Effects of exposure to altitude on men with coronary artery disease and impaired left ventricular function.

The effects of altitude on coronary patients with impaired left ventricular function are virtually unknown and the question arises whether an exposure to altitude poses a risk to such patients. Twenty-three patients with coronary artery disease (mean age 51 +/- 9 years; group H) with a mean ejection fraction of 39 +/- 6% were compared with 23 normal subjects (mean age 53 +/- 6 years; group N). Both groups underwent a maximal symptom-limited bicycle stress test at 1,000 m and 2 days later at 2,500 m.

[Perioperative myocardial infarction and cardiac complications after noncardiac surgery in patients with prior myocardial infarction. II: Perioperative long-term ECG--clinical relevance practicability].

Unlabelled: Perioperative, mostly silent ischaemia in patients with coronary heart disease is difficult to detect by clinical examinations.

Methods: During the clinical evaluation (part I of this study) we monitored patients with prior myocardial infarction (MI) by continuous electrocardiographic (ECG) recording from the evening before until the first 24 h after operation. Excluded from Holter ECG studies were patients with a bundle branch block, pacemaker, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathy, severe hypokalaemia, and digitalis treatment.

[Sports and rehabilitation in old age].

Cardiac rehabilitation of older patients aims at restoring physical aptitude as well as possible and at preserving independence. Prognostic aspects are less important than symptomatic relief. A formal rehabilitation program is indicated in adjunction to revascularization procedures and in cases, where a closer medical supervision is warranted.

[Heart patient and sports].

Patients with heart disease may benefit from scheduled exercising in different ways. Exercise tolerance is increased, risk factors are controlled, and even progression and regression of coronary artery disease can be influenced by training and diet. Psychological effects include lessened depression and reduced anxiety.

Psychosocial factors predict medical outcome following a first myocardial infarction. Working Group on Cardiac Rehabilitation of the Swiss Society of Cardiology.

Background: The aim of this study was to identify psychosocial variables that, in addition to known medical factors, predict the long-term outcome after a first myocardial infarction.

Patients And Methods: The study population consisted of 222 men aged 30-60 years who entered an inpatient rehabilitation program a mean of 7 weeks after a first myocardial infarction. Medical data and completed questionnaires for psychosocial variables were obtained from the patients and their family physicians at entry to the rehabilitation center and 1 year later.