Journal of cardiac failure
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Uncertainties regarding indications for the procedure, proper immunosuppressive regimen, and the fear of Trypanosoma cruzi infection reactivation are major concerns regarding heart transplantation (HTx) for patients with end-stage Chagas' heart disease. ⋯ HTx is safe and efficacious for patients with end-stage Chagas' heart disease.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Cholinergic stimulation improves autonomic and hemodynamic profile during dynamic exercise in patients with heart failure.
Parasympathetic dysfunction is an independent risk factor for mortality in heart failure for which there is no specific pharmacologic treatment. This article aims to determine the effect of pyridostigmine, an anticholinesterase agent, on the integrated physiologic responses to dynamic exercise in heart failure. ⋯ Pyridostigmine was well tolerated by heart failure patients, leading to improved hemodynamic profile during dynamic exercise.
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Both low free triiodothyronine (fT3) and high brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) have been separately described as prognostic predictors for mortality in heart failure (HF). We investigated whether their prognostic value is independent. ⋯ fT3 and BNP hold an independent and additive prognostic value in HF.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
A comparative study of pain in heart failure and non-heart failure veterans.
Progress has been made in addressing pain in specific diseases such as cancer, but less attention has focused on understanding pain in nonmalignant states, including heart failure (HF). ⋯ Although HF has not been identified as a painful condition, this study suggests the burden of pain is significant for both HF and non-HF ambulatory care patients.
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Outpatient care accounts for a significant proportion of total heart failure (HF) expenditures. This observation, plus an expanding list of treatment options, has led to the development of the disease-specific HF clinic. ⋯ This consensus statement will identify the components of HF clinics, focusing on systems and procedures most likely to contribute to the consistent application of guidelines and, consequently, optimal patient care. The domains addressed are: disease management, functional assessment, quality of life assessment, medical therapy and drug evaluation, device evaluation, nutritional assessment, follow-up, advance planning, communication, provider education, and quality assessment.