The Canadian journal of cardiology
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Comparative Study
Temporal trends in the use of invasive cardiac procedures for non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes according to initial risk stratification.
Current guidelines support an early invasive strategy in the management of high-risk non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS). Although studies in the 1990s suggested that highrisk patients received less aggressive treatment, there are limited data on the contemporary management patterns of NSTE-ACS in Canada. ⋯ Despite the temporal increase in the use of invasive cardiac procedures, they remain paradoxically targeted toward low-risk patients with NSTE-ACS in contemporary practice. This treatment-risk paradox needs to be further addressed to maximize the benefits of invasive therapies in Canada.
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Comparative Study
Thrombolysis versus primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST elevation myocardial infarctions at Chilliwack General Hospital.
Studies have shown that primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), when performed by an experienced operator immediately after admission in a high-volume tertiary care centre, results in lower in-hospital mortality, and decreased risk of reinfarction and stroke. Furthermore, for those communities without a PCI centre, transport of patients to a PCI centre within 90 min is superior to thrombolysis. Chilliwack General Hospital (CGH, Chilliwack, British Columbia) has a unique situation - the travel time to the nearest coronary catheterization centre (Royal Columbian Hospital, New Westminster, British Columbia) is between 60 min and 120 min. ⋯ CGH did not meet the American Heart Association guidelines for a door-to-balloon time of less than 90 min.
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Mind the gap: Opportunities for improving end-of-life care for patients with advanced heart failure.
Patients with advanced heart failure (HF) experience progressive symptoms, decreased quality of life, and more frequent hospitalizations as they approach the end of life (EOL). Understanding patient perspectives and preferences regarding EOL issues is necessary to identify key opportunities for improving care. ⋯ Advanced care planning that seamlessly bridges hospital and home must be standard care for patients who have advanced HF. Components must include coordination of care, caregiver support, comprehensive symptom management, and effective communication regarding HF and EOL issues.