Publications by authors named "Paul Vanberg"
Introduction: Use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) is associated with adverse cardiovascular (CV) effects, including potential prothrombotic effects. This study aimed to assess platelet activation and aggregation, coagulation, and fibrinolysis, in long-term AAS users compared to non-using strength-trained athletes.
Materials And Methods: Thirty-seven strength-trained men using AAS were compared to seventeen non-using professional strength-trained athletes at similar age (median 33 years).
Article Synopsis
- Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) is a complex procedure with risks, and this study reviews TLE methods and results over a 24-year period at a single center.
- The authors performed 1780 procedures attempting to extract 2964 leads, mainly using a single sheath technique, and achieved high clinical success rates (97.7%).
- The study found a low complication rate, with only 1 death directly linked to the procedure and no reported caval tears, highlighting the safety and effectiveness of their techniques when performed by experienced operators.
Introduction: Abuse of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) has been linked to a variety of different cardiovascular (CV) side effects, but still the clinical effects of AAS abuse on CV risk are not clear. The aim of this study was to assess the CV phenotype of a large cohort of men with long-term AAS use compared with strength-trained athletes without AAS use.
Methods: Fifty one strength-trained men with ≥3 years of AAS use was compared with twenty one strength-trained competing athletes.
Article Synopsis
- Abuse of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) is associated with serious cardiovascular issues, including acute myocardial infarction and other significant conditions like left ventricular hypertrophy and sudden cardiac death.
- Research indicates that AAS can cause structural and functional changes in the heart, including altered diastolic function, increased heart chamber sizes, and mildly elevated blood pressure that may have limited clinical significance.
- AAS also disrupt lipid metabolism by increasing bad cholesterol (LDL) and decreasing good cholesterol (HDL), raising the risk of coronary artery disease among users.
Article Synopsis
- A study was conducted to see if the statin drug pravastatin could lower the chance of atrial fibrillation coming back after patients underwent electrical cardioversion (EC).
- 114 patients with atrial fibrillation lasting over 48 hours were divided into two groups: one receiving pravastatin (40 mg daily) for 9 weeks and the other receiving standard therapy without the drug.
- The results showed that pravastatin did not have any effect on reducing the recurrence rate of atrial fibrillation post-EC.