Hellenic journal of cardiology : HJC = Hellēnikē kardiologikē epitheōrēsē
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The aim of our study was to evaluate visit-to-visit blood pressure variability (BPV) and the association of this parameter with cardiovascular risk determinants, according to the SEPHAR II survey. ⋯ The results of our study indicate a notable prevalence of high BPV, affecting almost a quarter of the Romanian adult population. Visit-to-visit systolic BPV and arterial stiffness are strongly correlated and together might contribute to the improvement of cardiovascular risk prediction models.
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Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a relatively frequent complication after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). We compared the off- and on-pump CABG procedures with respect to changes in renal function as reflected by levels of urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (UrNGAL). ⋯ According to the UrNGAL measurements, neither of the two CABG techniques was superior in terms of their effect on postoperative renal function. Renal function significantly improved in the on-pump group while UrNGAL levels decreased after surgery in the same group.
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Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is not always executed in compliance with contemporary guidelines and the quality of CPR may differ among hospitals within the same country or among categories of healthcare providers and medical specialties. The aim of this study was to assess attitudes of cardiology healthcare professionals towards CPR guidelines. ⋯ Attending an ERC resuscitation course, frequent involvement in CPR attempts, younger age, and being a physician were all independent predictors for more positive attitudes towards the guidelines. These factors, with the exception of age, were also associated with positive attitudes towards the implementation of therapeutic hypothermia.
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Left ventricular (LV) remodeling after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is related to increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of the present study was to examine whether LV deformational and torsional parameters can predict LV remodeling in patients with AMI. ⋯ In patients with anterior AMI, LV apical circumferential strain in the early post-MI period constitutes a significant prognostic factor for LV remodeling at 3 months. Assessment of this parameter may identify patients at high risk for heart failure development.