Dtsch Arztebl Int
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Secular trends in health-related behavior, the frequency of illness, and life satisfaction in rural areas are inadequately documented. Such information is essential for the planning of health-care policy. ⋯ Over the long term, there have been both improvements, particularly in lifestyle, and turns for the worse, e.g., in life satisfaction. While the latter might be due to the increasing marginalization of rural eastern Germany, we interpret the observed improvements as benefits of modernization.
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Acute mesenteric ischemia is still fatal in 50% to 70% of cases. This consensus paper was written with the participation of physicians from all of the involved specialties for the purpose of improving outcomes. Mesenteric ischemia must be recognized as a vascular emergency requiring rapid and efficient clinical evaluation and treatment. ⋯ Rapid diagnosis (within 4 to 6 hours of symptom onset) and interdisciplinary cooperation in the provision of treatment are required if the poor outcome of this condition is to be improved.
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Target values for cardiovascular risk factors in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) are stated in guidelines for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. We studied secular trends in risk factors over a 12-year period among CHD patients in the region of Münster, Germany. ⋯ The observed trends in cardiovascular risk factors under-score the vital need for better preventive strategies in patients with CHD.