Cor et Vasa, 2005 (vol. 46), issue 4
Original research articles
Hypertension and diabetes mellitus in GPs' offices. The incidence of hypertension and its control.
Jiří Widimský, Miroslav Souček, Martina Sachová, Věra Lánská
Cor Vasa 2005, 46(4)
Aim of study:The presence of diabetes mellitus makes the prognosis of hypertension appreciably worse in terms of development of both atherosclerotic (macrovascular) and microvascular complications. The European Society of Hypertension and European Society of Cardiology guidelines thus recommend substantially more aggressive treatment of hypertension with target BP levels below 130/80 mm Hg.Our previous study showed a high prevalence of hypertension in the offices of 150 GPs' across the Czech Republic. The study also demonstrated poor control of hypertension as target values < 140/90 mm Hg were only achieved in 21.8% drug-treated hypertensives....
Left ventricular remodeling in acute myocardial infarction after an outpatient controlled rehabilitation program.
Lubomír Elbl, Václav Chaloupka, Iva Tomášková, František Jedlička, Svatopluk Nehyba, Petr Kala, Jiří Schildberger, Martin Poloczek, Otakar Boček, Jindřich Špinar
Cor Vasa 2005, 46(4)
Aim of study:The study reports on prospective one-year follow-up and analysis of the process of left ventricular remodeling in patients with their first acute myocardial infarction undergoing an early outpatient 8-week rehabilitation program. Patients and methods:Follow-up included a total of 184 patients (21 women, 163 men) aged 58 ± 9 years. An ejection fraction (EF) < 50 % was shown in 36 (20%) patients. Patients were divided into two subgroups: with anterior wall myocardial infarction (AWMI) (n = 63) and inferior wall myocardial infarction (PWMI) (n = 121). Resting and dynamic exercise echocardiography and spiroergometry...
Care of hospitalized patients with chronic heart failure (Euro Heart Failure Survey - CR).
Jakub Čech, Hana Rosolová, Otto Mayer jr., Jaroslav Šimon, Růžena Jandová, Jiří Widimský sen., Jindřich Špinar, Kateřina Linhartová
Cor Vasa 2005, 46(4)
Introduction:Chronic heart failure (CHF) is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in our population and one of the most frequent reasons for hospitalization in patients over 60 years of age. Guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology for the diagnosis and treatment of CHF were published in 1995-1997 and updated in 2001; the Czech version dates back to 1998, and was also updated in 2001. Aim:To compare differences in the use of methods of examination and therapeutic procedures in CHF patients hospitalized in departments of cardiology and departments of medicine of university hospitals. Method:All admitted...
Short communication
Magnetic resonance imaging in myocardial infarction survivors: stratification of myocardial viability.
Petr Neužil, Josef Vymazal, Jindřich Kupec, Miloš Táborský, Jiří Weichet, Jan Balák, Lucie Šedivá, Jan Petrů, Štěpán Černý, Petr Niederle, Ladislava Janoušková
Cor Vasa 2005, 46(4)
The authors present their initial results of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) used to determine myocardial viability in myocardial infarction survivors. Systolic left ventricular function (LVEF) as determined by echocardiography and MRI is compared, and regional kinetic impairment as shown by the presence of the infarction scar demonstrated by late gadolinium contrast filling (according to MRI) is assessed. Patients with evidence non-transmural lesions of individual segments following myocardial revascularization have been shown to have significant systolic LV improvement. MRI myocardial assessment with an emphasis on myocardial viability assessment...
Nuclear cardiology in the Czech Republic in 2003: a substantial increase in utilization of myocardial perfusion SPECT imaging.
Milan Kamínek, Miroslav Mysliveček, Václav Hušák, Otto Lang, Antonín Fikrle
Cor Vasa 2005, 46(4)
To review the evolution of nuclear cardiology in the Czech Republic since the first survey in 2001, a questionnaire concerning nuclear practice in 2003 was sent to all nuclear medicine departments. Of the 46 centers, 39 provided nuclear cardiology service. The total number of cardiological studies was 19,261 in 2003 (i. e., 1.9 studies/1,000 pop.). Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) studies accounted for 91.3% of total nuclear cardiology examinations. In 2001-2003, the utilization rate of MPI increased annually by 10%, 13% and 21%, respectively. Twenty-six departments (67%) reported that the number of MPI had increased. However, despite recent increases,...
CAMELOT-Effect of antihypertensive agents on cardiovascular events in patients with coronary disease and normal blood pressure.
Jindřich Špinar, Jiří Vítovec
Cor Vasa 2005, 46(4)
The CAMELOT study (Effect of antihypertensive agents on cardiovascular events in patients with coronary disease and normal blood pressure) has furnished new and important information about the effect of antihypertensive drugs in patients with coronary heart disease and normal blood pressure. The study enrolled 1,991 patients with coronary heart disease, randomized for treatment with amlodipine, enalapril or placebo. Amlodipine use by patients with high rates of prescription of betablockers, statins, and aspirin showed a 36% relative risk reduction (5.6% absolute risk reduction) in cardiovascular events. A CAMELOT substudy (IVUS) showed a correlation...
The portable echocardiographic device-a toy or an irreplaceable helper?
Petr Toušek, Radovan Jirmář, Petr Widimský
Cor Vasa 2005, 46(4)
The advances in technology have made it possible to develop portable ultrasound devices. These battery-powered devices weighing 2-3 kg thus make a major addition to the arsenal of ultrasound devices intended for use in medical practice. Although the portable ultrasound device (PUD) does not make it possible to perform a comprehensive echocardiographic assessment, its technical features do allow making more than just guidance assessment. The PUD significantly increases the availability of ultrasound-based diagnosis, especially in patients with acute cardiovascular disease and, particularly, in the initial stage of their assessment. PUD use may often...