Arquivos brasileiros de cardiologia
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Arq. Bras. Cardiol. · Aug 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialDiltiazem as an alternative to beta-blocker in coronary artery computed tomography angiography.
Reducing heart rate (HR) in CT angiography of the coronary arteries (CTACor) is critical to image quality. The effectiveness of calcium channel blockers as alternatives for patients with contraindications to beta-blockers has not been established. ⋯ We conclude that diltiazem is an effective and safe alternative to beta-blockers in the reduction of HR when performing computed tomography angiography of coronary arteries.
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Arq. Bras. Cardiol. · Jun 2012
Conflict of interest policies and disclosure requirements among European Society of Cardiology National Cardiovascular Journals.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest (COI) is used by biomedical journals to guarantee credibility and transparency of the scientific process. COI disclosure, however, is not systematically nor consistently dealt with by journals. ⋯ This paper provides a comprehensive editorial perspective on classical COI-related issues. New insights into current COI policies and practices among European Society of Cardiology national cardiovascular journals, as derived from a cross-sectional survey using a standardised questionnaire, are discussed.
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Arq. Bras. Cardiol. · Jun 2012
Effect of levosimendan in patients with severe systolic heart failure and worsening renal function.
Levosimendan, a calcium sensitizer, increases the sensitivity of the heart to calcium, thus increasing myocardial contractility without a rise in intracellular calcium. It was recently shown that levosimendan is beneficial in improving renal function. However, it remains to be established that the beneficial effect is differentially related to renal status during index event. ⋯ Levosimendan appears to provide a renal-enhancing effect in patients with severe, acute decompensated systolic heart failure and worsening renal function. Consideration of this differential effect might help obtain beneficial renal outcomes.