International journal of cardiology
-
In cardiogenic shock (CS) the Impella CP® device provides a fast available left ventricular circulatory support of up to 4.0L/min. However, the use of the Impella CP® device was not systematically analysed yet. ⋯ Our data could demonstrate that the Impella CP® application in these severely diseased patients is feasible and safe. Compared to the estimated mortality, the 30-day survival seems to be improved.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Electrocardiographic and blood pressure effects of energy drinks and Panax ginseng in healthy volunteers: A randomized clinical trial.
Energy drink usage has been linked to emergency room visits and deaths. The objective of the study is to assess the electrocardiographic and blood pressure effects of energy drinks, Panax ginseng and placebo in healthy individuals. ⋯ Certain energy drinks consumed at a high volume significantly increase the QTc interval and systolic blood pressure by over 6ms and 4mmHg respectively. Panax ginseng does not have a significant impact on ECG or blood pressure parameters.
-
Acute heart failure and/or cardiogenic shock are frequently triggered by ischemic coronary events. Yet, there is a paucity of randomized data on the management of patients with heart failure complicating acute coronary syndrome, as acute coronary syndrome and cardiogenic shock have frequently been defined as exclusion criteria in trials and registries. As a consequence, guideline recommendations are mostly driven by observational studies, even though these patients have a particularly poor prognosis compared to heart failure patients without signs of coronary artery disease. ⋯ The decision to use levosimendan, in terms of timing and dosing, is influenced by the presence of pulmonary congestion, and blood pressure measurements. Levosimendan should be preferred over adrenergic inotropes as a first line therapy for all ACS-AHF patients who are under beta-blockade and/or when urinary output is insufficient after diuretics. Levosimendan can be used alone or in combination with other inotropic or vasopressor agents, but requires monitoring due to the risk of hypotension.
-
Right ventricular (RV) function is a major determinant of outcome in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, uncertainty persists about the optimal method of evaluation. ⋯ RV function to predict outcome in PAH is best evaluated by imaging derived SV/ESV or EF. In this study, there was no added value of invasive measurements or simplified pressure-derived estimates of RV-arterial coupling.
-
We explored the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with acute systolic heart failure (HF) and extremely elevated admission B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). ⋯ Extremely elevated admission BNP did not match the degree of congestion nor was a predictor of rehospitalization due to HF. It was associated with decreased COP, prolonged hospital stay, and increased 6-month all-cause-mortality.