Changes of matrix metalloproteinase-9 level is associated with left ventricular remodeling following acute myocardial infarction among patients treated with trandolapril, valsartan or both.

Background: Inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) can suppress left ventricular (LV) remodeling after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), possibly through the modifications of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9. Whether LV remodeling is suppressed in association with MMP-9 suppression in post-AMI/-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) patients treated with ACE inhibitor and/or ARB was examined. The presence of any differences in LV remodeling and MMP-9 levels across the groups was also investigated.

Relationship between coronary artery wall thickness measured by 64-slice multidetector computed tomography and cardiovascular risk factors.

Background: Recent studies have demonstrated the quantitative ability of contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) to evaluate not only the vessel lumen but also coronary plaque. The aim of this study was to assess the association between coronary wall thickness quantified by 64-slice MDCT and cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods And Results: A total of 149 subjects with suspected coronary artery disease were scanned by contrast-enhanced 64-slice MDCT.

Therapy with statins and aspirin enhances long-term outcome of percutaneous coronary intervention.

Aspirin is the standard therapy applied after coronary intervention, and statins are also prescribed to prevent secondary coronary heart disease. We assessed the ability of a combination of statins and aspirin to improve the longterm prognosis of patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We collected data from 575 consecutive patients who underwent PCI.

Clinical efficacy of benidipine for vasospastic angina pectoris.

Background: Most patients with vasospastic angina who have no significant organic coronary arterial stenosis are well controlled by medical therapy and the prognosis is almost satisfactory. Calcium channel (Ca) blockers are used as the first choice and effective agents for vasospastic angina pectoris. However, they do not always work well.

Long-term (11-year) statin therapy following percutaneous coronary intervention improves clinical outcome and is not associated with increased malignancy.

Background: Statins have been proven to reduce cardiac events and mortality. However, there are few studies dealing with the long-term efficacy of statin therapy following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods: We collected data from 575 consecutive patients who underwent PCI between 1987 and 1992.

Impact of aspirin treatment on long-term outcome (over 10 years) after percutaneous coronary intervention.

Aspirin has been shown to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, its effects on long-term (over 10 years) mortality have not been fully elucidated. This retrospective study recorded the patient characteristics and admission medication for all patients undergoing PCI over an 8-year period from 1984 to 1992.