Genetic basis and outcome in a nationwide study of Finnish patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Aims: Nationwide large-scale genetic and outcome studies in cohorts with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) have not been previously published.

Methods And Results: We sequenced 59 cardiomyopathy-associated genes in 382 unrelated Finnish patients with HCM and found 24 pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutations in six genes in 38.2% of patients.

Permanent work disability in patients ≤50 years old after percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass grafting (the CRAGS study).

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of permanent working disability (PWD) in young patients after percutaneous or surgical coronary revascularization.

Methods And Results: The study included 1035 consecutive patients ≤50 years old who underwent coronary revascularization [910 and 125 patients in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) groups, respectively] between 2002 and 2012 at 4 Finnish hospitals. The median follow-up time was 41 months.

[Percutaneous treatment of coronary chronic total occlusions].

Chronic total occlusions (CTOs) are frequently detected on diagnostic coronary angiograms. For the selection of patients for CTO percutaneous coronary intervention, factors such as the level of symptoms, level of myocardial viability and extent of ischemia must be taken into account. Remarkable progress has been achieved in the success of complex CTO procedures during the past decade.

Ultrasound Screening of Men with Coronary Artery Disease for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: A Prospective Dual Center Study.

Background And Aims: According to the heterogeneous results of previous studies, the prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm seems high among men with coronary artery disease. The associating risk factors for abdominal aortic aneurysm in this population require clarification. Our objective was to assess the prevalence of non-diagnosed abdominal aortic aneurysms in men with angiographically verified coronary artery disease and to document the associated co-morbidities and risk factors.

[Update on Current Care Guidelines. Current Care Guideline: Stable Coronary Artery Disease].

This guideline covers coronary heart disease symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Stable coronary heart disease refers to a disease in, which patients have stable symptoms and evidence of ischemia or significant stenosis of coronary artery. Diagnosis is based on medical history and exercise test, which is the primary diagnostic test.