The Canadian journal of cardiology
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Comparative Study
Even low levels of ambient air pollutants are associated with increased emergency department visits for hypertension.
Numerous studies have reported associations between air pollution and cardiovascular diseases. While several studies illustrate that exposures to air pollutants can elevate blood pressure, few have evaluated the clinical relevance of this relationship. Hence, we aimed to explore the associations between daily concentrations of several air pollutants and emergency department visits for hypertension. ⋯ These findings support the contention that ambient pollution can produce clinically meaningful increases in blood pressure.
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There are more than 200,000 Canadians living with permanent pacemakers or implantable defibrillators, many of whom will require surgery or invasive procedures each year. They face potential hazards when undergoing surgery; however, with appropriate planning and education of operating room personnel, adverse device-related outcomes should be rare. This joint position statement from the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) and the Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society (CAS) has been developed as an accessible reference for physicians and surgeons, providing an overview of the key issues for the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care of these patients. ⋯ Although the document provides a comprehensive list of the intraoperative issues facing these patients, there is a focus on electromagnetic interference resulting from electrocautery and practical guidance is given regarding the characteristics of surgery, electrocautery, pacemakers, and defibrillators which are most likely to lead to interference. The document stresses the importance of preoperative consultation and planning to minimize complications. It reviews the relative merits of intraoperative magnet use vs reprogramming of devices and gives examples of situations where one or the other approach is preferable.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Reinitiation of anticoagulation after warfarin-associated intracranial hemorrhage and mortality risk: the Best Practice for Reinitiating Anticoagulation Therapy After Intracranial Bleeding (BRAIN) study.
While warfarin-related intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) occurs in 0.25%-1.1% patients per year, little is known about the practice and outcomes of anticoagulant reinitiation. ⋯ In selected patients at high thrombosis risk, reinitiation of warfarin after ICH did not confer increased mortality or bleeding events.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Microaxial devices for ventricular failure: a multicentre, population-based experience.
Impella microaxial devices provide circulatory assistance for patients with acute decompensated heart failure. This study reviews the population-based provincial experience in British Columbia. ⋯ Temporary support with Impella microaxial ventricular assist devices adds a valuable therapeutic option in selected patients with acute decompensated heart failure.