Long-Term Predictors of Thromboembolic Events in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation Patients Undergoing Electrical Cardioversion.

Background: Patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) who undergo electrical cardioversion (ECV) tend to be younger and have less comorbidity. Long-term anticoagulation after ECV should be based on thromboembolic risk. We sought to study the long-term incidence of thromboembolic events (TE), factors related to TE and compare the predictive value of the CHADS2and CHA2DS2-VASc scores in this particular population.

[Value of NTproBNP concentration in an out-of-hospital adult population].

Introduction: The diagnosis of chronic heart failure (CHF) is based on demonstrating the cardiac origin of clinical manifestations. Echocardiography is the method of choice for the detection of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD). Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) rises during LVSD.

[Should we try to determine the specific cause of cardiac tamponade?].

Introduction: The causes of cardiac tamponade vary and it has been suggested that underlying causes should be sought in all cases. The purpose of this study was to determine the causes of cardiac tamponade in our environment, distinguishing between specific and idiopathic causes, and analyzing the proportion and causes in the subgroup of patients with relapsing tamponade.

Patients And Method: We retrospectively studied all patients who underwent therapeutic pericardiocentesis between 1985 and 2001.

[The efficacy of scheduled cardioversion in atrial fibrillation. Comparison of two schemes of treatment: electrical versus pharmacological cardioversion].

Introduction And Objectives: Atrial fibrillation is an arrhythmia with high morbidity and mortality. Restoring sinus rhythm is one of the principle objectives in its management. The present study aimed to assess the efficacy of scheduled cardioversion on atrial fibrillation by comparing two different therapeutic approaches: electrical vs.