[Functional evaluation of ultra-octogenarian patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation: correlation between six minute walking test and Rivermead mobility index].

Background: There is an increasing need for admission of octogenarians to cardiac rehabilitation programs. The aim of this study was to evaluate if the Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI) (scale of mobility) is related to the functional capacity assessed by the 6 Minute Walking Test (6MWT).

Methods: We selected 108 consecutive patients > 80 years (M = 53, mean age 82.

Trimetazidine improves exercise performance in patients with peripheral arterial disease.

Trimetazidine, an inhibitor of free fatty acids (FFA) oxidation, shifts cardiac and muscle metabolism from FFA to glucose utilization. This effect results in a greater production of high energy phosphates and ultimately into an anti-ischemic effect. Whether the anti-ischemic cardiac effects of trimetazidine (TMZ) can be translated to skeletal muscle in patients with claudication is unknown.

B-type natriuretic peptide levels predict functional capacity in postcardiac surgery patients.

Objective: Plasma levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) are often increased in postcardiac surgery patients. The six-minute walking test (6MWT) is useful to assess functional capacity in postcardiac surgery patients. The aim of this study was to determine whether BNP levels are associated with exercise capacity evaluated by 6MWT in patients after cardiac surgery.

[Secondary cardiovascular prevention after acute coronary syndrome in clinical practice].

Secondary prevention after acute coronary syndromes should be aimed at reducing the risk of further adverse cardiovascular events, thereby improving quality of life, and lengthening survival. Despite compelling evidence from large randomized controlled trials, secondary prevention is not fully implemented in most cases after hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome. The Lazio Region (Italy) has about 5.

Relationship between B-type natriuretic peptide levels and echocardiographic indices of left ventricular filling pressures in post-cardiac surgery patients.

Background: B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is increased in post-cardiac surgery patients, however the mechanisms underlying BNP release are still unclear. In the current study, we aimed to assess the relationship between postoperative BNP levels and left ventricular filling pressures in post-cardiac surgery patients.

Methods: We prospectively enrolled 134 consecutive patients referred to our Center 8 +/- 5 days after cardiac surgery.