Cardiol J
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The effect of varenicline on Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT ratio and Tp-e/QTc ratio in healthy smokers and nonsmokers.
Varenicline could affect the T wave and QT interval. The interval from the peak to the end of the electrocardiographic (ECG) T wave (Tp-e) may correspond to the transmural dispersion of repolarization, and increased Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio are associated with malignant ventricular arrhythmias. In this study, we assessed the effects of varenicline on Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT ratio and Tp-e/QTc ratio. ⋯ Tp-e and QTc interval, and Tpe/QT and Tpe/QTc ratio were increased after varenicline administration in smokers.
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Multicenter Study
Secondary prevention of coronary artery disease in contemporary clinical practice.
The highest priority in preventive cardiology was given to patients with established coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of the study was to assess the implementation of guidelines for secondary prevention in everyday clinical practice by evaluating control of the main risk factors and the cardioprotective medication prescription rates for patients, following their hospitalization for CAD. ⋯ Our data provide evidence that there is a considerable potential for further reduction of cardiovascular risk in CAD patients. Our results suggest that increasing patient participation rates in rehabilitation/secondary prevention programs may improve the implementation of the secondary prevention.
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Comparative Study
High-frequency QRS analysis compared to conventional ST-segment analysis in patients with chest pain and normal ECG referred for exercise tolerance test.
The novel analysis of high-frequency QRS components (HFQRS-analysis) has been proposed in patients with chest pain (CP) and normal electrocardiography (ECG) referred for exercise tolerance test (ex-ECG). The aim of the study was to compare the diagnostic value of ex-ECG with ex-HFQRS-analysis. ⋯ In patients with CP submitted to ex-ECG, the novel ex-HFQRS-analysis shows a valuable incremental diagnostic value over ST-segment-analysis.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Evaluation of the impact of warfarin time in therapeutic range on outcomes of patients with atrial fibrillation in Turkey: perspectives from the observational, prospective WATER Registry.
Warfarin is highly efficacious in reducing stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, its safety and efficacy in stroke prevention is markedly influenced by its time in therapeutic range (TTR). The quality of anticoagulant therapy varies considerably among countries. Representative data concerning the quality of anticoagulant therapy and its effects on clinical outcomes in Turkey are lacking. ⋯ WATER provides insight into the anticoagulation control status of AF patients in Turkey. The quality of anticoagulation was poor. Strategies should be undertaken by clinicians and patients to improve TTR. New oral anticoagulant agents may be perfect alternatives for non-valvular AF patients.
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Only a few reports have analyzed low-risk patient outcomes and in every case, the risk was based on a logistic EuroSCORE ≤ 2. Since this original EuroSCORE overestimates surgical risk, we developed this study to prospectively evaluate the immediate results of cardiac surgery in patients with an expected mortality risk ≤ 2% according to the EuroSCORE II as a new gold standard. We also examined the cause of death and whether it could be considered preventable. ⋯ We propose to use and further validate the EuroSCORE II as a new standard for assessing low-risk patients. This model proved to be useful in evaluating the quality standards of local cardiac surgery. The review of cause of death in low-risk patients provided valuable information, which revealed potentially correctable issues. Adoption of a more demanding standard, as the EuroSCORE II to identify low-risk patients, avoids the sense of safety offered by previous versions of the score.