The Canadian journal of cardiology
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The Inuit are commonly portrayed to be somehow protected from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) through their traditional lifestyle and diet. However, actual sociocultural transition and related major, modifiable risk factors have scarcely been quantified in the Inuit population. Such knowledge is extremely valuable in terms of public health intervention. ⋯ The current belief that the Inuit are protected from CVD is seriously questioned by the results of the present study. Considering the extremely high prevalence of CVD risk factors, a population-based intervention reinforced for women is urgently needed to reduce their risk.
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Heart rate variability (HRV) is a noninvasive, practical and reproducible measure of autonomic nervous system function. A heart rate that is variable and responsive to demands is believed to bestow a survival advantage, whereas reduced HRV may be associated with poorer cardiovascular health and outcomes. In recent years, many researchers have investigated the prognostic implications of HRV in a variety of clinical populations. ⋯ The findings of the present review suggest that exercise therapy may improve HRV in myocardial infarction, chronic heart failure and revascularization patients by increasing vagal tone and decreasing sympathetic activity. One hypothesis is that a shift toward greater vagal modulation may positively affect the prognosis of these individuals. While the underlying mechanisms by which exercise training improves vagal modulation are speculative at present, angiotensin II and nitric oxide may be potential mediators.
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A 72-year-old woman presented with a decreased level of consciousness and hypotension. The initial electrocardiogram demonstrated atrial fibrillation with a wide QRS complex. Her medical history revealed that she had just been started on propafenone. ⋯ Acute propafenone toxicity manifests in a wide range of organ systems; in particular, cardiovascular compromise in the form of hypotension, bradycardia and QRS widening can occur. Sodium bicarbonate therapy is advocated to directly counteract the toxic effects of propafenone. In the case described, this treatment resulted in rapid normalization of the QRS duration and stabilization of the hemodynamic profile.