Six-minute walk test: prognostic value and effects of nebivolol versus placebo in elderly patients with heart failure from the SENIORS trial.

Background: There is limited information about the 6-min walk test (6MWT) in elderly patients with heart failure. We evaluated 6MWT and the effect of nebivolol on 6MWT from the SENIORS trial.

Methods And Results: The SENIORS trial evaluated nebivolol versus placebo on death and hospitalisation in patients aged ≥ 70 years with heart failure.

A Randomized Trial of Video-based Education in Patients With Heart Failure: The ongestive Heart Failure utreach rogram of ducation (COPE).

Background: Heart failure (HF) exacerbations often relate to poor self-care. Education programs improve outcomes, but are resource-intensive. We developed a video-based educational intervention and evaluated it in patients with HF.

Effect of age and sex on efficacy and tolerability of β blockers in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: individual patient data meta-analysis.

Objectives: To determine the efficacy and tolerability of β blockers in a broad age range of women and men with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) by pooling individual patient data from placebo controlled randomised trials.

Design: Prospectively designed meta-analysis of individual patient data from patients aged 40-85 in sinus rhythm at baseline, with left ventricular ejection fraction <0.45.

Efficacy of β blockers in patients with heart failure plus atrial fibrillation: an individual-patient data meta-analysis.

Background: Atrial fibrillation and heart failure often coexist, causing substantial cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. β blockers are indicated in patients with symptomatic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction; however, the efficacy of these drugs in patients with concomitant atrial fibrillation is uncertain. We therefore meta-analysed individual-patient data to assess the efficacy of β blockers in patients with heart failure and sinus rhythm compared with atrial fibrillation.

Predictors of clinical outcomes in elderly patients with heart failure.

Aims: Heart failure (HF) in the elderly carries a poor prognosis. We used the SENIORS dataset of elderly HF patients aged ≥70 years in order to develop a risk model for this population.

Methods And Results: The SENIORS trial evaluated the effects of nebivolol and enrolled 2128 patients ≥70 years with HF (ejection fraction ≤35%, or recent HF admission).

Do calcium channel blockers increase the diagnosis of heart failure in patients with hypertension?

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are widely used to control hypertension. Previous work suggested that their use could increase heart failure (HF), which is 1 of the consequences of uncontrolled hypertension. Information about the effect of CCBs on incident HF in patients with hypertension is scarce.

Metformin treatment in diabetes and heart failure: when academic equipoise meets clinical reality.

Objective: Metformin has had a 'black box' contraindication in diabetic patients with heart failure (HF), but many believe it to be the treatment of choice in this setting. Therefore, we attempted to conduct a pilot study to evaluate the feasibility of undertaking a large randomized controlled trial with clinical endpoints.

Study Design: The pilot study was a randomized double blinded placebo controlled trial.

Effect of fish oil on arrhythmias and mortality: systematic review.

Objective: To synthesise the literature on the effects of fish oil-docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)-on mortality and arrhythmias and to explore dose response and formulation effects.

Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data Sources: Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, PubMed, CINAHL, IPA, Web of Science, Scopus, Pascal, Allied and Complementary Medicine, Academic OneFile, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, Evidence-Based Complementary Medicine, and LILACS.

Economic implications of treatment guidelines for congestive heart failure.

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is the most common cause of cardiovascular hospital admission. A significant proportion of the costs of CHF is due to hospitalizations. The present study evaluated the economic impact of a modest increase in the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, beta-blockers, spironolactone and digoxin on CHF hospitalizations.

Utilization of evidence-based therapies for heart failure in the institutionalized elderly.

Objectives: Heart failure (HF) is a major source of morbidity and mortality in elderly populations. A significant proportion of the elderly with HF are living in long-term care facilities. Little is known about their management.

Randomized trial to determine the effect of nebivolol on mortality and cardiovascular hospital admission in elderly patients with heart failure (SENIORS).

Aims: Large randomized trials have shown that beta-blockers reduce mortality and hospital admissions in patients with heart failure. The effects of beta-blockers in elderly patients with a broad range of left ventricular ejection fraction are uncertain. The SENIORS study was performed to assess effects of the beta-blocker, nebivolol, in patients >/=70 years, regardless of ejection fraction.

Contemporary burden of illness of congestive heart failure in Canada.

Background: Congestive heart failure (CHF) is associated with high morbidity and mortality; however, there is little contemporary Canadian data to quantify the burden of this illness.

Objective: To report the impact of CHF in Canada, as measured by hospitalizations.

Methods: Data were obtained from the Canadian Institute for Health Information on patients hospitalized with CHF as a most responsible, primary or complication diagnosis during fiscal year 2000/01.

Systematic Review of Hirudin in Acute Coronary Syndromes and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Thrombin plays a key role in the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndromes because it is a potent platelet agonist and converts fibrinogen to fibrin. Hirudin is a powerful, direct, and specific antithrombin agent that can be used in many therapeutic scenarios in which heparin is routinely used. In this systemic review, we summarize evidence from randomized clinical trials evaluating the benefits and risks of recombinant hirudin for the treatment of acute coronary syndromes and patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.