Clinical cardiology
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Clinical cardiology · May 2012
ReviewElectromagnetic interference and implanted cardiac devices: the nonmedical environment (part I).
The number of patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), such as permanent pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, is dramatically rising due to an aging population and recent clinical trials showing benefits in mortality and morbidity. Coupled with this increase in the number of patients with CIEDs is the proliferation of technology that emits electromagnetic signals, which can potentially interfere with CIED function through electromagnetic interference (EMI). ⋯ Physicians caring for patients with CIEDs should be aware of potential sources of EMI and appropriate management options. This 2-part review aims to provide a contemporary overview of the current knowledge regarding risks attributable to EMI interactions from the most common nonmedical (Part I) and medical (Part II) sources.
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Clinical cardiology · May 2012
Assessing the credibility of the "YouTube approach" to health information on acute myocardial infarction.
This study was designed to assess the credibility of YouTube video information on acute myocardial infarction by exploring the relationship between accuracy of information on the topic, source of expertise, and perceived credibility of the message. ⋯ YouTube is a popular platform across the globe for sharing video information, including videos related to health and disease. However, the information on this platform is not regulated and can easily mislead those seeking it. We suggest that authoritative videos should come from reputable sources such as professional societies and/or academic institutions and should provide unbiased and accurate information on all aspects of diseases like acute myocardial infarction.
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Clinical cardiology · Apr 2012
Intraaortic balloon pump: incidence and predictors of complications in the Florence registry.
The intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) is the most commonly used mechanical circulatory support for patients with acute coronary syndromes and cardiogenic shock. Nevertheless, IABP-related complications are still frequent and associated with a poor prognosis. ⋯ In consecutive patients treated with IABP support, the degree of hemodynamic impairment and the decrease in platelet count were independent predictors of complications, whose development was associated with higher in-ICCU mortality.
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Clinical cardiology · Apr 2012
Impact of a national smoking ban on hospital admission for acute coronary syndromes: a longitudinal study.
A ban on smoking in the workplace was introduced in Ireland on March 29, 2004. As exposure to secondhand smoke has been implicated in the development of coronary disease, this might impact the incidence of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). ⋯ A national ban on smoking in public places was associated with an early significant decrease in hospital admissions for ACS, suggesting a rapid effect of banning smoking in public places on ACS. A further reduction of similar magnitude 2 years after implementation of the ban is consistent with a longer-term effect that should be further examined in long-term studies.
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Clinical cardiology · Apr 2012
Elevated admission microalbuminuria predicts poor myocardial blood flow and 6-month mortality in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.
Microalbuminuria (MA) is considered a major risk factor predisposing to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by MA have been well described. However, data regarding admission MA and coronary and myocardial flow are scant. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of admission MA on coronary blood flow and prognosis in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primary PCI. ⋯ Admission MA levels are associated with impaired myocardial flow and poor prognosis in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI.