International journal of cardiology
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To determine whether transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) improves (or impairs) follow-up overall survival compared with surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), we performed a meta-analysis of observational studies with a propensity-score analysis and another meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). ⋯ The arithmetic mean of 3-year survival rates was 71.3% after TAVI and 77.9% after SAVR. Compared with SAVR, TAVI appears to be associated with a significant increase in follow-up all-cause mortality.
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The effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) on dementia risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension remain unknown. We investigated the effects of ACEIs and ARBs on dementia risk in patients with type 2 DM and hypertension. ⋯ ACEIs and ARBs may effectively prevent all-cause dementia, particularly VD, in patients with type 2 DM and hypertension. Moreover, compared with ACEIs, ARBs appear to be more advantageous in dementia prevention.
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Chest pain patients commonly present to emergency departments (ED), and require either hospital admission and/or lengthy diagnostic protocols to rule-out myocardial infarction. We aimed to identify the best combination of add-on tests to high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTnT) for predicting 30-day major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in adult chest pain patients presenting to an ED with suspected acute coronary syndrome. ⋯ Appropriate early risk-stratification of patients with chest pain and possible ACS using a combination of ECG and one-time hs-cTnT may improve efficiency of care.
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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.
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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.