Search results for " heart"
showing 10 items of 741 documents
Advanced computation in cardiovascular physiology: New challenges and opportunities
2021
Recent developments in computational physiology have successfully exploited advanced signal processing and artificial intelligence tools for predicting or uncovering characteristic features of physiological and pathological states in humans. While these advanced tools have demonstrated excellent diagnostic capabilities, the high complexity of these computational 'black boxes’ may severely limit scientific inference, especially in terms of biological insight about both physiology and pathological aberrations. This theme issue highlights current challenges and opportunities of advanced computational tools for processing dynamical data reflecting autonomic nervous system dynamics, with a speci…
Low invasive multisensor acquisition system for real-time monitoring of cardiovascular and respiratory parameters
2020
The recent advances in multiparametric monitoring of biosignals and management of big data prompt for the development of devices and techniques for the extraction of indicators with physiological relevance. In this context, we have designed and realized a portable electronic system, equipped with simple biomedical sensors, able to synchronously record multiple electrocardiographic (ECG), photoplethysmographic (PPG) and breathing signals, for carrying out a non-invasive monitoring of several cardiovascular parameters. In this work, we show the results of preliminary measurements performed following a specific physiological protocol (i.e., deep breathing with 10 s per cycle). The system allow…
Intrarenal venous flow in cardiorenal syndrome: a shining light into the darkness
2018
Abstract The aim of this case report is to assess the potential role of intrarenal Doppler ultrasonography as a non‐invasive method to evaluate intrarenal venous flow (IRVF) in acute heart failure (AHF) and concomitant renal dysfunction. We report a case of an 81‐year‐old woman with valvular heart disease (previous mitral valve replacement) that presented with acutely decompensated heart failure and concomitant worsening renal function (WRF). In addition to complete physical examination, laboratory analysis, and echocardiography, IRVF was assessed at baseline and 48 h after the administration of diuretic treatment. At admission, physical examination and echocardiography revealed signs of in…
Short-term walking physical training and changes in body hydration status, B-type natriuretic peptide and C-reactive protein levels in compensated co…
2008
BACKGROUND: Congestive heart failure (CHF) is associated with decreased exercise tolerance, alterations in body fluid balance and activation of neurohumoral and inflammatory pathways. Physical training, despite the contraindications of the past, is recommended for its beneficial effects on exercise capacity and quality of life. We investigate the effects of a short-term (ten weeks) walking physical training program (PT) on body hydration state (HS), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. METHODS AND RESULTS: 22 patients with CHF (mean age 62.7+/-4.8 years, 15 men, mean ejection fraction 38.9+/-3.6%, NYHA class II-III), were enrolled. Eleven patients were rando…
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure: Prognostic Comparison from Peak VO2 and VE/VCO2 Slope
2010
Background: Cardiopulmonary exercise testing with ventilatory expired gas analysis (CPET) has proven to be a valuable tool for assessing patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). The maximal oxygen uptake (peak V02) is used in risk stratification of patients with CHF. The minute ventilation-carbon dioxide production relationship (VE/VCO2 slope) has recently demonstrated prognostic significance in patients with CHF. Methods: Between January 2006 and December 2007 we performed CPET in 184 pts (146 M, 38 F, mean age 59.8 ± 12.9 years), with stable CHF (96 coronary artery disease, 88 dilated cardiomyopathy), in NYHA functional class II (n.107) - III (n.77), with left ventricular ejection frac…
Clinical Experiences with Clamp Electrodes in Fetal Scalp for Simultaneous pO2 and ECG — Registration
1973
The development of a scalp electrode for continuous measurement of fetal mean tissue-PO2 and simultaneous registration of ECG respectively fetal heart rate has been described previously (1). The electrode mechanics and electronic equipment must be adapted to the various demands of the birth process and the labor room environment. The technical results are not yet refined, when unfavorable conditions prevail, artifacts may be anticipated. A brief review of the proceedings in electrode clamp measurements should be presented.
Self-Representation of Children Suffering from Congenital Heart Disease and Maternal Competence
2013
Background: Child development may be subject to forms of motor, physical, cognitive and self-representation impairments when complex congenital heart disease (CHD) occurs. In some cases, inadequacy of both self-representation as well as the family system are displayed. It seems to be important to search the likely internal and external resources of the CHD child, and the possible connections among such resources, which may help him/her to manage his/her own risk condition. Design and Methods: The research project inquires the possible resources related to the self-representation and self-esteem levels of the CHD child, and those related to maternal self-perception as competent mothers. A gr…
Isolated non-compaction of the myocardium as a cause of coronary and cerebral embolic events in the same patient.
2009
A 44-year-old woman with a history of smoking and previous cerebral thrombo-embolism presented to the emergency department with prolonged chest pain and ECG changes showing an acute anterior myocardial infarction. She was referred to the cath-lab for primary angioplasty. Coronary angiography showed a thrombotic occlusion at the origin of first diagonal …
Improving diagnostic accuracy of MDCT coronary angiography in patients with mild heart rhythm irregularities using ECG editing
2006
OBJECTIVE. The objective of our study was to compare diagnostic accuracy of MDCT coronary angiography in a population of patients with mild heart rhythm irregularities before and after editing the ECG. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. Thirty-eight patients who underwent MDCT coronary angiography and conventional coronary angiography were enrolled in the study. The inclusion criterion was the presence of mild heart rhythm irregularities (i.e., premature beats; atrial fibrillation; mistriggering; or low heart rate, defined as 40 beats per minute or less) during the scan. All patients underwent MDCT with the following parameters: 16 detectors; collimation, 0.75 mm; gantry rotation time, 375 msec; 120 kV;…
Heart rate control with oral ivabradine in computed tomography coronary angiography: a randomized comparison of 7.5 mg vs 5 mg regimen.
2013
Background: Heart rate (HR) reduction is essential to achieve optimal image quality and diagnostic accuracy with computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA). Administration of oral ivabradine seems to be more effective than beta-blockade in reducing HR in patients referred for CTCA. Methods: Two-hundred-fifty-nine consecutive patients referred for CTCA were prospectively enrolled. Patients not receiving beta-blocker at baseline (group 1) and those with beta-blocker therapy (group 2) were enrolled in the study. Each group was randomized into 3 parallel arms with 1:1:1 allocation. Patients who did not receive beta-blocker at baseline: underwent CTCA without beta blocker (n=49), and receiv…