Accuracy of smartphone apps for heart rate measurement.

Background Smartphone manufacturers offer mobile health monitoring technology to their customers, including apps using the built-in camera for heart rate assessment. This study aimed to test the diagnostic accuracy of such heart rate measuring apps in clinical practice. Methods The feasibility and accuracy of measuring heart rate was tested on four commercially available apps using both iPhone 4 and iPhone 5.

The value of ECG parameters as markers of treatment response in Fabry cardiomyopathy.

Objective: Best treatment outcomes in Fabry disease (FD) associated cardiomyopathy can be obtained when treatment is started as early as possible. The rationale of this study was to assess the role of ECG changes for identification of cardiac involvement and patients at an earlier stage of the disease more likely deriving a benefit from enzyme replacement therapy (ERT).

Methods: A retrospective analysis of patient data was performed from an observational, longitudinal, prospective cohort.

Robot-assisted training for heart failure patients - a small pilot study.

Objective: The objective of this study was assess robot-assisted gait therapy with the Lokomat® system in heart failure patients.

Methods: Patients (n = 5) with stable heart failure and a left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 45% completed a four-week aerobic training period with three trainings per week and an integrated dynamic resistance training of the lower limbs. Patients underwent testing of cardiac and inflammatory biomarkers.

Robot-Assisted Training Early After Cardiac Surgery.

Background: To assess feasibility and safety of a robot-assisted gait therapy with the Lokomat® system in patients early after open heart surgery.

Methods: Within days after open heart surgery 10 patients were subjected to postoperative Lokomat® training (Intervention group, IG) whereas 20 patients served as controls undergoing standard postoperative physiotherapy (Control group, CG). All patients underwent six-minute walk test and evaluation of the muscular strength of the lower limbs by measuring quadriceps peak force.

Clinical criteria replenish high-sensitive troponin and inflammatory markers in the stratification of patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome.

Objectives: In patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS), rapid triage is essential. The aim of this study was to establish a tool for risk prediction of 30-day cardiac events (CE) on admission. 30-day cardiac events (CE) were defined as early coronary revascularization, subsequent myocardial infarction, or cardiovascular death within 30 days.

The clinical value of echocardiography and acoustic cardiography to monitor patients undergoing anthracycline chemotherapy.

Background: Investigate the usefulness of echocardiography and acoustic cardiography to monitor patients exposed to anthracycline chemotherapy.

Hypothesis: Serial echocardiographies to monitor systolic function may not be neccessary in all patients undergoing anthracycline chemotherapy.

Methods: In a prospective study, consecutive patients undergoing anthracycline-containing chemotherapy were evaluated with echocardiography and acoustic cardiography at baseline, after completion of chemotherapy, and after a median follow-up of 3.

Portal vein thrombus and liver failure in a patient with pheochromocytoma crisis.

A 51-year-old man with known pheochromocytoma refused surgical treatment over several years and subsequently presented in catecholamine crisis with shock and multiple organ failure. Laboratory testing revealed liver failure with elevated liver enzymes and coagulation abnormalities, and imaging showed ischemia of extended parts of the right liver lobe. It also revealed a large thrombus in the right portal vein, which together with severe arterial vasoconstriction impaired the dual blood supply of the liver.

Severe left ventricular dysfunction secondary to primary pulmonary hypertension: bridging therapy with bosentan before lung transplantation.

When right ventricular failure develops secondary to primary pulmonary hypertension, right-left ventricular interaction may lead to severe impairment of left ventricular function. In such cases, many experts favor combined heart-lung transplantation by fear that the left ventricle may not recover after transplantation of the lungs alone. We report a case of primary pulmonary hypertension with severely diminished right and left ventricular function.