Journal of the American Heart Association
-
Reducing readmission after catheter ablation (CA) in atrial fibrillation (AF) is important. ⋯ We identified several demographic and clinical factors associated with the use of CA in AF, and short-term outcomes of the same, which could potentially help in the patient selection and improve outcomes.
-
Comparative Study
Effect of Change in Total Cholesterol Levels on Cardiovascular Disease Among Young Adults.
Although high serum cholesterol in young adults is known to be a predictor for cardiovascular events, there is not enough evidence for the association of cholesterol level change with cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aimed to evaluate whether the change in cholesterol is associated with incidence of CVD among young adults. ⋯ The findings of our study indicate that increased cholesterol levels were associated with high CVD risk in young adults. Furthermore, young adults with decreased cholesterol levels had reduced risk for CVD.
-
Insufficient sleep increases blood pressure. However, the effects of milder, highly prevalent but frequently neglected sleep disturbances, including poor sleep quality and insomnia, on vascular health in women are unclear. We investigated whether poor sleep patterns are associated with blood pressure and endothelial inflammation in a diverse sample of women. ⋯ URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02835261.
-
Whether ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) represent a feature of the adaptive changes of the athlete's heart remains elusive. We aimed to assess the prevalence, determinants, and underlying substrates of VAs in young competitive athletes. ⋯ The prevalence of >10 isolated PVBs or ≥1 complex VA at 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring did not differ between young competitive athletes and sedentary individuals and was unrelated to type, intensity, and years of sports practice. An underlying myocardial substrate was uncommon and distinctively associated with right bundle branch block VA morphologic features.
-
Perceived social isolation has been shown to have a negative impact on health outcomes, particularly among older adults. However, these relationships have not been fully examined among patients with heart failure. ⋯ In patients with heart failure, greater perceived social isolation is associated with an increased risk of death and healthcare use. Assessing perceived social isolation during the clinical encounter with a brief screening tool may help identify patients with heart failure at greater risk of poor outcomes.