Ejection Fraction Improvement Does Not Reflect Changes in Quality of Life Following Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Conclusion: CRT was associated with a modest to significant EF response in a majority of patients. However, EF response did not significantly correlate with generic or HF-specific HRQoL measures. Further investigations are warranted into determinants of improved HRQoL following CRT. (Source: Critical Pathways in Cardiology)
Source: Critical Pathways in Cardiology - November 24, 2022 Category: Cardiology Tags: Original Study Source Type: research

A Prognostic Score To Predict Atrial fibrillation Recurrence After External Electrical Cardioversion—SLAC Score
Conclusions: A simple prognostic prediction score for AF recurrence after successful ECV was created with a promising internally validated discrimination power. An external assessment of its usefulness as a tool to identify patients with low, moderate, and high risk for AF recurrence is warranted. (Source: Critical Pathways in Cardiology)
Source: Critical Pathways in Cardiology - November 24, 2022 Category: Cardiology Tags: Original Study Source Type: research

All Aortic Valve Diseases Taken Together Are Not Associated With Obesity
Background: Obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The goal of this study was to evaluate any association between aortic valve disease and obesity using a very large database. Methods: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was utilized for statistical analysis using ICD-9 codes for aortic valve disease and obesity in the United States from 2003 to 2007. A 25% random sample of nonobese patients was used for comparison of aortic valve disease prevalence during the same 5-year period. Results: A total of 1,971,812 patients with obesity were identified from 2003 to 2007. Comparing this popula...
Source: Critical Pathways in Cardiology - November 24, 2022 Category: Cardiology Tags: Original Study Source Type: research

Evaluation of the Practice Guideline Used for Rule-Out of Myocardial Infarction at a Tertiary Cardiology Center
Conclusions: The Tehran Herat Center protocol was a relatively safe protocol with high efficacy. Despite the high safety of the other diagnostic pathways, the high volume of patients needing additional evaluation could impose a high burden on the health care system. (Source: Critical Pathways in Cardiology)
Source: Critical Pathways in Cardiology - November 24, 2022 Category: Cardiology Tags: Original Study Source Type: research

Impact of Wire Sensor Location on Coronary Physiological Measurement
Background: The location of the wire sensor to measure fractional flow reserve (FFR) and diastolic pressure ratio (dPR) has not been systematically studied. Therefore, we hypothesize that the coronary physiological measurements will vary with the location of the sensor. Methods: Fifty-four patients were screened, and 30 consecutive patients were enrolled. The OptoWire 2 or 3 generation fiberoptic pressure wire was used to assess whole cycle pressure distal/pressure aorta, dPR, and FFR. Our primary goal is to test if those measurements vary with the wire sensor placed at 10 mm (proximal), 35–45 mm (mid), an...
Source: Critical Pathways in Cardiology - November 24, 2022 Category: Cardiology Tags: Original Study Source Type: research

Distal Trans-radial Access Compared to Conventional Trans-radial Access in Coronary Interventions: A Meta-analysis
Conclusion: dTRA is a safe alternative to conventional TRA for coronary interventions with a lower risk of RAO. Future trials are required to further compare both approaches. (Source: Critical Pathways in Cardiology)
Source: Critical Pathways in Cardiology - November 24, 2022 Category: Cardiology Tags: Original Study Source Type: research

Factors Predicting Misidentification of Acute Ischemic Stroke and Large Vessel Occlusion by Paramedics
The emergence of thrombectomy for large vessel occlusions has increased the importance of accurate prehospital identification and triage of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Despite available clinical scores, prehospital identification is suboptimal. Our objective was to improve the sensitivity of prehospital AIS identification by combining dispatch information with paramedic impression. We performed a retrospective cohort review of emergency medical services and hospital records of all patients for whom a stroke alert was activated in 1 urban, academic emergency department from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2019. Using admi...
Source: Critical Pathways in Cardiology - November 24, 2022 Category: Cardiology Tags: Original Study Source Type: research

Clinical Validation of a Smartphone-based Handheld ECG Device: A Validation Study
Conclusions: The diagnosis of critical pathological rhythms, including atrial fibrillation and high-grade atrioventricular node block, was not missed by the Nabz Hooshmand-1 and GE MAC 1200 ECG devices. Accordingly, rhythm detection as the primary purpose of handheld ECG devices was highly accurate. Both devices had acceptable sensitivity to diagnose long P-R and long and short QT intervals. Although the modern technology of smartphones and the physical inability for the 6-limb mode might cause old patients difficulty in utilizing such devices, their use for screening and follow-up is safe. (Source: Critical Pathways in Cardiology)
Source: Critical Pathways in Cardiology - November 24, 2022 Category: Cardiology Tags: Original Study Source Type: research

Cardiac Rehabilitation Referral After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Cardiac rehabilitation following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is associated with improved outcomes; however, it remains relatively underutilized in this patient population. As part of a quality improvement initiative, we sought to increase the rate of cardiac rehabilitation referral after TAVR at our institution. We designed and implemented a multidisciplinary program that included education of cardiothoracic surgery providers discharging post-TAVR patients on the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation with participation of cardiac rehabilitation personnel during discharge rounds with the surgical team. The st...
Source: Critical Pathways in Cardiology - November 24, 2022 Category: Cardiology Tags: Original Study Source Type: research

20 Years of Critical Pathways
No abstract available (Source: Critical Pathways in Cardiology)
Source: Critical Pathways in Cardiology - November 24, 2022 Category: Cardiology Tags: Editorial Source Type: research

Impact of Baseline Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Using CKD-EPI Equation on Long-term Prognosis of STEMI Patients: A Matter of Small Increments!
Background: Baseline biomarkers including glomerular filtration rate (GFR) guide the management of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). GFR is a tool for prediction of adverse outcomes in these patients. Objectives: We aimed to determine the prognostic utility of estimated GFR using Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration in a cohort of STEMI patients. Methods: A retrospective cohort was designed among 5953 patients with STEMI. Primary endpoint of the study was major adverse cardiovascular events. GFR was classified into 3 categories delineated as C1 ( (Source: Criti...
Source: Critical Pathways in Cardiology - August 29, 2022 Category: Cardiology Tags: Original Study Source Type: research

Tablet-Based Assessment of Cognitive Function Among Heart Failure Patients
Conclusions: We have demonstrated that information and communication technology devices can be successfully applied as feasible tools for cognitive assessment in the HF population. This is important as tablet-based CF assessment can be done on a large population without the involvement of trained personnel. (Source: Critical Pathways in Cardiology)
Source: Critical Pathways in Cardiology - August 29, 2022 Category: Cardiology Tags: Original Study Source Type: research

Comparison of Angiographic and Clinical Outcomes After Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction Between Patients With and Without Concomitant COVID-19 Infection
Conclusions: The concomitant COVID-19 infection in the patients undergoing primary PCI is associated with significantly worse angiographic, procedural and clinical outcomes. Surprisingly, this finding is regardless of patients’ baseline risk factors and demographical characteristics. (Source: Critical Pathways in Cardiology)
Source: Critical Pathways in Cardiology - August 29, 2022 Category: Cardiology Tags: Original Study Source Type: research

Establishing a Cardiac ICU Recovery Clinic: Characterizing a Model for Continuity of Cardiac Critical Care
Conclusions: CICU survivors are faced with significant residual symptom burden, dependence upon caretakers, and impairments in mental health. Dedicated CICURCs may help prioritize treatment of ICU related illness, reduce symptom burden, and improve outcomes. Interventions delivered in ICU recovery clinic for patients surviving the CICU warrant further investigation. (Source: Critical Pathways in Cardiology)
Source: Critical Pathways in Cardiology - August 29, 2022 Category: Cardiology Tags: Original Study Source Type: research

A Novel Orderset Driven Emergency Department Atrial Fibrillation Algorithm to Increase Discharge and Risk-appropriate Anticoagulation
Conclusions: Our novel AF pathway orderset was associated with 100% guideline-concordant anticoagulation in patients discharged from the ED. Availability of the orderset was associated with a significant increase in the proportion of ED AF patients discharged. (Source: Critical Pathways in Cardiology)
Source: Critical Pathways in Cardiology - August 29, 2022 Category: Cardiology Tags: Original Study Source Type: research