Publications by authors named "N Better"

Article Synopsis
  • The study evaluates the recovery of cardiac diagnostic procedures in Italy one year after the COVID-19 outbreak, focusing on procedure volumes, practices, and staff well-being.
  • A global survey revealed a 72% drop in cardiac diagnostic procedures in April 2020 compared to March 2019, with only a slight recovery (3% increase) by April 2021, though some specific tests showed increased volumes.
  • Many healthcare centers adopted measures like physical distancing and COVID-19 screening, but 25% of physicians reported high psychological stress levels, highlighting ongoing challenges within the healthcare system.
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Objectives: To determine the prevalence of heart failure (HF) medication prescribing on discharge post-HF-related admission.

Methods: A retrospective audit was conducted for 216 HF admissions over a period of 6 months; medication data from electronic records were collected for analysis.

Key Findings: The prevalence of HF medication prescribing on discharge was: 32.

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Background: Linear and complex electrogram ablation (LCEA) beyond pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is associated with an increase in left atrial macro-re-entrant tachycardias (LAMTs). Posterior wall isolation (PWI) is increasingly performed to improve AF ablation outcomes. However, the impact of PWI on the incidence of LAMT is unknown.

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Article Synopsis
  • - The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted cardiovascular testing in Latin America (LATAM), with a study finding a 21% decrease in procedure volumes from pre-pandemic levels in April 2021, contrasting with zero change in the rest of the world.
  • - Central America and Mexico experienced the largest reductions in procedures (47%), while healthcare centers in LATAM reported more staff layoffs and salary cuts than those in other regions.
  • - The study highlighted the lasting effects of the pandemic on cardiovascular care and emphasized the need for mental health support for healthcare workers in LATAM, as nearly 50% reported excessive psychological stress.
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Introduction: While pyrophosphate uptake imaging with Technetium-99 m pyrophosphate (Tc-99 m PYP) is frequently used for cardiac ATTR amyloid imaging, its role in determining the timing of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is near forgotten. We present a case that demonstrates the clinical benefit of pyrophosphate uptake imaging in differentiating recent from remote infarction as a reminder of the continued utility of pyrophosphate uptake imaging for this indication.

Case And Outcomes: A 68-year-old male was referred for surgical replacement of his bicuspid aortic valve with severe aortic regurgitation.

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