Irish journal of medical science
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In this study, the relationship between maximum carotid plaque area and stroke prognosis was analysed by carotid ultrasonography, and the relevant risk factors affecting the prognosis of acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) were investigated to provide novel insights into stroke prevention and management. ⋯ The maximum carotid plaque area and history of previous stroke are important predictors for assessing prognosis in patients with AIS.
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The impact of marital status on cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains controversial in the general population. ⋯ Within primary care settings, marital status should be considered a potential correlate of long-term CHD and overall mortality risks, especially among women.
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Ferritin is an iron deposition protein and a commonly ordered clinical test. While high levels may signify iron deposition, the majority are due to metabolic, inflammatory, infectious, and malignant disorders. The association between ferritin elevations < 1000 μg/L and long-term mortality is well demonstrated. The association between extreme ferritin elevations, namely ferritin levels over 10,000 μg/L, and short-term mortality, as well as predictors of mortality, has not been defined. ⋯ Extreme hyperferritinemia is associated with high short-term mortality. Ferritin can be used as a marker of poor prognosis, particularly among patients with infection and malignancy.
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Cardiovascular disease and low bone mineral density are major health problems in the elderly. These two conditions are considered independent of each other and age-related diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between low bone mineral density (BMD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidents, and the effect of vitamin D and calcium supplement on the incidence of CVD in patients with low BMD. ⋯ Low total hip and femoral neck BMD were associated with a higher chance to have CVD incidents in both elderly Arab males and females; moreover, calcium and vitamin D supplements have a possible protective role in reducing cardiovascular disease in elderly patients with osteopenia.
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Reducing the door-to-balloon time (D2BT) in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients maximizes myocardial salvage and mitigates morbidity/mortality. ⋯ Nearly half of the patients studied failed to achieve the overall target D2BT for revascularization. The time from arrival at the CHB ED to diagnostic ECG was identified as a substantial contributor to this failure, with a median time almost twice that of the target and a quarter of all patients spending longer than 46.8 min. These findings highlight a need to improve the implementation of ECG triage and interpretation in the ED.