Acute coronary syndromes.

Although substantial progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of acute coronary syndromes, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally, with nearly half of these deaths due to ischaemic heart disease. The broadening availability of high-sensitivity troponin assays has allowed for rapid rule-out algorithms in patients with suspected non-ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Dual antiplatelet therapy is recommended for 12 months following an acute coronary syndrome in most patients, and additional secondary prevention measures including intensive lipid-lowering therapy (LDL-C <1·4 mmol/L), neurohormonal agents, and lifestyle modification, are crucial.

Effect of yoga exercise therapy on oxidative stress indicators with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis.

Background: Oxidative stress promotes endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis in chronic renal disease.

Objectives: This study investigated the impact of Hatha yoga on oxidative stress indicators and oxidant status, in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis.

Design: This prospective randomized study consisted of 33 ESRD patients in the Hatha yoga exercise group who were matched with 35 ESRD patients in the control group.

Prevalence of carotid stenosis in a high-risk Caribbean population.

Background And Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of carotid stenosis among patients presenting to the University Hospital of West Indies (UHWI) Accident and Emergency Department (A&E) with an ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Methods: Beginning in August 2006, all patients presenting to the UHWI A&E with an acute stroke or TIA were screened for enrollment. Patients were excluded if they had a hemorrhagic stroke or if informed consent could not be obtained.

Prevalence of prehypertension and its relationship to risk factors for cardiovascular disease in Jamaica: analysis from a cross-sectional survey.

Background: Recent studies have documented an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in persons with systolic blood pressures of 120-139 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressures of 80-89 mmHg, classified as prehypertension in the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure. In this paper we estimate the prevalence of prehypertension in Jamaica and evaluate the relationship between prehypertension and other risk factors for CVD.

Methods: The study used data from participants in the Jamaica Lifestyle Survey conducted from 2000-2001.