Kardiol Pol
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Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a well known method of treatment used worldwide since the 80's of the last century. High efficiency of SCS was observed in the treatment of various types of pain. Promising clinical results were observed in the treatment of patients with refractory angina (RA). ⋯ The mechanism of action in RA is not well understood. It is known that SCS reduces the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, by which improves the coronary perfusion and oxygenation of the heart muscle. It is important that SCS does not mask the pain related to the infarct.
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Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is regarded as the treatment of choice for ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. It has been emphasised that only experienced centres with round-the-clock cathlab facilities should perform PPCI. Some investigators have doubted whether PPCI performed during 'off-hours' is as effective and safe as that performed during regular hours. Papers supporting both possibilities have been published. ⋯ The PPCI performed in high-volume, experienced invasive cardiology centres in Europe during off-hours is associated with a comparable outcome and safety profile as PPCI performed during regular working hours.
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The electrocardiogram (ECG) is characterised by little sensitivity and specificity in the diagnostic evaluation of acute pulmonary embolism (APE). ⋯ ECG parameters are useful in predicting myocardial injury and assessing prognosis in patients with APE.
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Acute hyperglycaemia is an adverse prognostic factor in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). It is unclear whether these negative effects apply equally to patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and non-DM patients. ⋯ Acute hyperglycaemia in non-DM patients hospitalised due to ACS was found to be an unfavourable long-term (four-year) risk factor, and may also be an unfavourable in-hospital risk factor. In contrast, acute hyperglycaemia did not affect cardiovascular outcomes in DM patients.