| 1. |
- Kotecha, Dipak, et al.
(författare)
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Integrating new approaches to atrial fibrillation management : the 6th AFNET/EHRA Consensus Conference.
- 2018
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Ingår i: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 20:3, s. 395-407
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- There are major challenges ahead for clinicians treating patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The population with AF is expected to expand considerably and yet, apart from anticoagulation, therapies used in AF have not been shown to consistently impact on mortality or reduce adverse cardiovascular events. New approaches to AF management, including the use of novel technologies and structured, integrated care, have the potential to enhance clinical phenotyping or result in better treatment selection and stratified therapy. Here, we report the outcomes of the 6th Consensus Conference of the Atrial Fibrillation Network (AFNET) and the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), held at the European Society of Cardiology Heart House in Sophia Antipolis, France, 17-19 January 2017. Sixty-two global specialists in AF and 13 industry partners met to develop innovative solutions based on new approaches to screening and diagnosis, enhancing integration of AF care, developing clinical pathways for treating complex patients, improving stroke prevention strategies, and better patient selection for heart rate and rhythm control. Ultimately, these approaches can lead to better outcomes for patients with AF.
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| 2. |
- Ageno, Walter, et al.
(författare)
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Managing reversal of direct oral anticoagulants in emergency situations Anticoagulation Education Task Force White Paper
- 2016
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Ingår i: Thrombosis and Haemostasis. - : SCHATTAUER GMBH-VERLAG MEDIZIN NATURWISSENSCHAFTEN. - 0340-6245 .- 2567-689X. ; 116:6, s. 1003-1010
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Anticoagulation is the cornerstone of prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the mechanisms by which anticoagulants confer therapeutic benefit also increase the risk of bleeding. As such, reversal strategies are critical. Until recently, the direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban lacked a specific reversal agent. This report is based on findings from the Anticoagulation Education Task Force, which brought together patient groups and professionals representing different medical specialties with an interest in patient safety and expertise in AF, VTE, stroke, anticoagulation, and reversal agents, to discuss the current status of anticoagulation reversal and fundamental changes in management of bleeding associated with DOACs occasioned by the approval of idarucizumab, a specific reversal agent for dabigatran, as well as recent clinical data on specific reversal agents for factor Xa inhibitors. Recommendations are given for when there is a definite need for a reversal agent (e.g. in cases of life-threatening bleeding, bleeding into a closed space or organ, persistent bleeding despite local haemostatic measures, and need for urgent interventions and/or interventions that carry a high risk for bleeding), when reversal agents may be helpful, and when a reversal agent is generally not needed. Key stakeholders who require 24-7/around-the-clock access to these agents vary among hospitals; however, from a practical perspective the emergency department is recommended as an appropriate location for these agents. Clearly, the advent of new agents requires standardised protocols for treating bleeding on an institutional level.
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| 3. |
- Borregaard, Britt, et al.
(författare)
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Association between frailty and self-reported health following heart valve surgery
- 2020
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Ingår i: IJC Heart & Vasculature. - : ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD. - 2352-9067. ; 31
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Knowledge about the association between frailty and self-reported health among patients undergoing heart valve surgery remains sparse. Thus, the objectives were to I) describe changes in self-reported health at different time points according to frailty status, and to II) investigate the association between frailty status at discharge and poor self-reported health four weeks after discharge among patients undergoing heart valve surgery. Methods: In a prospective cohort study, consecutive patients undergoing heart valve surgery, including transapical/transaortic valve procedures were included. Frailty was measured using the Fried score, and self-reported health using the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) and the EuroQoL-5 Dimensions 5-Levels Health Status Questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L). To investigate the association between frailty and self-reported health, multivariable logistic regression models were used. Analyses were adjusted for sex, age, surgical risk evaluation (EuroScore) and procedure and presented as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Frailty was assessed at discharge in 288 patients (median age 71, 69% men); 51 patients (18%) were frail. In the multivariable analyses, frailty at discharge remained significantly associated with poor self-reported health at four weeks, OR (95% CI): EQ-5D-5L Index 3.38 (1.51-7.52), VAS 2.41 (1.13-5.14), and KCCQ 2.84 (1.35-5.97). Conclusion: Frailty is present at discharge in 18% of patients undergoing heart valve surgery, and being frail is associated with poor self-reported health at four weeks of follow-up. This supports a clinical need to address the unique risk of frail patients among heart valve teams broadly, and not only to measure frailty as a marker of operative risk. (C) 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
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| 4. |
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
- Hendriks, Jeroen, et al.
(författare)
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Cardiac disease and stroke : Practical implications for personalised care in cardiac-stroke patients. A state of the art review supported by the Association of Cardiovascular Nursing and Allied Professions
- 2020
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Ingår i: European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1474-5151 .- 1873-1953. ; 19:6, s. 495-504
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Cardiac and stroke conditions often coexist because of common risk factors. The occurrence of stroke may have significant consequences for patients with cardiac conditions and their caregivers and poses a major burden on their lives. Although both cardiac and stroke conditions are highly prevalent, primary stroke prevention in cardiac patients is crucial to avert disabling limitations or even mortality. In addition, specific interventions may be needed in the rehabilitation and follow-up of these patients. However, healthcare systems are often fragmented and are not integrated enough to provide specifically structured and individualised management for the cardiac-stroke patient. Cardiac rehabilitation or secondary prevention services are crucial from this perspective, although referral and attendance rates are often suboptimal. This state of the art review outlines the significance of primary stroke prevention in cardiac patients, highlights specific challenges that cardiac-stroke patients and their caregivers may experience, examines the availability of and need for structured, personalised care, and describes potential implications for consideration in daily practice.
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| 7. |
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
- Hendriks, Jeroen, et al.
(författare)
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Integrated specialized atrial fibrillation clinics reduce all-cause mortality: post hoc analysis of a randomized clinical trial
- 2019
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Ingår i: Europace. - : OXFORD UNIV PRESS. - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 21:12, s. 1785-1792
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aims An integrated chronic care programme in terms of a specialized outpatient clinic for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), has demonstrated improved clinical outcomes. The aim of this study is to assess all-cause mortality in patients in whom AF management was delivered through a specialized outpatient clinic offering an integrated chronic care programme. Methods and results Post hoc analysis of a Prospective Randomized Open Blinded Endpoint Clinical trial to assess all-cause mortality in AF patients. The study included 712 patients with newly diagnosed AF, who were referred for AF management to the outpatient service of a University hospital. In the specialized outpatient clinic (AF-Clinic), comprehensive, multidisciplinary, and patient-centred AF care was provided, i.e. nurse-driven, physician supervised AF treatment guided by software based on the latest guidelines. The control group received usual care by a cardiologist in the regular outpatient setting. After a mean follow-up of 22months, all-cause mortality amounted 3.7% (13 patients) in the AF-Clinic arm and 8.1% (29 patients) in usual care [hazard ratio (HR) 0.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.23-0.85; P = 0.014]. This included cardiovascular mortality in 4 AF-Clinic patients (1.1%) and 14 patients (3.9%) in usual care (HR 0.28; 95% CI 0.09-0.85; P = 0.025). Further, 9 patients (2.5%) died in the AF-Clinic arm due to a non-cardiovascular reason and 15 patients (4.2%) in the usual care arm (HR 0.59; 95% CI 0.26-1.34; P = 0.206). Conclusion An integrated specialized AF-Clinic reduces all-cause mortality compared with usual care. These findings provide compelling evidence that an integrated approach should be widely implemented in AF management.
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| 11. |
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| 12. |
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| 13. |
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| 14. |
- Hendriks, Jeroen, et al.
(författare)
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The management of atrial fibrillation: An integrated team approach - insights of the 2016 European Society of Cardiology guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation for nurses and allied health professionals
- 2019
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Ingår i: European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing. - : SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD. - 1474-5151 .- 1873-1953. ; 18:2, s. 88-95
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The 2016 European Society of Cardiology guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation recommends integrated care in the treatment of atrial fibrillation and follows a patient-centred, multidisciplinary team approach. Nurses and allied health professionals have a significant role to play in the management of chronic conditions such as atrial fibrillation, which is underlined by this guideline and the integrated care approach. In this article, members of the task force writing committee highlight significant evidence from this particular guideline as well as clinical implications for nurses and allied health professionals in their daily work with atrial fibrillation patients and their caregivers.
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| 15. |
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| 16. |
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| 17. |
- Kotecha, Dipak, et al.
(författare)
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European Society of Cardiology smartphone and tablet applications for patients with atrial fibrillation and their health care providers
- 2018
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Ingår i: Europace. - : OXFORD UNIV PRESS. - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 20:2, s. 225-233
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- We are in the midst of a digital revolution in health care, although the application of new and useful technology in routine clinical practice is variable. The Characterizing Atrial fibrillation by Translating its Causes into Health Modifiers in the Elderly (CATCH ME) Consortium, in collaboration with the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), has funded the creation of two applications (apps) in atrial fibrillation (AF) for use in smartphones and tablets. The patient app aims to enhance patient education, improve communication between patients and health care professionals, and encourage active patient involvement in the management of their condition. The health care professional app is designed as an interactive management tool incorporating the new ESC Practice Guidelines on AF and supported by the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), with the aim of improving best practice approaches for the care of patients with AF. Both stand-alone apps are now freely available for Android and iOS devices though the Google Play, Amazon, and Apple stores. In this article, we outline the rationale for the design and implementation of these apps. Our objective is to demonstrate the value of integrating novel digital technology into clinical practice, with the potential for patient engagement, optimization of pharmacological and interventional therapy in AF, and ultimately to improve patient outcomes.
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| 18. |
- Lane, Deirdre A, et al.
(författare)
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Cardiac tachyarrhythmias and patient values and preferences for their management : the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) consensus document endorsed by the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS), and Sociedad Latinoamericana de Estimulación Cardíaca y Electrofisiología (SOLEACE).
- 2015
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Ingår i: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 17:12, s. 1747-1769
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Cardiac tachyarrhythmias are recurrent or chronic and in some cases life-threatening conditions. Heart rhythm disturbances are often highly symptomatic and the psychological impact of the disease can be significant. Patients' beliefs and knowledge about their health (and illness), medications, and healthcare they receive are important determinants of whether or not they accept recommended treatments; influence their coping responses to their illness and treatment; adherence to recommended therapy; and ultimately affects health outcomes. Incorporation of patients' values and preferences for therapy should now be considered as an integral part of the decision-making process and treatment strategy.It is important to acknowledge and understand the impact of cardiac tachyarrhythmias on the patient. To address this issue, a Task Force was convened by the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), and endorsed by the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), Asia-Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS), and Sociedad Latinoamericana de Estimulación Cardíaca y Electrofisiología (SOLEACE), with the remit to comprehensively review the published evidence available, to publish a joint consensus document on patient values and preferences for the management of cardiac tachyarrhythmias, and to provide up-to-date consensus recommendations for use in clinical practice.Hence this unique consensus document focuses on patients, summarizing the available literature on patients' experiences of living with various cardiac tachyarrhythmias and their treatment preferences, and identifies gaps in knowledge which will help to inform clinical practice and future research. The document will also summarize key points for discussions with patients during consultations regarding their condition, treatment options, disease trajectory, treatment goals, and outcomes. Finally, this document provides links to useful resources and patient advocacy groups and organizations and professional societies relevant to each group of cardiac tachyarrhythmias.
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| 19. |
- Lau, Dennis H., et al.
(författare)
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Novel mechanisms in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation: practical applications
- 2016
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Ingår i: European Heart Journal. - : OXFORD UNIV PRESS. - 0195-668X .- 1522-9645. ; 37:20, s. 1573-
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Intensive research over the last few decades has seen significant advances in our understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying atrial fibrillation (AF). The epidemic of AF and related hospitalizations has been described as a rising tide with estimates of the global AF burden showing no sign of retreat. There is urgency for effective translational programs in this field to facilitate more individualized and targeted therapy to modify the abnormal atrial substrate responsible for the perpetuation of this arrhythmia. In this review, we chose to focus on several novel aspects of AF pathogenesis whereby practical applications in clinical practice are currently available or potentially not too far away. Specifically, we explored the contribution of atrial fibrosis, epicardial adipose tissue, autonomic nervous system, hyper-coagulability, and focal drivers to adverse atrial remodelling and AF persistence. We also highlighted the potential practical means of monitoring and targeting these factors to achieve better outcomes in patients suffering from this debilitating illness. Emerging data also support a new paradigm for targeting AF substrate with aggressive risk factor management. Finally, multi-disciplinary integrated care approach has shown great promise in improving cardiovascular outcomes of patients with AF along with potential cost savings.
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| 20. |
- McKee, Gabrielle, et al.
(författare)
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Barriers to ESC guideline implementation: results of a survey from the European Council on Cardiovascular Nursing and Allied Professions (CCNAP)
- 2017
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Ingår i: European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing. - : SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD. - 1474-5151 .- 1873-1953. ; 16:8, s. 678-686
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) has a comprehensive clinical guideline development programme, relevant for all clinicians. However, implementation of guidelines is not always optimal. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine nurses and allied professionals awareness and barriers regarding clinical guideline implementation. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administrated online and in print at EuroHeartCare 2015. A questionnaire was developed which examined awareness and barriers to implementation of ESC guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention in clinical practice (2012) and ESC guidelines in general. Results: Of the 298 respondents, 12% reported that the prevention guidelines were used in their practice area. Respondents identified, in order of magnitude, that lack of leadership, workload, time, resources and a perception that they were unable to influence current practice were barriers to the use of the prevention guidelines. When asked to rank barriers to use of any ESC guidelines, time (22%) and leadership (23%) were ranked highest. Conclusions: Implementation of ESC guidelines by nurses, the majority responders in this survey, is a serious problem, requiring urgent improvement to ensure patients receive optimal evidence based care. Issues of leadership, workload, time and resources are significant barriers to guideline implementation. It is of concern that these professionals perceive both that they have little influence on implementation decisions and lack of leadership regarding guideline implementation. Educational and organisational strategies to improve leadership skills are imperative. These will build self-efficacy and empower nurses and allied professionals to advocate for evidence-based care in the clinical environment.
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| 21. |
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| 22. |
- Negesa, Lemma B., et al.
(författare)
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Cardiovascular risk behaviour is an emerging health issue in developing countries: a cross-sectional study
- 2019
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Ingår i: European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing. - : SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD. - 1474-5151 .- 1873-1953. ; 18:8, s. 679-690
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Low and middle-income countries are facing a high burden of cardiovascular disease while there is limited availability of resources and evidence to educate and modify lifestyle behaviours in the population as well as to guide policy making. Aim: The goal of the present study was to quantify the prevalence of different cardiovascular risk behaviours among patients with known cardiovascular conditions in a developing country. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in two referral hospitals in eastern Ethiopia. Outpatients who had a confirmed diagnosis of cardiovascular disease were recruited for the study. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with patients using validated tools. Results: A total of 287 cardiovascular disease patients was recruited, of which 56.4% were women and 90.2% were urban residents. Most patients had inadequate consumption of fruit and vegetables, 51.6% were physically inactive, 20% were current khat chewers, 19% were current alcohol drinkers and only 1% were current smokers. Approximately one-third (30%) of the patients had one of these risk behaviours, more than half (51.9%) had two, 15% had three and 3.1% had four risk behaviours. The majority (70%) of the patients had multiple (more than two) risk behaviours. The prevalence of multiple risk behaviours did not significantly vary with sex, residence and educational level differences (Pamp;gt;0.05). Conclusion: Cardiovascular disease patients continue to follow unhealthy lifestyles although they attend follow-up care with a specific focus on risk management. The findings of this study provide evidence for policy makers that health services reform is required to promote healthy lifestyle behaviours for the patients.
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| 23. |
- Negesa, Lemma B., et al.
(författare)
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Patients knowledge on cardiovascular risk factors and associated lifestyle behaviour in Ethiopia in 2018: A cross-sectional study
- 2020
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Ingår i: PLOS ONE. - : PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE. - 1932-6203. ; 15:6
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is posing a major public health challenge globally. Evidence reports significant gaps in knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors among patients with CVD. Despite the growing burden of cardiovascular disease in developing countries, there is limited data available to improve the awareness of this area, which is crucial for the implementation of prevention programs. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in two referral hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia from June-September 2018. Outpatients with a confirmed diagnosis cardiovascular conditions were eligible for participation in the study. A convenience sampling technique was used. The primary outcome of the study was knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors among patients with cardiovascular disease. The knowledge of cardiovascular disease risk factors was measured using a validated instrument (heart disease fact questionnaire). A score less than 70% was defined as suboptimal knowledge. Multivariable linear regression was used to examine the relationship between knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors and explanatory variables. Results A total of 287 patients were enrolled in the study. Mean age was 47 +/- 11yrs and 56.4% of patients were females. More than half of patients (54%) had good knowledge on cardiovascular risk factors (scored>70%), whilst 46% demonstrated suboptimal knowledge levels in this area. Urban residency was associated with higher cardiovascular risk factors knowledge scores, whereas, never married and no formal education or lower education were identified as predictors of lower knowledge scores. There was no statistically significant association between knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors and actual cumulative risk behaviour. Conclusion Almost half of CVD patients in Ethiopia have suboptimal knowledge regarding cardiovascular risk factors. Residence, education level and marital status were associated with knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors. Implementation of innovative interventions and structured, nurse-led lifestyle counselling would be required to effectively guide patients in developing lifestyle modification and achieve sustainable behaviour change.
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| 24. |
- Scholten, Olaf, et al.
(författare)
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Lightning Imaging with LOFAR
- 2017
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Ingår i: 7th International Conference on Acoustic and Radio EeV Neutrino Detection Activities (ARENA 2016). - : EDP Sciences.
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- We show that LOFAR can be used as a lightning mapping array with a resolution that is orders of magnitude better than existing arrays. In addition the polarization of the radiation can be used to track the direction of the stepping discharges. © 2017 The Authors, published by EDP Sciences.
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| 25. |
- Simons, Sami O., et al.
(författare)
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and atrial fibrillation an interdisciplinary perspective
- 2021
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Ingår i: European Heart Journal. - : OXFORD UNIV PRESS. - 0195-668X .- 1522-9645. ; 42:5
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is highly prevalent among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), shares common risk factors, and adds to the overall morbidity and mortality in this population. Additionally, it may promote AF and impair treatment efficacy. The prevalence of COPD in AF patients is high and is estimated to be similar to 25%. Diagnosis and treatment of COPD in AF patients requires a close interdisciplinary collaboration between the electrophysiologist/cardiologist and pulmonologist. Differential diagnosis may be challenging, especially in elderly and smoking patients complaining of unspecific symptoms such as dyspnoea and fatigue. Routine evaluation of lung function and determination of natriuretic peptides and echocardiography may be reasonable to detect COPD and heart failure as contributing causes of dyspnoea. Acute exacerbation of COPD transiently increases AF risk due to hypoxia-mediated mechanisms, inflammation, increased use of beta-2 agonists, and autonomic changes. Observational data suggest that COPD promotes AF progression, increases AF recurrence after cardioversion, and reduces the efficacy of catheter-based antiarrhythmic therapy. However, it remains unclear whether treatment of COPD improves AF outcomes and which metric should be used to determine COPD severity and guide treatment in AF patients. Data from non-randomized studies suggest that COPD is associated with increased AF recurrence after electrical cardioversion and catheter ablation. Future prospective cohort studies in AF patients are needed to confirm the relationship between COPD and AF, the benefits of treatment of either COPD or AF in this population, and to clarify the need and cost-effectiveness of routine COPD screening.
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| 26. |
- Stridsman, Marie, et al.
(författare)
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Patients Experiences of Living with Atrial Fibrillation: A Mixed Methods Study
- 2019
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Ingår i: Cardiology Research and Practice. - : HINDAWI LTD. - 2090-8016 .- 2090-0597. ; 2019
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction. Awareness of epidemiological and clinical consequences of atrial fibrillation (AF) has increased, as have disease-related costs. Less attention has been paid to patient-related issues, such as understanding how symptoms, different therapies, and lifestyle adjustments affect daily life. We aimed to describe patients experiences of living with AF. Methods. The study design used a parallel convergent mixed methods approach. Patients with AF were included in the SMURF study and referred for catheter ablation. Patients completed questionnaires on symptoms, health-related quality of life, depression, anxiety, and perceived control and were interviewed. The datasets were analysed separately using inductive content analysis and descriptive statistics. Data were merged to obtain a final interpretation. Results. Nineteen patients were interviewed and 18 completed questionnaires. Twelve of the patients were male, mean age 60 years (45-75 years). Inductive qualitative analysis revealed three categories: (i) symptoms and concerns limiting life, (ii) dimensions of worries, and (iii) strategies for management. The most common symptoms were tiredness, weakness/fatigue, and breathlessness during activities, and the most pronounced negative impacts on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) were physically related, shown in the ASTA questionnaire. The most negative SF-36 scores were found in role limitations due to physical health problems and vitality. HADS revealed five patients with some degree of anxiety and four with some degree of depression. Patients had lower scores on perceived control than perceived helplessness in CAS. Patients perceived control was higher than their families, and families experienced more helplessness. Conclusions. The mixed methods design deepens our understanding of challenges faced by patients. Patients experienced a limited ability to perform activities of daily living due to AF which created different kinds of worries that encouraged the use of various strategies to manage their lives. Healthcare providers need to be aware that relationships between patients and their relatives can change, and therefore they need to be supported and integrated into the care system.
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| 27. |
- Thrysoee, Lars, et al.
(författare)
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Management of newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation in an outpatient clinic settingpatients perspectives and experiences
- 2018
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Ingår i: Journal of Clinical Nursing. - : WILEY. - 0962-1067 .- 1365-2702. ; 27:3-4, s. 601-611
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aims and objectivesTo gain in-depth knowledge of patients experiences of the consultation processes at a multidisciplinary atrial fibrillation outpatient clinic in a university hospital in Denmark. BackgroundAtrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia associated with morbidity and mortality if not diagnosed and treated as recommended. Patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation preferably should be managed in an outpatient setting which includes medical examination, patient education and decision-making on medical therapy. DesignThis is a qualitative study of 14 patients newly diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, ranging from asymptomatic patients, to those with mild to severe symptoms; they were all referred from general practitioners. MethodsData were generated in 2013-2015 using participant observation during each consultation, followed by individual interviews postconsultation. ResultsPatients were referred with limited information on AF and knowledge about the management consultation procedures. The consultations were performed in a professional way by the cardiologist as well as by the nurses with an emphasis on the medical aspects of atrial fibrillation. The understanding that atrial fibrillation is not a fatal disease in itself was very important for patients. At the same time, visiting the clinic was overwhelming, information was difficult to understand, and patients found it difficult to be involved in decision-making. ConclusionsThis study indicates that patients were uncertain on what AF was before as well as after their consultation. The communication was concentrated on the medical aspects of atrial fibrillation and visiting the clinic was an overwhelming experience for the patients. They had difficulty understanding what atrial fibrillation was, why they were treated with anticoagulation, and that anticoagulating was a lifelong treatment. Relevance for clinical practiceThis study demonstrates some lack of patient-centred care and an absence of tailored patient AF-related education. Furthermore, the study highlights the need for and importance of active patient involvement.
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