Brain natriuretic hormone predicts stress-induced alterations in diastolic function.

Background: Mental stress (MS) reduces diastolic function (DF) and may lead to congestive heart failure with preserved systolic function. Whether brain natriuretic hormone (brain natriuretic peptide [BNP]) mediates the relationship of MS with DF is unknown.

Methods: One hundred sixty individuals aged 30 to 50 years underwent 2-hour protocol of 40-minute rest, videogame stressor and recovery.

Removal of intracardiac fractured port-A catheter utilizing an existing forearm peripheral intravenous access site in the cath lab.

The intravenous port-A catheters are widely used for long-term central venous access in cancer patients. Spontaneous fracture and migration of implanted port catheters is a known complication and necessitates immediate removal. Percutaneous retrieval of intravascular foreign body has become a common practice and is commonly performed through central venous access, mostly using femoral, subclavian, or internal jugular veins.

Prinzmetal angina: An unrecognized cause of recurrent ST elevation myocardial infarction.

Background: Prinzmetal's angina is characterized by a transient reduction in luminal diameter of a coronary artery resulting in spontaneous and often recurrent episodes of angina with electrocardiography (ECG) findings consistent with ST elevation.

Case Report: A 67-year-old male presented with complaint of intermittent chest discomfort during the previous 2-3 weeks. ECG obtained at presentation was consistent with ST elevation in inferior leads.