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Background: Recent reports suggest that the negative association between diabetes mellitus and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) may be driven by metformin, the worlds most common anti-diabetic drug rather than diabetes per se. We sought to investigate the association among AAA growth rate, chemokine profile, and metformin prescription in a contemporary Swedish cohort. Methods: Patients under surveillance for small AAA were identified at 4 Swedish vascular centers with active AAA screening programs. Annual AAA growth rate, medical history, and prescribed medications were recorded for linear regression analysis. In a subset of patients with AAA and control subjects without AAA or diabetes, plasma samples were available and analyzed for 40 inflammatory chemokines. Results: A total of 526 patients were included for AAA growth analysis: 428 without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), 65 with T2DM and metformin prescription, and 33 with T2DM but without metformin prescription. Patients were included from 2005 to 2017 with mean follow-up of 3.2 (1.7) years and median annual AAA growth rate 1.6 mm, range -4.8 to 15.4 mm. Mean (standard deviation) annual AAA growth rates were 2.3 (2.2) mm in non-T2DM patients versus 1.1 (1.1) mm in patients with T2DM with metformin prescription and 1.6 (1.4) mm among those with T2DM without metformin prescription. With non-T2DM patients as reference in an unadjusted and 2 adjusted models, metformin prescription was significantly associated with reduced AAA growth rate (P < 0.001, P = 0.005, and P = 0.024, respectively), but not T2DM without metformin prescription (P = 0.137, P = 0.331, and P = 0.479, respectively). Among 240 patients with AAA (152 without T2DM, 51 with T2DM and metformin, and 37 with T2DM without metformin) and 59 without AAA or T2DM, metformin prescription was associated with reduced expression of chemokines representing all classes of leukocytes. Conclusions: Metformin prescription is associated with reduced AAA growth, Funding Agencies|Swedish Research CouncilSwedish Research Council [2019-01673, K2013-64X-20406-07-3]; Swedish Heart and Lung FoundationSwedish Heart-Lung Foundation [20190556, 2012-0353, 1015-0596]; Konung Gustaf V:s och Drottning Victorias Frimurarestiftelse; county council of Ostergotland, Linkoping University, Sweden; county council of Halland, Halmstad, Sweden; county council of Uppsala, Uppsala University, Sweden

Background: It is important to know if mortality among hospitalised COVID-19 patients has changed as the pandemic has progressed. The aim of this study was to describe the dynamics over time of mortality among patients hospitalised for COVID-19 in Sweden, using nationwide data compiled by the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare. Methods: Observational cohort study where all patients hospitalised in Sweden between March 1 and September 30, 2020, with SARS-CoV-2 RNA positivity 14 days before to 5 days after admission and a discharge code for COVID-19 were included. Outcome was 60-day all-cause mortality. Patients were categorised according to month of hospital admission. Poisson regression was used to estimate the relative risk of death by month of admission, adjusting for, age, sex, comorbidities, care dependency, country of birth, healthcare region, and Simplified Acute Physiology, version 3 (patients in intensive care units; ICU). Findings: A total of 17,140 patients were included, of which 2943 died within 60 days of admission. The overall 60-day mortality was thus 17.2% (95% CI, 16.6%-17.7%), and it decreased from 24.7% (95% CI, 23.0%-26.5%) in March to 10.4% (95% CI, 8.9%-12.1%) post-wave (July-September). Adjusted relative risk (RR) of death was 0.46 (95% CI, 0.39-0.54) post-wave, using March as reference. Corresponding RR for patients not admitted to ICU and those admitted to ICU were 0.49 (95% CI, 0.42-0.59) and 0.49 (95% CI, 0.33-0.72), respectively. The proportion of patients admitted to ICU decreased from 19.4% (95% CI, 17.9%-21.1%) in the March cohort to 8.9% (95% CI, 7.5%-10.6%) post-wave. Interpretation: There was a gradual decline in mortality during the spring of 2020 in Swedish hospitalised COVID-19 patients, independent of baseline patient characteristics. Future research is needed to explain the reasons for this decline. The changing COVID-19 mortality should be taken into account when management and results of studies from the first pande, Funding Agencies|Swedens National Board of Health and Welfare

Background: Ascending aortic dilation is a feared complication in adults with repaired coarctation of the aorta, as the condition is associated with life-threatening complications such as aortic dissection and rupture. However, the data are currently limited regarding factors associated with ascending aortic dilation in these patients. Methods and results: From the national register of congenital heart disease, 165 adult patients (>= 18 years old) with repaired coarctation of the aorta, and echocardiographic data on aortic dimensions, were identified (61.2% male, mean age 35.8 +/- 14.5 years). Aortic dilation (aortic diameters > 2 SD above reference mean) was found in 55 (33.3%) of the 165 included patients, and was associated with manifest aortic valve disease in univariable logistic regression analysis (OR 2.44, 95% CI [1.23, 4.83]). Conclusions: Aortic dilation is common post-repair of coarctation of the aorta, and is associated with manifest aortic valve disease and thus indirectly with the presence of a bicuspid aortic valve. However, no association was found between aortic dilation and age or blood pressure., Funding Agencies: Swedish Heart and Lung Foundation; Heart Foundation of Northern Sweden; Umeå University; County Council of Västerbotten

Background: It is important to know if mortality among hospitalised COVID-19 patients has changed as the pandemic has progressed. The aim of this study was to describe the dynamics over time of mortality among patients hospitalised for COVID-19 in Sweden, using nationwide data compiled by the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare. Methods: Observational cohort study where all patients hospitalised in Sweden between March 1 and September 30, 2020, with SARS-CoV-2 RNA positivity 14 days before to 5 days after admission and a discharge code for COVID-19 were included. Outcome was 60-day all-cause mortality. Patients were categorised according to month of hospital admission. Poisson regression was used to estimate the relative risk of death by month of admission, adjusting for, age, sex, comorbidities, care dependency, country of birth, healthcare region, and Simplified Acute Physiology, version 3 (patients in intensive care units; ICU). Findings: A total of 17,140 patients were included, of which 2943 died within 60 days of admission. The overall 60-day mortality was thus 17.2% (95% CI, 16.6%-17.7%), and it decreased from 24.7% (95% CI, 23.0%-26.5%) in March to 10.4% (95% CI, 8.9%-12.1%) post-wave (July-September). Adjusted relative risk (RR) of death was 0.46 (95% CI, 0.39-0.54) post-wave, using March as reference. Corresponding RR for patients not admitted to ICU and those admitted to ICU were 0.49 (95% CI, 0.42-0.59) and 0.49 (95% CI, 0.33-0.72), respectively. The proportion of patients admitted to ICU decreased from 19.4% (95% CI, 17.9%-21.1%) in the March cohort to 8.9% (95% CI, 7.5%-10.6%) post-wave. Interpretation: There was a gradual decline in mortality during the spring of 2020 in Swedish hospitalised COVID-19 patients, independent of baseline patient characteristics. Future research is needed to explain the reasons for this decline. The changing COVID-19 mortality should be taken into account when management and results of studies from the first pande, Funding Agencies|Swedens National Board of Health and Welfare

Background: Recent reports suggest that the negative association between diabetes mellitus and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) may be driven by metformin, the worlds most common anti-diabetic drug rather than diabetes per se. We sought to investigate the association among AAA growth rate, chemokine profile, and metformin prescription in a contemporary Swedish cohort. Methods: Patients under surveillance for small AAA were identified at 4 Swedish vascular centers with active AAA screening programs. Annual AAA growth rate, medical history, and prescribed medications were recorded for linear regression analysis. In a subset of patients with AAA and control subjects without AAA or diabetes, plasma samples were available and analyzed for 40 inflammatory chemokines. Results: A total of 526 patients were included for AAA growth analysis: 428 without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), 65 with T2DM and metformin prescription, and 33 with T2DM but without metformin prescription. Patients were included from 2005 to 2017 with mean follow-up of 3.2 (1.7) years and median annual AAA growth rate 1.6 mm, range -4.8 to 15.4 mm. Mean (standard deviation) annual AAA growth rates were 2.3 (2.2) mm in non-T2DM patients versus 1.1 (1.1) mm in patients with T2DM with metformin prescription and 1.6 (1.4) mm among those with T2DM without metformin prescription. With non-T2DM patients as reference in an unadjusted and 2 adjusted models, metformin prescription was significantly associated with reduced AAA growth rate (P < 0.001, P = 0.005, and P = 0.024, respectively), but not T2DM without metformin prescription (P = 0.137, P = 0.331, and P = 0.479, respectively). Among 240 patients with AAA (152 without T2DM, 51 with T2DM and metformin, and 37 with T2DM without metformin) and 59 without AAA or T2DM, metformin prescription was associated with reduced expression of chemokines representing all classes of leukocytes. Conclusions: Metformin prescription is associated with reduced AAA growth, Funding Agencies|Swedish Research CouncilSwedish Research Council [2019-01673, K2013-64X-20406-07-3]; Swedish Heart and Lung FoundationSwedish Heart-Lung Foundation [20190556, 2012-0353, 1015-0596]; Konung Gustaf V:s och Drottning Victorias Frimurarestiftelse; county council of Ostergotland, Linkoping University, Sweden; county council of Halland, Halmstad, Sweden; county council of Uppsala, Uppsala University, Sweden

Background: Recent reports suggest that the negative association between diabetes mellitus and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) may be driven by metformin, the worlds most common anti-diabetic drug rather than diabetes per se. We sought to investigate the association among AAA growth rate, chemokine profile, and metformin prescription in a contemporary Swedish cohort. Methods: Patients under surveillance for small AAA were identified at 4 Swedish vascular centers with active AAA screening programs. Annual AAA growth rate, medical history, and prescribed medications were recorded for linear regression analysis. In a subset of patients with AAA and control subjects without AAA or diabetes, plasma samples were available and analyzed for 40 inflammatory chemokines. Results: A total of 526 patients were included for AAA growth analysis: 428 without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), 65 with T2DM and metformin prescription, and 33 with T2DM but without metformin prescription. Patients were included from 2005 to 2017 with mean follow-up of 3.2 (1.7) years and median annual AAA growth rate 1.6 mm, range -4.8 to 15.4 mm. Mean (standard deviation) annual AAA growth rates were 2.3 (2.2) mm in non-T2DM patients versus 1.1 (1.1) mm in patients with T2DM with metformin prescription and 1.6 (1.4) mm among those with T2DM without metformin prescription. With non-T2DM patients as reference in an unadjusted and 2 adjusted models, metformin prescription was significantly associated with reduced AAA growth rate (P < 0.001, P = 0.005, and P = 0.024, respectively), but not T2DM without metformin prescription (P = 0.137, P = 0.331, and P = 0.479, respectively). Among 240 patients with AAA (152 without T2DM, 51 with T2DM and metformin, and 37 with T2DM without metformin) and 59 without AAA or T2DM, metformin prescription was associated with reduced expression of chemokines representing all classes of leukocytes. Conclusions: Metformin prescription is associated with reduced AAA growth, Funding Agencies|Swedish Research CouncilSwedish Research Council [2019-01673, K2013-64X-20406-07-3]; Swedish Heart and Lung FoundationSwedish Heart-Lung Foundation [20190556, 2012-0353, 1015-0596]; Konung Gustaf V:s och Drottning Victorias Frimurarestiftelse; county council of Ostergotland, Linkoping University, Sweden; county council of Halland, Halmstad, Sweden; county council of Uppsala, Uppsala University, Sweden

Background: Recent reports suggest that the negative association between diabetes mellitus and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) may be driven by metformin, the worlds most common anti-diabetic drug rather than diabetes per se. We sought to investigate the association among AAA growth rate, chemokine profile, and metformin prescription in a contemporary Swedish cohort. Methods: Patients under surveillance for small AAA were identified at 4 Swedish vascular centers with active AAA screening programs. Annual AAA growth rate, medical history, and prescribed medications were recorded for linear regression analysis. In a subset of patients with AAA and control subjects without AAA or diabetes, plasma samples were available and analyzed for 40 inflammatory chemokines. Results: A total of 526 patients were included for AAA growth analysis: 428 without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), 65 with T2DM and metformin prescription, and 33 with T2DM but without metformin prescription. Patients were included from 2005 to 2017 with mean follow-up of 3.2 (1.7) years and median annual AAA growth rate 1.6 mm, range -4.8 to 15.4 mm. Mean (standard deviation) annual AAA growth rates were 2.3 (2.2) mm in non-T2DM patients versus 1.1 (1.1) mm in patients with T2DM with metformin prescription and 1.6 (1.4) mm among those with T2DM without metformin prescription. With non-T2DM patients as reference in an unadjusted and 2 adjusted models, metformin prescription was significantly associated with reduced AAA growth rate (P < 0.001, P = 0.005, and P = 0.024, respectively), but not T2DM without metformin prescription (P = 0.137, P = 0.331, and P = 0.479, respectively). Among 240 patients with AAA (152 without T2DM, 51 with T2DM and metformin, and 37 with T2DM without metformin) and 59 without AAA or T2DM, metformin prescription was associated with reduced expression of chemokines representing all classes of leukocytes. Conclusions: Metformin prescription is associated with reduced AAA growth, Funding Agencies|Swedish Research CouncilSwedish Research Council [2019-01673, K2013-64X-20406-07-3]; Swedish Heart and Lung FoundationSwedish Heart-Lung Foundation [20190556, 2012-0353, 1015-0596]; Konung Gustaf V:s och Drottning Victorias Frimurarestiftelse; county council of Ostergotland, Linkoping University, Sweden; county council of Halland, Halmstad, Sweden; county council of Uppsala, Uppsala University, Sweden

Background: Recent reports suggest that the negative association between diabetes mellitus and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) may be driven by metformin, the worlds most common anti-diabetic drug rather than diabetes per se. We sought to investigate the association among AAA growth rate, chemokine profile, and metformin prescription in a contemporary Swedish cohort. Methods: Patients under surveillance for small AAA were identified at 4 Swedish vascular centers with active AAA screening programs. Annual AAA growth rate, medical history, and prescribed medications were recorded for linear regression analysis. In a subset of patients with AAA and control subjects without AAA or diabetes, plasma samples were available and analyzed for 40 inflammatory chemokines. Results: A total of 526 patients were included for AAA growth analysis: 428 without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), 65 with T2DM and metformin prescription, and 33 with T2DM but without metformin prescription. Patients were included from 2005 to 2017 with mean follow-up of 3.2 (1.7) years and median annual AAA growth rate 1.6 mm, range -4.8 to 15.4 mm. Mean (standard deviation) annual AAA growth rates were 2.3 (2.2) mm in non-T2DM patients versus 1.1 (1.1) mm in patients with T2DM with metformin prescription and 1.6 (1.4) mm among those with T2DM without metformin prescription. With non-T2DM patients as reference in an unadjusted and 2 adjusted models, metformin prescription was significantly associated with reduced AAA growth rate (P < 0.001, P = 0.005, and P = 0.024, respectively), but not T2DM without metformin prescription (P = 0.137, P = 0.331, and P = 0.479, respectively). Among 240 patients with AAA (152 without T2DM, 51 with T2DM and metformin, and 37 with T2DM without metformin) and 59 without AAA or T2DM, metformin prescription was associated with reduced expression of chemokines representing all classes of leukocytes. Conclusions: Metformin prescription is associated with reduced AAA growth, Funding Agencies|Swedish Research CouncilSwedish Research Council [2019-01673, K2013-64X-20406-07-3]; Swedish Heart and Lung FoundationSwedish Heart-Lung Foundation [20190556, 2012-0353, 1015-0596]; Konung Gustaf V:s och Drottning Victorias Frimurarestiftelse; county council of Ostergotland, Linkoping University, Sweden; county council of Halland, Halmstad, Sweden; county council of Uppsala, Uppsala University, Sweden

Background: Recent reports suggest that the negative association between diabetes mellitus and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) may be driven by metformin, the worlds most common anti-diabetic drug rather than diabetes per se. We sought to investigate the association among AAA growth rate, chemokine profile, and metformin prescription in a contemporary Swedish cohort. Methods: Patients under surveillance for small AAA were identified at 4 Swedish vascular centers with active AAA screening programs. Annual AAA growth rate, medical history, and prescribed medications were recorded for linear regression analysis. In a subset of patients with AAA and control subjects without AAA or diabetes, plasma samples were available and analyzed for 40 inflammatory chemokines. Results: A total of 526 patients were included for AAA growth analysis: 428 without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), 65 with T2DM and metformin prescription, and 33 with T2DM but without metformin prescription. Patients were included from 2005 to 2017 with mean follow-up of 3.2 (1.7) years and median annual AAA growth rate 1.6 mm, range -4.8 to 15.4 mm. Mean (standard deviation) annual AAA growth rates were 2.3 (2.2) mm in non-T2DM patients versus 1.1 (1.1) mm in patients with T2DM with metformin prescription and 1.6 (1.4) mm among those with T2DM without metformin prescription. With non-T2DM patients as reference in an unadjusted and 2 adjusted models, metformin prescription was significantly associated with reduced AAA growth rate (P < 0.001, P = 0.005, and P = 0.024, respectively), but not T2DM without metformin prescription (P = 0.137, P = 0.331, and P = 0.479, respectively). Among 240 patients with AAA (152 without T2DM, 51 with T2DM and metformin, and 37 with T2DM without metformin) and 59 without AAA or T2DM, metformin prescription was associated with reduced expression of chemokines representing all classes of leukocytes. Conclusions: Metformin prescription is associated with reduced AAA growth, Funding Agencies|Swedish Research CouncilSwedish Research Council [2019-01673, K2013-64X-20406-07-3]; Swedish Heart and Lung FoundationSwedish Heart-Lung Foundation [20190556, 2012-0353, 1015-0596]; Konung Gustaf V:s och Drottning Victorias Frimurarestiftelse; county council of Ostergotland, Linkoping University, Sweden; county council of Halland, Halmstad, Sweden; county council of Uppsala, Uppsala University, Sweden

Background: It is important to know if mortality among hospitalised COVID-19 patients has changed as the pandemic has progressed. The aim of this study was to describe the dynamics over time of mortality among patients hospitalised for COVID-19 in Sweden, using nationwide data compiled by the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare. Methods: Observational cohort study where all patients hospitalised in Sweden between March 1 and September 30, 2020, with SARS-CoV-2 RNA positivity 14 days before to 5 days after admission and a discharge code for COVID-19 were included. Outcome was 60-day all-cause mortality. Patients were categorised according to month of hospital admission. Poisson regression was used to estimate the relative risk of death by month of admission, adjusting for, age, sex, comorbidities, care dependency, country of birth, healthcare region, and Simplified Acute Physiology, version 3 (patients in intensive care units; ICU). Findings: A total of 17,140 patients were included, of which 2943 died within 60 days of admission. The overall 60-day mortality was thus 17.2% (95% CI, 16.6%-17.7%), and it decreased from 24.7% (95% CI, 23.0%-26.5%) in March to 10.4% (95% CI, 8.9%-12.1%) post-wave (July-September). Adjusted relative risk (RR) of death was 0.46 (95% CI, 0.39-0.54) post-wave, using March as reference. Corresponding RR for patients not admitted to ICU and those admitted to ICU were 0.49 (95% CI, 0.42-0.59) and 0.49 (95% CI, 0.33-0.72), respectively. The proportion of patients admitted to ICU decreased from 19.4% (95% CI, 17.9%-21.1%) in the March cohort to 8.9% (95% CI, 7.5%-10.6%) post-wave. Interpretation: There was a gradual decline in mortality during the spring of 2020 in Swedish hospitalised COVID-19 patients, independent of baseline patient characteristics. Future research is needed to explain the reasons for this decline. The changing COVID-19 mortality should be taken into account when management and results of studies from the first pande, Funding Agencies|Swedens National Board of Health and Welfare

Background: It is important to know if mortality among hospitalised COVID-19 patients has changed as the pandemic has progressed. The aim of this study was to describe the dynamics over time of mortality among patients hospitalised for COVID-19 in Sweden, using nationwide data compiled by the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare. Methods: Observational cohort study where all patients hospitalised in Sweden between March 1 and September 30, 2020, with SARS-CoV-2 RNA positivity 14 days before to 5 days after admission and a discharge code for COVID-19 were included. Outcome was 60-day all-cause mortality. Patients were categorised according to month of hospital admission. Poisson regression was used to estimate the relative risk of death by month of admission, adjusting for, age, sex, comorbidities, care dependency, country of birth, healthcare region, and Simplified Acute Physiology, version 3 (patients in intensive care units; ICU). Findings: A total of 17,140 patients were included, of which 2943 died within 60 days of admission. The overall 60-day mortality was thus 17.2% (95% CI, 16.6%-17.7%), and it decreased from 24.7% (95% CI, 23.0%-26.5%) in March to 10.4% (95% CI, 8.9%-12.1%) post-wave (July-September). Adjusted relative risk (RR) of death was 0.46 (95% CI, 0.39-0.54) post-wave, using March as reference. Corresponding RR for patients not admitted to ICU and those admitted to ICU were 0.49 (95% CI, 0.42-0.59) and 0.49 (95% CI, 0.33-0.72), respectively. The proportion of patients admitted to ICU decreased from 19.4% (95% CI, 17.9%-21.1%) in the March cohort to 8.9% (95% CI, 7.5%-10.6%) post-wave. Interpretation: There was a gradual decline in mortality during the spring of 2020 in Swedish hospitalised COVID-19 patients, independent of baseline patient characteristics. Future research is needed to explain the reasons for this decline. The changing COVID-19 mortality should be taken into account when management and results of studies from the first pande, Funding Agencies|Swedens National Board of Health and Welfare

Objectives Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a major burden in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Cardiac surgery is the only curative treatment. Little is known about patients with severe chronic RHD operated in LMICs, and challenges regarding postoperative follow-up are an important issue. At Tikur Anbessa Specialised Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, we aimed to evaluate the course and 12-month outcome of patients with severe chronic RHD who received open-heart surgery, as compared with the natural course of controls waiting for surgery and undergoing only medical treatment. Methods Clinical data and outcome measures were registered in 46 patients operated during five missions from March 2016 to November 2019, and compared with the first-year course in a cohort of 49 controls from the same hospitals waiting list for surgery. Adverse events were death or complications such as stroke, other thromboembolic events, bleeding, hospitalisation for heart failure and infectious endocarditis. Results Survival at 12 months was 89% and survival free from complications was 80% in the surgical group. Despite undergoing open-heart surgery, with its inherent risks, outcome measures of the surgical group were non-inferior to the natural course of the control group in the first year after inclusion on the waiting list (p >= 0.45). All except six surgical patients were in New York Heart Association class I after 12 months and 84% had resumed working. Conclusions Cardiac surgery for severe chronic RHD is feasible in LMICs if the service is structured and planned. Rates of survival and survival free from complications were similar to those of controls at 12 months. Functional level and resumption of work were high in the surgical group. Whether the patients who underwent cardiac surgery will have better long-term prognosis, in line with what is known in high-income countries, needs to be evaluated in future studies., Funding Agencies|Haukeland University Hospital; Norwegian University of Science and Technology; Mohn family, Bergen, Norway

Background: It is important to know if mortality among hospitalised COVID-19 patients has changed as the pandemic has progressed. The aim of this study was to describe the dynamics over time of mortality among patients hospitalised for COVID-19 in Sweden, using nationwide data compiled by the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare. Methods: Observational cohort study where all patients hospitalised in Sweden between March 1 and September 30, 2020, with SARS-CoV-2 RNA positivity 14 days before to 5 days after admission and a discharge code for COVID-19 were included. Outcome was 60-day all-cause mortality. Patients were categorised according to month of hospital admission. Poisson regression was used to estimate the relative risk of death by month of admission, adjusting for, age, sex, comorbidities, care dependency, country of birth, healthcare region, and Simplified Acute Physiology, version 3 (patients in intensive care units; ICU). Findings: A total of 17,140 patients were included, of which 2943 died within 60 days of admission. The overall 60-day mortality was thus 17.2% (95% CI, 16.6%-17.7%), and it decreased from 24.7% (95% CI, 23.0%-26.5%) in March to 10.4% (95% CI, 8.9%-12.1%) post-wave (July-September). Adjusted relative risk (RR) of death was 0.46 (95% CI, 0.39-0.54) post-wave, using March as reference. Corresponding RR for patients not admitted to ICU and those admitted to ICU were 0.49 (95% CI, 0.42-0.59) and 0.49 (95% CI, 0.33-0.72), respectively. The proportion of patients admitted to ICU decreased from 19.4% (95% CI, 17.9%-21.1%) in the March cohort to 8.9% (95% CI, 7.5%-10.6%) post-wave. Interpretation: There was a gradual decline in mortality during the spring of 2020 in Swedish hospitalised COVID-19 patients, independent of baseline patient characteristics. Future research is needed to explain the reasons for this decline. The changing COVID-19 mortality should be taken into account when management and results of studies from the first pande, Funding Agencies|Swedens National Board of Health and Welfare

Background: It is important to know if mortality among hospitalised COVID-19 patients has changed as the pandemic has progressed. The aim of this study was to describe the dynamics over time of mortality among patients hospitalised for COVID-19 in Sweden, using nationwide data compiled by the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare. Methods: Observational cohort study where all patients hospitalised in Sweden between March 1 and September 30, 2020, with SARS-CoV-2 RNA positivity 14 days before to 5 days after admission and a discharge code for COVID-19 were included. Outcome was 60-day all-cause mortality. Patients were categorised according to month of hospital admission. Poisson regression was used to estimate the relative risk of death by month of admission, adjusting for, age, sex, comorbidities, care dependency, country of birth, healthcare region, and Simplified Acute Physiology, version 3 (patients in intensive care units; ICU). Findings: A total of 17,140 patients were included, of which 2943 died within 60 days of admission. The overall 60-day mortality was thus 17.2% (95% CI, 16.6%-17.7%), and it decreased from 24.7% (95% CI, 23.0%-26.5%) in March to 10.4% (95% CI, 8.9%-12.1%) post-wave (July-September). Adjusted relative risk (RR) of death was 0.46 (95% CI, 0.39-0.54) post-wave, using March as reference. Corresponding RR for patients not admitted to ICU and those admitted to ICU were 0.49 (95% CI, 0.42-0.59) and 0.49 (95% CI, 0.33-0.72), respectively. The proportion of patients admitted to ICU decreased from 19.4% (95% CI, 17.9%-21.1%) in the March cohort to 8.9% (95% CI, 7.5%-10.6%) post-wave. Interpretation: There was a gradual decline in mortality during the spring of 2020 in Swedish hospitalised COVID-19 patients, independent of baseline patient characteristics. Future research is needed to explain the reasons for this decline. The changing COVID-19 mortality should be taken into account when management and results of studies from the first pande, Funding Agencies|Swedens National Board of Health and Welfare

Correction to: Scientifc Reports https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-06339-0

Correction to: Scientifc Reports https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-06339-0

Correction to: Scientifc Reports https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-06339-0

Correction to: Scientifc Reports https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-06339-0

Correction to: Scientifc Reports https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-06339-0

Background Low-grade systemic inflammation is a predictor of recurrent cardiac events in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Plasma proteins such as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and myeloperoxidase (MPO) have been shown to reflect basal as well as stress-induced inflammation in CAD. Measurements of MMP-9 and MPO in saliva might pose several advantages. Therefore, we investigated whether salivary levels of MMP-9 and MPO corresponded to plasma levels in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), both at rest and after acute physical exercise. Methods A bicycle ergometer test was used as a model for stress-induced inflammation. Twenty-three CAD patients performed the test on two occasions 3-6 months apart. Whole unstimulated saliva was collected before, directly after and 30 min after exercise while plasma was collected before and after 30 min. MMP-9 and MPO in saliva and plasma were determined by Luminex. Results MMP-9 and MPO levels were 2- to 4-fold higher in saliva than in plasma. Amongst the saliva samples, and also to a great extent amongst the plasma samples, the levels of both types of protein showed strong intercorrelations between the levels at rest and after exercise during the two visits. However, there were no (or weak) correlations between salivary and plasma MMP-9 and none between salivary and plasma MPO. Conclusion We conclude that salivary diagnostics cannot be used to assess systemic levels of MMP-9 and MPO in CAD patients, neither at rest nor after acute physical exercise., Funding Agencies|Heart Lung Foundation, Sweden [20150648]; Swedish Research Council, Sweden [2014-2479]

Objectives. Exercise electrocardiogram (ExECG) in low risk populations frequently generates false positive ST depression. We aimed to characterize factors that are associated with exercise-induced ST depression in asymptomatic men without coronary artery disease. Design. Cycle ergometer exercise tests from 509 male firefighters without imaging proof of significant coronary artery disease were analysed. Analysed test data included heart rate at rest before exercise, and workload, blood pressure, heart rate, ST depression and ST segment slope at peak exercise. ST depression of amp;gt;0.1 mV was considered significant (STdep). With a mean follow-up of 6.1 +/- 1.7 years, medical records were reviewed for cardiovascular diagnoses, hyperlipidemia and diabetes. Logistic regression analysis was used for risk assessment. Results. In total, 22% had STdep in amp;gt;= 1 lead. Subjects with STdep were older than those with normal ExECG (p amp;lt; .001). Downsloping STdep was more common in extremity leads (9%) than in precordial leads (2%). STdep was categorized according to location (precordial/extremity) and slope direction into eight categories. Larger age-adjusted heart rate increase predicted STdep in seven categories (p amp;lt; .05). Age-adjusted peak heart rate correlated with STdep in five categories, predominantly where the ST slope was positive. Peak blood pressure and exercise capacity were both associated with STdep in few categories. We found no association between STdep and hypertension, hyperlipidemia or diabetes (all p amp;gt; .05). Conclusions. In asymptomatic men with a physically demanding occupation and no coronary artery disease, both age and heart rate response were associated with ST depression, whereas common cardiovascular risk factors, blood pressure response and exercise capacity were not., Funding Agencies|County Council of Ostergotland, Sweden [LIO-711261]; ALF grant [700731]

Background-Bleeding risk stratification in acute coronary syndrome is of highest clinical interest but current risk scores have limitations. We sought to develop and validate a new in-hospital bleeding risk score for patients with acute myocardial infarction. Methods and Results-From the nationwide SWEDEHEART (Swedish Web-System for Enhancement and Development of Evidence-Based Care in Heart Disease Evaluated According to Recommended Therapies) register, 97,597 patients with acute myocardial infarction enrolled from 2009 until 2014 were selected. A full model with 23 predictor variables and 8 interaction terms was fitted using logistic regression. The full model was approximated by a model with 5 predictors and 1 interaction term. Calibration, discrimination, and clinical utility was evaluated and compared with the ACTION (Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes Network) and CRUSADE (Can Rapid Risk Stratification of Unstable Angina Patients Suppress Adverse Outcomes With Early Implementation of the ACC/AHA Guidelines) scores. Internal and temporal validity was assessed. In-hospital major bleeding, defined as fatal, intracranial, or requiring surgery or blood transfusion, occurred in 1356 patients (1.4%). The 5 predictors in the approximate model that constituted the SWEDEHEART score were hemoglobin, age, sex, creatinine, and Creactive protein. The ACTION and CRUSADE scores were poorly calibrated in the derivation cohort and therefore were recalibrated. The SWEDEHEART score showed higher discriminative ability than both recalibrated scores, overall (C-index 0.80 versus 0.73/0.72) and in all predefined subgroups. Decision curve analysis demonstrated consistently positive and higher net benefit for the SWEDEHEART score compared with both recalibrated scores across all clinically relevant decision thresholds. The original ACTION and CRUSADE scores showed negative net benefit. Conclusions-The 5-item SWEDEHEART score discriminates in-hospital major bleeding in, Funding Agencies|Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research; Swedish Heart-Lung Foundation

Background Due to improved care, the numbers of patients with tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) are increasing. However, long-term morbidity and need for reinterventions are concerns and also address issues of quality of life (QoL). Methods Patients with ToF and valid EuroQol-5 dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D) were identified in the national Swedish register on congenital heart disease. EQ5D index was calculated and dichotomised into best possible health-related QoL (EQ-5D index = 1) or differed from 1. Results 288 patients met the criteria and were analysed. Univariate logistic regression showed a positive association between New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I (OR 8.32, 95% CI 3.80 to 18.21), physical activity amp;gt; 3 h/ week (OR 3.34, 95% CI 1.67 to 6.66) and a better right ventricular function (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.09 to 6.02). A negative association between symptoms (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.42), cardiovascular medication (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.53), age (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.96 to 0.99) and EQ-5D index was observed. In multivariate logistic regression, NYHA I (OR 7.28, 95% CI 3.29 to 16.12) and physical activity amp;gt; 3 h/ week (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.07 to 4.84) remained associated with best possible health-related QoL. Replacing NYHA with symptoms in the model yielded similar results. Conclusion In this registry study, self-reported physical activity, staff-reported NYHA class and absence of symptoms were strongly associated with best possible health-related QoL measured by EQ-5D. Physical activity level is a potential target for intervention to improve QoL in this population but randomised trials are needed to test such a hypothesis., Funding Agencies|Vasterbotten Lans Landsting, Norrlandska Hjartfonden; Hjart-Lungfonden

Aim: The prognostic value of natriuretic peptides in the management of heart failure (HF) patients with ejection fraction (EF) amp;lt;40% is well established, but is less known for those with EF amp;gt;= 40% managed in primary care (PC). Therefore, the aim of this study is to describe the prognostic significance of plasma NT-proBNP in such patients managed in PC. Subjects: We included 924 HF patients (48% women) with EF amp;gt;= 40% and NT-proBNP registered in the Swedish Heart Failure Registry. Follow-up was 1100 +/- 687 days. Results: One-, three- and five-year mortality rates were 8.1%, 23.9% and 44.7% in patients with EF 40-50% (HFmrEF) and 7.3%, 23.6% and 37.2% in patients with EF amp;gt;= 50% (HFpEF) (p = 0.26). Patients with the highest mean values of NT-proBNP had the highest all-cause mortality but wide standard deviations (SDs). In univariate regression analysis, there was an association only between NT-proBNP quartiles and all-cause mortality. In HFmrEF patients, hazard ratio (HR) was 1.96 (95% CI 1.60-2.39) p amp;lt; 0.0001) and in HFpEF patients, HR was 1.72 (95% CI 1.49-1.98) p amp;lt; 0.0001). In a multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, adjusted for age, NYHA class, atrial fibrillation and GFR class, this association remained regarding NT-proBNP quartiles [HR 1.83 (95% CI 1.38-2.44), p amp;lt; 0.0001] and [HR 1.48 (95% CI 1.16-1.90), p = 0.0001], HFmrEF and HFpEF, respectively. Conclusion: NT-proBNP has a prognostic value in patients with HF and EF amp;gt;= 40% managed in PC. However, its clinical utility is limited due to high SDs and the fact that it is not independent in this population which is characterized by high age and much comorbidity., Funding Agencies|Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare; Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions; Swedish Society of Cardiology

BACKGROUND Postoperative heart failure in the setting of aortic valve surgery results in poor long-term survival. We hypothesized that there could be a myocardial factor that is not addressed by risk scores currently available. We speculated that this myocardial factor could be diastolic dysfunction. By evaluating postoperative heart failure, the EuroSCORE, the NT-proBNP level, and diastolic function, we might achieve a deeper understanding of the outcome for individuals with postoperative heart failure. METHODS This research project was built upon four cohort studies. The first two studies (I and II) were retrospective in nature, and studies III and IV were prospective, observational, and longitudinal. All work was based on data from clinical and national databases. In Study I, we compared the outcome of patients with or without postoperative heart failure, evaluated according to the preoperative risk score. In Study II, we explored the effect of underlying heart disease on the preoperative level of NT-proBNP and the relationships between NT-proBNP and severe postoperative heart failure and short-term mortality. In Study III, we described the dynamics of NT-proBNP, from a preoperative evaluation to a six-month follow-up, in patients that underwent one of two different procedures: a surgical aortic valve replacement and a transcatheter implantation. We related both pre- and postprocedural NT-proBNP levels to one-year mortality. In Study IV, we evaluated diastolic function in patients that underwent surgical aortic valve replacement and its influence on outcome. We also evaluated NT-proBNP levels and postoperative heart failure as predictors of long-term mortality. RESULTS Study I This study included 397 patients that underwent isolated surgical aortic valve replacements. Of these, 45 patients (11%) were treated for postoperative heart failure. With an average follow-up of 8.1 years (range 5.2-11.2), among patients at low risk (EuroSCORE≤7), the crude five-year survi

Postoperative heart failure (PHF) remains the major cause of mortality after cardiac surgery. Unfortunately, generally accepted diagnostic criteria for PHF are lacking. This may explain why the evidence for the efficacy and safety of current treatment of PHF with inotropes is insufficient. In cardiology practice N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is an established biomarker for heart failure. However, the association between NT-proBNP and PHF after cardiac surgery needs further clarification. Glutamate is a key intermediate in myocardial metabolism, which may improve myocardial tolerance to ischemia and facilitate post-ischemic recovery. Glutamate was associated with a reduced risk of developing severe PHF in high-risk patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). The aim of this thesis was to study the role of NT-proBNP for prediction and assessment of PHF in cardiac surgery (Paper I-III) and the impact of intravenous glutamate infusion on postoperative NTproBNP after CABG (Paper IV). Paper I: We retrospectively studied the role of underlying heart disease for preoperative NT-proBNP in patients admitted for first time CABG (n=2226), aortic valve surgery (AVR) for aortic stenosis (AS) (n=406) and mitral valve surgery for mitral valve regurgitation (MR) (n=346) by adjusting for non-cardiac confounders (age, gender, obesity and renal function). The level of NT-proBNP in AS or MR was 1.67 (p<0.0001) and 1.41 times (p<0.0001) higher respectively than in coronary artery disease (CAD) after adjusting for confounders. Preoperative NT-proBNP was predictive of severe PHF in CAD and MR patients but less so in AS patients. Preoperative NT-proBNP emerged as an independent risk factor for severe PHF and postoperative mortality in CAD patients. Paper II-III: We prospectively studied the association between postoperative NT-proBNP and PHF in two cohorts, patients undergoing AVR for AS (n=203) and patients undergoing isolated CABG for acute cor

Aims To investigate the still uncertain independent prognostic impact of pulse pressure (PP) in acute heart failure (HF), in particular across the left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) phenotypes, and the potential contribution of PP in outlining the individual phenotypes. Methods and results We prospectively evaluated 1-year death and rehospitalization in 4314 patients admitted for acute HF grouped by EF and stratified by their PP level on admission. In HF with reduced (amp;lt; 40%) EF (HFrEF), the highest quartiles of PP had the lowest unadjusted [hazard ratio (HR) 0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.61-0.98] and adjusted (HR 0.64 0.50-0.82) risk of 1 year all cause death compared to the lowest quartile. Its prognostic impact was partially mediated by systolic blood pressure (SBP). In HF with preserved (amp;gt;= 50%) EF (HFpEF), the intermediate quartile of PP showed the lowest 1 year all cause mortality in unadjusted (HR 0.598, CI 0.416-0.858) and adjusted (HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.388-0.801) models with no relationship with SBP. In a receiver operating characteristic analysis, a combination of PP amp;gt; 60 mmHg and SBP amp;gt; 140 mmHg was associated to a preserved EF with a high performance value. No prognostic significance of PP was found in the HF with mid-range EF subgroup. Conclusions In acute HFrEF, there is an almost linear inverse relation between mortality and PP, partly mediated by SBP. In HFpEF, a J-shaped relationship between mortality and PP was present with a better prognosis at the nadir. A combination of PP amp;gt; 60 mmHg with SBP amp;gt; 140 mmHg may be clinically helpful as marker of a preserved left ventricular EF., Funding Agencies|Abbott Vascular International; Amgen Cardiovascular; AstraZenecaAstraZeneca; Bayer AGBayer AG; Boehringer IngelheimBoehringer Ingelheim; Boston ScientificBoston Scientific; Bristol Myers SquibbBristol-Myers Squibb; Pfizer Alliance; Alliance Daiichi Sankyo Europe GmbH; Eli Lilly and CompanyEli Lilly; Daiichi Sankyo EuropeDaiichi Sankyo Company Limited; Edwards; Gedeon Richter plc; Menarini International Op.; MSD-Merck Co.; Novartis Pharma AG; ResMed; Sanofi; ServierServier; Vifor

Aims Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is characterized by ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) and sudden cardiac death (SCD). We aimed to develop a model for individualized prediction of incident VA/SCD in ARVC patients. Methods and results Five hundred and twenty-eight patients with a definite diagnosis and no history of sustained VAs/SCD at baseline, aged 38.2 +/- 15.5 years, 44.7% male, were enrolled from five registries in North America and Europe. Over 4.83 (interquartile range 2.44-9.33) years of follow-up, 146 (27.7%) experienced sustained VA, defined as SCD, aborted SCD, sustained ventricular tachycardia, or appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy. A prediction model estimating annual VA risk was developed using Cox regression with internal validation. Eight potential predictors were pre-specified: age, sex, cardiac syncope in the prior 6 months, non-sustained ventricular tachycardia, number of premature ventricular complexes in 24 h, number of leads with T-wave inversion, and right and left ventricular ejection fractions (LVEFs). All except LVEF were retained in the final model. The model accurately distinguished patients with and without events, with an optimism-corrected C-index of 0.77 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.73-0.81] and minimal over-optimism [calibration slope of 0.93 (95% CI 0.92-0.95)]. By decision curve analysis, the clinical benefit of the model was superior to a current consensus-based ICD placement algorithm with a 20.6% reduction of ICD placements with the same proportion of protected patients (P amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusion Using the largest cohort of patients with ARVC and no prior VA, a prediction model using readily available clinical parameters was devised to estimate VA risk and guide decisions regarding primary prevention ICDs (www.arvcrisk.com)., Funding Agencies|Canadian Heart Rhythm Society George Mines Traveling Fellowship; Montreal Heart Institute Foundation Bal du Coeur bursary; Fondation LeducqLeducq Foundation [16 CVD 02]; Dutch Heart FoundationNetherlands Heart Foundation [2015T058]; Netherlands Organisation for Scientific ResearchNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) [040.11.586]; Netherlands Heart Institute [06901]; Swiss National Science FoundationSwiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) [320030_160327]; UMC Utrecht 2017 Alexandre Suerman Stipend; UMC Utrecht Fellowship Clinical Research Talent; European Unions Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the ERA-NET Co-fund action [680969]; Dr Francis P. Chiaramonte Private Foundation; Leyla Erkan Family Fund for ARVD Research; Dr Satish, Rupal, and Robin Shah ARVD Fund at Johns Hopkins; Bogle Foundation; Healing Hearts Foundation; Peter French Memorial Foundation; Wilmerding Endowments; Georg und Bertha Schwyzer-Winiker Foundation; Baugarten Foundation; Swiss Heart Foundation; Leonie-Wild Foundation; Marvin and Philippa Carsley Chair of Medicine; UCL Hospitals NIHR Biomedical Research Centre

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, affecting at least 2.9 % of the Swedish population. Although AF is associated with increased risk of ischaemic stroke, there have been many reports on the underuse of oral anticoagulants (OAC) and non-adherence to guidelines in other areas as well. AF is also associated with disabling symptoms and decreased health-related quality of life (HRQoL), but some patients are asymptomatic. The reasons for the great variation of symptoms remain unclear. Furthermore, although research on AF has increased, studies have mainly focused on treatment, while studies on risk factors, such as alcohol consumption, have only recently gained attention. The aim of this thesis was to investigate whether structured care of patients with AF could improve guideline adherence and HRQoL compared to standard care, and to determine which factors affect symptoms and HRQoL prior to treatment with radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA), as well as improvement after RFA. Furthermore, we aimed to examine the associations of alcohol consumption with cardiac biomarkers, the size of the left atrium (LA), and re-ablation. This thesis is based on two studies. In the ‘Structured Management and Coaching – Patients with Atrial Fibrillation’ (SMaC-PAF) study, 176 patients were recruited to the intervention group, receiving a structured follow-up programme, and 146 patients were recruited to the control group, receiving standard care. The two groups were compared in regard to adherence to guidelines and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) assessing symptoms and HRQoL. In the ‘Symptom burden, Metabolic profile, Ultrasound findings, Rhythm, neurohormonal activation, haemodynamics and health-related quality of life in patients with atrial Fibrillation’ (SMURF) study, 192 patients referred for their first RFA of AF were included. PROMs questionnaires were filled out, echocardiography was performed, and cardiac biomarkers were analysed. Alcohol c

BACKGROUND Postoperative heart failure in the setting of aortic valve surgery results in poor long-term survival. We hypothesized that there could be a myocardial factor that is not addressed by risk scores currently available. We speculated that this myocardial factor could be diastolic dysfunction. By evaluating postoperative heart failure, the EuroSCORE, the NT-proBNP level, and diastolic function, we might achieve a deeper understanding of the outcome for individuals with postoperative heart failure. METHODS This research project was built upon four cohort studies. The first two studies (I and II) were retrospective in nature, and studies III and IV were prospective, observational, and longitudinal. All work was based on data from clinical and national databases. In Study I, we compared the outcome of patients with or without postoperative heart failure, evaluated according to the preoperative risk score. In Study II, we explored the effect of underlying heart disease on the preoperative level of NT-proBNP and the relationships between NT-proBNP and severe postoperative heart failure and short-term mortality. In Study III, we described the dynamics of NT-proBNP, from a preoperative evaluation to a six-month follow-up, in patients that underwent one of two different procedures: a surgical aortic valve replacement and a transcatheter implantation. We related both pre- and postprocedural NT-proBNP levels to one-year mortality. In Study IV, we evaluated diastolic function in patients that underwent surgical aortic valve replacement and its influence on outcome. We also evaluated NT-proBNP levels and postoperative heart failure as predictors of long-term mortality. RESULTS Study I This study included 397 patients that underwent isolated surgical aortic valve replacements. Of these, 45 patients (11%) were treated for postoperative heart failure. With an average follow-up of 8.1 years (range 5.2-11.2), among patients at low risk (EuroSCORE≤7), the crude five-year survi

BACKGROUND Bleeding complications increase mortality in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Potential gender difference in bleeding regarding prevalence, location, severity and prognostic impact is still controversial and not well investigated. In regard to this aspect the relevance of triple antithrombotic therapy (TAT) is questioned. There is an ongoing debate on the clinical implications of TAT and furthermore assumed that bleeding complications, except impact on outcome, also are associated with great influence on health economy. The main focus of this thesis was to further investigate the incidence and impact of bleeding complications in patients treated for ACS, with special reference to gender disparities, TAT and health economics. The thesis will highlight the importance of improved bleeding prevention strategies for both men and women. METHOD Paper I, II and III Observational studies from the SWEDEHEART register. In paper I we investigated patients hospitalised with myocardial infarction (MI) during 2006–2008. Outcomes were in-hospital bleedings, in-hospital mortality and one-year mortality in hospital survivors. In paper II, all patients with MI, in the County of Östergötland, Sweden during 2010 were included and followed for one year. The patients' medical records were evaluated, in relation to short and long-term bleeding complications, bleeding location, withdrawal of platelet inhibiting drugs and nonfatal MI and death. Paper III included all patients discharged with (TAT) in the County of Östergötland 2009-2015. Information about bleeds and ischemic complications during one-year follow-up were retrieved from the medical records. Estimation of the health care costs associated with bleeding episodes were added to the evaluation. Paper IV Patients with MI, scheduled for coronary angiography were recruited. All patients received clopidogrel and aspirin. A subgroup of patients received GP IIb/IIIa-inhibitor. Outcomes were platelet aggregation asses

Postoperative heart failure (PHF) remains the major cause of mortality after cardiac surgery. Unfortunately, generally accepted diagnostic criteria for PHF are lacking. This may explain why the evidence for the efficacy and safety of current treatment of PHF with inotropes is insufficient. In cardiology practice N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is an established biomarker for heart failure. However, the association between NT-proBNP and PHF after cardiac surgery needs further clarification. Glutamate is a key intermediate in myocardial metabolism, which may improve myocardial tolerance to ischemia and facilitate post-ischemic recovery. Glutamate was associated with a reduced risk of developing severe PHF in high-risk patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). The aim of this thesis was to study the role of NT-proBNP for prediction and assessment of PHF in cardiac surgery (Paper I-III) and the impact of intravenous glutamate infusion on postoperative NTproBNP after CABG (Paper IV). Paper I: We retrospectively studied the role of underlying heart disease for preoperative NT-proBNP in patients admitted for first time CABG (n=2226), aortic valve surgery (AVR) for aortic stenosis (AS) (n=406) and mitral valve surgery for mitral valve regurgitation (MR) (n=346) by adjusting for non-cardiac confounders (age, gender, obesity and renal function). The level of NT-proBNP in AS or MR was 1.67 (p<0.0001) and 1.41 times (p<0.0001) higher respectively than in coronary artery disease (CAD) after adjusting for confounders. Preoperative NT-proBNP was predictive of severe PHF in CAD and MR patients but less so in AS patients. Preoperative NT-proBNP emerged as an independent risk factor for severe PHF and postoperative mortality in CAD patients. Paper II-III: We prospectively studied the association between postoperative NT-proBNP and PHF in two cohorts, patients undergoing AVR for AS (n=203) and patients undergoing isolated CABG for acute cor

Background. Firefighting is one of the most physically demanding occupations and it requires a high cardiorespiratory fitness level. Pre-duty medical evaluation of firefighters includes fitness testing and assessment of cardiac health to ensure that firefighters meet the minimum physical fitness standard and to ensure that they are not at increased risk of cardiac events. The medical evaluation methods for Swedish firefighters are regulated by the Swedish Work Environment Authority and include a 6 min constant workload treadmill (TM) test for fitness evaluation in which the firefighter wears full smoke diving equipment and a maximal effort exercise electrocardiography test (ExECG) at cycle ergometer (CE) for assessment of cardiac health. Previously, fitness was also evaluated by cycle ergometry. The standard parameter for evaluation of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) is exercise-induced ST depression. In general, exercise testing of asymptomatic low-risk individuals is discouraged due to low sensitivity and specificity for IHD, generating both false-positive and false-negative test results. Heart rate (HR) adjustment of the ST-segment response has been shown to be superior to simple ST depression to evaluate cardiac ischaemia in some populations, but has not been extensively evaluated in an occupational setting. Methods. We retrospectively analysed a cohort of 774 firefighters who were asymptomatic at the time of the testing. In paper I, test approval, HR response, and calculated oxygen uptake from TM tests and CE tests for 424 firefighters (44±10 years) were compared. Paper II methodologically described the process for data extraction, processing, and calculation of ExECG data from a clinical database. Procedures for noise assessment, error checking, and computerized calculation of ST/HR parameters were described. In paper III, ExECG and medical records of 521 male firefighters (44±10 years) were studied. During 8.4 ± 2.1 years of follow-up, IHD was verified angiogra

This study is inspired by the gap in knowledge regarding the timing of cardiac surgery and interventions in adult patients with congenital heart disease. There are many parameters used assessing right ventricular function; however, most of them have pitfalls. Understanding the pathomechanisms by which the heart adapts to congenital defects is probably key to find the answer when it is time to intervene and start discussing treatment options. Heart defects are the most frequently occurring congenital disorders. Less than 50% of individuals with moderate to severe congenital heart defects, e.g. transposition of the great arteries (TGA) or tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), survive to adulthood without intervention. Advances in cardiac surgery and better identification of individuals at risk for sudden cardiac death have increased survival rates. Currently, more than 96% of patients with congenital heart disease survive to at least 16 years of age; most undergo corrective surgery but are not cured, and only a few have normal physiology and anatomy. In many cases, the heart must develop mechanisms of adaptation to the changed conditions after surgery. Consequently, correction of the defect creates residual disease with a risk of future complications. To prevent clinical deterioration and to identify the development of complications, patients need lifelong, regular follow up. The choice of followup modalities depends on the cardiac malformation. The right ventricle (RV) plays an important role, as it is often part of the defect or is influenced by the surgery. In the past, research was focused on assessment of left ventricular function (LV), and the RV was “the forgotten ventricle.” Observations and studies in the last few decades brought increased interest into the RV and revealed the importance of the RV in the prognosis of various cardiac diseases. An understanding of RV morphology, pathophysiology and adaptive mechanisms is crucial for further studies of prognosis as well as, Korrigeringar är gjorda i den elektroniska versionen utifrån publicerad erratalista / The corrections in the published errata list are implemented in the electronic version.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, affecting at least 2.9 % of the Swedish population. Although AF is associated with increased risk of ischaemic stroke, there have been many reports on the underuse of oral anticoagulants (OAC) and non-adherence to guidelines in other areas as well. AF is also associated with disabling symptoms and decreased health-related quality of life (HRQoL), but some patients are asymptomatic. The reasons for the great variation of symptoms remain unclear. Furthermore, although research on AF has increased, studies have mainly focused on treatment, while studies on risk factors, such as alcohol consumption, have only recently gained attention. The aim of this thesis was to investigate whether structured care of patients with AF could improve guideline adherence and HRQoL compared to standard care, and to determine which factors affect symptoms and HRQoL prior to treatment with radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA), as well as improvement after RFA. Furthermore, we aimed to examine the associations of alcohol consumption with cardiac biomarkers, the size of the left atrium (LA), and re-ablation. This thesis is based on two studies. In the ‘Structured Management and Coaching – Patients with Atrial Fibrillation’ (SMaC-PAF) study, 176 patients were recruited to the intervention group, receiving a structured follow-up programme, and 146 patients were recruited to the control group, receiving standard care. The two groups were compared in regard to adherence to guidelines and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) assessing symptoms and HRQoL. In the ‘Symptom burden, Metabolic profile, Ultrasound findings, Rhythm, neurohormonal activation, haemodynamics and health-related quality of life in patients with atrial Fibrillation’ (SMURF) study, 192 patients referred for their first RFA of AF were included. PROMs questionnaires were filled out, echocardiography was performed, and cardiac biomarkers were analysed. Alcohol c

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, affecting at least 2.9 % of the Swedish population. Although AF is associated with increased risk of ischaemic stroke, there have been many reports on the underuse of oral anticoagulants (OAC) and non-adherence to guidelines in other areas as well. AF is also associated with disabling symptoms and decreased health-related quality of life (HRQoL), but some patients are asymptomatic. The reasons for the great variation of symptoms remain unclear. Furthermore, although research on AF has increased, studies have mainly focused on treatment, while studies on risk factors, such as alcohol consumption, have only recently gained attention. The aim of this thesis was to investigate whether structured care of patients with AF could improve guideline adherence and HRQoL compared to standard care, and to determine which factors affect symptoms and HRQoL prior to treatment with radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA), as well as improvement after RFA. Furthermore, we aimed to examine the associations of alcohol consumption with cardiac biomarkers, the size of the left atrium (LA), and re-ablation. This thesis is based on two studies. In the ‘Structured Management and Coaching – Patients with Atrial Fibrillation’ (SMaC-PAF) study, 176 patients were recruited to the intervention group, receiving a structured follow-up programme, and 146 patients were recruited to the control group, receiving standard care. The two groups were compared in regard to adherence to guidelines and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) assessing symptoms and HRQoL. In the ‘Symptom burden, Metabolic profile, Ultrasound findings, Rhythm, neurohormonal activation, haemodynamics and health-related quality of life in patients with atrial Fibrillation’ (SMURF) study, 192 patients referred for their first RFA of AF were included. PROMs questionnaires were filled out, echocardiography was performed, and cardiac biomarkers were analysed. Alcohol c

Plasma cell granuloma (PCG) is a rare benign tumor that is difficult to differentiate from malignancy. Depending on the location of the PCG, surgical management can be challenging. We describe a patient with a PCG involving the left lower lobe extending into the left atrium, that was resected en bloc using a conventional posterolateral thoracotomy combined with a surgical approach predominantly used for minimally invasive mitral valve surgery. This case illustrates how it is possible to utilize a technique used for cardiac surgery for tumors of pulmonary origin involving the heart.

Background Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is increasingly used to detect coronary artery disease (CAD), but long-term follow-up studies are still scarce. Purpose To evaluate the prognostic value of CCTA in patients with suspected CAD. Material and Methods A total of 1205 consecutive CCTA patients with chest pain were classified as normal coronary arteries, non-obstructive CAD, or obstructive CAD. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac event (MACE), defined as a composite outcome including cardiac death, myocardial infarction, unstable angina pectoris, or late revascularization (after >90 days). Results Over 7.5 years follow-up (median = 3.1 years), Kaplan-Meier estimates demonstrated a MACE in 1.0%, 4.6%, and 20.7% in normal coronary arteries, non-obstructive CAD, and obstructive CAD, respectively. Log rank test for pairwise comparisons showed significant differences between non-obstructive CAD and normal coronary arteries ( P = 0.023) and between obstructive CAD and normal coronary arteries ( P < 0.001). In a multivariable analysis, adjusting for classical risk factors, non-obstructive CAD and obstructive CAD were independent predictors of MACE, with hazard ratios (HR) of 3.22 ( P = 0.041) and 25.18 ( P < 0.001), respectively. Conclusion Patients with normal coronary arteries have excellent long-term prognosis, but the risk for MACE increases with non-obstructive and obstructive CAD. Both non-obstructive and obstructive CAD are independently associated with future ischemic events., Funding agencies: ALF Grants, Region Ostergotland

Background HFmrEF has been recently proposed as a distinct HF phenotype. How HFmrEF differs from HFrEF and HFpEF according to age remains poorly defined. We aimed to investigate age-dependent differences in heart failure with mid-range (HFmrEF) vs. preserved (HFpEF) and reduced (HFrEF) ejection fraction. Methods and results 42,987 patients, 23% with HFpEF, 22% with HFmrEF and 55% with HFrEF, enrolled in the Swedish heart failure registry were studied. HFpEF prevalence strongly increased, whereas that of HFrEF strongly decreased with higher age. All cardiac comorbidities and most non-cardiac comorbidities increased with aging, regardless of the HF phenotype. Notably, HFmrEF resembled HFrEF for ischemic heart disease prevalence in all age groups, whereas regarding hypertension it was more similar to HFpEF in age ≥ 80 years, to HFrEF in age < 65 years and intermediate in age 65–80 years. All-cause mortality risk was higher in HFrEF vs. HFmrEF for all age categories, whereas HFmrEF vs. HFpEF reported similar risk in ≥ 80 years old patients and lower risk in < 65 and 65–80 years old patients. Predictors of mortality were more likely cardiac comorbidities in HFrEF but more likely non-cardiac comorbidities in HFpEF and HFmrEF with < 65 years. Differences among HF phenotypes for comorbidities were less pronounced in the other age categories. Conclusion HFmrEF appeared as an intermediate phenotype between HFpEF and HFrEF, but for some characteristics such as ischemic heart disease more similar to HFrEF. With aging, HFmrEF resembled more HFpEF. Prognosis was similar in HFmrEF vs. HFpEF and better than in HFrEF.

Background. Firefighting is one of the most physically demanding occupations and it requires a high cardiorespiratory fitness level. Pre-duty medical evaluation of firefighters includes fitness testing and assessment of cardiac health to ensure that firefighters meet the minimum physical fitness standard and to ensure that they are not at increased risk of cardiac events. The medical evaluation methods for Swedish firefighters are regulated by the Swedish Work Environment Authority and include a 6 min constant workload treadmill (TM) test for fitness evaluation in which the firefighter wears full smoke diving equipment and a maximal effort exercise electrocardiography test (ExECG) at cycle ergometer (CE) for assessment of cardiac health. Previously, fitness was also evaluated by cycle ergometry. The standard parameter for evaluation of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) is exercise-induced ST depression. In general, exercise testing of asymptomatic low-risk individuals is discouraged due to low sensitivity and specificity for IHD, generating both false-positive and false-negative test results. Heart rate (HR) adjustment of the ST-segment response has been shown to be superior to simple ST depression to evaluate cardiac ischaemia in some populations, but has not been extensively evaluated in an occupational setting. Methods. We retrospectively analysed a cohort of 774 firefighters who were asymptomatic at the time of the testing. In paper I, test approval, HR response, and calculated oxygen uptake from TM tests and CE tests for 424 firefighters (44±10 years) were compared. Paper II methodologically described the process for data extraction, processing, and calculation of ExECG data from a clinical database. Procedures for noise assessment, error checking, and computerized calculation of ST/HR parameters were described. In paper III, ExECG and medical records of 521 male firefighters (44±10 years) were studied. During 8.4 ± 2.1 years of follow-up, IHD was verified angiogra

This study is inspired by the gap in knowledge regarding the timing of cardiac surgery and interventions in adult patients with congenital heart disease. There are many parameters used assessing right ventricular function; however, most of them have pitfalls. Understanding the pathomechanisms by which the heart adapts to congenital defects is probably key to find the answer when it is time to intervene and start discussing treatment options. Heart defects are the most frequently occurring congenital disorders. Less than 50% of individuals with moderate to severe congenital heart defects, e.g. transposition of the great arteries (TGA) or tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), survive to adulthood without intervention. Advances in cardiac surgery and better identification of individuals at risk for sudden cardiac death have increased survival rates. Currently, more than 96% of patients with congenital heart disease survive to at least 16 years of age; most undergo corrective surgery but are not cured, and only a few have normal physiology and anatomy. In many cases, the heart must develop mechanisms of adaptation to the changed conditions after surgery. Consequently, correction of the defect creates residual disease with a risk of future complications. To prevent clinical deterioration and to identify the development of complications, patients need lifelong, regular follow up. The choice of followup modalities depends on the cardiac malformation. The right ventricle (RV) plays an important role, as it is often part of the defect or is influenced by the surgery. In the past, research was focused on assessment of left ventricular function (LV), and the RV was “the forgotten ventricle.” Observations and studies in the last few decades brought increased interest into the RV and revealed the importance of the RV in the prognosis of various cardiac diseases. An understanding of RV morphology, pathophysiology and adaptive mechanisms is crucial for further studies of prognosis as well as, Korrigeringar är gjorda i den elektroniska versionen utifrån publicerad erratalista / The corrections in the published errata list are implemented in the electronic version.

ODYSSEY-studien visar att subkutan injektion av 75–150 mg alirokumab var 14:e dag, som tillåter deltagare att nå LDL-kolesterol på 0,4 mmol/l, minskar risk för det primära effektmåttet kranskärlsdöd, akut hjärtinfarkt, sjukhusvård för instabil angina pectoris eller ischemisk stroke med 15 procent. Under samma förutsättningar visar studien också att risken för total dödlighet minskar med 15 procent. Behandlingen var säker och tolererbar under hela studien., The ODYSSEY outcome study, including subjects with recent acute coronary syndrome on high dose statin therapy, investigated the effect of 75-150 mg alirocumab given subcutaneously every 2 weeks for 2,8 years in comparison with participants on alirocumab placebo Alirocumab decreased the risk of the primary endpoint coronary death, acute myocardial infarction, hospital admittance because of angina pectoris and ischaemic stroke by 15 percent, decreased the risk of total death by 15 percent and was safe and tolerable during the length of the study.

Background: The impact of a change in mitral regurgitation (MR) following TAVR is unknown. We studied the impact of baseline MR and early post-procedural change in MR on survival following TAVR. Methods: The SWEDEHEART registry included all TAVRs performed in Sweden. Patients were dichotomized into no/mild and moderate/severe MR groups. Vital status, echocardiographic data at baseline and within 7 days after TAVR were analyzed. Results: 1712 patients were included. 1404 (82%) had no/mild MR and 308 (18%) had moderate/severe MR. Baseline moderate/severe MR conferred a higher mortality rate at 5-year follow-up (adjusted HR 1.29, CI 1.01-1.65, p = 0.04). Using persistent amp;lt;= mild MR as the reference, when moderate/severe MR persisted or if MR worsened from amp;lt;= mild at baseline to moderate/severe after TAVR, higher 5-year mortality rates were seen (adjusted HR 1.66, CI 1.17-2.34, p = 0.04; adjusted HR 1.97, CI 1.29-3.00, p = 0.002, respectively). If baseline moderate/severe MR improved to = mild after TAVR no excess mortality was seen (HR 1.09, CI 0.75-1.58, p = 0.67). Paravalvular aortic regurgitation (PVL) was inversely associated with MR improvement after TAVR (OR 0.4, 95%: CI 0.17-0.94; p = 0.034). Atrial fibrillation (OR 2.1, 95% CI: 1.27-3.39, p = 0.004), self-expanding valve (OR 3.8, 95% CI: 2.08-7.14, p amp;lt; 0.0001), and PVL (4.3, 95% CI 2.32-7.78. p amp;lt; 0.0001) were associated with MR worsening. Conclusions: Moderate/severe baseline MR in patients undergoing TAVR is associated with a mortality increase during 5 years of follow-up. This risk is offset if MR improves to amp;lt;= mild, whereas worsening of MR after TAVR is associated with a 2-fold mortality increase. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

PurposePARADIGM-HF demonstrated the superiority of sacubitril/valsartan over enalapril in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HF-REF). How widely applicable sacubitril/valsartan treatment is in unselected patients with HF-REF is not known. We examined eligibility of patients with HF-REF for treatment with sacubitril/valsartan, according to the criteria used in PARADIGM-HF, in the Swedish Heart Failure Registry (SwedeHF).MethodsPatients were considered potentially eligible if they were not hospitalized, had symptoms (NYHA class II-IV) and a reduced LVEF (40%), and were prescribed an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) at a dose equivalent to enalapril 10mg daily. In these patients, we evaluated further eligibility according to the main additional PARADIGM-HF inclusion criteria.ResultsOf 12,866 outpatients in NYHA functional class II-IV with an LVEF 40%, 9577 were prescribed at least 10mg of enalapril (or equivalent) daily. Complete additional data were available for 3099 of these patients (32.4%) and of them 75.5% were potentially eligible for treatment with sacubitril/valsartan. The most common reason for ineligibility was a low natriuretic peptide level (n=462, 14.9%). Only a small proportion of patients were ineligible due to low eGFR or serum potassium level. Because only 78% of patients were taking 10mg enalapril or equivalent daily, only 58.9% of all patients (75.5% of 78%) were eligible for sacubitril/valsartan.ConclusionsBetween 34 and 76% of symptomatic patients with HF-REF in a real world population are eligible for treatment with sacubitril/valsartan, depending on background ACEI/ARB dose. The most common reason for ineligibility is a low natriuretic peptide level., Funding Agencies|Swedish National board of Health and Welfare; Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions; Swedish Society of Cardiology; Swedish Heart-Lung Foundation

There is a large inter-individual variation in response to clopidogrel treatment, and previous studies have indicated higher risk of thrombotic events in those with high residual platelet reactivity (HPR). Less is known about individual variation over time. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to investigate intra-individual variation in platelet reactivity. Platelet aggregation in whole blood was assessed in 77 patients, at 3 days, 8 days and 6 months after admission for acute myocardial infarction and loading dose of clopidogrel. All patients were treated with aspirin and clopidogrel through 6-month follow-up. We found a significant increase in median ADP-stimulated aggregation from third to eighth day (195 vs. 250 AU*min, p-value = 0.001) but not from day 8 to 6 months (250 vs. 223 AU*min, p-value = 0.666). There was no significant change in the overall rate of HPR (15.6% vs 20.8%, p-value 0.503) or low platelet reactivity (LPR) (37.7% vs 33.8%, p-value = 0.609) from day 8 to 6-month follow-up. In contrast, more than one in four changed HPR status, 15.6% from non-HPR to HPR and 10.4% HPR to non-HPR. A shift in LPR status appeared even more frequent, occurring in about one of three patients. In spite of similar median aggregation and rate of HPR during 6-month follow-up, about one in four of the patients changed HPR status and one in three changed LPR status. This may be important information for a concept of risk stratification based on a single aggregation value early after an acute coronary syndromes.

This study is inspired by the gap in knowledge regarding the timing of cardiac surgery and interventions in adult patients with congenital heart disease. There are many parameters used assessing right ventricular function; however, most of them have pitfalls. Understanding the pathomechanisms by which the heart adapts to congenital defects is probably key to find the answer when it is time to intervene and start discussing treatment options. Heart defects are the most frequently occurring congenital disorders. Less than 50% of individuals with moderate to severe congenital heart defects, e.g. transposition of the great arteries (TGA) or tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), survive to adulthood without intervention. Advances in cardiac surgery and better identification of individuals at risk for sudden cardiac death have increased survival rates. Currently, more than 96% of patients with congenital heart disease survive to at least 16 years of age; most undergo corrective surgery but are not cured, and only a few have normal physiology and anatomy. In many cases, the heart must develop mechanisms of adaptation to the changed conditions after surgery. Consequently, correction of the defect creates residual disease with a risk of future complications. To prevent clinical deterioration and to identify the development of complications, patients need lifelong, regular follow up. The choice of followup modalities depends on the cardiac malformation. The right ventricle (RV) plays an important role, as it is often part of the defect or is influenced by the surgery. In the past, research was focused on assessment of left ventricular function (LV), and the RV was “the forgotten ventricle.” Observations and studies in the last few decades brought increased interest into the RV and revealed the importance of the RV in the prognosis of various cardiac diseases. An understanding of RV morphology, pathophysiology and adaptive mechanisms is crucial for further studies of prognosis as well as, Korrigeringar är gjorda i den elektroniska versionen utifrån publicerad erratalista / The corrections in the published errata list are implemented in the electronic version.

There is a strong association between periodontal disease and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disorders. A key event in the development of atherosclerosis is accumulation of modified lipoproteins within the arterial wall. We hypothesise that patients with periodontitis have an altered lipoprotein profile towards an atherogenic form. Therefore, the present study aims at identifying modifications of plasma lipoproteins in periodontitis. Lipoproteins from ten female patients with periodontitis and gender- and age-matched healthy controls were isolated by density-gradient ultracentrifugation. Proteins were separated by 2D gel-electrophoresis and identified by map-matching or by nano-LC followed by MS. Apolipoprotein (Apo) A-I (ApoA-I) methionine oxidation, Oxyblot, total antioxidant capacity and a multiplex of 71 inflammation-related plasma proteins were assessed. Reduced levels of apoJ, phospholipid transfer protein, apoF, complement C3, paraoxonase 3 and increased levels of alpha-1-antichymotrypsin, apoA-II, apoC-III were found in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) from the patients. In low-density lipoprotein (LDL)/very LDL (VLDL), the levels of apoL-1 and platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) as well as apo-B fragments were increased. Methionine oxidation of apoA-I was increased in HDL and showed a relationship with periodontal parameters. alpha-1 antitrypsin and alpha-2-HS glycoprotein were oxidised in LDL/VLDL and antioxidant capacity was increased in the patient group. A total of 17 inflammation-related proteins were important for group separation with the highest discriminating proteins identified as IL-21, Fractalkine, IL-17F, IL-7, IL-1RA and IL-2. Patients with periodontitis have an altered plasma lipoprotein profile, defined by altered protein levels as well as post-translational and other structural modifications towards an atherogenic form, which supports a role of modified plasma lipoproteins as central in the link between periodontal and cardiov, Funding Agencies|Swedish Knowledge Foundation [Dnr20150037]; Foundation Langmanska Kulturfonden; Magnus Bergwalls Foundation

Background. Firefighting is one of the most physically demanding occupations and it requires a high cardiorespiratory fitness level. Pre-duty medical evaluation of firefighters includes fitness testing and assessment of cardiac health to ensure that firefighters meet the minimum physical fitness standard and to ensure that they are not at increased risk of cardiac events. The medical evaluation methods for Swedish firefighters are regulated by the Swedish Work Environment Authority and include a 6 min constant workload treadmill (TM) test for fitness evaluation in which the firefighter wears full smoke diving equipment and a maximal effort exercise electrocardiography test (ExECG) at cycle ergometer (CE) for assessment of cardiac health. Previously, fitness was also evaluated by cycle ergometry. The standard parameter for evaluation of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) is exercise-induced ST depression. In general, exercise testing of asymptomatic low-risk individuals is discouraged due to low sensitivity and specificity for IHD, generating both false-positive and false-negative test results. Heart rate (HR) adjustment of the ST-segment response has been shown to be superior to simple ST depression to evaluate cardiac ischaemia in some populations, but has not been extensively evaluated in an occupational setting. Methods. We retrospectively analysed a cohort of 774 firefighters who were asymptomatic at the time of the testing. In paper I, test approval, HR response, and calculated oxygen uptake from TM tests and CE tests for 424 firefighters (44±10 years) were compared. Paper II methodologically described the process for data extraction, processing, and calculation of ExECG data from a clinical database. Procedures for noise assessment, error checking, and computerized calculation of ST/HR parameters were described. In paper III, ExECG and medical records of 521 male firefighters (44±10 years) were studied. During 8.4 ± 2.1 years of follow-up, IHD was verified angiogra

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess complications and mortality and its predictors, with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVADs) in the Nordic Countries. Design: This was a retrospective, international, multicenter cohort study. Results: Between 1993 and 2013, 442 surgically implanted long-term mechanical assist devices were used among 8 centers in the Nordic countries. Of those, 238 were CF-LVADs (HVAD or HeartMate II) implanted in patients amp;gt;18 years with complete data. Postoperative complications and survival were compared and Cox proportion hazard regression analysis was used to identify predictors of mortality. The overall Kaplan-Meier survival rate was 75% at 1 year, 69% at 2 years and 63% at 3 years. A planned strategy of destination therapy had poorer survival compared to a strategy of bridge to transplantation or decision (2-year survival of 41% vs. 76%, p amp;lt; .001). The most common complications were non-driveline infections (excluding sepsis) (44%), driveline infection (27%), need for continuous renal replacement therapy (25%) and right heart failure (24%). In a multivariate model age and left ventricular diastolic dimension was left as independent risk factors for mortality with a hazard ratio of 1.35 (95% confidence interval (CI) [1.01-1.80], p = .046) per 10 years and 0.88 (95% CI [0.72-0.99], p = .044) per 5 mm, respectively. Conclusion: Outcome with CF LVAD in the Nordic countries was comparable to other cohorts. Higher age and destination therapy require particularly stringent selection., Funding Agencies|Swedish Heart-Lung Foundation; Crafoords Foundation; Marta Winklers Stiftelse; Thorsten Westerstroms Stiftelse; ALF grants Region Skane; Anna-Lisa Lundbergs stiftelse; ALF grants Region Stockholm