Multiple Risk Factor Counseling to Promote Heart-healthy Lifestyles in the Chest Pain Observation Unit: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: Admission to the chest pain observation unit (CPOU) may be an advantageous time for patients to consider heart-healthy lifestyle changes while undergoing diagnostic evaluation to rule out myocardial ischemia. The aim of this pragmatic trial was to assess the effectiveness of a multiple risk factor intervention in changing CPOU patients' health beliefs and readiness to change health behaviors. A secondary aim was to obtain preliminary estimates of the intervention's effect on diet, physical activity, and smoking.

The Value of Detecting Asymptomatic Signs of Myocardial Ischemia in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease in Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation.

Background: Electrocardiographic (ECG) monitored outpatient cardiac rehabilitation (OP-CR) is routinely performed following a variety of cardiovascular procedures and conditions.

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine if diagnostic-quality ECG monitoring in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) during OP-CR is useful in identifying asymptomatic myocardial ischemia, resulting in change(s) in care or medical management.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of ECG monitoring was done on all OP-CR patients diagnosed with CAD (n = 1213) from January 2000 through June 2013.

Text-messaging program improves outcomes in outpatient cardiovascular rehabilitation.

Background: Outpatient cardiac rehabilitation (OP-CR) is a highly beneficial program but vastly under utilized.

Methods: The efficacy of a text-messaging program was analyzed to determine if implementation could improve number of OP-CR sessions completed. All patients enrolled in OP-CR from July 2011 through December 2012 were invited to join a text-messaging program on their first visit.

Circulating levels of β2-microglobulin and cystatin C are associated with left atrial size: additional link between the kidney and the heart.

Objective: More attention is being paid to the relationship between kidney dysfunction and cardiovascular events Characteristic features include renal dysfunction, left ventricular (LV) and left atrial (LA) enlargement. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationships between circulating levels of β2-microglobulin (β2-m) and cystatin C and left atrial size in patients with coronary artery disease.

Materials And Methods: We recruited 300 patients who presented with chest tightness or chest pain and subsequently underwent coronary angiography.

Health beliefs toward cardiovascular risk reduction in patients admitted to chest pain observation units.

Objectives: Even after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is ruled out, observational studies have suggested that many patients with nonspecific chest pain have a high burden of cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs) and are at increased long-term risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD)-related mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the premise that evaluation in an observation unit for symptoms of possible ACS is a "teachable moment" with regard to modification of CRFs.

Methods: The authors conducted a baseline face-to-face interview and a 3-month telephone interview of 83 adult patients with at least one modifiable CRF who presented with symptoms of possible ACS to an academic medical center.

Gender disparities in common sense models of illness among myocardial infarction victims.

Symptom attributions were contrasted between male and female myocardial infarction victims (N = 157) who were comparable on age, cardiac risk status, medical history, symptom presentation, and other variables. Women were less likely than men to attribute their prehospital symptoms to cardiac causes. In the context of hearing symptom attributions or advice from support persons, women were less likely than men to report receiving a cardiac attribution or advice to seek medical attention.

How do female and male cardiac patients and their spouses share responsibilities after discharge from the hospital?

This study explored sex differences in household and employment responsibilities among cardiac patients (N = 63; 46 men) and spouses during the 5 months following discharge from the hospital. Results showed that both patients and partners maintained traditional sex-typed activities. As patients or spouses, women tended to assume greater responsibility for domestic tasks such as laundry, cleaning, and cooking than their husbands.