Journal of the American College of Cardiology
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Oct 2007
Randomized Controlled TrialIntravenous iron reduces NT-pro-brain natriuretic peptide in anemic patients with chronic heart failure and renal insufficiency.
Our objective was to evaluate in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study possible modifications in NT-pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels together with clinical and functional parameters, in a group of anemic patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and chronic renal failure (CRF) receiving intravenous iron therapy, without recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO), versus placebo. ⋯ Intravenous iron therapy without rhEPO substantially reduced NT-proBNP and inflammatory status in anemic patients with CHF and moderate CRF. This situation was associated with an improvement in LVEF, NYHA functional class, exercise capacity, renal function, and better quality of life.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Oct 2007
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyThe effects of KW-3902, an adenosine A1-receptor antagonist,on diuresis and renal function in patients with acute decompensated heart failure and renal impairment or diuretic resistance.
This study sought to evaluate the dose-dependent effects of adenosine A1-receptor blockade on diuresis and renal function in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and renal impairment or diuretic resistance. ⋯ In patients with ADHF and volume overload, KW-3902, an adenosine A1-receptor antagonist, enhances the response to loop diuretics and may have a renal protective effect.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Oct 2007
Impact of arterial load and loading sequence on left ventricular tissue velocities in humans.
The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between individual components of left ventricular (LV) afterload and tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDE) velocities in humans. ⋯ Diastolic and systolic tissue velocities vary inversely with arterial afterload, with late-systolic load having the greatest influence on E'. These findings may partly explain the decrease in early relaxation velocity noted with aging, hypertension, and patients with heart failure. Strategies to reduce afterload, vascular stiffening, and wave reflections may prove useful to enhance early diastolic relaxation.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Oct 2007
Noninvasive central venous pressure measurement by controlled compression sonography at the forearm.
We sought to validate a new noninvasive technique to determine central venous pressure (CVP) using high-resolution compression sonography. ⋯ Controlled-compression sonography is a valuable tool for measuring venous pressure in peripheral veins and allows reliable indirect assessment of CVP without intravenous catheterization.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Oct 2007
Reduced incidence of vagally induced atrial fibrillation and expression levels of connexins by n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in dogs.
This open-label canine study assessed whether n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) prevent vagally induced atrial fibrillation (AF) and influence atrial tissue expression levels of connexins (CXs). ⋯ Oral treatment with fish oils increased atrial n-3 PUFA levels and reduced vulnerability to induction of AF in this dog model. Modulation of cardiac CX by n-3 PUFAs probably contributes to the antiarrhythmic effects of fish oils.