[Ivabradine--a medical alternative for patients with chronic stable angina pectoris].

Procoralan (Ivabradine) is a novel, specific If--current inhibitor, inducing reduction in heart-rate through a direct effect on sinoatrial automaticity at rest and during exercise. Thereby the drug may prevent myocardial ischaemia. So far the indications for using Procoralan are the following: symptomatic treatment of chronic stable angina pectoris in patients with sinus rhythm, in whom betablockers are contraindicated or not tolerated.

[Cost-effectiveness of clopidogrel vs. aspirin treatment in high-risk acute coronary syndrome patients in Denmark].

Introduction: The aim of this study was to estimate the cost-effectiveness of clopidogrel versus aspirin (ASA) in Denmark in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular events in three high-risk CAPRIE populations: (1) patients with a history of coronary artery bypass grafting, (2) patients with a history of ischemic events and (3) patients with multiple vascular territory involvement. Additionally, the cost-effectiveness of clopidogrel versus no treatment in ASA-intolerant patients was estimated.

Materials And Methods: Clinical, epidemiological and cost data (Danish estimates) were combined in a Markov model.

[The cardio-renal anemia syndrome: what is it? With a focus on congestive heart failure].

The cardio-renal anemia syndrome describes how the three conditions congestive heart failure, chronic kidney insufficiency and anemia form a vicious circle in which each condition is capable of causing or being caused by another. As the prevalence of congestive heart failure is steadily rising, it must be expected that more patients will develop this syndrome. The optimal treatment for patients with the cardio-renal anemia syndrome is yet to be determined, but new trials, in which patients were treated with erythropoietin and intravenous iron, promise a better outcome for these patients in the future.

[Prevalence and significance of anaemia in patients with chronic congestive heart failure].

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and significance of anaemia in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF), as well as the prevalence of impaired renal function.

Materials And Methods: We did a retrospective study of 50 women and 113 men with systolic CHF. Data were collected by reviewing clinical records.

[Chronic left heart failure. A focus on the pathogenetic basis of medical treatment].

Chronic left heart failure is the result of the activation of pathophysiological mechanisms which over time lead to progressive deterioration of the cardiac function. As pharmacotherapy aims at these mechanisms and as treatment possibilities are increasing, we find it relevant to provide a survey. Treatment evidence is based mainly on systolic dysfunction.

[Ambulance transportation and prehospital treatment in connection with admission for suspected acute myocardial infarction].

Introduction: The aim was to describe ambulance transportation and pre-hospital treatment in connection with admission for suspected acute myocardial infarction.

Material And Methods: For all patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome who were urgently admitted to the Cardiological Department, Odense University Hospital between 3 August 1998 and 6 December 1998, information about ambulance transportation and pre-hospital treatment was collected through interviews with the patients and study of ambulance records, admission notes, and hospital medical records. In addition, details of the regarding response times were obtained from Falck's emergency service and from nurses' papers.