Heart : official journal of the British Cardiac Society
-
To investigate variations in the management of patients with atrial fibrillation among consultant physicians. ⋯ There is considerable variation in the management of atrial fibrillation, with more cardiologists than non-cardiologists considering cardioversion to sinus rhythm (and the use of antiarrhythmic and anticoagulant treatment post-cardioversion) and thrombo-prophylaxis with anticoagulation. Guidelines on the management of this common arrhythmia are clearly required.
-
Comparative Study
Release of endogenous vasopressors during and after cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
To assess whether plasma endothelin, adrenaline, noradrenaline, arginine vasopressin, adrenocorticotropin, and cortisol concentrations were higher during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in patients in whom resuscitation was successful than in those in whom it failed, and to measure the concentrations of these hormones in the immediate post-resuscitation phase. ⋯ Despite a tremendous adrenosympathetic response, the lower arginine vasopressin and adrenocorticotropin concentrations during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in patients in whom resuscitation failed may influence vital organ perfusion and hence the success of resuscitation. Plasma concentrations of arginine vasopressin and adrenocorticotropin may have a more important effect on outcome than previously thought.
-
Comparative Study
Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest due to coronary heart disease: a comparison of survival before and after the introduction of defribrillators in ambulances.
To assess the actual impact on coronary mortality of equipping ambulances with defibrillators. ⋯ The impact of equipping ambulances with defibrillators will remain small unless strategies are introduced that focus on improving the public's response to coronary emergencies by calling for help promptly and initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation before the arrival of the emergency services.