European heart journal
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European heart journal · Aug 1989
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialA randomized prospective study on anxiety reduction by preparatory disclosure with and without video film show about a planned heart catheterization.
Unfortunately, giving preparatory information to the patient is generally regarded as legally mandatory for obtaining his written consent to an invasive procedure. Disclosure, however, could be used to reduce his anxiety as well; we hypothesized that showing a preparatory video film might be helpful in this respect. Patients who were admitted for elective coronary angiography were eligible for the study. 65 were randomized to two groups: both groups received the same leaflet and personal interview with the doctor, but only one group (Group 2) additionally watched a 14 min preparatory video. ⋯ The two groups did not differ with respect to initial anxiety levels and other important parameters. Group 1 patients, who did not watch the video had no significant reduction in anxiety score; group 2 patients showed a significant benefit. We conclude that disclosure with the additional aid of a video film may be an easy, yet effective way to reduce patients' anxiety.
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European heart journal · Aug 1989
ReviewPharmacology of positive inotropic phosphodiesterase III inhibitors.
Cardiac phosphodiesterase III (PDE) inhibitors derived from pyridinone, imidazolone, pyridazinone and related structures form a new class of positive inotropic vasodilator agents (e.g. milrinone) that are beneficial in the treatment of acute and chronic heart failure. These agents inhibit the intracellular hydrolysis of cyclic AMP, thereby promoting cyclic AMP-catalysed phosphorylation of sarcolemmal calcium channels and activating the calcium pump. Drugs such as milrinone have a wider therapeutic index than the cardiac glycosides. ⋯ The effectiveness of these new agents is, however, dependent upon some degree of basal adenylate cyclase activity. Individual PDE inhibitors differ in terms of both chronotropic and extracardiac properties. The reasons for this are not yet fully understood.