Types and outcomes of cardioversion in patients admitted to hospital for atrial fibrillation: results of the German RHYTHM-AF Study.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) accounts for approximately one-third of hospitalizations for cardiac rhythm disturbances. Little is known about the characteristics of current use of cardioversion (CV) and its success rates in clinical practice in Germany.

Methods: As part of the international RHYTHM-AF Study, 655 consecutive patients with documented AF (mean age 68.

Atherogenic dyslipidemia as evidenced by the lipid triad: prevalence and associated risk in statin-treated patients in ambulatory care.

Objective: The prevalence of atherogenic dyslipidaemia (AD) can be assessed using the lipid triad (low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] < 35 mg/dl, high triglyceride (TG) levels (≥ 200 mg/dl) and a high total cholesterol HDL-C ratio (TC/HDL-C>5). The aim of the present analysis was (1) to describe the prevalence of the lipid triad, (2) to quantify the associated cardiovascular risk on the basis of the PROCAM score, and (3) to calculate the additional risk reduction that can be obtained by adding nicotinic acid (NA) to a pre-existing statin therapy (model based on the outcomes of a previous randomized controlled study).

Methods: Descriptive post-hoc analysis of the German 4E registry in 24,500 patients receiving statins for primary cardiovascular prevention in ambulatory care.

Prevalence and overlap of different lipid abnormalities in statin-treated patients at high cardiovascular risk in clinical practice in Germany.

Background: In line with current guideline recommendations, patients at high cardiovascular risk are usually treated with statins for secondary as well as for primary prevention. While many studies investigated treatment goal achievement with regards to low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) there is paucity of data regarding high density lipoprotein (HDL-C), and/or triglycerides (TG).

Setting: Prospective, cross-sectional study (Dyslipidemia International Survey, DYSIS) with data provided by 748 office-based physicians throughout Germany.

Improvement of hypertension management by structured physician education and feedback system: cluster randomized trial.

Introduction: We aimed to assess whether hypertension management with a structured physician information program and a feedback system leads to improved blood pressure (BP) control and cardiovascular outcomes.

Methods: Cluster randomized (3 : 1), open, monitored, multicenter trial in Germany. Primary care-based physicians in the information group (IG) received detailed training on hypertension guidelines, feedback on target-level attainment, and a reminder to intensify treatment after each patient visit, whereas the observation/control group (CG) did not receive any such measures.

[Effects of long-term antihypertensive therapy with losartan on blood pressure and cognitive function in patients with essential hypertension and other cerebrovascular risk factors (AWARE observational study)].

Background And Purpose: As arterial hypertension is the most important risk factor for ischemic stroke, the relevant guidelines recommend rigorous treatment to normalize blood pressure. Hypertension can also be associated with cognitive decline and dementia. Therefore, the effect of a long-term therapy with the AT(1) antagonist losartan (+/- hydro chloro thiazide [HCTZ]) on cognitive function in patients with essential hypertension and additional cerebrovascular risk factors was investigated.

[Fixed-combination of losartan/hydrochlorothiazide 100 mg/25 mg. Tolerability and efficacy on blood pressure measured in the practice and for 24 hours].

Background: A high proportion of patients with essential hypertension need a combination therapy to reach the therapeutic goal. In the present study, the tolerability and efficacy of a fixed, once daily combination of the AT1 blocker Losartan (100 mg) and the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) (25 mg) for patients in the real-life situation was investigated. Special consideration was given to the results of ambulatory 24-hourblood pressure (ABP) measurements.