Journal of the American College of Cardiology
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · May 2007
Randomized Controlled TrialPatients with prior myocardial infarction, stroke, or symptomatic peripheral arterial disease in the CHARISMA trial.
The purpose of this study was to determine the possible benefit of dual antiplatelet therapy in patients with prior myocardial infarction (MI), ischemic stroke, or symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (PAD). ⋯ In this analysis of the CHARISMA trial, the large number of patients with documented prior MI, ischemic stroke, or symptomatic PAD appeared to derive significant benefit from dual antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel plus aspirin. Such patients may benefit from intensification of antithrombotic therapy beyond aspirin alone, a concept that future trials will need to validate. (Clopidogrel for High Atherothrombotic Risk and Ischemic Stabilization, Management, and Avoidance [CHARISMA]; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00050817?order=1; NCT00050817).
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · May 2007
Multicenter Study Clinical TrialCoronary sinus reducer stent for the treatment of chronic refractory angina pectoris: a prospective, open-label, multicenter, safety feasibility first-in-man study.
This study sought to evaluate the safety of the Coronary Sinus Reducer (Neovasc Medical, Inc., Or Yehuda, Israel) as a potential alternate therapy for patients with refractory angina who are not candidates for conventional revascularization procedures. ⋯ Implantation of the Coronary Sinus Reducer is feasible and safe. These findings, along with the clinical improvement observed, support further evaluation of the Reducer as an alternative treatment for patients with chronic refractory angina who are not candidates for coronary revascularization.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Apr 2007
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyPlasma brain natriuretic peptide-guided therapy to improve outcome in heart failure: the STARS-BNP Multicenter Study.
The aim of this multicenter study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of a therapeutic strategy using plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels. ⋯ In optimally treated CHF patients, a BNP-guided strategy reduced the risk of CHF-related death or hospital stay for CHF. The result was mainly obtained through an increase in ACEI and beta-blocker dosages.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Apr 2007
Review Meta AnalysisAssociation between C-reactive protein and recurrence of atrial fibrillation after successful electrical cardioversion: a meta-analysis.
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies to examine the association between baseline C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after successful electrical cardioversion (EC). ⋯ Our meta-analysis suggests that increased CRP levels are associated with greater risk of AF recurrence, although there was significant heterogeneity across the studies. The use of CRP levels in predicting sinus rhythm maintenance appears promising but requires further study.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Apr 2007
Comparative StudyInfluence of obstructive sleep apnea on mortality in patients with heart failure.
This study sought to determine, in patients with heart failure (HF), whether untreated moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with a higher mortality rate than in patients with mild to no sleep apnea (M-NSA). ⋯ In patients with HF, untreated OSA is associated with an increased risk of death independently of confounding factors.