Clinical Insights into Physical Activity, Fitness, and Cardiovascular Health.

A vast amount of data from numerous studies conducted in recent decades consistently show that increased physical activity has a favorable impact on cardiovascular health [...

Diuresis Efficacy in Ambulatory Congested Heart Failure Patients: Intrapatient Comparison of 3 Diuretic Regimens (DEA-HF).

Background: Limited evidence exists regarding efficacy and safety of diuretic regimens in ambulatory, congestion-refractory, chronic heart failure (CHF) patients.

Objectives: The authors sought to compare the potency and safety of commonly used diuretic regimens in CHF patients.

Methods: A prospective, randomized, open-label, crossover study conducted in NYHA functional class II to IV CHF patients, treated in an ambulatory day-care unit.

CHA2DS2-VASc Score as a Predictor of Adverse Outcomes after Ischemic Stroke in Patients without Atrial Fibrillation.

Background: Ischemic stroke is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality in future vascular events.

Objectives: To investigate whether CHA2DS2-VASc scores aid in risk stratification of middle-aged patients without atrial fibrillation (AF) experiencing ischemic stroke.

Methods: We analyzed data of 2628 patients, aged 40-65 years with no known AF who presented with acute ischemic stroke between January 2020 and February 2022.

Effect of angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor on physical activity in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, monitored by implantable electronic device home monitoring.

Aims: Angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) therapy is a cornerstone in the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), with significant improvement in mortality as well as morbidity and quality of life. However, maximal ARNI doses often result in hypotension. Recent studies with 'real world' experience suggest that lower doses of ARNI are as effective as higher doses.

A common presentation - turning out as an uncommon diagnosis: From hip pain to Langerhans cell histiocytosis.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is an uncommon clonal proliferation of myeloid progenitor cells, it is especially rare in adults. We present a case of multi-system LCH in a 53-year-old woman, the sole symptom of which was prolonged, non-resolving hip pain for 18 months prior to the diagnosis. Initial evaluation included imaging studies aimed at identifying a presumed local etiology.

A safety and clinical efficacy analysis of PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies in patients with markedly elevated creatine phosphokinase levels.

Introduction: PCSK9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) are often used in statin-intolerant patients, aiming to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Along with the growing experience with their use, there is a lack of evidence regarding the safety, tolerability, and clinical utility of PCSK9i in patients with markedly elevated creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels.

Methods: We screened a comprehensive HMO database for patients treated with PCSK9i (Jan 2016-Dec 2019), in whom elevated CPK levels (>1,000 U/L) were documented prior to the initiation of therapy.

COVID-19-Associated Suspected Myocarditis as the Etiology for Recurrent and Protracted Fever in an Otherwise Healthy Adult.

Current reports concerning cardiac involvement in the novel corona virus disease (COVID-19) mostly document acute myocardial injury at presentation. Here, we present a healthy young male, with presumed acute myocarditis, presenting 20 days after initial diagnosis of COVID-19 - and after a clinical, and apparent laboratory, resolution of the original episode. His sole substantial clinical finding upon admission was fever, which was followed by a witnessed elevation in troponin-I.

Effect of Cerebrovascular and/or Peripheral Artery Disease With or Without Attainment of Lipid Goals on Long-Term Outcomes in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease.

Involvement of atherosclerosis in extracardiac vascular territories may identify coronary artery disease (CAD) patients at higher risk for adverse events. We investigated the long-term prognostic implications of polyvascular disease in patients with CAD, and further analyzed lipid goal attainment and its relation to patient outcomes. The study was a retrospective analysis of 10,297 patients who underwent coronary revascularization, categorized as having CAD alone (83.

A randomized study comparing the use of a pelvic lead shield during trans-radial interventions: Threefold decrease in radiation to the operator but double exposure to the patient.

Objectives: To determine the efficacy of a 0.5-mm lead apron across the patient's abdomen in addition to standard operator protection for the reduction of scatter radiation on operator and patient radiation exposure

Background: Cardiac angiography using the radial access compared to the femoral approach is associated with reduced complication rate and improved patient comfort but has significantly increased radiation dose. Improvements in radiation protection are needed

Methods: We randomly assigned 332 patients undergoing coronary angiography to a group with pelvic lead shielding and a group with standard protection.

Interaction of different antidepressants with acute and chronic methadone in mice, and possible clinical implications.

We studied the interaction of a single dose of different antidepressant medications with a single (acute) dose or implanted mini-pump (chronic) methadone administration in mice, using the hotplate assay. For the acute experiment, subthreshold doses of six antidepressant drugs were administered separately with a single dose of methadone. The addition of a subthreshold dose of desipramine or clomipramine to methadone produced significant augmentation of the methadone effect with each drug (p < 0.

The antinociceptive properties of reboxetine in acute pain.

The antinociceptive effects of the selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor antidepressant reboxetine and its interaction with various opioid and noradrenaline receptor subtypes were evaluated. Reboxetine (i.p.