Journal of the American College of Cardiology
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Jun 2004
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical TrialEffects of ramipril on left ventricular mass and function in cardiovascular patients with controlled blood pressure and with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction: a substudy of the Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation (HOPE) Trial.
The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of ramipril on left ventricular mass (LVM) and function in vascular disease patients with controlled blood pressure (BP) and with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). ⋯ Ramipril has beneficial effects on LV structure and function in vascular patients with controlled BP and with preserved LVEF.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Jun 2004
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialThe calcium sensitizer levosimendan improves the function of stunned myocardium after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in acute myocardial ischemia.
We assessed the effects of levosimendan on left ventricular (LV) function in patients with acute myocardial ischemia and after coronary angioplasty. ⋯ Levosimendan improved the function of stunned myocardium without obvious impairment of diastolic function.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Jun 2004
ReviewRationale and strategies for implementing community-based transfer protocols for primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.
The focus for the initial approach to the treatment of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has shifted toward extending the benefits of mechanical reperfusion with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to patients who present to community hospitals that have no interventional capabilities. Several randomized clinical trials have shown that transferring STEMI patients to tertiary centers for primary PCI leads to better outcomes than when fibrinolytic therapy is administered at community hospitals. Furthermore, potent pharmacologic reperfusion regimens that enhance early reperfusion of the infarct vessel before primary PCI may enhance the positive result of the transfer approach. ⋯ S. Within this context, a systematic, stepwise approach to the creation of AMI care networks and to the development of standard nomenclature and performance indicators is necessary to guide quality assurance monitoring and future research efforts as the care of STEMI patients is redefined. Consequently, this current evolution of reperfusion strategies has the potential to further reduce morbidity and mortality for patients presenting with STEMI.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Jun 2004
Multicenter StudyHemoglobin level is an independent predictor for adverse cardiovascular outcomes in women undergoing evaluation for chest pain: results from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation Study.
This study was designed to investigate the relationship between hemoglobin level (Hgb) and adverse cardiovascular outcomes in women with suspected ischemia. ⋯ Our findings extend previous reports, linking lower hemoglobin levels with higher risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes, to women evaluated for suspected ischemia in the absence of acute MI or CHF.