American heart journal
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American heart journal · Sep 2005
Randomized Controlled TrialLevosimendan improves hemodynamics and coronary flow reserve after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with acute myocardial infarction and left ventricular dysfunction.
Positive inotropic agents may be associated with increasing myocardial ischemia or malignant arrhythmias. Levosimendan, a new calcium sensitizer, with its little effect on myocardial oxygen demand is better tolerated by patients with acute coronary syndromes. We evaluated the acute effects of levosimendan on hemodynamics and coronary flow velocities in patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) for an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). ⋯ Levosimendan, given intravenously after a PCI procedure in patients with AMI and LV dysfunction, significantly improves hemodynamics and CFR, compared with placebo.
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American heart journal · Aug 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative StudyEffect of angiotensin-converting enzyme or vasopeptidase inhibition on ventricular size and function in patients with heart failure: the Omapatrilat Versus Enalapril Randomized Trial of Utility in Reducing Events (OVERTURE) echocardiographic study.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition attenuates ventricular remodeling and improves ventricular function in heart failure patients. Vasopeptidase inhibition has shown similar effects in experimental models. ⋯ Ventricular size and function improved similarly after 1 year with ACE or vasopeptidase inhibition in patients with heart failure. Reverse remodeling was associated with improved outcome.
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American heart journal · Aug 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyLeft Atrial Appendage Occlusion Study (LAAOS): results of a randomized controlled pilot study of left atrial appendage occlusion during coronary bypass surgery in patients at risk for stroke.
This pilot study assessed the safety and efficacy of left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion, performed at the time of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). ⋯ LAA occlusion at the time of CABG is safe. The rate of complete occlusion improves, to acceptable levels, with increased experience and the use of a stapling device. A large trial is needed to determine if LAA occlusion prevents stroke.
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American heart journal · Jul 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyTenecteplase and tirofiban in ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction: results of a randomized trial.
The combination of older reduced-dose fibrinolytic agents and platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors has shown modest improvements in reperfusion and more striking improvements in ST-segment resolution after acute myocardial infarction. We performed a multicenter dose-ranging study of reduced doses of a newer fibrinolytic (tenecteplase) combined with tirofiban, a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor. ⋯ Although combination therapies were not associated with increased reperfusion compared with full-dose tenecteplase alone, similar TIMI flow grades were achieved despite reductions in tenecteplase doses. ST-segment resolution was more rapid and complete with combination therapy versus full-dose tenecteplase, suggesting enhanced microcirculatory perfusion to the infarct zone in this dose-ranging trial.
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American heart journal · Mar 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialAtorvastatin has an important acute anti-inflammatory effect in patients with acute coronary syndrome: results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are associated with cardiovascular risk. We assessed the hypothesis that atorvastatin might have anti-inflammatory effects in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) as shown by CRP reduction. ⋯ C-reactive protein levels in ACS were rapidly reduced with atorvastatin. These data provide evidence that statins have fast and early anti-inflammatory effects in addition to lipid-lowering effects in ACS.