Journal of the American College of Cardiology
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · May 2004
Comparative StudyObesity and suppressed B-type natriuretic peptide levels in heart failure.
This investigation evaluated the relationship between obesity and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in heart failure. ⋯ Our investigation indicates that a state of reduced natriuretic peptide level exists in the obese individual with heart failure.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · May 2004
Comparative StudyIntracranial hemorrhage and hyperperfusion syndrome following carotid artery stenting: risk factors, prevention, and treatment.
The study defined the incidence of cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and the risk factors for their development following carotid artery stenting (CAS). ⋯ The hyperperfusion syndrome occurs infrequently following CAS, and ICH occurs in 0.67% of patients. Patients with severe bilateral carotid stenoses may be predisposed to ICH, particularly if there is concurrent arterial hypertension. Patients with these factors may require more intensive hemodynamic monitoring after CAS, including prolongation of hospitalization in some cases.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · May 2004
Comparative StudyThe influence of age, gender, and race on the prevalence of depression in heart failure patients.
The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of depression in an out-patient heart failure (HF) population; its relationship to quality of life (QOL); and the impact of gender, race, and age. ⋯ Depression is common in patients with HF, with age, gender, and race influencing its prevalence in ways similar to those observed in the general population. These data suggest that pharmacologic or non-pharmacologic treatment of depression might improve the QOL of HF patients.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Apr 2004
Alterations in left ventricular structure and function in young healthy obese women: assessment by echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging.
This study was designed to determine the effects of obesity on left ventricular (LV) structure and function in young obese women. ⋯ Obesity in young otherwise-healthy women is associated with concentric LV remodeling and decreased systolic and diastolic function. These early abnormalities in LV structure and function may have important implications for explaining the myocardial dysfunction that is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality caused by obesity.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Apr 2004
Constrictive pericarditis: etiology and cause-specific survival after pericardiectomy.
We sought to determine the association of etiology of constrictive pericarditis (CP), pericardial calcification (CA), and other clinical variables with long-term survival after pericardiectomy. ⋯ Long-term survival after pericardiectomy for CP is related to underlying etiology, LV systolic function, renal function, serum sodium, and PAP. The relatively good survival with idiopathic CP emphasizes the safety of pericardiectomy in this subgroup.