Isoflavones improve vascular reactivity in post-menopausal women with hypercholesterolemia.

This randomized clinical trial was designed to assess the effects of dietary isoflavones on vascular reactivity, lipid levels, and markers of inflammation in post-menopausal women. Epidemiological studies have revealed that populations consuming large amounts of soy protein have lower cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The benefits of soy protein may be due to its hypolipidemic effects; its anti-oxidant properties; its high content of L-arginine; and/or or its phytoestrogen content.

Comparison of transthoracic echocardiography versus cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging for the assessment of ventricular function in adults after atrial switch procedures for complete transposition of the great arteries.

Adult patients with a history of transposition of the great arteries and atrial switch operation were studied with transthoracic echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging. Measurements of ventricular dimensions and function by these 2 techniques in 18 consecutive patients were well correlated.

Acute aortic syndrome: a case presentation and review of the literature.

Aortic disease can present as an acute chest pain syndrome. Although aortic dissection is the most common etiology, other processes such as intramural hematoma (IMH) and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers are being increasingly recognized. They can all be accurately identified by computed tomography (CT) imaging or transesophageal echocardiography.

The prognostic value of body mass index and standard exercise testing in male veterans with congestive heart failure.

Objective: To evaluate the prognostic characteristics of body mass index (BMI) and standard exercise test variables in a consecutive series of patients with mild to moderate congestive heart failure (CHF) referred for standard exercise tests.

Background: Controversy exists regarding the prognostic importance of BMI, etiology, and exercise test variables in patients with CHF.

Methods: All patients referred for evaluation at two university-affiliated Veterans Affairs Medical Centers who underwent treadmill tests for clinical indications between 1987 and 2000 were determined to be dead or alive using the Social Security Death Index after a mean 6 years follow-up.