Journal of the American College of Cardiology
-
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · May 1995
Transesophageal echocardiographically facilitated early cardioversion from atrial fibrillation using short-term anticoagulation: final results of a prospective 4.5-year study.
We sought to validate the safety of transesophageal echocardiographically guided early cardioversion in conjunction with short-term anticoagulation as a strategy for guiding early cardioversion in hospitalized patients with atrial fibrillation. ⋯ Compared with smaller series that have shown only feasibility, this large prospective and consecutive study of patients undergoing transesophageal echocardiographically facilitated early cardioversion in conjunction with short-term anticoagulation validates the safety of this strategy. This treatment algorithm has a safety profile similar to conventional therapy and minimizes both the period of anticoagulation and the overall duration of atrial fibrillation.
-
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · May 1995
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialPhysical training in patients with stable chronic heart failure: effects on cardiorespiratory fitness and ultrastructural abnormalities of leg muscles.
The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of an ambulatory training program on ultrastructural morphology and the oxidative capacity of skeletal muscle and its relation to central and peripheral hemodynamic variables in patients with chronic heart failure. ⋯ Regular physical training increases maximal exercise tolerance and delays anaerobic metabolism during submaximal exercise in patients with stable chronic heart failure. Improved functional capacity is closely linked to an exercise-induced increase in the oxidative capacity of skeletal muscle.
-
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · May 1995
Comparative StudyDoppler left ventricular flow pattern versus conventional predictors of left ventricular thrombus after acute myocardial infarction.
The value of Doppler-derived left ventricular spatial flow patterns in predicting left ventricular thrombus formation after myocardial infarction was compared with that of conventional clinical and echocardiographic variables. ⋯ Left ventricular flow pattern derived by Doppler echocardiography soon after admission is superior to conventional clinical and two-dimensional echocardiographic assessment in estimating the risk of left ventricular thrombosis after myocardial infarction.