Validation of Veterans Specific Activity Questionnaire to assess exercise tolerance of Chinese elderly with coronary heart disease

Objective The Veterans Specific Activity Questionnaire （VSAQ） has been used to assess exercise tolerance. Nevertheless, there is no val- idated Chinese version. The aim of this study is to determine whether a questionnaire-based method using the Chinese version of VSAQ （the modified VSAQ） is a practical tool to assess exercise tolerance of Chinese elderly with coronary heart disease. Methods One hundred thirty consecutive elderly patients who were diagnosed with coronary heart disease （CHD） （mean age 68.9 -4- 6.0 years） referred for treadmill exercise testing （TET） for clinical reasons were included in the study. They were asked to complete a questionnaire for clinical characteristics information on age, sex, history, exercise habits, medications, the original VSAQ and the modified VSAQ. We investigated the relationship between exer- cise tolerance in metabolic equivalents （METs） estimated by VSAQ and that obtained by TET. Results The METs by the original VSAQ and the modified VSAQ did not difference significantly （P = 0.528）. The modified VSAQ scores were significantly correlated with the METs oh- mined by TET （r = 0.819, 95% CI： 0.7534）.873, P 〈 0.01）, and the scores of original VSAQ also correlated with the METs by TET （r = 0.804, 95% CI： 0.7454）.854, P 〈 0.01）. The Bland-Altman graph analysis showed few values outside the limits of agrcement, suggesting good precision between the METs estimated by questionnaire and the METs obtained by TET. Conclusions The Chinese version of the VSAQ confirmed its validity and equivalence to the original version, especially when evaluating individuals with coronary heart disease and older adults. The results showed that the VSAQ is a valuable tool to assess the exercise tolerance.

Serum oxidizability potential of ischemic heart disease patients is associated with exercise test results and disease severity

AIM:To find out whether serum oxidizability potential correlates with exercise test(EXT) parameters and predicts their results in chronic ischemic heart disease(IHD) patients.METHODS:Oxidizability potential was determined in a group of chronic IHD patients who underwent a symptom limited EXT upon initiation of a cardiac rehabilitation program.The thermo-chemiluminescence(TCL) assay was used to assess serum oxidizability potential.This assay is based on heat-induced oxidation of serum,leading to the formation of electronically excited species in the form of unstable carbonyls,which further decompose into stable carbonyls and light energy(low chemiluminescence).Measured photons emission is represented by a kinetic curve which is described by its amplitude and slope(= ratio).We assessed the correlations of TCL ratio with exercise duration,metabolic equivalents(METS),maximal heart rate(mHR),maximal systolic BP,> 1 mm S-T depression,diabetes,hypertension,smoking,left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) > or < 40%,previous myocardial infarction,and aorto-coronary bypass surgery and compared to the TCL ratio measured in a group of healthy controls.RESULTS:A high TCL ratio(%) correlated well with METS(r = 0.84),with mHR(r = 0.79) and with exercise induced S-T segment shift(r = 0.87,P < 0.05).A lower serum oxidizability potential,expressed as a low TCL ratio,thus suggestive of a previous high oxidative stress,was found in IHD patients compared to healthy controls,and,in particular,in patients with low LVEF%.The TCL ratio(%) in IHD patients was 193 ± 21,compared to 215 ± 13 in controls(P < 0.05),and was 188 ± 14.7 in patients with LVEF < 40% as compared to 200 ± 11.9 in those with LVEF > 40%(P < 0.01).A trend for lower TCL ratio(%) was found in diabetic,hypertensive,and post-coronary bypass surgery patients.A paradoxically low TCL ratio(low oxidizability potential) was observed in patients without S-T depression compared to patients with S-T depression(189 ± 22 vs 201 ± 15,P = NS),due to the fact these patients had a much lower LVEF% and a lower exercise capacity.CONCLUSION:Serum oxidizability potential is associated with EXT parameters,results,and IHD severity.TCL ratio is an "easy-to-measure marker" that might be incorporated into risk assessment and prediction in chronic IHD patients.

Severe Hypokalemia ECG Changes Mimicking Those of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) in Patient with Underlying Ischaemic Heart Disease: A Case Review

Background: Hypokalemia is seen on regular basis in medical emergency. The definition of hypokalemia is serum potassium level below 3.5 mmol/L, meanwhile severe hypokalemia is serum potassium level below 2.5 mmol/L [1]. Patient with hypokalemia can present with wide range of presentation including musculoskeletal complaints from numbness to acute paralysis. Severe hypokalemia has tendency to progress to intestinal paralysis and respiratory failure. In some cases of hypokalemia, cardiovascular system can also be affected causing cardiac arrhythmias and heart failure [2]. Aim: This case report is to highlight that severe hypokalaemia can present with ECG changes mimicking acute coronary syndrome (ACS) which was fully resolved with correction of potassium level. Methods: We report a case of 84 years old Chinese man with underlying triple vessel disease presented with generalised body weakness for 2 days. ECG on arrival noted changes suggestive of ACS with ST segment depression in lead V4-V6 with first degree heart block, however patient had no ischemic symptoms and the potassium level was severe low at 1.6 mmol/L (3.5 - 5.1 mmol/L). He was correctly not treated for ACS. Outcomes: Repeated ECG post fast intravenous potassium correction noted complete resolution of the ST segment depression and first degree heart block. Patient discharged well from hospital four days later with potassium level of 3.8 mmol/L. Conclusions: Severe hypokalemia with asymptomatic ECG of ACS changes can safely be treated as a single entity clinical emergency with good resolution and no complication after normalizing potassium level.

EFFECTS OF ACUPUNCTURE ON ANGINA PECTORIS,ECG AND BLOOD LIPIDS OF PATIENTS WITH CORONARY HEART DISEASE

Sixty patients with coronary heart disease were divided into two groups on thebasis of western medicine treatment,30 cases in each group.One was given acupuncture treatmentadditionally,the other as control.After one course of treatment,it was found that the total effectiverate was 85. 71% clinically;the ameliorative rate of abnormal ST-T segment was 68. 97%, inacupuncture group.The effectiveness was obviously higher than that of western drug group.Afteracupuncture,the levels of serum TC,TG,LDL-C,APOB100 and BS were obviously lower than thatof pre-acupuncture,while HDL-C and APOA1 were markedly increased,and the values of all aboveindices after treatment in acupuncture group were significantly different from that of post-treatment indrug group.These show that acupuncture has functions of regulating the disturbance of fatmetabolism and preventing coronary heart disease.

Significance of Q-Tc,Q-Tr and A Q-Tc during Treadmill Exercise Test in Predicting Coronary Artery Disease

Seventy-eight patients underwent coronary angiography and submaximal tre-admill exercise test to evaluate the Q-Tc,Q-Tr and ΔQ-Tc criteria for predicting co-ronary artery disease(CAD).The sensitivity,specificity,predicting value and correctdiagnostic rate of the Q-Tc and Q-Tr criteria were 84,76,83,81 percent and 69,88,89,77 percent,respectively,which had no significant differences when compared with ST de-pression.The Q-Tc had higher specificity(94%)than that of ST depression but less sen-sitivity(58%).These criteria could reflect the severity of coronary artery disease identi-fied with coronary angiography.Therefore,these criteria are usefel to interpret the resultsof stress test.

Evaluation of Treadmill Exercise Test Induced U-wave Inversion in Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease

U-wave changes during treadmill exercise test were compared between 34 patientswith CAD and 33 normal controls.All of them were confirmed by coronary angiographv.Tenpatients with CAD and 1 normal subject in this study showed U-wave inversion during exercisetest.Of the 10 patients,4 had significant stenosis in one-vessel and 6 in multi-vessel of the ma-jor coronary arteries.The sensitivity,specificity and predictive value of exercise-inducedU-wave inversion were 29％, 97％ and 91％,respectively.It is proposed that exercise inducedU-wave inversion is a reliable predictive index of CAD.

Effect of exercise rehabilitation combined with trimetazidine on endothelial function, inflammatory response and blood lipid metabolism in patients with coronary heart disease after PCI

Objective:To study the effect of exercise rehabilitation combined with trimetazidine on endothelial function, inflammatory response and blood lipid metabolism in patients with coronary heart disease after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Methods: The patients with stable angina pectoris who received PCI in our hospital between July 2015 and November 2017 were chosen and randomly divided into the observation group who received postoperative exercise rehabilitation combined with trimetazidine and the control group who received conventional intervention combined with trimetazidine. The reactive hyperemia index (RHI) as well as serum contents of endothelial markers, inflammatory cytokines and blood lipid indexes were determined before intervention and after intervention for 3 months.Results:After intervention for 3 months, the RHI levels as well as serum NO, HDL-C and Omentin-1 contents of both groups significantly increased while serum ET-1, vWF, M-CSF, IL-6, IL-8, RANTES, LDL-C and Chemerin contents significantly decreased;the RHI level as well as serum NO, HDL-C and Omentin-1 contents of the observation group was significantly higher than those of the control group while serum ET-1, vWF, M-CSF, IL-6, IL-8, RANTES, LDL-C and Chemerin contents were significantly lower than those of the control group.Conclusion:Exercise rehabilitation combined with trimetazidine can improve the endothelial function, inhibit the inflammatory response and regulate the blood lipid metabolism in patients with coronary heart disease after PCI.

Effect of aerobic exercise + relaxation training on the cytokine secretion and endothelial injury in patients with coronary heart disease

Objective: To study the effect of aerobic exercise + relaxation training on the cytokine secretion and endothelial injury in patients with coronary heart disease. Methods: Patients who were diagnosed with stable angina pectoris in West China Hospital, Sichuan University between August 2014 and October 2017 were enrolled in the study and divided into the exercise training group who accepted aerobic exercise + relaxation training and the normal control group who accepted routine intervention. The levels of cytokines and endothelial injury molecules in serum as well as the expression of oxidative stress molecules in peripheral blood were determined before intervention as well as 56 d and 112 d after intervention. Results: Compared with the corresponding indexes of same group before intervention, serum FGF21, MIF, MIP-1α, SDF-1α, sICAM1, vWF, ET-1, sVCAM-1 and ESM1 levels as well as peripheral blood MPO, NOX2, NOX4, LOX-1 and CX3CR1 expression intensity of both groups of patients were significantly lower 56 d and 112 d after intervention, and serum FGF21, MIF, MIP-1α, SDF-1α, sICAM1, vWF, ET-1, sVCAM-1 and ESM1 levels as well as peripheral blood MPO, NOX2, NOX4, LOX-1 and CX3CR1 expression intensity of exercise training group 56 d and 112 d after intervention were lower than those of normal control group. Conclusion: Aerobic exercise + relaxation training can reduce the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and the degree of endothelial oxidative stress injury in patients with coronary heart disease.

Effects of Aerobic Exercise Combined with Resistance Training on Patients with Myocardial Ischemia Caused by Coronary Heart Disease

Objective:To explore the clinical effect of long-term aerobic exercise combined with resistance training in patients with myocardial ischemia caused by coronary heart disease and its influence on cardiac function, exercise endurance and quality of life. Methods:100 patients with myocardial ischemia caused by coronary heart disease from January 2017 to January 2019 were randomly divided into control group (n = 50 cases) and observation group (n = 50 cases). The control group was given resistance training, while the observation group was combined with long-term aerobic exercise on the basis of the control group. The two groups were treated for 3 months. The cardiac function, exercise endurance and quality of life were compared between the two groups. Results:The levels of IVST (8.20+1.32) mm, LVDD (46.43+4.13) mm and LVSD (32.59+3.15) mm in the observation group were lower than those in the control group at 3 months after treatment. The level of LVEF (67.49+5.77)% in the observation group was higher than that in the control group at 3 months after treatment. The difference between the two groups was significant (P<0.05). The ET (55.42+2.9) in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). 2) The levels of ng/L and TXB2 (93.23 + 6.26) ng/L were significantly lower than those of the control group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). The 6-minute walking distance (561.25 +43.64) m and the quality of life score (95.31 +6.39) in the observation group were higher than those in the control group 3 months after treatment, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusions:Long-term aerobic exercise combined with resistance training can improve cardiac function, exercise tolerance and quality of life in patients with myocardial ischemia caused by coronary heart disease, which is worthy of popularization and application.

Effect of aerobic exercise training on red blood cell parameters, vascular endothelial function in elderly patients with coronary heart disease and chronic heart failure

Objective: To investigate effect of aerobic exercise training combined with conventional drug on red blood cell parameters, vascular endothelial function and cardiac function in elderly patients with coronary heart disease complicated with chronic heart failure. Methods: A total of 110 elderly patients with coronary heart disease and chronic heart failure according to random data table were divided into control group (n=54) and observation group (n=56). The patients in control group were treated with conventional drug, and patients in the observation group received conventional drug combined with aerobic exercise training. Before and after treatment, levels of red blood cell parameters, vascular endothelial function and cardiac function indexes were compared between the two groups. Results: Before treatment, the difference of HCT, RDW, RBC, NO, ET-1, LVEF, LVEDD and LVESD levels in the two groups were not significantly. After treatment, HCT and RBC levels in two groups were no statistically significant difference;The levels of RDW, ET-1, LVEDD and LVESD in observation group were significantly lower than those in this group before treatment, and significantly lower than those in the control group after treatment;The levels of NO and LVEF in two groups were significantly higher than those in the group before treatment, and levels of NO and LVEF in the observation group were significantly higher than those in control group after treatment. Conclusion: The clinical effect of aerobic exercise training combined with conventional drug in treatment of senile coronary heart disease with chronic heart failure was significant, which can effectively increase the RDW level of patients, improve vascular endothelial function and heart function, it has important clinical value.

Cardiorespiratory fitness measured with cardiopulmonary exercise testing and mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Cardiorespiratory fitness(CRF)is inversely associated with mortality in apparently healthy subjects and in some clinical populations,but evidence for the association between CRF and all-cause and/or cardiovascular disease(CVD)mortality in patients with established CVD is lacking.This study aimed to quantify this association.Methods We searched for prospective cohort studies that measured CRF with cardiopulmonary exercise testing in patients with CVD and that examined all-cause and CVD mortality with at least 6 months of follow-up.Pooled hazard ratios(HRs)were calculated using random-effect inverse-variance analyses.Results Data were obtained from 21 studies and included 159,352 patients diagnosed with CVD(38.1%female).Pooled HRs for all-cause and CVD mortality comparing the highest vs.lowest category of CRF were 0.42(95%confidence interval(95%CI):0.28–0.61)and 0.27(95%CI:0.16–0.48),respectively.Pooled HRs per 1 metabolic equivalent(1-MET)increment were significant for all-cause mortality(HR=0.81;95%CI:0.74–0.88)but not for CVD mortality(HR=0.75;95%CI:0.48–1.18).Coronary artery disease patients with high CRF had a lower risk of all-cause mortality(HR=0.32;95%CI:0.26–0.41)than did their unfit counterparts.Each 1-MET increase was associated with lower all-cause mortality risk among coronary artery disease patients(HR=0.83;95%CI:0.76–0.91)but not lower among those with heart failure(HR=0.69;95%CI:0.36–1.32).Conclusion A better CRF was associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality and CVD.This study supports the use of CRF as a powerful predictor of mortality in this population.

Retrospective analysis of exercise capacity in patients with coronary artery disease after percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft

Objectives:To describe the current state of exercise capacity as well as to identify its predictors in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) in the mainland of China.Methods:A retrospective study design was employed.We evaluated 230 CAD patients following PCI or CABG in a cardiac rehabilitation center from January 2019 to October 2019.The patients were referred to undergo incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing with a cycle ergometer.The Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale were used to evaluate patients' mental health.Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test,Fisher's exact test,t-test,Mann-Whitney U test,and binary logistic regression.Results:Among the 230 patients,223 patients demonstrated reduced exercise capacity.Resutlts of the logistic regression analysis showed that anxiety (OR =1.13,95% CI 1.01-1.32,P =0.029) was an independent risk factor for reduced exercise capacity in patients following the PCI or CABG.Conclusions:Exercise capacity of Chinese CAD patients after PCI or CABG was relatively poor.Alleviating symptoms of anxiety and making exercise prescriptions according to the results of the cardiopulmonary exercise test should be considered during the intervention to improve CAD patients' exercise capacity.

Clinical Non-inferiority Trial on Treatment of Coronary Heart Disease Angina Pectoris of Xin-blood Stasis Syndrome Type with Lyophilized Salvia Salt of Lithospermic Acid Powder for Injection

Objective： To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of lyophilized Salvia salt of lithospermic acid powder for injection （SSLA） in treating coronary heart diseases angina pectoris （CHD-AP） of Xin-blood stasis syndrome type, and to conduct the non-inferiority trial with Danshen injection （丹参注射液, DSI） as positive control. Methods： An non-inferiority clinical layered, segmented, randomized, and blinded trial on three parallel and multiple centered groups was conducted in 480 patients with stable effort angina grade Ⅰ , Ⅱand Ⅲ, who had two or more times of attack every week. The 240 patients in test group A were treated with SSLA 200 mg added in 250 ml of 5% glucose solution for intravenous dripping every day; the 120 patients in test group B were treated with SSLA but the dosage doubled; and the 120 patients in the control group were treated with DSI 20 ml daily in the same method as SSLA was given. The clinical effectiveness and safety were evaluated after the patients were treated for 14 days. Results： The results showed that the markedly effective rate in test groups A, B and control group was 37.45 %, 36.75 % and 30.09 % respectively, while the total effective rate in them was 88.09%, 89.74% and 67.26% respectively. Statistical significance was shown in comparisons of the therapeutic effect between control group with test group A and test group B, with that in the two test groups superior to that in the control group, and non-inferiority trial showed eligibility （P〈0.01）. Adverse reaction appeared in 8 patients in the test groups and 2 in the control group. Conclusion： SSLA has definite therapeutic effect in treating patients with CHD-AP, with its effect not inferior to that of DSI, and no evident toxic-adverse reaction.

Acoustic cardiography to improve detection of coronary artery disease with stress testing

AIM:To assess if performance of 12-lead exercise tolerance testing(ETT) can be improved by simultaneous acoustic cardiography and to compare the diagnostic performances of electrocardiography(ECG) during ETT and acoustic cardiography for detection or exclusion of angiographically proven coronary artery disease(CAD).METHODS:We conducted an explorative study with retrospective data analysis using a convenience sample of consecutive patients(n = 59,mean age:62 years) from an outpatient clinic in Switzerland,who were referred for ETT by their general practitioner on suspicion of CAD,and in whom,coronary angiography was carried out.Measurements included sensitivity,specificity,likelihood ratios and receiver operating characteristic curves.A standard,symptom-limited,12-lead ECG exercise tolerance test was performed by independent persons with simultaneous acoustic cardiography and subsequent cardiac angiography for determination of significant CAD.RESULTS:Thirty-four of the 59 adult subjects(58%) had a final diagnosis of CAD by angiography,and in 25 subjects,CAD was excluded by angiography.Sensitivity/specificity of ST segment depression in the group was 29%/92%,whereas the most powerful acoustic cardiographic parameter was the strength of the fourth heart sound(S4),with corresponding sensitivity/specificity of 53%/92%.The disjunctive combination of the S4 and ST depression had sensitivity/specificity of 68%/84%.CONCLUSION:In this preliminary pilot study,the use of acoustic cardiography alone during ETT or disjunctively with ST depression has been shown to be a simple and convenient method for the detection of CAD,which was superior to ST depression on the standardized ECG.

TWO METHODS TO IMPROVE THE ACCURACY OF TREADMILL EXERCISE TESTING──ANALYSIS OF 147 CASESIN CONTRAST WITH CORONARY ANGIOGRAPHY

objective To study how to improve the accuracy of treadmill exercise testing(TET).Methods TET was performed before coronary angiography (CAG) for 147 subjects admitted into our departmentbecause of suspicion of angina or coronary artery disease (CAD), then: (1) Every subject was inquired about hissymptoms and physically examined in detail before the testing. Chest pain was divided into ischemic (ICP) ornon - ischemic (NICP) pattern. (2) Informations got from TET, like angina, ST segment depression, and SPB ratio,were analyzed in detail. Results (1) When the patients showed chest pain of ICP pattern and positive TETresults, the sensitivity of TET would be 95%, for patients with NICP chest pain, the negative result of TET meansthat their coronary arteries is normal with the accurate possibility of 98%. (2) By our new criteria of TET, thesensitivity and specificity of TET were 89% and 95% respectively, both higher than those in theliterature. Conclusion in this report, we found TET was more sensitive and accurate if we knew the symptomsprior, especially in detail the characteristics of chest pain, and consider different parameters in combination.

Effect of action research-based exercise training guidance on exercise endurance and readmission rate in patients with stable angina pectoris due to coronary heart disease

Background Stable angina pectoris is a common subtype of coronary heart disease.Patients suffer from chest tightness,chest pain and crushing pain under the inducement of fatigue and emotional agitation.This study aims to investigate the effect of exercise training guidance based on action research on exercise endurance and readmission rate of patients with stable angina pectoris.Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 60 patients with stable angina pectoris due to coronary heart disease admitted to our hospital from February 2020 to November 2023.Patients were divided into a control group of 29 cases(receiving conventional exercise training guidance)and a guidance group of 31 cases(receiving action research-based exercise training guidance).Both groups received continuous training for one month.A comparison was made between the exercise endurance indicators[6-minute walk test distance(6MWT),peak oxygen consumption(peak VO2),anaerobic threshold(AT),exercise duration(ED)],quality of life,and readmission rate within 6 months after intervention in both groups.Results After 1 month of intervention,6MWT,peak VO2,AT and ED were increased in both groups,and those in the guidance group were higher than those in the conventional group(P<0.05).The score of quality of life(The 36-item shot-form health status survey,SF-36)in both groups was increased,and the guidance group scored higher than the conventional group(P<0.05).The readmission rate of patients in the guidance group was 6.45%,which was lower than that in the conventional group(27.59%)(P<0.05).Conclusions The application of action research-based exercise training guidance in patients with stable angina pectoris due to coronary heart disease has significant effects,improving exercise endurance,significantly improving quality of life,and reducing readmission rate,thus having practical value.[S Chin J Cardiol 2024;25(3):162-168]

Meta-analysis on Efficacy of Yiqi Huoxue Chinese Drugs in the Treatment of Coronary Heart Disease after Coronary Revascularization

[Objectives] To make a systematic evaluation on the therapeutic efficacy and safety of Yiqi Huoxue traditional Chinese drugs combined with western medicine in treatment of coronary heart disease( CHD) after coronary revascularization. [Methods] The literatures were retrieved from China Knowledge Infrastructure( CNKI),Chinese science and technology journal full-text database( VIP database,VIP),Wanfang Data,the Chinese biomedical Database,Pub Med,Embase,and the Cochrane Library. The retrieval time was set to the creation of the database to January 2017. The randomized controlled trial( RCT) was conducted on the comparison between Yiqi Huoxue Chinese drugs combined with western medicine and the western medicine alone in the treatment of CHD after coronary revascularization. The literature information was extracted and the methodological quality of the included literature was evaluated according to the bias risk assessment tool developed by the Cochrane Collaboration. Meta-analysis was performed with the aid of Rev Man 5. 3 software. Coronary artery restenosis rate,angina pectoris treatment efficiency,left ventricular ejection fraction( LVEF),left ventricular end-diastolic volume( LVEDV),B-type natriuretic peptide( BNP),6-minute walk test( 6 MWT),and adverse reactions were analyzed. [Results] A total of 29 articles were included,a total of2 518 patients,the literature quality was low. Meta-analysis results showed that compared with the treatment by western medicine alone,Yiqi Huoxue Chinese drugs combined with western medicine could further reduce coronary restenosis rate[RR = 0. 45,95% CI( 0. 34,0. 60),P <0. 000 01],improve the angina pectoris treatment efficiency[RR = 1. 13,95% CI( 1. 05,1. 21),P = 0. 000 5],raise LVEF[WMD = 4. 25,95% CI( 3. 46,5. 04),P < 0. 000 01],reduce LVEDV[WMD =-10. 41,95% CI(-17. 88,-2. 95),P = 0. 006],decrease the plasma BNP level[WMD =-32. 32,95% CI(-44. 92,-19. 72),P < 0. 000 01],and increase 6 MWT distance(WMD = 62. 25,95% CI( 21. 71,102. 78),P = 0. 003)[Conclusions]Yiqi Huoxue Chinese drugs combined with western medicine can alleviate the symptoms of angina pectoris,reduce the rate of coronary restenosis,improve heart function and improve exercise capacity,thereby improving clinical efficacy in patients with CHD after coronary revascularization.

The Effect of EDTA Chelation Therapy in Symptomatic Coronary Heart Disease: An Observational Study

Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid (EDTA) chelation therapy has been considered a definitive alternative therapy for by-pass surgery in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease for more than four decades. It is a relatively inexpensive method believed to restore blood flow in atherosclerotic vessels. However, the benefits of chelation therapy yet remain controversial in the treatment of ischemic heart disease. We observed the effect of EDTA chelation therapy on exercise tolerance in 13 volunteering patients receiving conventional treatment for established symptomatic coronary heart disease. Each patient received 30 weekly infusions of EDTA followed by monthly 12 boosters according to the ACAM protocol (American College for Advancement in Medicine). This was in addition to the conventional therapies they received from their respective physician in hospital. Stress ECG, echocardiography and coronary angiogram findings were obtained at the beginning of treatment. The distance that a patient could walk on level ground at moderate speed and the number of steps he/she can climb up on a staircase until he/she begins to feel either chest pain or breathlessness were the two clinical parameters of exercise tolerance recorded to grade angina. Liver and renal functions were tested at 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th and 30th infusions. Of the 13 patients, 11 showed improvement in angina grading whilst 2 experienced no effect. One patient improved from angina grade IV to I, 6 from grade III to I, 1 from grade III to II and 3 from grade II to I. A statistically significant reduction in the mean score (p = 0.002) was noticed at 6th month of treatment when compared to that of the first month. A significant 1.7 fold increase (p = 0.009) in the mean SGPT level was observed at the 30th infusion when compared to the pre-treatment values. The SGOT level showed no significant change (p = 0.664). None of the patients showed clinical features of hepato-cellular damage. The mean serum creatinine level showed a trend for reduction (p = 0.083) with treatment. The recognized side effects of intravenous EDTA chelation therapy such as liver damage, renal damage, hypersensitivity, symptomatic hypocalcaemia, and thrombophlebitis were not encountered. Thus, EDTA chelation therapy as prescribed by the ACAM protocol seems safe and effective in improving exercise tolerance in ischemic heart disease when administered concurrently with conventional therapy.

Preliminary study of abnormal increase of postexercise systolic blood pressure in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease

Objectives This study sought to evaluate the diagnostic value of abnormal increase of postexercise systolic blood pressure (SBP) for detecting coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with or without hypertension. Methods Treadmill exercise testing (TET) was conducted in 88 patients (40 CAD patients, 48 control subjects) with or without hypertension, each of whom underwent selective coronary angiography (CAG). The abnormal increase of postexercise SBP was defined as 10mmHg higher than earlier periods during the recovery phase (6 minutes) of exercise testing. Results The abnormal increase of postexercise SBP had higher sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for detecting CAD than those of ST - segment depression in patients with or without hypertension. Its accuracy increased with the severity of CAD while decreased in patients with hypertension, and the increase value of SBP had a positive correlation with the extent of coronary artery lesion. The combination of ST - segment depression and abnormal increase of postexercise SBP diagnosed CAD most accurately in patients with hypertension. Conclusions Abnormal increase of postexercise SBP may be a useful index for diagnosing CAD.

High-intensity interval training for health benefits and care of cardiac diseases——The key to an efficient exercise protocol

Aerobic capacity, which is expressed as peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), is well-known to be an independent predictor of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular prognosis. This is true even for people with various coronary risk factors and cardiovascular diseases. Although exercise training is the best method to improve VO2peak, the guidelines of most academic societies recommend 150 or 75 min of moderate- or vigorous- intensity physical activities, respectively, every week to gain health benefits. For general health and primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been recognized as an efficient exercise protocol with short exercise sessions. Given the availability of the numerous HIIT protocols, which can be classified into aerobic HIIT and anaerobic HIIT [usually called sprint interval training (SIT)], professionals in health-related fields, including primary physicians and cardiologists, may find it confusing when trying to select an appropriate protocol for their patients. This review describes the classifications of aerobic HIIT and SIT, and their differences in terms of effects, target subjects, adaptability, working mechanisms, and safety. Understanding the HIIT protocols and adopting the correct type for each subject would lead to better improvements in VO2peak with higher adherence and less risk.