Analysis of the Nursing Effect of Continuity of Care on Elderly Patients with Coronary Heart Disease Unstable Angina and its Impact on Quality of Life

Objective:To analyze the effect of using continuity of care for elderly patients with coronary heart disease(CHD)with unstable angina pectoris(UAP)and its impact on their quality of life.Methods:100 cases of elderly patients with CHD with UAP admitted to our hospital from March 2022 to March 2023 were selected and grouped into an observation group and a control group of 50 cases each according to the randomized number table method.The nursing effect and quality of life of the observation group(continuity nursing)and the control group(routine nursing)were compared.Results:The total effective rate of nursing care was 96.00%observation group and 80.00%for the control group,and the differences were significant(χ2=6.061,P<0.05).Patients in the observation group had fewer episodes(1.42±0.21)times/week and a shorter duration(5.46±0.39)min,which were better than the control group(t=3.465,2.973;P<0.05).The depression self-rating depression scale(SDS)score(42.16±6.64)and anxiety self-rating scale(SAS)score(32.26±7.35)in the observation group were lower and the quality of life was higher as compared to that of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Continuous nursing care improved the nursing effect of elderly CHD with UAP patients,promoted the alleviation of UAP symptoms,improved patient mentality,and improved their quality of life.Hence,continuous nursing care possesses significant clinical application value.

Postpartum quality of life and mental health in women with heart disease:Integrated clinical communication and treatment

BACKGROUND Postpartum quality of life(QoL)in women with heart disease has been neglected.AIM To improve clinical communication and treatment,we integrated medical data and subjective characteristics to study postpartum QoL concerns.METHODS The study assessed QoL 6 wk after birth using the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey.The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale,Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire,European Heart Failure Self-Care Behavior Scale,and a self-designed questionnaire based on earlier research were also used to assess patient characteristics.Patient data were collected.Prediction models were created using multiple linear regression.RESULTS This retrospective study examined postpartum QoL in 105 cardiac patients.Postpartum QoL scores were lower(90.69±13.82)than those of women without heart disease,with physical component scores(41.09±9.91)lower than mental component scores(49.60±14.87).Postpartum depression(33.3%),moderate anxiety(37.14%),pregnancy concerns(57.14%),offspring heart problems(57.14%),and life expectancy worries(48.6%)were all prevalent.No previous cardiac surgery,multiparity,higher sadness and cardiac anxiety,and fear of unfavorable pregnancy outcomes were strongly related to lower QoL(R^(2)=0.525).CONCLUSION Postpartum QoL is linked to physical and mental health in women with heart disease.Our study emphasizes the need for healthcare workers to recognize the unique characteristics of these women while developing and implementing comprehensive management approaches during their maternity care.

Trial Study on DENG Tie-tao's Coronary Heart Disease Capsules in Improving Patients' Quality of Life

Objective： To assess the efficacy of the Coronary Heart Disease （CHD） Capsules worked out by Prof. Deng -- in improving quality of life of CHD patients of qi deficiency with phlegm and blood stasis syndrome. Method： According to the WHO＇s diagnosis criteria of CHD, a total of 93 stable angina patients were divided into 3 groups using the single blinded method. The groups were evenly distributed into CHD Capsule treated group （CHDC）, isosorbide dinitrate control group （ID）, and Compound Prescription Danshen Droplet Pills control group （CPDDP）. Two courses of treatment lasting for 6 months were given. During the courses of treatment, the following parameters were observed： clinical symptoms of angina pectoris, ECG change, treadmill exercise test, 36 items in short form of health survey （SF-36） and Seattle Angina Questionnaire （SAQ） scale. Results： After 6 months of treatment, all the three groups showed good curative effect in angina pectoris, ECG and treadmill exercise test, differences between them had no statistical significance. The CHDC group showed a better result in nitro-glycerine stopping or alleviation rate and in improving symptoms than the other groups （P〈0.05）. The general health, vitality, role-emotional, mental health and reported health transition in the CHDC group were significantly better than those in the control groups （P〈 0.05）. The scores in physiological functioningrole, physiological function and pain alleviation were not different among the three groups. Conclusion. Prof. DENG Tie-tao＇s CHDC is effective in treating CHD with qi deficiency, phlegm and blood stasis and also in improving the quality of life. CHDC is more suitable to be used in long-term treatment than isosorbide dinitrate. The SF-36 and SAQ can be used to appraise the curative effect of traditional Chinese medicine agents for CHD angina pectoris.

Sleep conditions and quality of life among patients with ischemic heart disease after elective percutaneous coronary intervention

In Japan, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a major therapeutic intervention for ischemic heart disease (IHD). Previous studies suggested that an association of the risk of IHD caused by sleep duration was related to factors closely associated with daily activities. However, in Japan, there is no study about this relationship objectively measured using the actigraphy in patients with IHD. Moreover, there is little reported data about sleep condition and early outcomes of patient’s Health-Related Quality of Life (QOL) after PCI. This study determines the correlations between sleep conditions and QOL (measured by SF36 version 2) of 25 patients with IHD who underwent elective PCI. Data were collected seven days after PCI using night-sleep condition. Using Spearman’s rank test, the results revealed positive correlation between vitality score and longest sleep duration (ρ = 0.43, p = 0.031): social functioning (SF) score and duration of night-time sleep (ρ = 0.42, p = 0.037);total sleep duration (ρ = 0.45, p = 0.026), and longest sleep duration (ρ = 0.44, p = 0.024);mental health score and longest sleep duration (ρ = 0.54, p = 0.006). However, negative correlation was found between physical functioning score and arousal during sleep (ρ = -0.44, p = 0.027). Sleep condition was significantly correlated with QOL. In particular, SF score was positively related to night-time sleep. This seems to indicate that SF score might be related to night-time sleep condition. Moreover, the longest sleep durations were correlated with the mental component summary. The results of the study suggest that not only the length of whole sleep durations leads to better QOL, but also the increase the amount of uninterrupted sleep.

Sleep disturbances are associated with anxiety,depression,and decreased quality of life in patients with coronary heart disease

BACKGROUND Studies have shown that sleep disorders are closely related to anxiety and depression,and the quality of life(QoL)of patients with sleep disorders is generally poor.AIM To examine the occurrence of sleep disorders in people with coronary heart disease(CHD)and their relationships with QoL,depression,and anxiety.METHODS As per the sleep condition,240 CHD individuals were separated into two groups:non-sleep disorder group(n=128)and sleep disorder group(n=112).The selfrating anxiety scale(SAS),self-rating depression scale(SDS),and World Health Organization criteria for the Quality of Life Brief scale(WHOQOL-BREF)scores of the two groups were compared.Logistic regression method was used to analyze the independent risk factors of CHD patients with sleep disorders.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to develop the risk prediction model.The association among the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index,SAS,and SDS was examined using Spearman’s correlation analysis.RESULTS The incidence of sleep disorder was 46.67%in 240 patients.The scores of SAS and SDS in the sleep disorder group were higher than those in the non-sleep disorder group,and the WHOQOL-BREF scores were lower than those in the non-sleep disorder group(P<0.05).The risk prediction model of sleep disturbances in CHD patients was constructed using the outcomes of multivariate logistic regression analysis,P=1/[1+e(-2.160+0.989×(female)+0.001×(new rural cooperative medical insurance)+2.219×(anxiety)+2.157×depression)].The results of a Spearman’s correlation study revealed that sleep quality was strongly adversely connected with the physiological field,psychological field,and social relation scores in QoL,and was considerably positively correlated with SAS and SDS(P<0.05).CONCLUSION A multivariate logistic regression model can better predict the occurrence of sleep disorders in CHD patients.Sleep disorders in CHD patients are significantly correlated with QoL,depression,and anxiety.

Analysis of the Effectiveness of Clopidogrel Combined with Aspirin in the Treatment of Coronary Heart Disease in Community-Dwelling Elderly

Objective:To analyze the combined therapeutic effect of clopidogrel(CLO)and aspirin(ASP)on coronary heart disease(CHD)in community-dwelling elderly.Methods:Thirty elderly patients with CHD who were admitted to the Xinxin Community Health Service Station,Pangzhuang Street,Quanshan District,Xuzhou City,from November 2020 to November 2022 were selected and randomly grouped into an observation group and a control group,with 15 cases in each group.The observation group was given the combination of CLO and ASP and the reference group was given only ASP.The total effective rate and other treatment indicators between the two groups were compared.Results:The total effective rate of the observation group(93.33%)was higher than that of the reference group(60.00%)(P<0.05).The adverse drug reaction rate(13.33%)and long-term cardiovascular adverse event rate(6.67%)of the observation group were lower than those of the reference group at 46.67%and 40.00%respectively,(P<0.05).Before treatment,the two groups had no difference in the quality-of-life scores(P>0.05).After treatment,the quality-of-life scores of the observation group were higher than those of the reference group(P<0.05).Conclusion:CLO combined with ASP improved the therapeutic effect of community-dwelling elderly patients with CHD,reduced adverse reactions during medication,prevented adverse cardiovascular events,and comprehensively improved the patient’s quality of life.

Quality of Life in Congenital Heart Disease Patients according to Their Anatomical and Physiological Classification

Background:Living well is as important as living longer.The objective of this study is to assess quality of life(QoL)in congenital heart disease(CHD)according to current AHA/ACC anatomical and physiological classification.Methods:Cross-sectional study examining the World Health Organization QoL Bref questionnaire(WHOQoL-Bref)in consecutive outpatient CHD patients from a single unit.Results:191 CHD patients were studied.Median age was 28±13 years and 59%were male.44(23%),115(60%)and 33(17%)CHD patients showed mild,moderate and great anatomical defects respectively while 69(36%)patients were in physiological Stage A,27(14%)in Stage B,84(44%)in Stage C and 11(6%)in Stage D.No significant differences were seen in relation the anatomical classification and the different sections of the WHOQoL-Bref questionnaire.CHD patients in Stages C and D had significant lower physical domain scores than patients in the Stage A(p<0.05).However,no significant differences were seen in the psychological,social relationships and environmental domains.The binary logistic regression analysis showed that having a higher educational level was a protective factor[OR 0.32(95%CI,0.12-0.87),p=0.026]while being married or cohabit was a risk factor[OR 3.46(95%CI,1.13-10.63),p=0.030]for having a worse rated QoL.Meanwhile,having a worse functional class(NYHA≥2)[OR 3.44(95%CI,1.20-9.81),p=0.021]was associated with dissatisfaction with health.Conclusion:Patients with advanced physiological stages scored lower on the physiological domain.No statistical significance was seen,according to the anatomical and physiological classification,in the psychological,social relationship and environmental domains.

Research Progress on the Influence of Movement Instruction on Community Life in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease

The incidence of coronary heart disease increases year by year with the material level of our country.It has a harmful effect on the patient’s life health and quality of life.Movement Instruction is an important aspect of the secondary prevention project of cardiac rehabilitation in patients with coronary heart disease.Although it has a history of decades at inland and abroad,the present situation in China is not optimistic.Some studies have shown that the popularization and participation of cardiac rehabilitation is true and lacking.This paper sums up the relevant knowledge of coronary heart disease,coronary heart disease movement instruction and its impact on community life of patients at home and abroad,and reviews the research results of movement instruction on community rehabilitation of coronary heart disease in recent years,which provides a theoretical reference and prospect for the future research of community exercise rehabilitation of coronary heart disease.

Effect of Psychological Nursing on the Mental State and Quality of Life of Patients After Heart Valve Replacement for Rheumatic Heart Disease

Objective:To explore the effect of psychological nursing on the mental state and quality of life of patients after heart valve replacement for rheumatic heart disease.Methods:Seventy-four patients with rheumatic heart disease that underwent heart valve replacement in Zhenjiang First People's Hospital from January 2017 to May 2020 were selected as the research subjects.Thirty-seven patients that were treated from January 2017 to September 2018 were included in the control group.Routine care was provided for the patients in the control group.From October 2018 to May 2020,the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery improved their preoperative and postoperative psychological care.Thirty-seven patients that were treated during this period were included in the research group.The research group received psychological nursing care in addition to routine care.The efiects of different nursing modes on the quality of life and postoperative mental state of the patients were determined.Results:The scores for depression,anxiety,somatization,and compulsion in the research group were significantly lower than those in the control group(p<0.05);the scores for the quality of life of patients in the research group were significantly higher than those in the control group(p<0.05).Conclusions:Strengthening psychological nursing for patients with rheumatic heart disease is helpful to improve their quality of life and mental state after heart valve replacement.

Self-reported ischemic heart disease: Prevalence, sociodemographics, health behavior, health-care utilization, and quality of life

The aim of this study was to present the prevalence of self-reported Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) based on a national population-based survey and to characterize people with self-reported IHD with respect to health behavior, risk factors, health-care services utilization and health-related HRQoL;further to compare people with self-reported IHD to those with other chronic illness and people without chronic illness. Based on the Danish Health Interview Survey 2005 (SUSY), a sample of 10,983 persons aged 35 years or older was examined. Data was collected through personal interviews (response rate = 66.7%) and self-administered questionnaires (51.5%). The sample was divided into three mutual exclusive groups: IHD;other chronic illnesses;and no chronic illness. The prevalence of IHD was 5.6% (5.2 - 6.0). The disease was more common in men than women, and the average age was 67.5 years. People with self-reported IHD were characterized as having poorer health behaviors;more risk factors: 40% smokers, 21% sedentary lifestyle, 26% obese;higher utilization of the health-care services;and poorer HRQoL. When compared to people with other chronic diseases, people with IHD continued to show the same characteristics. The IHD group had more problems affecting their daily lives than the other two groups. The issues that affected the people with IHD have also been shown to increase the load on the health-care system. Therefore, it is important to the patients, health-care, and society that the prevalence of IHD is reduced and the burden of disease is made a priority.

Quality of life and functional capacity in patients after cardiac surgery intensive care unit

Coronary heart disease and aortic stenosis are prevalent cardiovascular diseases worldwide,leading to morbidity and mortality.Coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG)and surgical aortic valve replacement(SAVR)have therapeutic benefits,including improved postoperative quality of life(QoL)and enhanced patient functional capacity which are key indicators of cardiac surgery outcome.In this article,we review the latest studies of QoL outcomes and functional capacity in patients who underwent cardiac surgery.Many standardized instruments are used to evaluate QoL and functional conditions.Preoperative health status,age,length of intensive care unit stay,operative risk,type of procedure,and other pre-,intra-,and postoperative factors affect postoperative QoL.Elderly patients experience impaired physical status soon after cardiac surgery,but it improves in the following period.CABG and SAVR are associated with increases of physical and mental health and functional capacity in the immediate postoperative and the long long-term.Cardiac rehabilitation improves patient functional capacity,QoL,and frailty following cardiac surgery.

The importance of depression and alcohol use in coronary artery bypass graft surgery patients：risk factors for delirium and poorer quality of life

ObjectiveToinvestigate whether depression, anxiety and stress increase the risk for delirium and poor quality of life （QOL） after co-ronary artery bypass （CABG） surgery.MethodsA total of 180 CABG patients （mean age of 63.5 ± 10.1 years, 82.2% males） completed baseline and postoperative self-report questionnaires to assess distress and QOL. Incident delirium was diagnosed postoperatively with a structured clinical interview and patients were monitored every day post-operatively for confusion and disturbance in consciousness.Results Delirium developed in 63 persons （35% of sample）. After adjustment for covariates, delirium was significantly associated with depression [odds ratio （OR）： 1.08; 95% confidence interval （CI）： 1.03-1.13,P = 0.003], anxiety （OR： 1.07; 95% CI： 1.02-1.13,P= 0.01） and stress （OR： 1.05; 95% CI： 1.00-1.09,P= 0.03）. Preoperative depression scores were associated with poorer QOL including bodily pain （β =-0.39,P = 0.013）, vitality （β=-0.32,P = 0.020）, social functioning （β=-0.51,P≤0.001）, emotional role function （β=-0.44,P = 0.003） and general health （β=-0.33,P = 0.038）. Among the covariates, harmful levels of alcohol use was consistently associated with poorer QOL.Conclusions Depression and harmful levels of alcohol use were consistently associated with poorer QOL whereas depression, anxiety and stress were associated with delirium risk. These findings point to further research examining depression and harmful levels of alcohol use in coronary heart disease populations undergoing coronary revascularization.

Effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy-based interventions on health outcomes in patients with coronary heart disease:A metaanalysis

BACKGROUND Recently,the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT)-based intervention on health outcomes in patients with coronary heart disease(CHD)has been recognized in randomized controlled trials(RCTs),but no comprehensive systematic review has been conducted.To address this research gap,our study aimed to evaluate whether comprehensive CBT-based interventions positively affect health outcomes in CHD patients.It was hypothesized that CBT-based interventions are effective in:(1)Reducing depression,anxiety,and stress symptoms;(2)Reducing body mass index,blood pressure,and lipid levels;and(3)Improving quality of life,and exercise endurance.AIM To verify the effectiveness of CBT-based interventions on CHD patients through a meta-analysis of previous publications.METHODS Relevant RCTs published in English were obtained by searching electronic databases,including PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials,Scopus,and Proquest,with the retrieval time from inception to August 2020.The primary outcomes were psychological factors(depression,anxiety,and stress symptoms),physiological factors(body mass index,blood pressure,blood lipids).The secondary outcomes included quality of life and exercise endurance.We used Review Manager 5.3 to conduct the meta-analysis and used the Physiotherapy Evidence Database tool to evaluate the quality of studies.RESULTS A total of 22 RCTs comprising 4991 patients with CHD were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis.The main analysis revealed that CBT-based intervention can reduce depression symptoms:-2.00[95%confidence interval(CI):-2.83 to-1.16,P<0.001];anxiety symptoms:-2.07(95%CI:-3.39 to-0.75,P=0.002);stress symptoms:-3.33(95%CI:-4.23 to-2.44,P<0.001);body mass index:-0.47(95%CI:-0.81 to-0.13,P=0.006);and improve physical functioning:3.36(95%CI:1.63 to 5.10,P=0.000)and mental functioning:6.91(95%CI:4.10 to 9.73,P<0.001).Moreover,subgroup analysis results showed that CBT-based interventions were more effective for symptoms of depression and anxiety in CHD patients when individual,as opposed to group treatment,and psycho-education,behavioral and cognitive strategies were applied as the core treatment approaches.CONCLUSION CBT-based interventions are effective treatment strategies for CHD patients,significantly improving their symptoms of depression,anxiety and stress,body mass index,and health-related quality of life.

Impact of Post Hepatitis C Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma on Health Related Quality of Life

Background: Post hepatitis C virus chronic liver disease (CLD) is prevalent among the Egyptian population with a bad impact upon their quality of life (QOL). Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the long term and fatal complications of CLD and it also has its negative impact on patient’s quality of life. Aim: To assess impact of CLD and HCC on the quality of life of group of hospitalized elderly patients. Methodology: Ninety elderly patients were divided into three groups: 30 elderly with post hepatitis C virus CLD, 30 elderly with HCC and 30 others free of liver disease as control group (Cn), all were recruited from the in-patient ward and the outpatient clinic of the Geriatric Department, Ain-Shams University Hospital. After giving consent, comprehensive geriatric assessment was done with assessment of their quality of life by using the Short Form-36 health survey (SF-36). Investigations including liver enzymes, serum albumin, serum bilirubin and abdominal ultrasound were done. Results: All QOL domains were the highest among control group, followed by HCC group and the least among CLD group. The differences were statistically significant in most subscales and total score [Mean of Cn = 81.9 ± 12.4, Mean of CLD = 47.5 ± 21.9, Mean of HCC = 62.3 ± 16.1;P Cn/CLD ≤ 0.001, P Cn/HCC ≤ 0.001, P CLD/HCC = 0.004]. Albumin was the only biochemical marker correlated positively with total SF score and two subscales (PF and EF) [r = 0.408;P = 0.025]. Conclusion & Recommendation: Our study showed a decrease in the QOL of Egyptian post hepatitis C virus CLD and HCC patients compared with Egyptian population norms. The results showed that CLD were more affected than HCC patients. This had a particularly serious negative impact on their life. The findings indicate a need for updated counseling and educational materials designed to provide adequate information and consistent healthcare service to this patient setting.

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.

Association of fatigue with short-term prognosis in young and middle-aged patients with coronary heart disease

Background:To investigate the effect of fatigue on the short-term prognosis of young and middle-aged patients with coronary heart disease(CHD).Methods:A cross-sectional,observational survey was distributed at a tertiary hospital in Suzhou,China.Patients were assessed for fatigue and their prognosis was assessed at 3 and 6 months after discharge.General Information Questionnaire,Fatigue Scale and Seattle Angina Questionnaire(SAQ)were used for the survey.The Cox proportional hazard model was used to analyze the impact of fatigue on the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events(MACEs)at 3 and 6 months after discharge.Multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the effect of fatigue on health-related quality of life(HRQoL)at 3 and 6 months after discharge.Results:199 patients were followed up with in the end.43 patients(21.6%)with MACE three months after discharge had a total SAQ score of(399.76±39.61).The overall SAQ score was(425.14±22.66)and 52 patients(26.1%)experienced MACE six months after discharge.Fatigue was identified as a risk factor for MACE 6 months after discharge by the Cox proportional hazard model(HR=2.939,95%CI:0.177~0.655,P=0.001)and as an independent risk factor for quality of life 3 and 6 months after discharge by multiple linear regression(P<0.001).Conclusions:In individuals who are young or middle-aged and have coronary heart disease,fatigue is a risk factor for the short-term prognosis.It is advised that clinical professionals prioritize patient fatigue assessment and improve management of fatigue symptoms.

Application progress of cognitive behavioral therapy in coronary heart disease

To As one of the most common cardiovascular diseases,coronary heart disease has a high morbidity and mortality.In recent years,non-drug therapy has been put on equal importance with drug therapy due to its simple operation and fast onset.Cognitive behavioral therapy,as a kind of non-drug therapy,has been widely used to improve the physical and mental symptoms of patients with coronary heart disease.This article reviews the origin,concept,theoretical basis,characteristics,technology,and current research status of cognitive behavioral therapy in patients with coronary heart disease,in order to provide a reference for the clinical development of cognitive behavioral therapy.

Depression risk in patients with coronary heart disease in Germany

AIM To determine the prevalence of depression and its risk factors among patients with coronary heart disease(CHD) treated in German primary care practices.METHODS Longitudinal data from nationwide general practices in Germany(n = 1072) were analyzed.Individuals initially diagnosed with CHD(2009-2013) were identified,and 59992 patients were included and matched(1:1) to 59992 controls.The primary outcome measure was an initial diagnosis of depression within five years after the index date among patients with and without CHD.Cox proportional hazards models were used to adjust for confounders.RESULTS Mean age was equal to 68.0 years(SD = 11.3).A total of 55.9% of patients were men.After a five-year follow-up,21.8% of the CHD group and 14.2% of the control group were diagnosed with depression(P < 0.001).In the multivariate regression model,CHD was a strong risk factor for developing depression(HR =1.54,95%CI:1.49-1.59,P < 0.001).Prior depressive episodes,dementia,and eight other chronic conditions were associated with a higher risk of developing depression.Interestingly,older patients and women were also more likely to be diagnosed with depression compared with younger patients and men,respectively.CONCLUSION The risk of depression is significantly increased among patients with CHD compared with patients without CHD treated in primary care practices in Germany.CHD patients should be routinely screened for depression to ensure improved treatment and management.

Dietary Magnesium Intake Related to C-Reactive Protein in Newly Diagnosed Coronary Heart Disease Patients at Middle Zone, Gaza Strip. A Hospital Based Study

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is a highly prevalent disease all over the world. Magnesium (Mg) plays a role in CHD but it is still unclear. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is an inflammatory marker which may rise in CHD. Aim of study: To assess the impact of dietary Mg intake and its level in relation to CRP among newly diagnosed CHD at middle zone of Gaza Strip. Methodology: Patients (n = 140) with confirmed CHD, 50 ± 10 years, presented in the cardiac care unit at Aqsa Martyr’s Hospital between 1 April 2012 and 30 December 2012, were enrolled in this cross-sectional study after taking consent. ECG, clinical status, and cardiac markers were used to confirm diagnosis by cardiologist. Food frequency questionnaire was used to assess Mg intake and calcium intake in addition to measurement of its level in serum. CRP latex slide was used for measurement of CRP. Results: Mg intake and serum Mg were?inversely associated with risk?of CHD. Mean of serum Mg among cases (1.80) was lower than controls (2.41) (P = 0.001). Percent of positive CRP was higher in cases (32.9%) than controls (12.9%) (P = 0.005). Mean of serum Mg was (1.96 ± 0.47) for positive CRP which was lower than the mean of serum Mg (2.15 ± 0.44) for negative CRP. Conclusion: Newly diagnosed patients with CHD have a positive CRP, low serum and low?Mg intake, and low serum Mg was associated with elevated CRP.

Effects of a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program in Patients with Congenital Heart Disease

The beneficial effects of the programs of cardiac rehabilitation in adults are widely known. Nevertheless, the accomplishment of these programs in patients with congenital heart is scarcely developed. In this study, we want to evaluate the preliminary results of a program of cardiac rehabilitation. Patients and methods: Thirty-three patients aged 8 to 40 completed the rehabilitation program. Thirty-one of them had an operated congenital heart disease, one had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, and another was a patient with arterial hypertension and obesity. Data before and after the program were compared. Results: Improvements were found in all of the measured parameters. We found a statistically significant difference in maximum heart rate, exercise duration, foreseen heart rate’s percentage and increase of metabolic equivalents. Twenty-seven of 33 patients noticed a significant improvement in their quality of life at the end of the program. Conclusion: Initial results seem to be encouraging and we consider the experience very positive since the program achieved an improvement in the functional capacity of our patients. In our opinion, these observations and the results of our study provide strong arguments for the incorporation of cardiac rehabilitation into the care of many patients with congenital heart disease.