Journal of the American College of Cardiology
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Mar 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialEffect of lipid-lowering therapy with atorvastatin on atherosclerotic aortic plaques detected by noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging.
We sought to elucidate the effects of 20-mg versus 5-mg atorvastatin on thoracic and abdominal aortic plaques. ⋯ One-year 20-mg atorvastatin treatment induced regression of thoracic aortic plaques with marked LDL cholesterol reduction, whereas it resulted in only retardation of plaque progression in abdominal aorta. Thoracic and abdominal aortic plaques may have different susceptibilities to lipid lowering.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Feb 2005
Quantitative relation between hemodynamic changes during intravenous adenosine infusion and the magnitude of coronary hyperemia: implications for myocardial perfusion imaging.
The goal of this study was to determine the relationship between changes in cardiac hemodynamics during intravenous adenosine (ADO) infusion, and myocardial blood flow (MBF). ⋯ Changes in cardiac hemodynamics during intravenous ADO are generally poor predictors of changes in MBF and CVR during peak hyperemia, and, thus, they should not be used to assess the effectiveness of vasodilator stress in myocardial perfusion imaging.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Feb 2005
Statins decrease perioperative cardiac complications in patients undergoing noncardiac vascular surgery: the Statins for Risk Reduction in Surgery (StaRRS) study.
We sought to assess whether statins may decrease cardiac complications in patients undergoing noncardiac vascular surgery. ⋯ Use of statins was highly protective against perioperative cardiac complications in patients undergoing vascular surgery in this retrospective study.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Feb 2005
Risk factors for the development of retroperitoneal hematoma after percutaneous coronary intervention in the era of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors and vascular closure devices.
We sought to determine the incidence, clinical features, and risk factors for retroperitoneal hematoma (RPH) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). ⋯ Female gender, low BSA, and higher femoral artery puncture are significant risk factors for RPH. Awareness of the determinants and clinical features of RPH may aid in prevention, early recognition, and prompt treatment.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Jan 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialWhat resting heart rate should one aim for when treating patients with heart failure with a beta-blocker? Experiences from the Metoprolol Controlled Release/Extended Release Randomized Intervention Trial in Chronic Heart Failure (MERIT-HF).
The goal of this study was to explore the question: what resting heart rate (HR) should one aim for when treating patients with heart failure with a beta-blocker? ⋯ Metoprolol CR/XL significantly reduced mortality and hospitalizations independent of resting baseline HR, achieved HR, and change in HR. Achieved HR and change in HR during follow-up were closely related to baseline HR; therefore, it was not possible to answer the question posed. Instead, one has to apply a very simple rule: aim for the target beta-blocker dose used in clinical trials, and strive for the highest tolerated dose in all patients with heart failure, regardless of baseline and achieved HR.