International journal of cardiology
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Few studies evaluated systemic arterial embolism after beginning of symptoms of infective endocarditis in a large series of patients. ⋯ Embolic events were more frequently early events after beginning of symptoms of infective endocarditis. Embolic risk was higher in S. aureus endocarditis and in patients with prosthetic heart valves and vegetations on echocardiography.
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Previous research has demonstrated that patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) possess very little knowledge of their disease, the consequences of AF and the benefits/risks of anti-coagulant therapy. The aim of this pilot study was to examine patient's knowledge and perceptions of AF and their anticoagulant treatment before and after a brief educational intervention. ⋯ Most patients with AF possess very limited knowledge about their cardiac condition, its consequences, and how anticoagulant treatment can benefit them. This pilot study has demonstrated that a brief educational intervention with an information booklet can help to somewhat improve their knowledge about anticoagulation therapy for AF.
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Review Comparative Study
Comprehensive coronary risk determination in primary prevention: an imaging and clinical based definition combining computed tomographic coronary artery calcium score and national cholesterol education program risk score.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality and a major cause of morbidity. Coronary heart disease (CHD) accounts for nearly half of all CVD deaths. Currently estimation of risk in primary prevention is based on the Framingham risk equations, which inputs traditional risk factors and is helpful in predicting the development of CHD in asymptomatic individuals. ⋯ For CAC scores above the 75th percentile but <90th percentile, 10 years is added to chronological age, and for CAC scores above the 90th percentile, 20 years is added to current chronological age. Among those in whom a positive CAC score is the norm such as older individuals (men> or =55 years, women> or =65 years) a CAC = 0 will result in an age point score corresponding to the age-group whose median CAC score is zero i.e., 40-44 years for men and 55-59 years for women. The utilization of CAC scores allows the inclusion of sub-clinical disease definition into the context of modifiable risk factors as well as identifies high-risk individuals requiring aggressive treatment.