Addition of high-intensity interval training to a moderate intensity continuous training cardiovascular rehabilitation program after ischemic cerebrovascular disease: A randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: Moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) is usually recommended for stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients. High intensity interval training (HIIT) has emerged as a potentially effective method for increasing cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) among clinical populations. Its effectiveness remains to be demonstrated after stroke.

Effect of preoperative renin-angiotensin system blockade on vasoplegia after cardiac surgery: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

Background: Vasoplegia is a common complication of cardiac surgery but its causal relationship with preoperative use of renin angiotensin system (RAS) blockers [angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB)] is still debated.

Aim: To update and summarize data on the effect of preoperative use of RAS blockers on incident vasoplegia.

Methods: All published studies from MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science providing relevant data through January 13, 2021 were identified.

Biventricular thrombosis and survival after two different mechanical supports before heart transplantation.

Patient survival from biventricular thrombosis is possible using mechanical support followed by cardiac transplantation.

Does the full-time presence of an intensivist lead to better outcomes in the cardiac surgical intensive care unit?

Objective: The study objective was to compare clinical outcomes in a dedicated adult cardiac surgery intensive care unit before and after the implementation of 24-hour intensivist coverage.

Methods: Between 2008 and 2016, 16,454 consecutive adult patients were admitted to the cardiac surgery intensive care unit after cardiac surgery. During this period, postoperative patients in the cardiac surgery intensive care unit were managed by intensivists during the day (group A); in July 2010, the nighttime coverage was transferred from the hands of residents and fellows to intensivists (group B).

Late Infection of an Atrial Septal Defect Closure Device: A Possible Complication.

Atrial septal defect is a common congenital heart defect. In the late 1990s, percutaneous closure became available and eventually the treatment of choice. The procedure is considered safe because of its low incidence of complications.

Transcatheter reduction of paravalvular leaks: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Significant paravalvular leak (PVL) after surgical valve replacement can result in intractable congestive heart failure and hemolytic anemia. Because repeat surgery is performed in only few patients, transcatheter reduction of PVL is emerging as an alternative option, but its safety and efficacy remain uncertain. In this study we sought to assess whether a successful transcatheter PVL reduction is associated with an improvement in clinical outcomes.

Role of echocardiography in acute myocardial infarction.

Echocardiography is a valuable tool in diagnosing acute coronary syndrome in patients presenting with chest pain in the emergency department. After acute myocardial infarction (MI), echocardiography provides substantial information regarding risk stratification, hemodynamic assessment, detection of mechanical complications related to acute MI, and long-term prognosis. It also helps in guiding therapy in patients after MI.

Beneficial effects of long-term use of the antioxidant probucol in heart failure in the rat.

Background: Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a disease that is characterized by progressive left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and dilatation. Oxidative stress is thought to contribute to the progression of CHF, and antioxidants have been shown to have beneficial effects when started early after myocardial infarction (MI). In this study, we tested whether the powerful antioxidant probucol would attenuate progression of CHF once it was established after MI in the rat.

Improved post-myocardial infarction survival with probucol in rats: effects on left ventricular function, morphology, cardiac oxidative stress and cytokine expression.

Objectives: The goal of this study was to evaluate whether reducing the potentially deleterious effects of oxidative stress with the potent anti-oxidant probucol improves prognosis after myocardial infarction (MI) in rats.

Background: Oxidative stress has been documented in patients early and late after MI, particularly when it is associated with congestive heart failure.

Methods: Rats surviving acute MIs for 24 h (n = 247) were assigned to vehicle or probucol (61 mg/kg, daily) for four weeks, at which time cardiac hemodynamic, morphologic and molecular measurements were done.

Long-term effects of carvedilol on left ventricular function, remodeling, and expression of cardiac cytokines after large myocardial infarction in the rat.

Carvedilol (20 mg/kg, bid) or vehicle was given to rats surviving a myocardial infarction (MI) 24 h (n = 409). In rats with large MI, carvedilol partially preserved left ventricular (LV) function and intrinsic myocardial contractility and reactivity to beta-adrenergic stimulation. Carvedilol led to scar thickening, increased LV hypertrophy, and decreased cardiac fibrosis but did not prevent LV dilatation.