Amiodarone to prevent recurrence of atrial fibrillation
Article Abstract:
The anti-arrhythmic drug amiodarone appears to be more effective in treating atrial fibrillation than other anti-arrhythmic drugs. Atrial fibrillation occurs when the top part of the heart beats very rapidly. It is a risk factor for stroke because the heart can throw off blood clots that can travel to the brain. Researchers randomly assigned 403 patients with atrial fibrillation to take amiodarone, sotalol, or propafenone. Only 35% of those taking amiodarone had a recurrence of atrial fibrillation, compared to 63% of those taking sotalol or propafenone. Eighteen percent of the patients taking amiodarone experienced side effects, compared to 11% of those taking the other drugs.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2000
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Prophylactic use of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator after acute myocardial infraction
Article Abstract:
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy is shown to improve survival in patients with various heart conditions who are at high risk for ventricular arrhythmias. It is concluded that prophylactic ICD therapy does not reduce overall mortality in high-risk patients who have recently had a myocardial infraction.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2004
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Probucol and multivitamins in the prevention of restenosis after coronary angioplasty
Article Abstract:
The antioxidant probucol appears to be effective in preventing re-stenosis in patients with coronary artery disease who undergo angioplasty. Angioplasty is used to remove fatty deposits in arteries, but the deposits can re-occur, a condition called re-stenosis. A total of 317 patients scheduled for angioplasty were randomly assigned to take probucol, vitamins, both, or a placebo for six months after angioplasty. Probucol was the most effective in preventing restenosis and also reduced the rate of repeat angioplasty.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1997
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- Abstracts: Efficacy of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators for the prevention of sudden death in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
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