Background: Chronic heart failure is a public health problem worldwide. It has a high mortality rate and is accompanied by a decreased functional capacity and alteration of the quality of life. Objective: This st...Background: Chronic heart failure is a public health problem worldwide. It has a high mortality rate and is accompanied by a decreased functional capacity and alteration of the quality of life. Objective: This study aimed to assess the cardiovascular functional capacity of a group of patients suffering from heart failure using the 6-minute walk test (6 MWT). Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in the cardiology unit of Douala’s general hospital for 4 months. We included all eligible patients aged 18 years or more who had stable chronic heart failure and gave informed consent. Those who had an acute coronary syndrome (≤1 month), tachycardia (HR ≥ 120 bpm), high blood pressure (SBP ≥ 180 mmHg and/or DBP ≥ 100 mmHg) and reduced mobility due to orthopaedic reasons were excluded. A 6 MWT was done according to the American Thoracic Society guidelines. The 6 MWT result was considered poor for - 450 m and good for >450 m. Results: We recruited a total of 81 patients (61.7% women) with a mean age of 65.9 ± 10.6 years. The most frequent risk factor for heart failure was high blood pressure (77.8%), alcohol consumption(69.1%) and a sedentary lifestyle (53.1%). The left ventricular ejection fraction was mostly preserved (42.0%) or mildly altered (46.9). The 6 MWT results were poor in 55.6% of cases, average in 19.8% of cases and good in only 24.7% of cases. More than half (59.3%) of the participants perceived the effort as being difficult. The cardiovascular functional capacity was significantly associated with age, heart failure stage and physical activity (p Conclusion: Most patients suffering from chronic stable heart failure in the general hospital of Douala have poor cardiovascular functional capacity.展开更多
The function of the heart is to contract and pump oxygenated blood to the body and deoxygenated blood to the lungs.To achieve this goal,a normal human heart must beat regularly and continuously for one's entire li...The function of the heart is to contract and pump oxygenated blood to the body and deoxygenated blood to the lungs.To achieve this goal,a normal human heart must beat regularly and continuously for one's entire life.Heartbeats originate from the rhythmic pacing discharge from the sinoatrial(SA) node within the heart itself.In the absence of extrinsic neural or hormonal influences,the SA node pacing rate would be about 100 beats per minute.Heart rate and cardiac output,however,must vary in response to the needs of the body's cells for oxygen and nutrients under varying conditions.In order to respond rapidly to the changing requirements of the body's tissues,the heart rate and contractility are regulated by the nervous system,hormones,and other factors.Here we review how the cardiovascular system is controlled and influenced by not only a unique intrinsic system,but is also heavily influenced by the autonomic nervous system as well as the endocrine system.展开更多
The effects of medicinal cake insulation moxibustion were observed in 125 senilepersons aged over 58 years old. The changes of cardiovascular functions were observed before and af-te r treatment and determined with ca...The effects of medicinal cake insulation moxibustion were observed in 125 senilepersons aged over 58 years old. The changes of cardiovascular functions were observed before and af-te r treatment and determined with cardio-cerebral blood flow detector. The results showed that SV,CO and CI values got higher significantly after treatment (P【0.05), indicating better cardiac func-tion and better blood supply to the heart; TPR and V values reduced significantly (P【0.05 ), indi-cating lower peripheral vascular resistance and blood viscosity; AC and K values was elevated, but hadno statistical difference. With the improvement of cardiovascular functions, patient’s subjective symp-toms such as the spirit, the physical strength, the sleep, the appetite and the mernory were improvedmarkedly.展开更多
The influence of b-cell function on cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy(CAN), an important diabetesrelated complication, is still unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between residual b-cell...The influence of b-cell function on cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy(CAN), an important diabetesrelated complication, is still unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between residual b-cell function and CAN in patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. We enrolled 90 newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients and 37 participants with normal glucose tolerance as controls. The patients were divided into a CAN? group(diabetic patients with CAN, n = 20) and a CAN-group(diabetic patients without CAN, n = 70) according to the standard Ewing battery of tests. Fasting and postprandial plasma glucose, insulin, and C-peptide were measured.Homeostasis model assessment-beta cells(HOMA-B) and HOMA-insulin resistance(IR) were calculated. The prevalence of CAN in this population was 22.2%. Compared with the CAN-group, the CAN? group had significantly lower fasting plasma insulin(6.60 ± 4.39 vs 10.45 ± 7.82 l/L, P = 0.029), fasting C-peptide(0.51 ± 0.20 vs0.82 ± 0.51 nmol/L, P = 0.004), and HOMA-B(21.44 ± 17.06 vs 44.17 ± 38.49, P = 0.002). Fasting C-peptide was correlated with the Valsalva ratio(r = 0.24, P = 0.043) and the 30:15 test(r = 0.26,P = 0.023). Further analysis showed that fasting C-peptide(OR: 0.041, 95% CI 0.003–0.501, P = 0.012) and HOMAB(OR: 0.965, 95% CI 0.934–0.996, P = 0.028) were independently associated with cardiovascular autonomic nerve function in this population. The patients with fasting C-peptide values \ 0.67 nmol/L were more likely to have CAN than those with C-peptide levels C0.67 nmol/L(OR:6.00, 95% CI 1.815–19.830, P = 0.003). A high prevalence of CAN was found in patients with newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes. Decreased b-cell function was closely associated with CAN in this population.展开更多
An association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disease has been repeatedly rep orted. Several studies have focused on levels of gammaglutamyltransferase (GGT) and alanine aminotransferase (...An association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disease has been repeatedly rep orted. Several studies have focused on levels of gammaglutamyltransferase (GGT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in relation to cardiovascular outcomes. Evidence indicates that GGT may have a potential role for cardiovascular risk stratifi cation while the role of ALT for cardiac prognosis remains controversial. A conceptual framework that includes not only GGT and ALT but also markers of hepatocyte apoptosis such as cytokeratin-18 fragments should be developed.展开更多
Aim: A discussion of the measurement of functional status in cardiovascular research. Background: Selection of appropriate outcome measures and instrumentation is vital for nurse researchers to ensure that outcomes al...Aim: A discussion of the measurement of functional status in cardiovascular research. Background: Selection of appropriate outcome measures and instrumentation is vital for nurse researchers to ensure that outcomes align conceptually and are measured using reliable and valid tools. Functional status is a well-known outcome in cardiovascular research—however attention to underlying conceptual differences that may influence choices of whether to include subjective or objective measures is needed. Design: This work is a discussion paper: seminal research reporting the development, validation, and reliability testing of the NYHA classification system and the Duke Treadmill Score. Implications for nursing: Conceptually clarity and comprehensive appraisal of the reliability and validity of outcome measures in nursing research are essential to ensure high level of quality outcomes that will benefit patients.展开更多
文摘Background: Chronic heart failure is a public health problem worldwide. It has a high mortality rate and is accompanied by a decreased functional capacity and alteration of the quality of life. Objective: This study aimed to assess the cardiovascular functional capacity of a group of patients suffering from heart failure using the 6-minute walk test (6 MWT). Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in the cardiology unit of Douala’s general hospital for 4 months. We included all eligible patients aged 18 years or more who had stable chronic heart failure and gave informed consent. Those who had an acute coronary syndrome (≤1 month), tachycardia (HR ≥ 120 bpm), high blood pressure (SBP ≥ 180 mmHg and/or DBP ≥ 100 mmHg) and reduced mobility due to orthopaedic reasons were excluded. A 6 MWT was done according to the American Thoracic Society guidelines. The 6 MWT result was considered poor for - 450 m and good for >450 m. Results: We recruited a total of 81 patients (61.7% women) with a mean age of 65.9 ± 10.6 years. The most frequent risk factor for heart failure was high blood pressure (77.8%), alcohol consumption(69.1%) and a sedentary lifestyle (53.1%). The left ventricular ejection fraction was mostly preserved (42.0%) or mildly altered (46.9). The 6 MWT results were poor in 55.6% of cases, average in 19.8% of cases and good in only 24.7% of cases. More than half (59.3%) of the participants perceived the effort as being difficult. The cardiovascular functional capacity was significantly associated with age, heart failure stage and physical activity (p Conclusion: Most patients suffering from chronic stable heart failure in the general hospital of Douala have poor cardiovascular functional capacity.
文摘The function of the heart is to contract and pump oxygenated blood to the body and deoxygenated blood to the lungs.To achieve this goal,a normal human heart must beat regularly and continuously for one's entire life.Heartbeats originate from the rhythmic pacing discharge from the sinoatrial(SA) node within the heart itself.In the absence of extrinsic neural or hormonal influences,the SA node pacing rate would be about 100 beats per minute.Heart rate and cardiac output,however,must vary in response to the needs of the body's cells for oxygen and nutrients under varying conditions.In order to respond rapidly to the changing requirements of the body's tissues,the heart rate and contractility are regulated by the nervous system,hormones,and other factors.Here we review how the cardiovascular system is controlled and influenced by not only a unique intrinsic system,but is also heavily influenced by the autonomic nervous system as well as the endocrine system.
文摘The effects of medicinal cake insulation moxibustion were observed in 125 senilepersons aged over 58 years old. The changes of cardiovascular functions were observed before and af-te r treatment and determined with cardio-cerebral blood flow detector. The results showed that SV,CO and CI values got higher significantly after treatment (P【0.05), indicating better cardiac func-tion and better blood supply to the heart; TPR and V values reduced significantly (P【0.05 ), indi-cating lower peripheral vascular resistance and blood viscosity; AC and K values was elevated, but hadno statistical difference. With the improvement of cardiovascular functions, patient’s subjective symp-toms such as the spirit, the physical strength, the sleep, the appetite and the mernory were improvedmarkedly.
基金supported by the Medical Scientific Research Foundation of Guangdong Province of China(A2018286)the Key Projects of Clinical Disciplines of Hospitals Affiliated to Ministry of Health from Ministry of Health of China(A1781)
文摘The influence of b-cell function on cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy(CAN), an important diabetesrelated complication, is still unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between residual b-cell function and CAN in patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. We enrolled 90 newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients and 37 participants with normal glucose tolerance as controls. The patients were divided into a CAN? group(diabetic patients with CAN, n = 20) and a CAN-group(diabetic patients without CAN, n = 70) according to the standard Ewing battery of tests. Fasting and postprandial plasma glucose, insulin, and C-peptide were measured.Homeostasis model assessment-beta cells(HOMA-B) and HOMA-insulin resistance(IR) were calculated. The prevalence of CAN in this population was 22.2%. Compared with the CAN-group, the CAN? group had significantly lower fasting plasma insulin(6.60 ± 4.39 vs 10.45 ± 7.82 l/L, P = 0.029), fasting C-peptide(0.51 ± 0.20 vs0.82 ± 0.51 nmol/L, P = 0.004), and HOMA-B(21.44 ± 17.06 vs 44.17 ± 38.49, P = 0.002). Fasting C-peptide was correlated with the Valsalva ratio(r = 0.24, P = 0.043) and the 30:15 test(r = 0.26,P = 0.023). Further analysis showed that fasting C-peptide(OR: 0.041, 95% CI 0.003–0.501, P = 0.012) and HOMAB(OR: 0.965, 95% CI 0.934–0.996, P = 0.028) were independently associated with cardiovascular autonomic nerve function in this population. The patients with fasting C-peptide values \ 0.67 nmol/L were more likely to have CAN than those with C-peptide levels C0.67 nmol/L(OR:6.00, 95% CI 1.815–19.830, P = 0.003). A high prevalence of CAN was found in patients with newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes. Decreased b-cell function was closely associated with CAN in this population.
文摘An association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disease has been repeatedly rep orted. Several studies have focused on levels of gammaglutamyltransferase (GGT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in relation to cardiovascular outcomes. Evidence indicates that GGT may have a potential role for cardiovascular risk stratifi cation while the role of ALT for cardiac prognosis remains controversial. A conceptual framework that includes not only GGT and ALT but also markers of hepatocyte apoptosis such as cytokeratin-18 fragments should be developed.
文摘Aim: A discussion of the measurement of functional status in cardiovascular research. Background: Selection of appropriate outcome measures and instrumentation is vital for nurse researchers to ensure that outcomes align conceptually and are measured using reliable and valid tools. Functional status is a well-known outcome in cardiovascular research—however attention to underlying conceptual differences that may influence choices of whether to include subjective or objective measures is needed. Design: This work is a discussion paper: seminal research reporting the development, validation, and reliability testing of the NYHA classification system and the Duke Treadmill Score. Implications for nursing: Conceptually clarity and comprehensive appraisal of the reliability and validity of outcome measures in nursing research are essential to ensure high level of quality outcomes that will benefit patients.
