Influence of an exercise program on cardiac remodeling and functional capacity in patients with stroke (CRONuS trial): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Cardiovascular rehabilitation is one of the treatment options for post-stroke individuals in order to improve functional independence in activities of daily life and reduce energy expenditure. The aim of this trial is to evaluate the effect of an exercise program on the echocardiographic variables, functional capacity, inflammatory response, neurological status, nutritional status, cardiologic evaluation, and quality of life of patients after stroke.

Methods/design: This is a randomized controlled trial including patients with ischemic stroke in the chronic phase.

Strain Pattern on Electrocardiogram Is Associated with Increased Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Patients with Aortic Valve Stenosis.

Background: Coronary artery disease is present in at least 30% of patients with degenerative aortic stenosis (AS). Atherosclerosis also performs an important role in the progression of AS, because of the similarities of pathological mechanisms in both conditions. The electrocardiogram (EKG) strain pattern is associated with structural myocardial change and subendocardial ischemia and has been worldwide used as a marker of AS severity.