1. |
- Andersson, Jonas, 1977-
(author)
-
Inflammation and lifestyle in cardiovascular medicine
- 2010
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Despite major advances in the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis the last several decades, cardiovascular disease still accounts for the majority of deaths in Sweden. With the population getting older, more obese and with rising numbers of diabetics, the cardiovascular disease burden may increase further in the future. The focus in cardiovascular disease has shifted with time from calcification and narrowing of arteries to the biological processes within the atherosclerotic plaque. C-reactive protein (CRP) has emerged as one of many proteins that reflect a low grade systemic inflammation and is suitable for analysis as it is more stable and easily measured than most other inflammatory markers. Several large prospective studies have shown that CRP is not only an inflammatory marker, but even a predictive marker for cardiovascular disease. C-reactive protein is associated with several other risk factors for cardiovascular disease including obesity and the metabolic syndrome. Our study of twenty healthy men during a two week endurance cross country skiing tour demonstrated a decline in already low baseline CRP levels immediately after the tour and six weeks later. In a study of 200 obese individuals with impaired glucose tolerance randomised to a counselling session at their health care centre or a one month stay at a wellness centre, we found decreased levels of CRP in subjects admitted to the wellness centre. The effect remained at one, but not after three years of follow-up. In a prospective, nested, case-referent study with 308 ischemic strokes, 61 intracerebral haemorrhages and 735 matched referents, CRP was associated with ischemic stroke in both uni- and multivariate analyses. No association was found with intracerebral haemorrhages. When classifying ischemic stroke according to TOAST criteria, CRP was associated with small vessel disease. The CRP 1444 (CC/CT vs. TT) polymorphism was associated with plasma levels of CRP, but neither with ischemic stroke nor with intracerebral haemorrhage. A study on 129 patients with atrial fibrillation was used to evaluate whether inflammation sensitive fibrinolytic variables adjusted for CRP could predict recurrence of atrial fibrillation after electrical cardioversion. In multivariate iv models, lower PAI-1 mass was associated with sinus rhythm even after adjusting for CRP and markers of the metabolic syndrome. In conclusion, lifestyle intervention can be used to reduce CRP levels, but it remains a challenge to maintain this effect. CRP is a marker of ischemic stroke, but there are no significant associations between the CRP1444 polymorphism and any stroke subtype, suggesting that the CRP relationship with ischemic stroke is not causal. The fibrinolytic variable, PAI-1, is associated with the risk of recurrence of atrial fibrillation after electrical cardioversion after adjustment for CRP. Our findings suggest a pathophysiological link between atrial fibrillation and PAI-1, but the relation to inflammation remains unclear.
|
|
2. |
- Gustafsson, Ulf, 1976-, et al.
(author)
-
Apical circumferential motion of the right and the left ventricles in healthy subjects described with speckle tracking
- 2008
-
In: Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography. - : Elsevier BV. - 0894-7317 .- 1097-6795. ; 21:12, s. 1326-1330
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background The aim of this study was to determine whether right ventricular (RV) apical rotation could be of importance in RV function and compare this with left ventricular (LV) apical rotation. Methods Short-axis images at the apical level of both ventricles were simultaneously recorded in 14 healthy subjects (mean age, 62 ± 11 years). Results There was a significant difference in mean rotation between the two ventricles in the time interval between 50% of ejection and aortic valve closure (P < .05). At aortic valve closure, LV rotation was 10.9 ± 4.8° counterclockwise, and RV rotation was 1.1 ± 5.8° clockwise. The anterior and inferior parts of the right ventricle rotated in opposite directions toward the septum. The septal segments of both ventricles rotated inferiorly, thus likely reducing interventricular stress. Conclusion This study showed clear differences in apical rotation between the two ventricles. Whereas the left ventricle displayed uniform rotation, the right ventricle showed heterogeneous rotation, resulting overall in almost no rotation but in a “tightening belt” motion.
|
|
3. |
- Gustafsson, Ulf, 1976-, et al.
(author)
-
Assessment of regional rotation patterns improves the understanding of the systolic and diastolic left ventricular function : an echocardiographic speckle-tracking study in healthy individuals
- 2009
-
In: European Journal of Echocardiography. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1525-2167 .- 1532-2114. ; :10, s. 56-61
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- AIM To elucidate the complexity of left ventricular motion throughout the cardiac cycle, we studied regional rotation in detail. METHODS AND RESULTS: Regional rotation in six subdivisions of the circumference at three levels was studied by using speckle-tracking echocardiography in 40 healthy subjects. At the basal level the inferoseptal segments rotated significantly more clockwise during systole than the opposing anterolateral segments. At the papillary level the inferoseptal segments differed significantly from the anterolateral segments, where the inferoseptal segments rotated clockwise and the anterolateral segments rotated counter-clockwise. The apical level showed significant difference in regional rotation only at aortic valve opening. In early systole, untwist before the main systolic twist was seen at the basal and apical levels; however, the duration of the basal untwist was much longer than that of the apical. The diastolic phases of rotation at the basal and apical levels matched the different filling phases. CONCLUSION: Large regional differences in rotation are present at the basal and papillary levels in healthy subjects. The diastolic untwist matches the phases of both the E-wave and A-wave and seems to be related with intraventricular pressure differences, indicating that untwist plays an important role in the filling of the ventricle.
|
|
4. |
- Gustafsson, Ulf, 1976-, et al.
(author)
-
The effect of acute myocardial ischemia on the rotation axis of the left ventricle
-
Other publication (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Introduction: We have developed a method to assess the axis around which the left ventricle (LV) rotates. The aim was to assess the effect of acute regional ischemia on the otation axis. Method: Mid‐LAD occlusion was induced in six anesthetised pigs and echocardiographic images were recorded at baseline and after LAD occlusion. The rotation axis was calculated at three different levels of the LV throughout the cardiac cycle. Results: The direction of the rotation axis was significantly changed (p<0.01) after LAD occlusion, being directed towards the ischemic area. AV‐plane displacement was significantly reduced (p<0.05) during ischemia. No significant difference in twist or otation amplitudes was found. Conclusion: This new method of assessing rotational function seems as sensitive as AV‐plane displacement and superior to traditional rotation and twist parameters in detecting dysfunction in acute ischemic myocardium. The rotation axis method has the advantage of potentially identifying areas with dysfunction.
|
|
5. |
- Gustafsson, Ulf, 1976-, et al.
(author)
-
The rotation axis of the left ventricle : a new concept derived from ultrasound data in healthy individuals
-
Other publication (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Introduction: The axis around which the left ventricle (LV) rotates has never previously been described. The aim was to develop a method to calculate the spatial motion of the rotation axis throughout the cardiac cycle. Method: By constructing a model of the LV, based on dimensions and rotation values at the basal, mid ventricular and apical levels, a rotation axis could be calculated at each level in 39 healthy subjects. The transition plane, defined as the level without rotation, where basal and apical rotation meet was also calculated. Results: The rotation axis was not congruent to the longitudinal axis of the LV at any time point. A significant and specific mean direction for each of the rotation axes for the majority of the tested time points displayed a physiological pattern. Conclusion: This new method introduces a new concept in cardiac function and provides further insight into the complexity of LV mechanics.
|
|
6. |
- Gustafsson, Ulf, 1976-
(author)
-
Ventricular rotation and the rotation axis : a new concept in cardiac function
- 2010
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Background: The twisting motion of the left ventricle (LV), with clockwise rotation at the base and counter clockwise rotation at the apex during systole, is a vital part of LV function. Even though LV rotation has been studied for decades, the rotation pattern has not been described in detail. By the introduction of speckle tracking echocardiography measuring rotation has become easy of access. However, the axis around which the LV rotates has never before been assessed. The aims of this thesis were to describe the rotation pattern of the LV in detail (study I), to assess RV apical rotation (study II), develop a method to assess the rotation axis (study III) and finally to study the effect of regional ischemia to the rotation pattern of the LV (study IV). Methods: Healthy humans were examined in study I-III and the final study populations were 40 (60±14 years), 14 (62±11 years) and 39 (57±16 years) subjects, respectively. In study IV six young pigs (32-40kg) were studied. Standard echocardiographic examinations were performed. In study IV the images were recorded before and 4 minutes after occlusion of left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). Rotation was measured in short axis images by using a speckle tracking software. By development of custom software, the rotation axis of the LV was calculated at different levels in every image frame throughout the cardiac cycle. Results: Study I showed significant difference in rotation between basal and apical rotations, as well as significant differences between segments at basal and mid ventricular levels. The rotation pattern of the LV was associated with different phases of the cardiac cycle. Study II found significant difference in rotation between the LV and the RV. RV rotation was heterogeneous and bi-directional, creating a ´tightening belt action´ to reduce it circumference. Study III indicated that the new method could assess the rotation axis of the LV. The motion of the rotation axes in healthy humans displayed a physiological and consistent pattern. Study IV found a significant difference in the rotation pattern, between baseline and after LAD occlusion, by measuring the rotation axes, but not by conventional measurements of rotation. AV-plane displacement and wall motion score (WMS) were also significantly changed after inducing regional ischemia. Conclusion: There are normally large regional differences in LV rotation, which can be associated anatomy, activation pattern and cardiac phases, indicating its importance to LV function. In difference to the LV, the RV did not show any functional rotation. However, its heterogeneous circumferential motion could still be of importance to RV function and may in part be the result of ventricular interaction. The rotation axis of the LV can now be assessed by development of a new method, which gives a unique view of the rotation pattern. The quality measurements and results in healthy humans indicate that it has a potential clinical implication in identifying pathological rotation. This was supported by the experimental study showing that the rotation axis was more sensitive than traditional measurements of rotation and as sensitive as AV-plane displacement and WMS in detecting regional myocardial dysfunction.
|
|
7. |
|
|
8. |
- Acosta, Stefan, et al.
(author)
-
Current status on plasma biomarkers for acute mesenteric ischemia
- 2012
-
In: Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis. - : Springer. - 0929-5305 .- 1573-742X. ; 33:4, s. 355-361
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Clinical diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia is difficult. The aim of this review is to provide current status on the search for an accurate plasma biomarker for acute mesenteric ischemia. A search using the medical subject heading terms marker and mesenteric ischemia or intestinal ischemia or superior mesenteric artery occlusion or mesenteric venous thrombosis in the Medline and Embase databases from 1980 to 2011. Studies without a control group or a control group consisted of healthy individuals (human studies), or studies on intestinal reperfusion were excluded. Twenty animal and twelve human studies were identified. In human studies, the studied series of patients had a control group that had a need of laparotomy (n = 2), suspected acute mesenteric ischemia (n = 7), acute abdomen (n = 2) or systemic inflammatory response syndrome (n = 1). D: -dimer has been found to be the most consistent highly sensitive early marker, but specificity was low. The follow-up study on α-glutathione S-transferase yielded inferior sensitivity and accuracy than the preliminary study, clearly questioning the value of this marker. Intestinal fatty acid binding globulin (I-FABP) and D: -lactate are both interesting markers, but the results were conflicting. Different cut-off levels have been used in the studies on I-FABP. The encouraging preliminary result of cobalt-albumin and urinary FABP as an accurate marker needs to be addressed in other study populations. The early clinical and laboratory diagnosis of intestinal ischemia remains a challenge. None of the proposed plasma-derived tests for acute mesenteric ischemia has as yet entered routine clinical practice. The proposed biomarkers need to be evaluated in a prospective clinical research project in patients with acute abdomen.
|
|
9. |
- Ahlander, Britt-Marie, 1954-, et al.
(author)
-
An echo-planar imaging sequence is superior to a steady-state free precession sequence for visual as well as quantitative assessment of cardiac magnetic resonance stress perfusion
- 2017
-
In: Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging. - : Blackwell Publishing. - 1475-0961 .- 1475-097X. ; 37:1, s. 52-61
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: To assess myocardial perfusion, steady-state free precession cardiac magnetic resonance (SSFP, CMR) was compared with gradient-echo-echo-planar imaging (GRE-EPI) using myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) as reference.METHODS: Cardiac magnetic resonance perfusion was recorded in 30 patients with SSFP and in another 30 patients with GRE-EPI. Timing and extent of inflow delay to the myocardium was visually assessed. Signal-to-noise (SNR) and contrast-to-noise (CNR) ratios were calculated. Myocardial scar was visualized with a phase-sensitive inversion recovery sequence (PSIR). All scar positive segments were considered pathologic. In MPS, stress and rest images were used as in clinical reporting. The CMR contrast wash-in slope was calculated and compared with the stress score from the MPS examination. CMR scar, CMR perfusion and MPS were assessed separately by one expert for each method who was blinded to other aspects of the study.RESULTS: Visual assessment of CMR had a sensitivity for the detection of an abnormal MPS at 78% (SSFP) versus 91% (GRE-EPI) and a specificity of 58% (SSFP) versus 84% (GRE-EPI). Kappa statistics for SSFP and MPS was 0·29, for GRE-EPI and MPS 0·72. The ANOVA of CMR perfusion slopes for all segments versus MPS score (four levels based on MPS) had correlation r = 0·64 (SSFP) and r = 0·96 (GRE-EPI). SNR was for normal segments 35·63 ± 11·80 (SSFP) and 17·98 ± 8·31 (GRE-EPI), while CNR was 28·79 ± 10·43 (SSFP) and 13·06 ± 7·61 (GRE-EPI).CONCLUSION: GRE-EPI displayed higher agreement with the MPS results than SSFP despite significantly lower signal intensity, SNR and CNR.
|
|
10. |
- Ahlsson, Anders, 1962-, et al.
(author)
-
Annular abscess leading to free wall rupture
- 2014
-
In: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. - : Oxford University Press. - 1010-7940 .- 1873-734X. ; 45:2, s. E39-E39
-
Journal article (other academic/artistic)
|
|
11. |
|
|
12. |
- Ahlsson, Anders, 1962-, et al.
(author)
-
Kirurgisk behandling av förmaksflimmer i samband med hjärtkirurgi [Surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation in connection with cardiac surgery] : konsensusrapport från Sveriges arytmiansvariga hjärtkirurger [Consensus report from Swedish cardiac surgeons responsible for arrhythmia]
- 2012
-
In: Läkartidningen. - Stockholm : Läkartidningen Förlag AB. - 0023-7205 .- 1652-7518. ; 109:5, s. 214-217
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Förmaksflimmer är vanligt och förekommer hos 6–10 procent av de patienter som ska genomgå kranskärlsoperation eller klaffkirurgi. Kirurgisk ablation av förmaksflimmer i samband med kranskärlsoperation eller klaffkirurgi bör erbjudas alla symtomatiska och utvalda asymtomatiska patienter. Cox-maze III (labyrintoperation) är den metod som gett bäst resultat vad avser frihet från förmaksflimmer 1 år efter ingreppet.Under senare år har flera nya metoder utvecklats för att åstadkomma elektriskt isolerande lesioner i hjärtats förmak. Dessa är tekniskt enklare och mindre invasiva. De är dock behäftade med sämre resultat än den ursprungliga Cox-maze III-operationen. Arytmiansvariga kirurger på landets samtliga hjärtkirurgiska kliniker har nått samstämmighet om hur förmaksflimmer bör behandlas i samband med annan hjärtkirurgi. Denna konsensus, vilken presenteras här, betonar vikten av att vid kirurgisk ablation följa lesionsmönstret i Cox-maze III och helst behandla både höger och vänster förmak för bästa långtidsresultat.
|
|
13. |
- Ahlsson, Anders, 1962-, et al.
(author)
-
Patients with postoperative atrial fibrillation have a doubled cardiovascular mortality
- 2009
-
In: Scandinavian cardiovascular journal : SCJ. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1651-2006 .- 1401-7431. ; 43:5, s. 330-336
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: To investigate the impact of postoperative AF on late mortality and cause of death in CABG patients.DESIGN: All CABG patients without preoperative AF surgically treated between January 1, 1997 and June 30, 2000 were included (N = 1419). Altogether, 419 patients (29.5%) developed postoperative AF. After a median follow-up of 8.0 years, survival data were obtained, causes of death were compared and Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to determine predictors of late mortality.RESULTS: The total mortality was 140 deaths/419 patients (33.4%) in postoperative AF patients and 191 deaths/1 000 patients (19.1%) in patients without AF. Death due to cerebral ischemia (2.6% vs. 0.5%), myocardial infarction (7.4% vs. 3.0%), sudden death (2.6% vs. 0.9%), and heart failure (6.7% vs. 2.7%) was more common among postoperative AF patients. Postoperative AF was an age-independent risk indicator for late mortality with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.56 (95% confidence interval 1.23-1.98).CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative AF is an age-independent risk factor for late mortality in CABG patients, explained by an increased risk of cardiovascular death.
|
|
14. |
- Ahlsson, Anders, 1962-, et al.
(author)
-
Positioning of the ablation catheter in total endoscopic ablation
- 2014
-
In: Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery. - : Oxford University Press. - 1569-9293 .- 1569-9285. ; 18:1, s. 125-127
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Minimally invasive ablation of atrial fibrillation is an option in patients not suitable for or refractory to catheter ablation. Total endoscopic ablation can be performed via a monolateral approach, whereby a left atrial box lesion is created. If the ablation is introduced from the right side, the positioning of the ablation catheter on the partly hidden left pulmonary veins is of vital importance. Using thoracoscopy in combination with multiplane transoesophageal echocardiography, the anatomical position of the ablation catheter can be established. Our experience in over 60 procedures has confirmed this to be a safe technique of total endoscopic ablation.
|
|
15. |
|
|
16. |
- Ahlsson, Anders, 1962-, et al.
(author)
-
Postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing aortocoronary bypass surgery carries an eightfold risk of future atrial fibrillation and a doubled cardiovascular mortality
- 2010
-
In: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1010-7940 .- 1873-734X. ; 37:6, s. 1353-1359
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: This article presents a study of postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) and its long-term effects on mortality and heart rhythm.METHODS: The study cohort consisted of 571 patients with no history of AF who underwent primary aortocoronary bypass surgery from 1999 to 2000. Postoperative AF occurred in 165/571 patients (28.9%). After a median follow-up of 6 years, questionnaires were obtained from 91.6% of surviving patients and an electrocardiogram (ECG) from 88.6% of all patients. Data from hospitalisations due to arrhythmia or stroke during follow-up were analysed. The causes of death were obtained for deceased patients.RESULTS: In postoperative AF patients, 25.4% had atrial fibrillation at follow-up compared with 3.6% of patients with no AF at surgery (p<0.001). An episode of postoperative AF was the strongest independent risk factor for development of late AF, with an adjusted risk ratio of 8.31 (95% confidence interval (CI) 4.20-16.43). Mortality was 29.7% (49 deaths/165 patients) in the AF group and 14.8% (60 deaths/406 patients) in the non-AF group (p<0.001). Death due to cerebral ischaemia was more common in the postoperative AF group (4.2% vs 0.2%, p<0.001), as was death due to myocardial infarction (6.7% vs 3.0%, p=0.041). Postoperative AF was an age-independent risk factor for late mortality, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.57 (95% CI 1.05-2.34).CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative AF patients have an eightfold increased risk of developing AF in the future, and a doubled long-term cardiovascular mortality.
|
|
17. |
- Ahmed, Fozia Z., et al.
(author)
-
Use of healthcare claims to validate the Prevention of Arrhythmia Device Infection Trial cardiac implantable electronic device infection risk score
- 2021
-
In: Europace. - : Oxford University Press. - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 23:9, s. 1446-1455
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- AIM: The Prevention of Arrhythmia Device Infection Trial (PADIT) infection risk score, developed based on a large prospectively collected data set, identified five independent predictors of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection. We performed an independent validation of the risk score in a data set extracted from U.S. healthcare claims.METHODS AND RESULTS: Retrospective identification of index CIED procedures among patients aged ≥18 years with at least one record of a CIED procedure between January 2011 and September 2014 in a U.S health claims database. PADIT risk factors and major CIED infections (with system removal, invasive procedure without system removal, or infection-attributable death) were identified through diagnosis and procedure codes. The data set was randomized by PADIT score into Data Set A (60%) and Data Set B (40%). A frailty model allowing multiple procedures per patient was fit using Data Set A, with PADIT score as the only predictor, excluding patients with prior CIED infection. A data set of 54 042 index procedures among 51 623 patients with 574 infections was extracted. Among patients with no history of prior CIED infection, a 1 unit increase in the PADIT score was associated with a relative 28% increase in infection risk. Prior CIED infection was associated with significant incremental predictive value (HR 5.66, P < 0.0001) after adjusting for PADIT score. A Harrell's C-statistic for the PADIT score and history of prior CIED infection was 0.76.CONCLUSION: The PADIT risk score predicts increased CIED infection risk, identifying higher risk patients that could potentially benefit from targeted interventions to reduce the risk of CIED infection. Prior CIED infection confers incremental predictive value to the PADIT score.
|
|
18. |
|
|
19. |
- Aktaa, Suleman, et al.
(author)
-
European Society of Cardiology Quality Indicators for the care and outcomes of cardiac pacing : developed by the Working Group for Cardiac Pacing Quality Indicators in collaboration with the European Heart Rhythm Association of the European Society of Cardiology
- 2022
-
In: Europace. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1099-5129 .- 1532-2092. ; 24:1, s. 165-172
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- AIMS: To develop a suite of quality indicators (QIs) for the evaluation of the care and outcomes for adults undergoing cardiac pacing.METHODS AND RESULTS: Under the auspice of the Clinical Practice Guideline Quality Indicator Committee of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), the Working Group for cardiac pacing QIs was formed. The Group comprised Task Force members of the 2021 ESC Clinical Practice Guidelines on Cardiac Pacing and Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy, members of the European Heart Rhythm Association, international cardiac device experts, and patient representatives. We followed the ESC methodology for QI development, which involved (i) the identification of the key domains of care by constructing a conceptual framework of the management of patients receiving cardiac pacing, (ii) the development of candidate QIs by conducting a systematic review of the literature, (iii) the selection of the final set of QIs using a modified-Delphi method, and (iv) the evaluation of the feasibility of the developed QIs. Four domains of care were identified: (i) structural framework, (ii) patient assessment, (iii) pacing strategy, and (iv) clinical outcomes. In total, seven main and four secondary QIs were selected across these domains and were embedded within the 2021 ESC Guidelines on Cardiac Pacing and Cardiac Resynchronization therapy.CONCLUSION: By way of a standardized process, 11 QIs for cardiac pacing were developed. These indicators may be used to quantify adherence to guideline-recommended clinical practice and have the potential to improve the care and outcomes of patients receiving cardiac pacemakers.
|
|
20. |
- Alenius Dahlqvist, Jenny, 1972-, et al.
(author)
-
Pacemaker treatment after Fontan surgery-A Swedish national study
- 2019
-
In: Congenital Heart Disease. - : Computers, Materials and Continua (Tech Science Press). - 1747-079X .- 1747-0803. ; 14:4, s. 582-589
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- ObjectiveFontan surgery is performed in children with univentricular heart defects. Previous data regarding permanent pacemaker implantation frequency and indications in Fontan patients are limited and conflicting. We examined the prevalence of and risk factors for pacemaker treatment in a consecutive national cohort of patients after Fontan surgery in Sweden. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed all Swedish patients who underwent Fontan surgery from 1982 to 2017 (n=599). ResultsAfter a mean follow-up of 12.2years, 13% (78/599) of the patients with Fontan circulation had received pacemakers. Patients operated with the extracardiac conduit (EC) type of total cavopulmonary connection had a significantly lower prevalence of pacemaker implantation (6%) than patients with lateral tunnel (LT; 17%). Mortality did not differ between patients with (8%) and without pacemaker (5%). The most common pacemaker indication was sinus node dysfunction (SND) (64%). Pacemaker implantation due to SND was less common among patients with EC. Pacemaker implantation was significantly more common in patients with mitral atresia (MA; 44%), double outlet right ventricle (DORV; 24%) and double inlet left ventricle (DILV; 20%). In contrast, patients with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and hypoplastic left heart syndrome were significantly less likely to receive a pacemaker (3% and 6%, respectively). ConclusionsThirteen percent of Fontan patients received a permanent pacemaker, most frequently due to SND. EC was associated with a significantly lower prevalence of pacemaker than LT. Permanent pacemaker was more common in patients with MA, DORV, and DILV.
|
|
21. |
- Alfredsson, Joakim
(author)
-
Management and Outcome in Non ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes : Similarities and Differences Between Women and Men
- 2009
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Background: Non ST-elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes are the most frequent manifestations of acute ischemic heart disease. Gender differences in treatment intensity, including differences in level of care, have been reported. Also differences in benefit from certain treatments, especially invasive treatment, have been discussed. Finally, difference in outcome between men and women, have been proposed. Results have been inconsistent, partly depending on if and how adjustment for differences in background characteristics has been made. The aims of the studies in this thesis were to assess differences between the genders in baseline characteristics, level of care, medical treatment and non-invasive and invasive cardiac procedures. The aims were also to determine gender differences in short and long-term mortality, including impact of level of care, and to determine differences between the genders in benefit from an invasive strategy, with special reference to benefit in women.Method: We used prospectively collected data from the RIKS-HIA registry in two studies (Paper I and IV). In one study we merged data from patients admitted to general wards in the south-east region of Sweden (The AKUT registry), with data from patients admitted to CCU´s (RIKS-HIA) at participating hospitals during the same time (Paper II). We also randomly assigned women to a routine invasive or a selective invasive treatment strategy, and performed a meta-analysis, to determine gender differences in benefit from a routine invasive strategy (Paper III).Results: Women were older than men and more likely to have a history of diabetes and hypertension, while men were more likely to have a history of myocardial infarction and revascularisation. Women were also more likely to have normal coronary arteries on the angiogram. After adjustment for baseline differences there were only minor, and directionally inconsistent, differences between women and men in pharmacological treatment. Men were more often referred for coronary angiography, even after adjustment. While CABG-rate was lower in women, after adjustment PCI-rate was similar or even higher compared to men. After adjustment for differences in age, longterm outcome was better in women. In our small but randomised trial there was no benefit from a routine invasive strategy in women. A meta-analysis indicated interaction between gender and treatment strategy, with lack of benefit in women, in contrast to in men. However, our large observational study indicated no gender difference with an invasive strategy. Moreover, benefit was similar in women and men with invasive treatment.Conclusion: There are substantial differences between women and men in baseline characteristics that affect management and outcome more than gender per se. After adjustment women have better long-term outcome than men. There appear to be a difference in benefit from a routine invasive strategy between the genders, with less benefit in women, but in routine clinical management there was no difference between women and men managed with an invasive strategy.
|
|
22. |
- Almer, Jakob, et al.
(author)
-
Ischemic QRS prolongation as a biomarker of myocardial injury in STEMI patients
- 2019
-
In: Annals of Noninvasive Electrocardiology. - : Wiley. - 1082-720X. ; 24:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Patients with acute coronary occlusion (ACO) may not only have ischemia-related ST-segment changes but also changes in the QRS complex. It has recently been shown in dogs that a greater ischemic QRS prolongation (IQP) during ACO is related to lower collateral flow. This suggests that greater IQP could indicate more severe ischemia and thereby more rapid infarct development. Therefore, the purpose was to evaluate the relationship between IQP and measures of myocardial injury in patients presenting with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).METHODS: Seventy-seven patients with first-time STEMI were retrospectively included from the recently published SOCCER trial. All patients underwent a cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) examination 2-6 days after the acute event. Infarct size (IS), myocardium at risk (MaR), and myocardial salvage index (MSI) were assessed and related to IQP. IQP measures assessed were; computer-generated QRS duration, QRS duration at maximum ST deviation, absolute IQP and relative IQP, all derived from a pre-PCI, 12-lead ECG.RESULTS: Median absolute IQP was 10 ms (range 0-115 ms). There were no statistically significant correlations between measures of IQP and any of the CMR measures of myocardial injury (absolute IQP vs IS, r = 0.03, p = 0.80; MaR, r = -0.01, p = 0.89; MSI, r = -0.05, p = 0.68).CONCLUSIONS: Unlike previous experimental studies, the IQP was limited in patients presenting at the emergency room with first-time STEMI and no correlation was found between IQP and CMR variables of myocardial injury in these patients. Therefore, IQP does not seem to be a suitable biomarker for triaging patients in this clinical context.
|
|
23. |
- Andell, Pontus, et al.
(author)
-
Intravascular Ultrasound Guidance Is Associated With Better Outcome in Patients Undergoing Unprotected Left Main Coronary Artery Stenting Compared With Angiography Guidance Alone
- 2017
-
In: Circulation. Cardiovascular Interventions. - : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. - 1941-7640 .- 1941-7632. ; 10:5
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Small observational studies have indicated better outcome with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guidance when performing unprotected left main coronary artery (LMCA) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), but the overall picture remains inconclusive and warrants further investigation. We studied the impact of IVUS guidance on outcome in patients undergoing unprotected LMCA PCI in a Swedish nationwide observational study.Methods and Results: Patients who underwent unprotected LMCA PCI between 2005 and 2014 because of stable coronary artery disease or acute coronary syndrome were included from the nationwide SCAAR (Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry). Of 2468 patients, IVUS guidance was used in 621 (25.2%). The IVUS group was younger (median age, 70 versus 75 years) and had fewer comorbidities but more complex lesions. IVUS was associated with larger stent diameters (median, 4 mm versus 3.5 mm). After adjusting for potential confounders, IVUS was associated with significantly lower occurrence of the primary composite end point of all-cause mortality, restenosis, or definite stent thrombosis (hazard ratio, 0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.50-0.84) and all-cause mortality alone (hazard ratio, 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.47-0.82). In 340 propensity score-matched pairs, IVUS was also associated with significantly lower occurrence of the primary end point (hazard ratio, 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.37-0.80).Conclusions: IVUS was associated with an independent and significant outcome benefit when performing unprotected LMCA PCI. Potential mediators of this benefit include larger and more appropriately sized stents, perhaps translating into lower risk of subsequent stent thrombosis. Although residual confounding cannot be ruled out, our findings indicate a possible hazard when performing unprotected LMCA PCI without IVUS guidance.
|
|
24. |
- Andersen, Kasper, 1974-, et al.
(author)
-
Dose–Response Relationship of Total and Leisure Time Physical Activity to Risk of Heart Failure : a prospective cohort study
- 2014
-
In: Circulation Heart Failure. - 1941-3289 .- 1941-3297. ; 7:5, s. 701-708
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background—The nature of the association between levels of physical activity and risk of heart failure is little known. We investigated nonlinear associations of total and leisure time physical activity with risk of heart failure.Methods and Results—In 1997, 39 805 persons without heart failure completed a questionnaire of lifestyle factors and medical history. We used Cox regression models to investigate total (adjusting for education and previous myocardial infarction) and direct (multivariable-adjusted) effects of self-reported total and leisure time physical activity on risk of heart failure of any cause and heart failure of nonischemic origin. Heart failure diagnoses were obtained until December 31, 2010. Higher leisure time physical activity was associated with lower risk of heart failure of any cause; hazard ratio of the total effect of leisure time physical activity was for fifth versus first quintile 0.54; 95% confidence interval was 0.44 to 0.66. The direct effect was similar. High total daily physical activity level was associated with lower risk of heart failure, although the effect was less pronounced than for leisure time physical activity (total effect hazard ratio, 0.81; 95% confidence interval, 0.69–0.95; fifth versus first quintile). A similar direct effect observed.Conclusions—Leisure time physical activity was inversely related to risk of developing heart failure in a dose–response fashion. This was reflected in a similar but less pronounced association of total physical activity with risk of heart failure. Only part of the effects appeared to be mediated by traditional risk factors.
|
|
25. |
- Andersen, Kasper, 1974-, et al.
(author)
-
Exercise capacity and muscle strength and risk of vascular disease and arrhythmias : A cohort study of 1.26 million young men
-
Other publication (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Background:While physical activity and exercise protects against cardiovascular disease, athletes have higher risk of atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias. Graded independent and joint influences of exercise capacity and muscle strength on these diseases are unknown.Methods:All 1.26 million Swedish men who participated in mandatory military conscription between 1972 and 1995 (at a median age of 18.2 years) contributed. Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the associations of maximal exercise capacity and muscle strength at conscription to subsequent risk of vascular disease and arrhythmias, as identified in national registries.Results:During a median follow-up of 26.3 years, about 26,000 hospitalizations for vascular disease events and 17,000 for arrhythmias occurred. Exercise capacity was inversely associated with risk of vascular disease (hazard ratio [HR] 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61-0.67]; for 5th vs. 1st quintile) and so was muscle strength (HR 0.79; 0.76-0.83; for 5th vs. 1st quintile ). Similar associations were seen across a range of major vascular disease events. Exercise capacity was associated with incidence of arrhythmias in a U-shaped fashion (HR 0.91; 0.86-0.96; for 3rd vs. 1st quintile, and 0.99; 0.94-1.04; for 5th vs. 1st quintile). Higher muscle strength was associated with lower risk of arrhythmias (HR 0.87; 0.83-0.91; for 5th vs. 1st quintile). Conclusion:Exercise capacity and muscle strength in late adolescence are independently and jointly associated with long-term risk of vascular disease and arrhythmias. The lower risk of vascular events with higher exercise capacity was not outweighed by higher risk of arrhythmias.
|
|