Air Pollution and Myocardial Infarction-A New Smoker's Paradox?

Ambient air pollution is a significant public health concern, known to affect cardiovascular health adversely. Research has identified both long-term and short-term cardiovascular risks associated with various air pollutants, including those linked to acute coronary syndromes. However, the observed effects are rather small, with most data sourced from highly polluted regions.

Health literacy in patients with pulmonary embolism: development and validation of the HeLP (Health Literacy in Pulmonary Embolism)-Questionnaire.

Background: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common cardiovascular disease and health literacy is necessary to deal with its consequences after the acute event. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a new questionnaire to measure PE-specific health literacy.

Methods: A mixed-methods design with qualitative and quantitative elements was used in the development process.

Depression and anxiety up to two years after acute pulmonary embolism: Prevalence and predictors.

Introduction: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is an acute life-threatening event. Besides known physical long-term consequences such as persistent dyspnoea or reduced physical performance, less attention is given to the emotional experience.

Methods: We used data from patients with PE of the 'Lungenembolie Augsburg (LEA)' cohort study at University Hospital Augsburg.

Lung perfusion assessed by SPECT/CT after a minimum of three months anticoagulation therapy in patients with SARS-CoV-2-associated acute pulmonary embolism: a retrospective observational study.

Background: Anticoagulant treatment is recommended for at least three months after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-related acute pulmonary embolism (PE), but the persistent pulmonary clot burden after that time is unknown.

Methods: Lung perfusion was assessed by ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) SPECT/CT in 20 consecutive patients with SARS-CoV-2-associated acute PE after a minimum of three months anticoagulation therapy in a retrospective observational study.

Results: Remaining perfusion defects after a median treatment period of six months were observed in only two patients.

The German version of the Pulmonary Embolism Quality of Life (PEmb-QoL) questionnaire: reliability, responsiveness and structural validity.

Purpose: The Pulmonary Embolism Quality of Life (PEmb-QoL) questionnaire is the only existing disease-specific instrument for measuring quality of life after pulmonary embolism (PE). It includes six dimensions: frequency of complaints, limitations in activities of daily living, work-related problems, social limitations, intensity of complaints and emotional complaints. The present study aimed to determine the psychometric properties including responsiveness and structural validity of the German version.