American heart journal
-
American heart journal · Jun 2010
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative StudyA randomized double-blind comparison of biventricular versus left ventricular stimulation for cardiac resynchronization therapy: the Biventricular versus Left Univentricular Pacing with ICD Back-up in Heart Failure Patients (B-LEFT HF) trial.
Biventricular (BiV) stimulation is the preferred means of delivering cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), although left ventricular (LV)-only stimulation might be as safe and effective. B-LEFT HF is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind study aimed to examine whether LV-only is noninferior to BiV pacing regarding clinical and echocardiographic responses. ⋯ Left ventricular-only pacing is noninferior to BiV pacing in a 6-month follow-up with regard to clinical and echocardiographic responses. Left ventricular pacing may be considered as a clinical alternative option to BiV pacing.
-
American heart journal · Jun 2010
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative StudyA multicenter, open-label study of vernakalant for the conversion of atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm.
The efficacy and safety of vernakalant, a relatively atrial-selective antiarrhythmic agent, in converting atrial fibrillation (AF) to sinus rhythm (SR) were evaluated in this multicenter, open-label study of patients with AF lasting >3 hours and < or =45 days (RCT no. NCT00281554). ⋯ Vernakalant rapidly converted recent-onset AF to SR, was well tolerated, and may be a valuable therapeutic alternative for reestablishing SR in patients with recent-onset AF.
-
American heart journal · Jun 2010
Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical TrialDelays in fibrinolysis as primary reperfusion therapy for acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.
In contemporary practice, the degree to which fibrinolytic therapy is administered in a timely fashion for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and its association with outcomes is not well-known. Our objective was to assess the performance of fibrinolytic therapy within the recommended 30-minute time frame for patients with STEMI. ⋯ Timely fibrinolytic therapy was associated with lower risk of a composite outcome of shock, death, or stroke, yet DTN times of < or =30 minutes were achieved in less than half of the patients studied. Thus, efforts to optimize regional systems of STEMI care should focus on shortening reperfusion times for patients who receive fibrinolysis, as well as those who receive primary percutaneous coronary intervention.
-
American heart journal · Jun 2010
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative StudySuboptimal use of evidence-based medical therapy in patients with acute myocardial infarction from the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry: prescription rate, predictors, and prognostic value.
Only limited data are available for the recent trend of optimal evidence-based medical therapy at discharge after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Asia. We evaluated the predictors for the use of optimal evidence-based medical therapy at discharge and the association between discharge medications and 6-month mortality after AMI. ⋯ The optimal evidence-based medical therapy is prescribed at suboptimal rates, particularly in patients with high-risk features. New educational strategies are needed to increase the use of these secondary preventive medical therapies.
-
American heart journal · Jun 2010
Comparative StudyRisk factors and outcome of new-onset cardiac arrhythmias in vascular surgery patients.
The pathophysiology of new-onset cardiac arrhythmias is complex and may bring about severe cardiovascular complications. The relevance of perioperative arrhythmias during vascular surgery has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to assess risk factors and prognosis of new-onset arrhythmias during vascular surgery. ⋯ New-onset perioperative arrhythmias are common after vascular surgery. The elderly and patients with reduced LVF show arrhythmias. Perioperative continuous ECG monitoring helps to identify this high-risk group at increased risk of cardiovascular events and death.