Acta Cardiologica 

About: Acta Cardiologica is an academic journal published by Taylor & Francis. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Myocardial infarction & Heart failure. It has an ISSN identifier of 0001-5385. Over the lifetime, 3856 publications have been published receiving 32845 citations. The journal is also known as: The official journal of the belgian society of cardiology & An international journal of cardiology.

Inverse correlation between plasma vitamin E and mortality from ischemic heart disease in cross-cultural epidemiology.

Abstract: Essential antioxidants were determined in plasma of middle-aged men representing 16 European study populations, which differed sixfold in age-specific mortality from ischemic heart disease (IHD). In 12 populations with \"common\" plasma cholesterol (5.7-6.2 mmol/L) and blood pressure, both classical risk factors lacked significant correlations to IHD mortality, whereas absolute levels of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) showed a strong inverse correlation (r2 = 0.63, P = 0.002). Evaluating all populations, cholesterol and diastolic blood pressure were moderately associated, but their correlation was inferior to that of vitamin E. In stepwise regression and multiple regression analysis, mortality was predictable to 62% by lipid-standardized vitamin E, to 79% by vitamin E and cholesterol, to 83% after inclusion of lipid-standardized vitamin A (retinol), and to 87% by all the above parameters plus blood pressure. Thus, in the present study the cross-cultural differences of IDH mortality are primarily attributable to plasma status of vitamin E, which might have protective functions.

Isfahan Healthy Heart Programme: a comprehensive integrated community-based programme for cardiovascular disease prevention and control. Design, methods and initial experience.

Abstract: The Isfahan Healthy Heart Programme (IHHP) is a five to six year comprehensive integrated community-based programme for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) prevention and control via reducing CVD risk factors and improvement of cardiovascular healthy behaviour in a target population. IHHP started late in 1999 and will be finished in 2005-2006. A primary survey was done to collect baseline data from interventional (Isfahan and Najaf-Abad) and reference (Arak) communities. In a two-stage sampling method, we randomly selected 5 to 10 percent of households from randomly selected clusters. Then individuals aged > or = 19 years were selected for the survey. This way, data from 12,600 individuals (6300 in interventional counties and 6300 in the reference county) was collected and stratified according to living area (urban vs. rural) and different age and sex groups. The samples underwent a 30-minute interview to complete validated questionnaires containing questions on demography, socioeconomic status, smoking behaviour, physical activity, nutritional habits and other behaviour regarding CVD. Blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) measurements were done and fasting blood samples were taken for two hours post load plasma glucose (2 hpp), serum (total, HDL and LDL) cholesterol and triglyceride levels. A twelve-lead electrocardiogram was recorded in all persons above 35 years of age. Community-wide surveillance of deaths, hospital discharges, myocardial infarction and stroke registry was carried out in the intervention and control areas. Four to five years of interventions based on different categories such as mass media, community partnerships, health system involvement and policy and legislation have started in the intervention area while Arak will be followed without intervention. Considering the results of the baseline surveys, (assessments needed, the objectives, existing resources and the possibility of national implementation) the interventions were planned. They were set based on specific target groups like school children, women, work-site, health personnel, high-risk persons, and community leaders were actively engaged as decision makers. A series of teams was arranged for planning and implementation of the intervention strategies. Monitoring will be done on small samples to assess the effect of different interventions in the intervention area. While four periodic surveys will be conducted on independent samples to assess health behaviours related to CVD risk factors in the intervention and reference areas, the original pre-intervention subjects aged more than 35 years will be followed in both areas to assess the individual effect of interventions and outcomes like sudden death, fatal and nonfatal MI and stroke. The whole baseline survey will be repeated on the original and an independent sample in both communities at the end of the study.

Endothelial dysfunction in hypertension.

Abstract: Endothelial cells release both relaxing and contracting factors that modulate vascular smooth muscle tone and also participate in the pathophysiology of essential hypertension. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation is regulated primarily by nitric oxide but also by an unidentified endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor and by prostacyclin. Endothelium-derived contracting factors include endothelin-1, vasoconscrictor prostanoids, angiotensin II and superoxide anions. Under physiological conditions, there is a balanced release of relaxing and contracting factors. The balance can be altered in cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, diabetes and other conditions, thereby contributing to further progression of vascular and end-organ damage. In particular, endothelial dysfunction leading to decreased bioavailability of nitric oxide impairs endothelium-dependent vasodilation in patients with essential hypertension and may also be a determinant for the premature development of atherosclerosis. Different mechanisms of reduced nitric oxide activity have been shown both in hypertensive states and several cardiovascular diseases, and endothelial dysfunction is likely to occur prior to vascular dysfunction. Thus, the strategies currently used to improve endothelial dysfunction may result in decreased morbidity and mortality in hypertensive patients.

C-reactive protein and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: evidence of the implication of an inflammatory process in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Abstract: Background - Detection of inflammation is best achieved by measurements of C-reactive protein (CRP)We investigated whether inflammation might promote the development of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF), and whether high levels of CRP are associated with an increased risk of PAF Methods - We assessed the levels of CRP and other risk factors in patients with PAF of recent onset (<24 h), compared with age and sex matched controls with the same risk factors who had normal sinus rhythm Patients with thyrotoxicosis, mitral stenosis, pulmonary emboli or pericarditis were excluded Fifty patients with PAF and 50 control subjects were finally included All patients received amiodarone (27 g over 24 hours) Results - Conversion to normal sinus rhythm was achieved within 24 h in 40 patients CRP levels were higher (P<0001) in the PAF group (median = 080, min = 000, max = 590 mg/dl) compared with controls (median = 004, min = 000, max = 048 mg/dl) In the PAF group CRP levels were higher (P<0001) for patients who failed to be cardioverted (median = 212, min = 080, max = 590 mg/dl) compared to cardiovertors Nevertheless, CRP levels in patients who underwent successful cardioversion (median = 050, min = 000, max = 253 mg/dl) were higher compared with controls (P<0001) Finally, CRP was higher in non-cardiovertors vs control group, p<0001 After multivariate adjustment left atrial size (OR, 44) and CRP levels (OR, 33) were significantly associated with successful cardioversion to sinus rhythm Conclusion -These results suggest that CRP has a strong association with PAF and support the hypothesis that CRP is a potent determinant of successful cardioversion of PAF in sinus rhythm