Diagnostic Accuracy of the Standing Test in Adults Suspected for Congenital Long-QT Syndrome.

Background An elegant bedside provocation test has been shown to aid the diagnosis of long-QT syndrome (LQTS) in a retrospective cohort by evaluation of QT intervals and T-wave morphology changes resulting from the brief tachycardia provoked by standing. We aimed to prospectively determine the potential diagnostic value of the standing test for LQTS. Methods and Results In adults suspected for LQTS who had a standing test, the QT interval was assessed manually and automated.

Pre-procedural virtual reality education reduces anxiety in patients undergoing atrial septal closure - Results from a randomized trial.

Background: Patients undergoing invasive cardiothoracic procedures are prone for pre-procedural anxiety and depression. Patient education is known to reduce anxiety. This study was performed to assess the effect of Virtual Reality (VR) as a means to educate patients to reduce pre-procedural anxiety in adult patients undergoing percutaneous closure of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or atrial septal defect (ASD).

Review of Digitalized Patient Education in Cardiology: A Future Ahead?

Introduction: An increased focus on shared decision-making and patient empowerment in cardiology and on patient outcomes such as quality of life (QoL), depression, and anxiety underline the importance of high-quality patient education. Studies focusing on digital means of patient education performed in other disciplines of medicine demonstrated its positive effect in these areas. Therefore, a review of the current literature was performed to (i) evaluate the status of innovative, digitalized means of patient education in cardiology and (ii) assess the impact of digital patient education on outcome parameters (i.

Safety and effectiveness of home-based, self-selected exercise training in symptomatic adults with congenital heart disease: A prospective, randomised, controlled trial.

Background: The purpose of this prospective randomised controlled trial was to assess whether home-based, self-selected exercise training is safe, results in high compliance and improves exercise capacity in symptomatic adults with congenital heart disease (CHD).

Methods: Forty adults with moderate or severe CHD (40 ± 12 years, 56% male, New York Heart Association [NYHA] II/III 37/3) were randomly assigned, stratified by CHD complexity, either to home-based exercise training or usual care. The exercise training protocol consisted of three exercise sessions per week for six consecutive months.

The effect of exercise training in symptomatic patients with grown-up congenital heart disease: a review.

The number of grown-up congenital heart disease (GUCH) patients is steadily increasing. Unfortunately, the majority of these patients suffer from late sequelae, with heart failure being the most common cause of death. Exercise training is beneficial and safe in patients with acquired heart failure, as well as in asymptomatic GUCH patients.