Prevalence of severely impaired left ventricular ejection fraction after reperfused ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

Background: Preventive implantation of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) early after myocardial infarction failed to demonstrate a survival benefit in patients with depressed left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). This may be explained by early recovery of the LVEF after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We sought to determine the incidence of a sustained LVEF ≤35% in patients with severely depressed LVEF early after a revascularised acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Treating Atrial Fibrillation With Cryoballoon Technology.

Cryoballoon ablation has emerged as a novel tool to perform pulmonary vein isolation. The aim of this paper is to review the advantages, drawbacks as well as possible complications and clinical outcomes of this technology and to discuss some important technical issues.

Clinical impact of screening for sleep related breathing disorders in atrial fibrillation.

Objective: The aim of this study was to quantify daytime symptoms in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with and without sleep related breathing disorders (SRBD).

Background: SRBD are common in patients with AF but little is known about daytime symptoms among those with SRBD.

Methods: Patients with AF admitted to clinics of two tertiary referral hospitals for a variety of different cardiovascular diseases were screened with a trans-nasal airflow measurement device allowing measurement of the apnea-hypopnea-index.

Elevated cardiac troponin I in sepsis and septic shock: no evidence for thrombus associated myocardial necrosis.

Background: Elevated cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is frequently observed in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. However, the mechanisms underlying cTnI release in these patients are still unknown. To date no data regarding coagulation disturbances as a possible mechanism for cTnI release during sepsis are available.

Use of the CHADS2 risk score to guide antithrombotic treatment in patients with atrial fibrillation--room for improvement.

Background: Antithrombotic treatment (AT) is recommended for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), except for those with lone AF or contraindications.

Aim: The aim of our study was to determine contemporary AT in AF patients and to ascertain reasons for withholding oral anticoagulant treatment (OAC) in eligible patients.

Design: Prospective observational study.