Detection and significance of myocardial ischemia in stable patients after recovery from an acute coronary event

Article Abstract:

Detection of myocardial ischemia with or without symptoms of angina after heart attack does not appear to be a useful predictor of future heart attacks. Myocardial ischemia refers to a deficiency of blood to the heart caused by the blocking or narrowing of arteries. Using rest electrocardiogram, exercise electrocardiogram and scintigraphy imaging, 936 patients who had been hospitalized for either heart attack or unstable angina in the previous six months were tested for myocardial ischemia. Of all the test results, only ST depression during the rest electrocardiogram was associated with an increased risk of recurrent heart attack. Exercise-induced ST depression in combination with reduced exercise capacity was significantly associated with an increased risk of heart attack, however. Myocardial ischemia was not associated with an increased risk nor was its presence or absence useful in determining prognosis.

Diagnosis, Risk factors, Coronary heart disease

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Improved survival with an implanted defibrillator in patients with coronary disease at high risk for ventricular arrhythmia

Article Abstract:

An implantable defibrillator may be more effective than anti-arrhythmic drugs in preventing life-threatening arrhythmias in patients who have had a heart attack. Researchers randomly assigned 196 patients with severe heart disease and a history of heart attack to receive either an implantable defibrillator or anti-arrhythmic drugs. All of the patients had a high risk of arrhythmia documented by the fact that doctors were able to induce an arrythmia under carefully controlled conditions. After an average of 27 months, those with the defibrillator had half the death rate of those taking anti-arrhythmic drugs.

Evaluation, Prevention, Complications and side effects, Defibrillators, Cardiovascular instruments, Implanted, Cardiovascular implants, Electric countershock

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Influence of the genotype on the clinical course of the long-QT syndrome

Article Abstract:

Genetic mutations in genes related to potassium channels in the heart may increase the risk of fatal cardiac events in patients with long-QT syndrome. Long-QT syndrome is a disorder of heart rhythm that increases the risk of fainting, ventricular tachycardia, and sudden death. Researchers examined the genetic profile of 541 people with the disorder, and found that particular genetic mutations were present in 246 people. Those with the mutations were 4-20% more likely to suffer a fatal heart disturbance than people without the mutations.

Health aspects, Gene mutations, Gene mutation, Genetic aspects, Heart, Electric properties, Sudden death

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