American heart journal
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American heart journal · Aug 2008
Multicenter Study Comparative StudyIncidence and clinical impact of right bundle branch block in patients with acute myocardial infarction: ST elevation myocardial infarction versus non-ST elevation myocardial infarction.
Both left bundle branch block and right bundle branch block (RBBB) have been associated with increased inhospital and long-term mortality in patients with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, the prognostic role of RBBB in acute non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is not well known. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence and clinical impact of RBBB in patients with NSTEMI compared to patients with STEMI. ⋯ Unlike RBBB in STEMI, RBBB in NSTEMI is not an independent predictor of inhospital and long-term mortality.
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American heart journal · Jul 2008
Randomized Controlled TrialN-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide testing in the emergency department: beneficial effects on hospitalization, costs, and outcome.
N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is an established biomarker for heart failure. Assessment of this biomarker in patients with acute dyspnea presenting to the emergency department (ED) may aid diagnostic decision-making, resulting in improved patient care and reduced costs. ⋯ Introduction of NT-proBNP testing for heart failure in the ED setting reduces the time to discharge and is associated with a trend toward cost reduction.
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American heart journal · Jul 2008
Platelet collagen receptor glycoprotein VI as a possible novel indicator for the acute coronary syndrome.
Platelet collagen receptor glycoprotein VI (GPVI) plays a critical role in acute coronary thrombosis. This prospective study examined the predictive value of GPVI for acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in a large consecutive group of patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease to identify the high-risk cohort with imminent coronary events. ⋯ Surface expression of GPVI is enhanced in patients with ACS and indicates an imminent acute coronary event before irreversible myocardial necrosis is evident. High GPVI levels are associated with increased residual platelet aggregation despite antiplatelet therapy. Therefore, GPVI is useful to identify the subgroup of patients with a high risk for coronary stent thrombosis and thromboischemic events.
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American heart journal · Jul 2008
Chronic atrial fibrillation: Incidence, prevalence, and prediction of stroke using the Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age >75, Diabetes mellitus, and prior Stroke or transient ischemic attack (CHADS2) risk stratification scheme.
The aim of the study is to estimate the incidence and prevalence of chronic AF (cAF) in the United Kingdom and test the accuracy of the CHADS2 score for stroke prediction. ⋯ Atrial fibrillation is a prevalent and growing problem, which significantly increases the risk of ischemic stroke. The CHADS2 score is a good predictor of the stroke risk but could be improved.