Residual risk of cardiovascular mortality in patients with coronary heart disease: the EUROASPIRE risk categories.

Background: The EUROASPIRE I, II and III surveys revealed high prevalences of modifiable risk factors in the high priority group of coronary patients all over Europe. The potential to further reduce coronary heart disease (CHD) morbidity and mortality rates is still considerable. We report here on the relative risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) death associated with common modifiable risk factor levels based on the mortality follow-up of patients participating in the first two EUROASPIRE surveys.

Blood pressure control and knowledge of target blood pressure in coronary patients across Europe: results from the EUROASPIRE III survey.

Background: Blood pressure management is a key issue among patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). The present study aimed to identify particular patient groups that may need to be specifically targeted in secondary prevention of CHD.

Methods: EUROASPIRE III is a cross-sectional study conducted in 2006-2007 among patients up to 80 years of age hospitalized for CHD.

Residual thrombosis on ultrasonography to guide the duration of anticoagulation in patients with deep venous thrombosis: a randomized trial.

Background: The optimal duration of oral anticoagulant therapy in patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremities remains uncertain.

Objective: To assess whether tailoring the duration of anticoagulation on the basis of the persistence of residual thrombi on ultrasonography reduces the rate of recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) compared with the administration of conventional fixed-duration treatment in adults with proximal DVT.

Design: Parallel, randomized trial from 1999 to 2006.

Current presentation and management of heart failure in cardiology and internal medicine hospital units: a tale of two worlds--the TEMISTOCLE study.

Background: The purpose pf the current article is to describe the clinical profile, use of resources, management and outcome in a population of real-world inpatients with heart failure.

Methods And Results: With a prospective, cross-sectional survey on acute hospital admissions, we evaluated the overall and provider-related differences in patient characteristics, diagnostic work-up, treatment and inhospital outcome of 2127 patients with heart failure admitted to 167 cardiology departments and 250 internal medicine departments between February 14 and 25, 2000. Patients admitted to cardiology units were younger (56.

Blood pressure is insufficiently controlled in European patients with established coronary heart disease.

Background: Elevated blood pressure is associated with an impaired prognosis in patients with established coronary heart disease. Adequate blood pressure control is therefore of utmost importance. We report on two successive European surveys that evaluated whether the goals given in recommendations on secondary prevention are achieved.