Journal of the American College of Cardiology
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Nov 2007
Multicenter StudyPrognostic value of T-wave alternans in patients with heart failure due to nonischemic cardiomyopathy: results of the ALPHA Study.
The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of T-wave alternans (TWA) in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class II/III patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < or =40%. ⋯ Among NYHA functional class II/III nonischemic cardiomyopathy patients, an abnormal TWA test is associated with a 4-fold higher risk of cardiac death and life-threatening arrhythmias. Patients with normal TWA tests have a very good prognosis and are likely to benefit little from ICD therapy.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Nov 2007
Randomized Controlled TrialImpact of nesiritide on renal function in patients with acute decompensated heart failure and pre-existing renal dysfunction a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Our purpose was to evaluate the impact of nesiritide on renal function in patients with acute decompensated heart failure and baseline renal dysfunction. ⋯ In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, nesiritide had no impact on renal function in patients with acute decompensated heart failure. (BNP-CARDS trial; http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00186329?order=1; NCT00186329).
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Nov 2007
Editorial Comment Comparative StudyEchocardiographic monitoring throughout exercise better than the post-treadmill approach?