Serum uric acid and outcomes in patients with chronic heart failure through the whole spectrum of ejection fraction phenotypes: Analysis of the ESC-EORP Heart Failure Long-Term (HF LT) Registry.

Background: Retrospective analyses of clinical trials indicate that elevated serum uric acid (sUA) predicts poor outcome in heart failure (HF). Uric acid can contribute to inflammation and microvascular dysfunction, which may differently affect different left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) phenotypes. However, role of sUA across LVEF phenotypes is unknown.

Iron deficiency from the standpoint of cardiac rehabilitation: novel therapeutic opportunities.

Anemia is one of the most frequent comorbidities found in patients with coronary artery disease and chronic heart failure (CHF) who are being followed in cardiac rehabilitation facilities. The more frequent type of anemia is caused by iron deficiency (IDA, iron-deficiency anemia): this review summarizes the state of the art of this topic. First of all, the mechanisms of IDA will be analyzed.

Secondary prevention advices after cardiovascular index event: From drug prescription to risk factors control in real world practice.

The present study aims at evaluating the achievement of blood pressure, lipid and blood glucose targets, healthy lifestyle changes and appropriate drug prescription/adherence in patients attending secondary prevention/CR ambulatory visit after index cardiovascular event in a time period ranging 1 to 5 year. At ambulatory visit, a predetermined set of data collection was used, including demographic data, cardiovascular risk factors and lifestyle habits, type and time of index event, current symptoms, physical sign, biochemistry and current medical treatment (including type and dosage). Cardiovascular risk profile (smoking habits, physical activity and body weight), secondary prevention goals (LDL-cholesterol, blood pressure, resting heart rate, glycated haemoglobin level) and the use of recommended drugs were also evaluated and categorized.

[Italian cardiologists and tobacco smoking. A survey on the prevalence and knowledge of smoking and strategies for smoking cessation in a cohort of Italian cardiologists].

Background: Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death. Its cessation is the most cost-effective strategy for reducing long-term cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although both healthcare professionals and the general population are aware of the detrimental effects of smoking on health, more than 25% of Italians are current smokers.

[Appropriateness of diagnostic tests in cardiovascular prevention: what can we skip?].

In recent years, a huge increase in the use of cardiac procedures, both invasive and non-invasive, was observed. Diagnostic tests, mainly non-invasive tests, are often prescribed inappropriately, in most cases replacing the clinical evaluation. The rate of inappropriate tests in cardiology is largely variable, depending on regional issues and different medical approach.

Prevalence and prognostic value of elevated urinary albumin excretion in patients with chronic heart failure: data from the GISSI-Heart Failure trial.

Background: Increased urinary excretion of albumin is an early sign of kidney damage and a risk factor for progressive cardiovascular and renal diseases and heart failure. There is, however, only limited information on the prevalence and prognostic role of urinary albumin excretion in patients with established chronic heart failure.

Methods And Results: A total of 2131 patients enrolled in 76 sites participating in the GISSI-Heart Failure trial provided a first morning spot sample of urine at any of the clinical visits scheduled in the trial to calculate the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio.

Topically applied heparins for the treatment of vascular disorders : a comprehensive review.

Effective treatment of peripheral vascular disorders is important not only for resolution of local symptoms but also for preventing the development of systemic conditions such as deep vein thrombosis. Topical heparins are widely used in Europe for the prevention and treatment of local symptoms associated with peripheral vascular disorders. This comprehensive review of the literature evaluated the efficacy and safety of topically applied heparins for the treatment of vascular disorders.

Regression or reduction in progression of atherosclerosis, and avoidance of coronary events, with lovastatin in patients with or at high risk of cardiovascular disease: a review.

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) are the drugs of first choice for treating hypercholesterolaemia in order to prevent or slow the progression of coronary heart disease (CHD). Statins generally reduce the risk of CHD morbidity or mortality by about 30%. Lovastatin is effective in lowering plasma total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and is widely prescribed for both the primary and secondary prevention of CHD.