The Canadian journal of cardiology
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effect of different loading doses of atorvastatin on percutaneous coronary intervention for acute coronary syndromes.
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)-induced myocardial damage is associated with late cardiovascular events. Treatment with atorvastatin before PCI can reduce myocardial damage during the peri-PCI period. ⋯ The results of the present study show that short-term atorvastatin loading before PCI was well tolerated and had beneficial myocardial effects in patients with NSTE-ACS.
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In patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, empirical antitachycardia pacing/burst pacing (ATP) is associated with a significantly decreased rate of appropriate shocks. The use of ATP as first-line therapy in ventricular tachycardia promotes less pain and better quality of life because the number of shocks is reduced. ⋯ Based on this, device manufacturers have developed new algorithms to optimize the use of ATP and shocks in patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. The present report describes a case in which the use of one of these new algorithms was associated with a significant delay in tachycardia termination and, consequently, led to syncope.
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Many studies have relied on administrative data to identify patients with heart failure (HF). ⋯ The ICD-9 and -10 codes 428 and I50 were the most commonly used to define HF in hospital discharge data. Validity of administrative data in recording HF varied across the studies and data sources that were assessed.
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Reporting of ischemic heart disease (IHD) prevalence in Canada has been based on self-report or patients presenting to hospital. However, IHD often presents and can be managed in the outpatient setting. ⋯ A combination of physician billing and hospital discharge abstracts can be used to identify patients with IHD. Population prevalence of IHD can be measured using administrative data.