Single-Center Retrospective Study of Risk Factors and Predictive Value of Framingham Risk Score of Patients with ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to identify risk factors and clinical profile of the patients presenting with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We further evaluated the utility of the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) in the accurate identification of these patients if used before their coronary event.

Methods: We evaluated the demographic, clinical, and angiographic characteristics of patients admitted with STEMI.

Rapid Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Overcomes Fulminant Myocarditis Induced by 5‑Fluorouracil.

Fulminant myocarditis is a rare but potentially life-threatening illness caused by 5-fluorouracil cardiotoxicity. Data supporting the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for the treatment of fulminant myocarditis are limited. A 49-year-old, previously healthy white man, recently diagnosed with anal squamous cell carcinoma, developed severe chest pain hours after completing his first 96-hour intravenous 5-fluorouracil treatment.

Hematologic markers better predict left ventricular assist device thrombosis than echocardiographic or pump parameters.

Background: Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) thrombosis is a life-threatening complication that remains a major clinical problem. Consensus diagnostic criteria do not exist. We investigated whether hematologic, echocardiographic, or pump parameters reliably change during LVAD thrombosis.

Diagnostic dilemma: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy versus acute coronary syndrome.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a kind of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy characterized by transient apical ballooning of the heart. This often results from sudden, temporary weakening of the myocardium. Initially defined in the absence of coronary artery disease, it has since expanded to involve patients with coronary artery disease.

Statin therapy in the reduction of cardiovascular events in patients undergoing intermediate-risk noncardiac, nonvascular surgery.

Background: Hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) reduce perioperative cardiac events in high-risk patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery. However, there is paucity of data on the role of statins in patients undergoing intermediate-risk noncardiac, nonvascular surgery (NCNVS).

Hypothesis: Statins are cardioprotective in intermediate-risk NCNVS.

Vitamin D reduces left atrial volume in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy and chronic kidney disease.

Background: Left atrial enlargement, a sensitive integrator of left ventricular diastolic function, is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Vitamin D is linked to lower cardiovascular morbidity, possibly modifying cardiac structure and function; however, firm evidence is lacking. We assessed the effect of an activated vitamin D analog on left atrial volume index (LAVi) in a post hoc analysis of the PRIMO trial (clinicaltrials.

Vitamin D therapy and cardiac structure and function in patients with chronic kidney disease: the PRIMO randomized controlled trial.

Context: Vitamin D is associated with decreased cardiovascular-related morbidity and mortality, possibly by modifying cardiac structure and function, yet firm evidence for either remains lacking.

Objective: To determine the effects of an active vitamin D compound, paricalcitol, on left ventricular mass over 48 weeks in patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 15 to 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2).

Vitamin D receptor activation and left ventricular hypertrophy in advanced kidney disease.

Background: In chronic kidney disease (CKD), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is prevalent and is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) activation attenuates LVH progression in animal models.

Methods: PRIMO is a multinational, randomized, double-blinded trial with oral paricalcitol in subjects with stages 3-4 CKD, mild-to-moderate LVH and an LV ejection fraction >50%.

Amiodarone - a 'broad spectrum' antiarrhythmic drug.

Amiodarone, an iodinated benzofuran derivative, introduced in 1960's as an anti-anginal agent, emerged as a potent anti-arrhythmic agent by 1970's and is currently one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in US for ventricular and atrial arrhythmias. Although amiodarone is considered a class III anti-arrhythmic agent, it also has class I, II, IV actions, making it a unique and effective anti-arrhythmic agent. Because of its minimal negative inotropic activity and very low rate of pro-arrhythmia, it is considered safe in treating arrhythmias in patients with Coronary Artery Disease and Left ventricular systolic dysfunction.