Search

Background: The positive effects of cardiac rehabilitation programs (CRPs) on cardiovascular patients have been demonstrated. However, their effectiveness in improving systolic function and preventing remodeling process needs to be further evaluated. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of an 8-week CRP on left ventricular systolic function and mass in patients after myocardial infarction. Methods: A total number of 29 male patients with myocardial infarction were allocated into cardiac training group (n = 15; mean age = 54.2 ±9.04 years) and control group (n = 14; mean age = 51.71 ± 6.98 years). Patients in the training group performed an 8-week CRP with an intensity of 60-85% of maximum heart rate. The program was performed 3 times a week and each session lasted 60 minutes. Before the CRP and at the end of the study, all patients underwent 2-dimentional echocardiography for left ventricular systolic function and mass to be assessed. Findings: Our findings showed that the 8-week CRP improved left ventricular systolic function in the patients. At the end of the CRP, left ventricular end diastolic dimension increased in the control group. On the other hand, end diastolic volume and end systolic volume decreased significantly in the training group. In addition, ejection fraction and stroke volume increased significantly in the training group. Although left ventricular mass decreased in the training group, the difference between the two groups was not significant. Conclusion: An 8-week CRP in post-myocardial infarction patients can lead to improved systolic function and decreased left ventricular mass and thus prevent cardiomegaly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Takotsubo syndrome is a transient apical or midventricular dilation with reducuction in left ventricular ejection fraction that mimic an acute myocardial infarction symptoms in the absence of atherosclerosis. There are important differences between its treatment and the treatment of acute myocardial infarction. In this study, we reported a case with Takotsubo syndrome. Case Report: The case was a 40 years old woman with a surgery for urinary incontinence. After the surgery she suffered from chest pain. In her electrocardiogram ST elevation was seen but there is not any obstructive lesion in her coronary angiography. In her ventriculography an apical dilation with a Takotsubo syndrome appearance was reported. She was treated conservatively but she died after 3 days due to sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention is an integral part of the treatment of patient with cardiovascular disease to date, however the effect of this programs on systolic and diastolic function is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 8 weeks cardiac rehabilitation program on diastolic function and functional capacity in patients with myocardial infarction. Methods: twenty-nine post myocardial patient enrolled in this study, which was completed in cardiac rehabilitation group (15 men) and control group (14 men). Echocardiographic measures of diastolic filling and functional capacity by symptom limited exercise test based on naughton protocol on treadmill were performed at baseline and after 8 weeks of training. Data were analyzed using repeated analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) in P < 0.05 level. Findings: After 8 weeks cardiac rehabilitation program, diastolic filling indicators did not change significantly (E velocity, A velocity, E/A ratio and deceleration time). But functional capacity increase significantly in cardiac rehabilitation group. But, functional capacity, resting HR and maximal HR improved significantly in the training group compared to the control group. Conclusion: This study revealed that Cardiac rehabilitation program for 8 weeks significantly improves functional capacity in post myocardial patients but diastolic function did not change significantly. It seems likely that the improvement in functional capacity largely pertain to non cardiac effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study was conducted to determine the relationship between metabolic syndrome and ankle to brachial index (ABI). Methods: This study is a part of Isfahan Cohort study that was conducted in 2009 in 132 patients with and with ought metabolic syndrome. Waist circumference, weight, height, blood pressure and ABI were measured in decubites position by Echo Doppler. Glucose, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides were measured. The relationship between ABI and metabolic syndrome was assessed by logistic regression. Finding: From 264 participants, in above 60 years old, in hypertensive patients, ABI was lower in patients with metabolic syndrome than patients without it. Our results showed that low ABI and hypertension had significant relationship in subjects with metabolic syndrome (P < 0.001). Conclusion: ABI was lower in subjects with metabolic syndrome. It was significantly related to hypertension in subjects with metabolic syndrome. Therefore measurement of ABI in patients with metabolic syndrome could be useful to determine subclinical atherosclerosis in them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High blood pressure (BP) has been known as a major risk factor for many chronic diseases. It should be noted, a psychiatric disorder which is common in the people living modern lifestyle may be one of the leading causes of hypertension, and many people are prescribed antidepressant each year. Hence, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and alprazolam which defined as antidepressant on the BP levels, and to compare the BP levels between the group of users and nonusers., Methods: This randomized clinical trial study was conducted at the Nohom Dey Hospital in the Torbat-e Heydarieh, Iran between December 2011 and March 2012. Participants comprised 101 psychiatric patients with hypertension that randomly separated into users and nonusers of antidepressant. The period of intervention lasted for 3 months. The mean of BP calculated by this formula (systolic BP [SBP] +2 diastolic BP [DBP])/3 which was the main outcome of the study., Results: Users of antidepressant drugs did not have any significant changes in BP levels, except in patients who received SSRIs alone, significant improvement was observed in DBP (P = 0.04) and mean of BP (P = 0.03). While, in nonusers of antidepressant, significant development was observed in DBP, and mean of BP. Comparing the users and nonusers did not show any significant differences in SBP, DBP, and Mean of BP; even, when outcomes were adjusted for risk factors and antihypertensive drugs., Conclusions: Three months treatment with SSRIs and alprazolam did not have any effect on lowering BP level in patients with the psychiatric disorder.

Objectives: Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction heart failure is one of the causes of morbidity and mortality following ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This study was done to determine the clopidogrel effect in preventing reduced LV function in patients with STEMI., Methods: In this study, 144 patients with STEMI admitted to the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences hospitals were followed in two groups for one month. The case group received Clopidogrel, 300 mg, on admission and then, 75 mg daily, while the control group received routine therapy for STEMI without Clopidogrel. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) on the 4(th) day and one month after STEMI was measured by echocardiography. The results of LVEF were compared within and between groups., Results: The mean LVEF in the case group on the 4(th) day and one month after STEMI were 45.92 and 52.15%, respectively (P<0.001). The mean LVEF in the control group on 4(th) day and one month after STEMI were 44.72 and 42.71%, respectively., Conclusions: We suggest that Clopidogrel is effective in prevention of LVEF reduction in patients with STEMI.