Cardiovascular Medicine

7 pages, 183 KB

Open AccessReview

Integrated Nurse-Led Oral Anticoagulation Management

by Jeroen M. L. Hendriks and Anna Strömberg

Cardiovasc. Med. 2015, 18(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.4414/cvm.2015.00305 - 21 Jan 2015

Viewed by 16

The management of atrial fibrillation (AF) is a complex process because AF is not only a heart rhythm disturbance but also a vascular disease, which necessitates treatment of the arrhythmia, prevention of thromboembolic complications and treatment of the underlying cardiovascular components. Moreover, although [...] Read more.

The management of atrial fibrillation (AF) is a complex process because AF is not only a heart rhythm disturbance but also a vascular disease, which necessitates treatment of the arrhythmia, prevention of thromboembolic complications and treatment of the underlying cardiovascular components. Moreover, although evidence-based guidelines for AF management are available, research demonstrated poor guideline adherence in the treatment of AF, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality rates in these patients. As a consequence, current practice calls for a more comprehensive management approach. This integrated approach to care contributes to the availability of evidence-based care by redesigning daily practice while improving clinical outcomes. In this paper the fundamentals of an integrated approach to care are presented in terms of a nurse-led, guideline-based, software-supported outpatient clinic for patients with AF. Also, the effectiveness of this AF-Clinic is discussed from the viewpoint of oral anticoagulation therapy, compared with usual care. Full article

3 pages, 105 KB

Open AccessReview

Management of Arterial Hypertension

by Grégoire Wuerzner and Michel Burnier

Cardiovasc. Med. 2015, 18(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.4414/cvm.2015.00295 - 21 Jan 2015

Viewed by 8

Abstract

The new guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension were released in 2013 by the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) and the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). The purpose of this review is to highlight some of the changes in these new guidelines [...] Read more.

The new guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension were released in 2013 by the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) and the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). The purpose of this review is to highlight some of the changes in these new guidelines compared to the previous version. Full article

3 pages, 692 KB

Open AccessInteresting Images

Extreme Rocking Motion of an Infected Aortic Bioprosthesis

by Stéphane Noble, Aude Maillefer and Mustafa Cikirikcioglu

Cardiovasc. Med. 2015, 18(1), 34; https://doi.org/10.4414/cvm.2015.00301 - 21 Jan 2015

Viewed by 13

Abstract

A 66-year-old man underwent aortic valve replace-ment (AVR) for severe aortic regurgitation in 2003 [...] Full article

2 pages, 1074 KB

Open AccessInteresting Images

Kussmaul's Sign in Effusive Constrictive Pericarditis

by Mattia Cattaneo, Stefano Muzzarelli, Francesco Faletra, Alessandra Pia Porretta, Francesco Siclari and Augusto Gallino

Cardiovasc. Med. 2015, 18(1), 32; https://doi.org/10.4414/cvm.2015.00296 - 21 Jan 2015

Viewed by 17

Abstract

A 67-year old man with mitral valve prolapse and moderate regurgitation was admitted because of dyspnoea, bilateral ankle swelling and hypotension. Close inspection of the jugular veins identified Kussmaul’s sign, a typical increase in the central venous pressure during inspiration (fig. 1; arrows) [...] Read more.

A 67-year old man with mitral valve prolapse and moderate regurgitation was admitted because of dyspnoea, bilateral ankle swelling and hypotension. Close inspection of the jugular veins identified Kussmaul’s sign, a typical increase in the central venous pressure during inspiration (fig. 1; arrows) [...]
Full article

3 pages, 118 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Duration of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy After Coronary Artery Stenting

by Ronald K. Binder and Thomas F. Lüscher

Cardiovasc. Med. 2015, 18(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.4414/cvm.2015.00308 - 21 Jan 2015

Viewed by 14

Abstract

With the introduction of coronary artery stenting in the mid 1980s [...] Full article

7 pages, 171 KB

Open AccessReview

Vorhofflimmern und Herzinsuffizienz

by David R. Altmann and Hans Rickli

Cardiovasc. Med. 2015, 18(1), 25; https://doi.org/10.4414/cvm.2015.00302 - 21 Jan 2015

Viewed by 14

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation and cardiac insufficiency: Atrial fibrillation and heart failure with left ventricular systolic dysfunction have emerged as a dual cardiovascular epidemic over the last decades. The steadily increasing number of heart failure patients is due partially to both the remarkable progress made [...] Read more.

Atrial fibrillation and cardiac insufficiency: Atrial fibrillation and heart failure with left ventricular systolic dysfunction have emerged as a dual cardiovascular epidemic over the last decades. The steadily increasing number of heart failure patients is due partially to both the remarkable progress made in drug treatment and the rapid revascularisation of patients with acute myocardial infarction, who are thus able to live or survive longer. Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice, and its incidence increases with age. Although there is no causative relationship between them, these two clinical entities–due to common risk factors–often tend to occur together, influencing each other. When occurring in association with heart failure, atrial fibrillation is either likely related to enhanced mortality or, alternatively, a marker of advanced heart failure. This overview provides insights into how atrial fibrillation and heart failure impact on each other, in addition to therapeutic options such as, for example, the question as to the benefits of cardiac rhythm control in patients suffering from heart failure. Full article

5 pages, 471 KB

Open AccessReview

The Heart and Cirrhosis

by Philippe Meyer and Laurent Spahr

Cardiovasc. Med. 2015, 18(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.4414/cvm.2015.00299 - 21 Jan 2015

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 11

Abstract

Cirrhosis has known effects on the cardiovascular system. These changes have been designated under the term cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. Half of cirrhotic patients may present this syndrome, which consists of structural, electrophysiological and functional alterations. The main features include enlargement of cardiac chambers, impaired [...] Read more.

Cirrhosis has known effects on the cardiovascular system. These changes have been designated under the term cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. Half of cirrhotic patients may present this syndrome, which consists of structural, electrophysiological and functional alterations. The main features include enlargement of cardiac chambers, impaired cardiac response to stress, diastolic dysfunction and prolonged QT interval. Electrocardiogram, determination of natriuretic peptides, and echocardiography are the cornerstones of diagnosis. Pathophysiology is mostly related to systemic vasodilatation and hyperdynamic circulation. The impact of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy in the overall prognosis of patients with cirrhosis is not well documented. Management consists mainly of diuretics to control volume overload since no specific therapy has proved effective yet. Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy is generally reversible after liver transplantation. Full article

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Cardiovasc. Med., Volume 18, Issue 1 (01 2015) – 7 articles

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