The de Winter's pattern revisited: a case series.

Background: The de Winter's electrocardiogram (ECG) pattern signifying proximal left anterior descending (LAD) artery occlusion was first described in 2008. The ECG changes were thought to be static and mechanisms for this were suggested. In addition, the optimal management of these patients was reported to be via a primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) strategy.

Radial artery dilatation to improve access and lower complications during coronary angiography: the RADIAL trial.

Aims: The aim of this study was to explore the use of prolonged occlusion flow-mediated dilatation (PO-FMD) to dilate the radial artery prior to cannulation to increase cannulation success, reduce puncture attempts and reduce access-site complications in transradial coronary angiography.

Methods And Results: A total of 1,156 patients undergoing transradial coronary angiography were randomised into PO-FMD and sham PO-FMD groups. PO-FMD was achieved by a 10-minute inflation of a blood pressure cuff on the arm to above systolic pressure, followed by deflation with resultant radial artery dilation.

Self-reported use of evidence-based medicine and smoking cessation 6 - 9 months after acute coronary syndrome: a single-centre perspective.

Background: Good evidence exists to support the use of secondary prevention medications (aspirin, statins, beta-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)) and smoking cessation in patients after acute coronary syndromes (ACSs). Little is currently known about adherence to medication and smoking behaviour after discharge in South Africa.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of all patients with a diagnosis of ACS discharged from the Coronary Care Unit at Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, between 15 November 2011 and 15 April 2012.