bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A study of the effect of congenital heart disease on somatic growth by comparing identical twins anthropometric profiles
Authors: Lee J , Dacck Hirsch S , Kwon S , Yun T J 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This study seeks to evaluate the impact of congenital heart disease (CHD) on somatic growth while controlling for the influence of other growth-related factors.

Method
A retrospective cohort study was conducted on identical twins, with one twin having CHD (CHD group) and the other without CHD (non-CHD group). Anthropometric measures, including weight-for-age (WAZ), height-for-age (HAZ), weight-for-height (WHZ), and head-circumference (HCZ) z-scores based on WHO growth standards, were employed, and growth failure was defined by z-scores below -2. Predictive factors of growth failure included gestational age, cyanosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), heart failure, and ventricular physiology.

Results
Anthropometric indices from 41 pairs of twins were analyzed. The CHD group exhibited a significant decline in all growth parameters from the age of 1 year (p &lt; .001). Although the growth disparity between twins lessened over time, the CHD group continued to lag behind the non-CHD group at follow-up (p &lt; .05). Moreover, a higher proportion of the CHD group experienced malnutrition (46.3%) compared to the non-CHD group (7.5%, RR 1.724, 95% CI 1.280 to 2.232, p &lt; .001, at the age of 1). Among disease characteristics, children with cyanosis, PAH, and heart failure displayed a significant decrease in growth z-scores compared to their unaffected twin siblings. However, statistical significance was observed only between weight-for-height z-scores and cyanosis (cyanosis 1.8±1.7 vs acyanosis -0.8±1.4, p = .032).

Conclusion
Children with CHD exhibited compromised growth compared to their non-affected twin siblings, with no complete catch-up growth observed during the observation period. The heightened prevalence of growth failure in the CHD group emphasizes the increased risk of malnutrition in children with CHD.
Prevalence of hypertension in women under 50 in the PICTURE cohort study
Authors: Poltyn-Zaradna K , Basiak-Rasala A , Matera-Witkiewicz A , Gawel-Dabrowska D , Kilis-Pstrusinska K , Zatonska K , Zatonski T 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Epidemiological data indicate an upward trend in hypertension (HT) prevalence in the recent decades. The risk of elevated blood pressure (BP) significantly increases with age, but it has been observed also in the younger population. Currently it is estimated that nearly 10 million adults in Poland have HT. Despite some improvement in treatment and BP control, they are still below expectations in the Polish population. Common misconception assumes that HT rarely occurs in women in comparison to men, which can lead to lower awareness, lower participation in routine screening and delayed diagnosis, especially in younger women.

Purpose
To assess the prevalence of hypertension (HT) among women under 50 years of age in the PICTURE cohort study.

Methods
The analysis is based on 769 women (average age 41.6±4.2 years) participating in "Population Cohort Study of Wroclaw Citizens (PICTURE)" established between 2019 and 2021. HT was diagnosed based on (1) patient-reported HT previously diagnosed by a physician, and/or (2) patient-reported intake of hypotensive medication, and/or (3) the average of two blood pressure measurements of systolic ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic ≥90 mmHg. Additional analysis included other parameters such as BMI, WHR, attitudes toward tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption.

Results
HT was diagnosed in 12.5% of women under 50 years of age. More than half (55.2%) of HT cases in this group were previously undiagnosed. Women with hypertension had significantly higher chance of excessive body mass and abdominal obesity in comparison to women with normal BP. Excessive body weight characterized 68.7% of women with HT vs 34.5% without HT (p&lt;0.0001), whereas abdominal obesity characterized 71.9% of women with HT vs 44.8% without HT (p&lt;0.0001). Tobacco smoking was more prevalent among women with HT. A total of 21.3% of women with HT were current tobacco smokers vs 11.8% without HT (p=0.01).

Conclusions
More than half of HT cases were previously undiagnosed. Majority of HT cases in women were associated with traditional modifiable risk factors including excessive body mass, abdominal obesity and tobacco smoking. Intensive screening programs to increase HT diagnosis should be introduced in younger age groups, also in younger women.
Expectations and experiences of tele-yoga in persons with heart failure a longitudinal qualitative design
Authors: Hedbom T , Liljeroos M , Thylen I , Martensson J , Stridsman M , Orwelius L , Jaarsma T , Stromberg A 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Persons with heart failure need rehabilitation, but often face challenges due to their illness to participate. Yoga is an alternative form of rehabilitation. In this study we introduced tele-yoga that enables participants to practice group yoga at home with a live-streamed instructor via video communication and individual yoga using an application. Expectations of the participants play a crucial role in the perception of health and healthcare experiences. The aim was to explore the relationship between expectations and experiences of tele-yoga in persons with heart failure over time.

Methods
The study had a longitudinal qualitative design with data collected at 3 time points. Data were collected through interviews and analyzed using summative content analysis. Study participants were recruited from the intervention group of a randomized controlled trial evaluating effects of 12 weeks of group tele-yoga. The interview guide explored participants' expectations of tele-yoga at baseline before the intervention started and their experiences after 3 and 6 months.

Results
Interviews were conducted with 93 study participants, of which 30 were women, with a mean age of 64.8 years (range 31-84 years). The most frequently expected effect of the yoga was reduced stress, anxiety, and worries (57%). A majority of the participants (84%) reported this effect after 3 and 6 months, described as ways to cope with stress, manage their illness, and reduce anxiety. Fifteen percent of the participants expected improved breathing, and 57% of the participants indeed experienced improved breathing after yoga training. Thirty-five percent of participants expected to have increased flexibility, and 47% indeed experienced that after 3 and 6 months. There was little congruence between expectations and experiences of relief from aches and pain. Most of those expecting relief did not experience it, and several who did not expect relief reported to experience decreased pain. At the 6 month interviews, 3 months after the ending of the tele-yoga intervention, no participant practiced yoga to the same extent as during the intervention. However, the majority stated that they had incorporated yoga techniques, particularly breathing and relaxation, into their daily lives.

Conclusions
The most prominent experiences of the tele-yoga intervention were improved stress relief, anxiety and worries, and an improved breathing and increased flexibility. Experienced effects were much higher than expected effects.
Patients with and without history of atrial fibrillation after percutaneous coronary intervention increased focus on modifiable risk factors
Authors: Kjoelseth A , Norekvaal T M , Broers G , Hendriks J M , Risom S S , Rotevatn S , Wentzel-Larsen T , Pettersen T R 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Atrial fibrillation (AF) and coronary artery disease (CAD) have several common risk factors, and 10-15% of patients with AF undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Little is known about the changes over time in modifiable risk factors for AF and CAD and self-reported health when comparing patients with and without history of AF after PCI.

Purpose
To determine and compare changes in modifiable risk factors and self-reported health in patients with and without history of AF after PCI, from the index admission to 2-, 6- and 12 months after hospital discharge.

Methods
CONCARDPCI, a prospective multicentre cohort study including 3417 consecutive patients after PCI, was conducted at seven high-volume PCI centres in Norway and Denmark. Of these, 408 patients had a history of AF. Socio-demographic characteristics were self-reported at baseline. Medical history (medical and cardiovascular comorbidities), and clinical status (body weight and height) were collected from patients’ medical records and national registries at baseline. Information about the patients’ comorbidities was used to identify modifiable risk factors for AF and CAD in this study population. Smoking status and physical activity were self-reported at baseline and the 2-, 6- and 12-month follow-up. Self-reported health was assessed with RAND-12 Item Short Form Health Survey and the Myocardial Infarction Dimensional Assessment Scale (MIDAS).

Results
Eighty one percent of the patients with history of AF were men, and the mean age was 72 (SD 9, range 43-93). In patients without AF, 78% were men and the mean age was 65 (SD 11, range 20-96). In patients with history of AF, the proportion of smokers increased from 2- to 12 months (p=0.041). In patients without AF, there was a reduction in proportion of smokers from baseline to six months (p&lt;0.001). No significant differences between the patients with history of AF and without AF regarding changes in physical activity over time were found (p=0.452). Most patients in both groups did not adhere to the guideline recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Patients with a history of AF reported a poorer general physical health at baseline. However, the general physical (p=0.012) and mental (p&lt;0.001) health improved from baseline to the six-month follow-up in both groups. For MIDAS, the patients with AF reported a poorer health regarding emotional reactions (p=0.029) and insecurity (p=0.015) from two- to twelve-month follow-up.

Conclusion
Lifestyle interventions might be beneficial to further improve self-reported health, as well as modifiable risk factors, among patients with and without history of AF after PCI. Considering the complex treatment of patients with AF after PCI, more attention is needed to improve the follow-up care regarding modifiable risk factors for this patient population.
Autonomic dysfunction is prevalent in PASC of Covid-19 [PASC]
Authors: Seeley M C , Gallagher C , Wilson G , Page A , Lau D H 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 [PASC] is thought to occur in 10% of all COVID infections and has previously been associated with autonomic dysfunction including postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome [POTS].[1,2]

Purpose
To assess prevalence of autonomic disorders in those with PASC.

Methods
Consecutive patients reporting unexplained symptoms persisting for ≥3 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection were recruited through social media platforms. Beat to beat plethysmography was used to determine autonomic haemodynamic response to 10-minute active stand test, Valsalva maneuverer and deep breathing. International criteria were used to diagnose POTS, initial orthostatic hypotension (IOH), and classical orthostatic hypotension (COH). Validated patient reported outcome measures were used to determine symptom severity and health related quality of life (HrQoL) including, composite autonomic symptom score [COMPASS-31], Euroquol 5-Dimension [EQ-5D] and fatigue severity score (FSS).

Results
Institutional ethics was granted from our university. A total of 150 PASC participants (79% female, 93% Caucasian) with a mean age of 40.7 ± 11.5 years and BMI 25.8 ± 6.7 were prospectively consented and enrolled. In total 86% were vaccinated with at least 2 vaccines at the time of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. The mean time to onset of PASC symptoms after acute infection was 18.3 ± 35.3 days and duration of symptoms at time of testing was 306.9 ± 188.1 days. In total 75% of participants met the criteria for an autonomic disorder with the most common diagnoses being POTS (55%), initial orthostatic hypotension (38%), and classic orthostatic hypotension (5%) respectively. Valsalva ratio was within normal limits for the majority (90%) of participants however it was statistically higher in those with POTS compared to those without (1.9±.6 versus 1.7±.8: p=.014). Total composite autonomic symptoms were more severe in women than men (42.6±13.1 vs. 35.4±19.9; p = .018) and those with a COMPASS-31 score &gt;40 (49%) had worse fatigue severity (57.9±6.9 vs. 50.3±14.3: p&lt;.001) and poorer EQ-5D utility health scores (0.611±0.247 vs 0.701±0.237: p =.008) on a scale from 0-1 where ‘1’ = ‘full health’. The mean FSS score was 53.9±11.8 out of a maximum score of 63 and fatigue was universally problematic with 92% experiencing FSS score &gt;36. Participants reported only being a mean of 40.5%±21.2% of their previous health status and the mean self-reported ‘health today’ [100 = ‘full health’] was 40.5 ± 14.2. A significant 91.3% reported missing work due to symptoms in the last month and 50.3% had been unable to return to work due to PASC symptoms.

Conclusion
Autonomic disorders are prevalent in PASC and greatly impact on working capacity and health related quality of life. We call for routine autonomic testing in PASC and further research to explore efficacy of autonomic treatment modalities in this cohort.
Sleep disorders in patients with heart diseases - present knowledge
Authors: Malewicz K , Grzebieluch J , Felinczak A 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The problem of sleep disorders plays a significant role in the functioning of people in the contemporary world, particularly affecting cardiac patients. It entails a series of consequences that impact health. The study analyzed the occurrence of sleep disorders among cardiac patients.

Purpose
The project aimed to assess the available literature regarding described sleep disorders in patients with cardiovascular diseases and to analyze the impact of sleep disorders on the functioning of cardiac patients.

Methods
Materials available in PubMed and Google Scholar were analyzed using keywords such as "sleep disorders," "insomnia," "cardiovascular disease," "heart attack," "heart failure," "hypertension," "coronary artery disease" in various configurations. A comprehensive analysis of publications was conducted to identify studies on sleep disorders in cardiac patients, focusing on risk factors and management strategies for sleep problems in this patient group.

Results
Sleep disorders occur in cardiac patients and significantly affect their health. Sleep disorders also increase cardiovascular risk in healthy individuals. Sleep disorder management methods include problem recognition, lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, and behavioral interventions. A crucial aspect of care appears to be the need for diagnosing sleep problems in cardiac patients and implementing integrated multidisciplinary care.

Conclusions
Sleep disorders pose a significant risk for cardiac patients, requiring an interdisciplinary therapeutic approach. Future research should assess the scale of sleep disorders in cardiac patients in Poland, as well as identify factors influencing sleep disorders in this patient group. Subsequently, treatment strategies and integrated care should be developed.
The role of illness acceptance and social support in assessing readiness for hospital discharge following myocardial infarction
Authors: Lisiak M H , Krol E , Wleklik M , Vellone E , Hydzik P , Uchmanowicz I 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The hospital discharge process refers to the patient's readiness to return to proper daily functioning. It is important to note that the discharge process is not solely based on physical readiness. It also includes psychological capacity, social support, and the provision of information and knowledge.

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between readiness for hospital discharge and acceptance of illness and social support following myocardial infarction.

Materials and Methods
The study included 100 patients (56 women, mean age M±SD 64.95 y/o) who had experienced a myocardial infarction. The study employed a socio-demographic and clinical survey, as well as standardized measures including the Readiness for Hospital Discharge After Myocardial Infarction Scale (RHD-MIS), Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), and The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). The statistical analysis includes a significance level of 0.05. Therefore, all values of p&lt;0.05 were interpreted as indicating significant relationships.

Results
The majority of respondents were in a relationship (73%), lived in an urban area (70%) and had a secondary education (56%). The overall RHDS-MIS score showed that 46% of patients had a low level of readiness for discharge. There is a significant negative correlation (r=-0.228, p=0.022) between patient age and subjective knowledge score (p&lt;0.05). The respondents reported a moderate level of acceptance towards their illness, with a mean score of 26.38 points. The AIS was shown to correlate significantly (p&lt;0.05) and positively (r&gt;0) with the RHDS-MI (r=0.525, p&lt;0.001) and with all subscales: (1) subjective (r=0.405, p&lt;0. 001) and (2) objective (r=0.538, p&lt;0.001) assessment of patient knowledge about the disease, and (3) patient expectations (r=0.386, p&lt;0.001). The analysis of the impact of social support on patients' readiness for discharge after MI revealed a significant positive correlation (r &gt; 0, p &lt; 0.05) between family support and readiness for discharge (r = 0.281, p = 0.005), subjective (r = 0.251, p = 0.012), and objective (r = 0.421, p &lt; 0.001) assessment of knowledge.

Conclusions
Patients who have suffered from MI are at risk of experiencing adverse cardiovascular events, such as complications or hospital readmission. The level of hospital discharge readiness in patients after MI is correlated with the degree of acceptance of illness and social support. Assessing a patient's readiness for hospital discharge after an MI can help identify their educational and therapeutic needs. Involving the patient's family in the discharge readiness process is crucial as they can actively participate in the therapeutic process by providing support to the patient.
Anxiety and depression in patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator does personality and icd expectations play a role?
Authors: Schmidt Pedersen S , Johansen J B H , Nielsen J C N , Larroude C E L , Riahi S R , Melchior T M M , Vinther M V , Skovbakke S J S , Skov O S 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
The implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is the treatment of choice for the prevention of sudden cardiac death. Given that 22.6% of patients with an ICD develop anxiety and 15.4% depression (1), it is paramount to identify factors contributing to their distress. Anxiety may lead to depression if untreated and both have been associated with risk of morbidity and mortality.

Purpose
To examine if Type D personality and expectations to ICD therapy are associated with anxiety and depression in ICD patients at 12 months follow-up.

Methods
Patients with a first-time ICD or cardiac resynchronization therapy device (CRT-D) participating in the national Danish ACQUIRE-ICD trial completed the Type D Scale (2), the EXPECT-ICD Scale containing both negative and positive expectations at baseline, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to determine anxiety and depression, respectively, both at baseline and 12 months follow-up.

Results
Of the 478 patients participating in the study, the mean age was 60.2 ± 11.2, 397 (83.1%) were male and 81 (16.9%) women. Of all patients, 255 (53.3%) had a primary prevention indication for the ICD and 223 (46.7%) a secondary prevention indication, while 441 (92.3%) were in NYHA Class I-II and 37 (7.7%) in NYHA class III-IV at the time of implant. With respect to personality, 73 patients (15.3%) had a Type D personality. Mean scores on Positive expectations towards ICD implantation were 12.8 ± 3.18, and mean scores on negative expectations were 5.37 ± 3.30. In the multivariate, adjusted analysis for depression, Type D personality was independently associated with 12 months depression scores, over and above the impact of baseline depressive symptoms (B = 2.43, 95% CI [1.42, 3.43], p &lt; .001). ICD expectations were not significantly associated with 12 months depression scores.
In the multivariate, adjusted analysis for anxiety, Type D personality was independently associated with 12 months anxiety scores, over and above the impact of baseline anxiety symptoms (B = 1.90, 95% CI [1.07, 2.73], p &lt;.001). ICD expectations were not significantly associated with 12 months depression scores.

Conclusion
In a large Danish national cohort of ICD patients, depressive symptoms at baseline and Type D personality were associated with increased depressive symptoms at 12 months follow-up. Neither positive nor negative ICD expectations were associated with depressive symptoms at 12 months follow-up, adjusting for other variables. Similar results were found for anxiety symptoms. Anxiety symptoms at baseline and Type D personality were associated with increased anxiety at 12 months follow-up, adjusting for all other variables, including ICD expectations. It may be worthwhile to screen cardiac patients for this personality type in clinical practice.
Different levels of continuous training improve echocardiographic parameters, quality of life, and functional capacity in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction patients
Authors: Atef H , Helmy Z M , Elnaggar M , Marques-Sule E , Abdeen H 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Various comorbidities and physiological alterations contribute to the complexity of heart failure conditions, influencing the optimal approach to exercise-based rehabilitation.

Purpose
This study sought to investigate and compare the effects of continuous training at three distinct intensities, specifically examining left ventricular (LV) remodeling, functional capacity, and quality of life in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Methods
In a randomized control trial, 60 male patients (mean age: 54.33 ± 2.35 years) diagnosed with HFrEF were randomly assigned to three groups: 1) High-Intensity Continuous Training group (HICT), 2) Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training group (MICT), and 3) Low-Intensity Continuous Training group (LICT). All participants underwent training on a bicycle ergometer three times per week for 12 weeks. Echocardiographic parameters (left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension, left ventricular end-systolic dimension, N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)), quality of life (assessed through the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire), and functional capacity (measured by the 6-minute walking test) were evaluated before and after the study.

Results
The HICT group exhibited the most significant improvements in all assessed variables compared to the other two groups (P &lt; 0.05). These findings were consistently observed across all measured outcomes.

Conclusion
It was deduced that High-Intensity Continuous Training (HICT) emerged as the most advantageous approach in enhancing echocardiographic measures, NT-proBNP levels, quality of life, and functional capacity among patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).