: rationale for and design of a collaborative heart failure disease management program in Austria.
Heart failure (HF) is approaching epidemic proportions worldwide and is the leading cause of hospitalization in the elderly population. High rates of readmission contribute substantially to excessive health care costs and highlight the fragmented nature of care available to HF patients. Disease management programs (DMPs) have been implemented to improve health outcomes, patient satisfaction, and quality of life, and to reduce health care costs. ⋯ DMPs that emphasize comprehensive patient education and guideline-adjusted therapy have shown great promise to result in beneficial long-term effects. It can be speculated that combining core elements of the aforementioned programs may substantially improve long-term cost-effectiveness of patient management. We introduce a collaborative post-discharge HF disease management program (HerzMobil Tirol network) that incorporates physician-controlled telemonitoring and nurse-led care in a multidisciplinary network approach.
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Wien. Klin. Wochenschr. · Nov 2014
Sex differences in independent factors associated with coronary artery disease.
Women undergoing coronary angiography (CA) due to chest pain are more likely to present with less extensive coronary artery disease (CAD) than men, which might be attributed to different effects of cardiovascular risk factors on coronary atherogenesis between sexes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate sex differences in independent factors associated with obstructive and non-obstructive CAD in a large consecutive cohort of patients undergoing elective CA. ⋯ The impact of smoking and hypercholesterolaemia on coronary atherosclerosis is different between women and men. This might be taken into account when planning individual interventions to reduce cardiovascular risk.
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Wien. Klin. Wochenschr. · Nov 2014
Case ReportsFontan-like circulation as a criterion for heart transplantation in arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia.
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD) is often associated with progressive right ventricular dysfunction. Although heart transplantation (HTx) is suggested in these patients, indication and optimal timing for listing can be challenging. ⋯ In patients with ARVD, evidence of FLC may serve as an additional criterion for HTx. This applies particularly to patients who do not clearly fulfill standard transplant criteria and to patients with electrical instability.