European journal of internal medicine
-
Eur. J. Intern. Med. · Sep 2022
Meta AnalysisEpidemiology of subclinical atrial fibrillation in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices: A systematic review and meta-regression.
In recent years, attention to subclinical atrial fibrillation (SCAF), defined as the presence of atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs), in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), has gained much interest as a determinant of clinical AF and stroke risk. We aim to perform a systematic review and meta-regression of the available scientific evidence regarding the epidemiology of SCAF in patients receiving CIEDs. ⋯ In this systematic review and meta-regression analysis, SCAF was frequent among CIED recipients and was non-linearly associated with age and follow-up time. Older age, higher thromboembolic risk, and several cardiovascular comorbidities were associated with presence of SCAF.
-
Eur. J. Intern. Med. · Sep 2022
Randomized Controlled TrialNebivolol protects erectile functions compared to Metoprolol in hypertensive men with atherogenic, venogenic, psychogenic erectile dysfunction: A prospective, randomized, cross-over, clinical trial.
Both hypertension and β-blocker drugs used for treating hypertension (HT) can cause erectile dysfunction (ED). Nebivolol, unlike other β-blockers, may not cause impotence since it increases the release of Nitric Oxide (NO), which is the main mediator of erection. This study investigated the effect of Nebivolol and Metoprolol on erectile functions in hypertensive men. ⋯ Nebivolol may be advantageous in terms of preserving sexual functions because of increasing NO in eligible hypertensive male patients.
-
Eur. J. Intern. Med. · Sep 2022
ReviewFrom mid-range to mildly reduced ejection fraction heart failure: A call to treat.
The historical classification of heart failure (HF) has considered two distinct subgroups, HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), generally classified as EF below 40%, and HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) variably classified as EF above 40%, 45% or 50%. One of the principal reasons behind this distinction was related to presence of effective therapy in HFrEF, but not in HFpEF. Recently the expanding knowledge in the specific subgroup of patient with a LVEF between 41% and 49% and the potential benefit of new therapies and of those used in patients with LVEF below 40%, has led to rename this group as HF with mildly reduced EF (HFmrEF). In this review we discuss the reasons behind this modification, we summarize the main characteristics of HFmrEF the similarities and differences with the two other EF categories, and finally we provide a comprehensive overview of the current available evidence supporting the treatment of patients with HFmrEF.