In a nutshell This paper studied how diet patterns affect the risk of coronary heart disease. Some background Coronary heart disease occurs when there is a build-up of substances like fat in the blood vessels. This increases the risk of heart attacks. Individual foods, such as red meat and saturated fats (fats found in...
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Exercise for people with heart disease
In a nutshell This paper provided an overview of cardiac rehabilitation for people with heart disease. Some background Cardiac rehabilitation involves activities done to improve the condition of heart disease. Activities such as exercise, psychological intervention, and patient education all form a part of cardiac...
Read MoreEffect of statin treatment before percutaneous coronary intervention
In a nutshell This paper studied the effect of high-dose statin treatment on preventing heart attacks in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Some background PCI is a non-surgical procedure used to treat narrowed coronary arteries (the arteries of the heart). However, a common complication of the procedure is heart...
Read MorePolymer-free drug releasing stent for patients with bleeding risk
In a nutshell This paper studied the safety and effectiveness of polymer-free and carrier-free drug-coated stent that releases umirolimus (Biolimus A9) in patients at high risk of bleeding. Some background Stents are small devices placed in blood vessels to prevent obstruction of blood flow. They can be bare metal stents (mesh stent) or...
Read MoreRisks of stopping antiplatelet therapy after stenting
In a nutshell This paper studied the effect of stopping antiplatelet therapy following stent placement. Some background A stent is a small device placed in blood vessels to allow blood to flow. Stents can be bare-metal (mesh wire) or drug-eluting (releases medication to block scar tissue from forming). After a stent is inserted, patients...
Read MoreDoes the timing of stent thrombosis affect outcomes?
In a nutshell This paper compared the long term and short term heart-related mortality rates in early versus late stent thrombosis. Some background A stent is placed in a blocked blood vessel to allow blood flow to be smooth. Stent thrombosis occurs when the stent causes blood to clot, blocking the vessel. It is thought that the time stent...
Read MoreWalking to improve erectile dysfunction after a heart attack
In a nutshell This paper studied whether a home-based walking program could improve erectile dysfunction in men who had a heart attack. Some background After a heart attack, some patients experience erectile dysfunction (inability to have or maintain an erection). It is suggested that exercise training could help to improve erectile...
Read MoreIs a remote ischemic preconditioning beneficial for percutaneous coronary intervention
In a nutshell This paper studied whether remote ischemic preconditioning could reduce heart and kidney complications in patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. Some background Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a procedure used to improve blood flow. Complications sometimes occur during or after a patient undergoes PCI....
Read MorePredicting adverse events with platelet and neutrophil number
In a nutshell The aim of this study was to determine whether the proportion of platelets and neutrophils can be used to predict long-term negative outcomes in patients who have had a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI, a procedure done to improve blood flow and prevent heart attacks). Some background Neutrophils are cells that are...
Read MoreNew screening tool to detect blockages in the carotid artery
Some background Medical professionals often use screening tools to determine the whether a patient is likely to have, or develop different diseases. The SYNTAX score (SxScore) is one of these screening tools. The SxScore is used to assess a patient’s risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is a leading cause of stroke. However, the SxScore...
Read MoreWhat type of treatment should you get after a stent placement?
In a nutshell This papers studied compared treatment with 3 drugs and treatment with 2 drugs in patients who had coronary stents (mesh wire tube) inserted. Some background Long-term oral anticoagulants are a group of drugs used to prevent blood from sticking together. This is an essential treatment for preventing complications in patients with...
Read MoreCan Tai Chi Chuan help after a heart attack?
In a nutshell This paper studied the impact of a Tai Chi Chuan cardiac rehabilitation program for patients recovering from a recent heart attack. Some background After a heart attack, many patients have reduced heart function and reduced ability to exercise. Rehabilitation after a heart attack includes physical exercise to increase heart...
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