American heart journal
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American heart journal · Dec 1998
Comparative StudyElectrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation or flutter with conscious sedation in the age of cost containment.
The purpose of this study was to compare the safety, efficacy, and cost of conscious sedation administered by electrophysiologists certified in the use of conscious sedation with sedation administered by anesthesiologists during cardioversion of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter to sinus rhythm. ⋯ Sedation administered by electrophysiologists for cardioversion of atrial arrhythmias is safe and cost effective. Midazolam and morphine, the sedative agents administered by electrophysiologists, were effective and well tolerated by patients.
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American heart journal · Dec 1998
Clinical and echocardiographic findings in patients with suspected acute aortic dissection.
The objective of this study was to define the range of clinical presentations, echocardiographic findings, and underlying final diagnoses in patients with clinically suspected acute aortic dissection. ⋯ Symptoms in patients with acute aortic dissection are more variable than commonly recognized. Transesophageal echocardiography is an accurate primary diagnostic tool in patients with clinically suspected acute aortic dissection. It allows rapid diagnosis of dissection and can identify alternate cardiovascular pathology responsible for the symptoms in a significant number of patients without acute dissection.
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American heart journal · Nov 1998
Glucose intolerance, physical signs of peripheral artery disease, and risk of cardiovascular events: the Framingham Study.
Diabetes and peripheral artery disease (PAD) are acknowledged hallmarks of development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). The prognostic implications of physical indicators of PAD, compared with and in conjunction with glucose intolerance based on population based data, are not well documented. ⋯ Physical findings of PAD appear to signify a compromised arterial circulation to the heart and brain as well as the limbs in persons with glucose intolerance. Persons with the combination are candidates at high risk for CHD, CHF, and CVA.
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American heart journal · Oct 1998
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical TrialInfluence of risk factors on peripheral and cerebrovascular disease in men with coronary artery disease, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and desirable low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. HIT Investigators. Department of Veterans Affairs HDL Intervention Trial.
The Veterans Administration-HDL Intervention Trial is an ongoing, 20-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study aiming to assess the effect of gemfibrozil-improved low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality rates. ⋯ We conclude that DM is a strong correlate of peripheral vascular disease, hypertension of cerebrovascular disease, and that there is a strong additive effect between DM, HTN, and smoking on both.