Mechanisms of acute myocardial infarction study (MAMIS).

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a highly dynamic event, which is associated with marked neuroendocrinological dysfunction in addition to cardiac damage. The immediate trigger for AMI is not precisely known. Studies conducted by Lown, Braunwald, Halberg, Otsuka and our group have demonstrated a marked increase in sympathetic activity, oxidative stress, and magnesium and potassium deficiency during AMI.

Can brain dysfunction be a predisposing factor for metabolic syndrome?

The various mechanisms that may explain the association between brain dysfunction and the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MS) leading to cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes have been reviewed. A Medline search was conducted until September 2003, and articles published in various national and international journals were reviewed. Experts working in the field were also consulted.

Circadian heart rate and blood pressure variability considered for research and patient care.

Objectives: To review mechanisms of circadian variations in heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure variability (BPV) and mortality and morbidity due to cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

Methods: Results from 7-day/24-h HRV and BPV are interpreted by gender and age-specified reference values in the context of a Medline search.

Results: Abnormal HRV and BPV measured around the clock for 7 days provides information on the risk of subsequent morbid events in subjects without obvious heart disease and without abnormality outside the conventional (in the sense of chronobiologically unquantified) physiological range.

Current zinc intake and risk of diabetes and coronary artery disease and factors associated with insulin resistance in rural and urban populations of North India.

Objective: To determine the association between current zinc intake and prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and diabetes as well as factors associated with insulin resistance.

Design, Subjects And Methods: In this cross sectional survey, 3575 subjects, aged 25 to 64 years, including 1769 rural (894 men. 875 women) and 1806 urban (904 men, 902 women) subjects were studied.

Low fat intake and coronary artery disease in a population with higher prevalence of coronary artery disease: the Indian paradox.

Objective: To determine the association between saturated fat intake and prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and coronary risk factors.

Design And Setting: Total community cross sectional survey of 20 urban streets out of 196 streets, in the city of Moradabad in north India.

Subjects And Methods: Adult population between 25 to 64 years inclusive comprised of 1806 subjects (904 men, 902 women) were divided into three groups according to level of saturated fat intake as assessed by 7-day dietary intake records (very low < 7%, low 7 to 10%, high > 10% energy (en) per day).

Dietary and serum magnesium levels in patients with acute myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease and noncardiac diagnoses.

Objective: To study the relation of dietary and serum levels of magnesium (Mg) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and its complications in relation to noncardiac diagnoses.

Methodology: Case control study in a primary and secondary care center for AMI patients. The study included 460 subjects with definite AMI (n = 335, group A), possible AMI (n = 64, group B), unstable angina (n = 19, group C) and controls with noncardiac chest pain (n = 42, group D).

Effect on mortality and reinfarction of adding fruits and vegetables to a prudent diet in the Indian experiment of infarct survival (IEIS).

The effects of antioxidant-rich foods as adjuncts to a prudent diet were compared for 12 weeks in a randomized, single-blind and controlled trial in 204 (group A) and 202 (group B) patients with acute myocardial infarction. There was a significant decrease in cardiac end points in group A compared to group B (37 vs 58, p < 0.01) after 12 weeks.

Nutritional modulators of lipoprotein metabolism in patients with risk factors for coronary heart disease: diet and moderate exercise trial.

To study the role of diet as a risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD), 463 adults (25-65 years, 419 males) at risk of or with CHD were assigned to group A (n = 231) receiving a cardiovasoprotective diet or group B (n = 232) receiving a normal diet in a randomized, single-blind fashion. Age, sex, risk factors and incidence of CHD were comparable between the two groups. Group A received a significantly higher percentage of calories in relation to complex carbohydrates, vegetable proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and had a higher polyunsaturated:saturated fatty acid (P:S) ratio compared to control group B, which received more saturated fat and cholesterol.

The effect of diet and aspirin on patient outcome after myocardial infarction.

Recent studies show that diet and aspirin therapy inhibit platelet aggregation and may independently reduce complications and mortality in patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). To compare the effects of diet and aspirin, 140 patients, who were 4-6 wk post acute myocardial infarction, were assigned either to Group A (placebo with cardiovasoprotective diet) or Group B (aspirin [180 mg daily]) with fat-modified control diet in a single-blind controlled fashion. Of the 140 patients, 7 left the trial before it was completed.

Effect of calcium and calcium blockers in hypertension.

Calcium is important in the maintenance of arterial smooth muscle function and its alteration from normal may predispose to atherogenesis and hypertension. Slow channel inhibitors such as nifedipine and calcium salts have been used separately to modulate arterial calcium in patients with hypertension. This study included 41 patients with essential hypertension, of whom 29 responded to calcium gluconate therapy (9.

Can dietary magnesium modulate lipoprotein metabolism?

In a randomized, single-blinded, controlled study (430 patients aged 25-63 years, 394 males), 214 subjects were administered a magnesium-rich diet and 216 subjects were administered a usual diet for 12 weeks. Age, sex, body weight, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, smoking, obesity, diuretic therapy and hypomagnesemia were comparable between the two groups as were laboratory data at entry to the study. The intervention group A received a significantly higher amount of dietary magnesium (1,142.

Is verapamil a better magnesium agonist rather than a calcium antagonist? A hypothesis?

Mg and verapamil have similar effects on the cardiovascular system. Both the agents have been successfully used for the treatment of hypertension and protection of the ischaemic myocardium. The exact mechanism of action of calcium blocking drugs including verapamil is unknown.