Electrogram-based optimal atrioventricular and interventricular delays of cardiac resynchronization change individually during exercise.

Background: Limited data suggest that optimal atrioventricular (AV) and interventricular (VV) delays are different at rest than during exercise in patients with heart failure. We assessed the feasibility and reproducibility of an electrogram-based method of optimization called QuickOpt at rest and during exercise.

Methods: Patients with a St Jude Medical cardiac resynchronization therapy implantable cardioverter-defibrillator were subjected to a graded treadmill test, and QuickOpt was repeatedly measured prior to, during, and after the exercise.

A randomized controlled trial of cognitive behavior therapy tailored to psychological adaptation to an implantable cardioverter defibrillator.

Objectives: To evaluate a eight-session cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) intervention tailored to adaptation in implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patients; and to test for treatment group by gender interaction effects.

Methods: Patients receiving their first ICD implant were randomized to CBT or usual cardiac care. Primary outcomes measured at baseline, 6-month, and 12-month follow-ups were symptoms of anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms (Impact of Events Scale-Revised), and phobic anxiety (Crown-Crisp Experiential Index).

Limitations in the current screening practice of assessing left ventricular ejection fraction for a primary prophylactic implantable defibrillator in southern Ontario.

Background: Screening echocardiography (ECHO) is commonly performed to determine whether the patient's left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is appropriate for primary prophylactic implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) referral. However, radionuclide ventriculography (RNA) is used by many implantation centres for decision making.

Objective: To determine whether current screening ECHO techniques are effective in identifying patients suitable for primary prophylactic ICD referral.

Outcomes in heart failure patients referred for consideration of implantable cardioverter defibrillator for primary prophylaxis of sudden cardiac death: what are the risks of waiting?

Background: Clinical trials have confirmed that implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) reduce mortality in patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction below 30%. The 'real-world' prognosis before ICD implantation in such patients is not known. The estimated risk of death is 0.

Validation of a new simple scale to measure symptoms in atrial fibrillation: the Canadian Cardiovascular Society Severity in Atrial Fibrillation scale.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is commonly associated with impaired quality of life. There is no simple validated scale to quantify the functional illness burden of AF. The Canadian Cardiovascular Society Severity in Atrial Fibrillation (CCS-SAF) scale is a bedside scale that ranges from class 0 to 4, from no effect on functional quality of life to a severe effect on life quality.