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  • 1.
    Agvall, Björn
    et al.
    Linköping University, Department of Department of Health and Society, General Practice. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Local Health Care Services in Central Östergötland.
    Borgquist, Lars
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Department of Health and Society, General Practice. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Local Health Care Services in West Östergötland, Research & Development Unit in Local Health Care.
    Foldevi, Mats
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Department of Health and Society, General Practice. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Local Health Care Services in Central Östergötland.
    Dahlström, Ulf
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Cost of heart failure in Swedish primary healthcare2005In: Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care, ISSN 0281-3432, E-ISSN 1502-7724, Vol. 23, p. 227-232Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objectives. To calculate the cost for patients with heart failure (HF) in a primary healthcare setting. Design. Retrospective study of all available patient data during a period of one year. Setting. Two healthcare centers in Linköping in the southeastern region of Sweden, covering a population of 19 400 inhabitants. Subjects. A total of 115 patients with a diagnosis of HF. Main outcome measures. The healthcare costs for patients with HF and the healthcare utilization concerning hospital days and visits to doctors and nurses in hospital care and primary healthcare. Results. The mean annual cost for a patient with HF was SEK 37 100. There were no significant differences in cost between gender, age, New York Heart Association functional class, and cardiac function. The distribution of cost was 47% for hospital care, 22% for primary healthcare, 18% for medication, 5% for nursing home, and 6% for examinations. Conclusion. Hospital care accounts for the largest cost but the cost in primary healthcare is larger than previously shown. The total annual cost for patients with HF in Sweden is in the range of SEK 5.0–6.7 billion according to this calculation, which is higher than previously known.Read More: http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02813430500197647

  • 2.
    Agvall, Björn
    et al.
    Linköping University, Department of Department of Health and Society, General Practice. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Dahlström, Ulf
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Patients in primary health care diagnosed and treated as heart failure, with special reference to gender differences2001In: Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care, ISSN 0281-3432, E-ISSN 1502-7724, Vol. 19, no 1, p. 14-19Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objective - The aim of the present study was to describe patients considered to have had heart failure (HF), or were being treated for HF, in a defined area in primary health care, e.g. diagnostic procedures, aetiologic diseases and management, and to evaluate whether there is a difference between the genders. Design - Descriptive retrospective investigation. Setting - ┼tvidaberg community situated in southeast Sweden, 12 400 inhabitants. Patients - 256 patients treated for symptomatic HF. Main outcome measures - Prevalence, aetiology, diagnostic procedures and management of HF and differences between the genders. Results - The diagnosis of HF was based on an objective evaluation of cardiac function in only 31% of the patients. Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) was the predominant associated disease, followed by hypertension. Therapy included diuretics (84%), angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (56%) and digoxin (40%). Only 52% had optimal doses of ACE inhibitors. Women had a significantly higher mean age and their diagnoses were based on an objective diagnostic test (echocardiography) in only 20%. Women were prescribed ACE inhibitors to a lesser extent (43%) than men (64%) and with a lower optimal dose (44% versus 56% in men). Conclusion - There is still room for improvement in the management of HF in primary health care, especially in women, where the diagnosis is not generally based on an objective evaluation of cardiac function and where the treatment to a lesser extent than in men includes ACE inhibitors.

  • 3.
    Ahlström, Christer
    et al.
    Linköping University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Physiological Measurements. Linköping University, The Institute of Technology.
    Ask, Per
    Linköping University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Physiological Measurements. Linköping University, The Institute of Technology.
    Rask, Peter
    University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden .
    Karlsson, Jan-Erik
    County Hospital Ryhov, Jönköping, Sweden.
    Nylander, Eva
    Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Clinical Physiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Clinical Physiology.
    Dahlström, Ulf
    Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Hult, Peter
    Linköping University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Physiological Measurements. Linköping University, The Institute of Technology.
    Assessment of Suspected Aortic Stenosis by Auto Mutual Information Analysis of Murmurs2007In: Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, 2007. EMBS 2007, 2007, p. 1945-1948Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Mild sclerotic thickening of the aortic valve affects 25% of the population, and the condition causes aortic valve stenosis (AS) in 2% of adults above 65 years. Echocardiography is today the clinical standard for assessing AS. However, a cost effective and uncomplicated technique that can be used for decision support in the primary health care would be of great value. In this study, recorded phonocardiographic signals were analyzed using the first local minimum of the auto mutual information (AMI) function. The AMI method measures the complexity in the sound signal, which is related to the amount of turbulence in the blood flow and thus to the severity of the stenosis. Two previously developed phonocardiographic methods for assessing AS severity were used for comparison, the murmur energy ratio and the sound spectral averaging technique. Twenty-nine patients with suspected AS were examined with Doppler echocardiography. The aortic jet velocity was used as a reference of AS severity, and it was found to correlate with the AMI method, the murmur energy ratio and the sound spectral averaging technique with the correlation coefficient R = 0.82, R = 0.73 and R = 0.76, respectively.

  • 4.
    Ahlström, Christer
    et al.
    Linköping University, The Institute of Technology. Linköping University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Physiological Measurements.
    Hult, Peter
    Linköping University, The Institute of Technology. Linköping University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Physiological Measurements.
    Rask, P
    Karlsson, J-E
    Nylander, Eva
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Clinical Physiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Clinical Physiology.
    Dahlström, Ulf
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Ask, Per
    Linköping University, The Institute of Technology. Linköping University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Physiological Measurements.
    Using the intelligent stethoscope for extraction of features for systolic heart murmur classification2006In: World Congress on Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering WC2006,2006, 2006Conference paper (Other academic)
  • 5.
    Alehagen, Urban
    Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Heart failure in primary health care: special emphasis on natriuretic peptides in the elderly2003Doctoral thesis, comprehensive summary (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: This thesis focuses on heart failure among elderly patients in the community who usually are not included in studies on heart failure. The heart failure syndrome is an increasing problem in Western society. Severe heart failure is often easy to diagnose compared with light to moderate heart failure, which is more frequent in patients in the community,

    Doppler echocardiography is the most commonly used method to objectively verify an abnormal cardiac function, mostly the systolic function. One goal of this thesis was to evaluate both the systolic and diastolic functions. Another goal was a study of the possible utility of the B-type natriuretic peptide, BNP (brain natriuretic peptide), and the amino terminal fragment of its precursor, proBNP (N-terminal proBNP) as tools in the diagnosis of heart failure in elderly patients.

    Methods: In a primary health care setting, 510 elderly patients (age range 65-82 years) with symptoms and signs possibly associated with heart failure were examined concerning patient history, ongoing pharmacological treatment, clinical examination, chest x-ray, electrocardiogram, Doppler echo cardiography, and selected biochemical measurements of blood samples. Additionally, the natriuretic peptide BNP and the aminoterminal fragment of proBNP were analyzed for a possible influence of gender, age, impaired cardiac function assessed using Doppler echocardiography, other diseases, and phannacological treatment. We followed our study population for six years, carefully registering mortality with death certificates. This information was used in analyzing the risk of cardiovascular death based on Cox proportional hazard regression. We present a model for estimating the risk of cardiovascular death in the individual patient.

    Results: Almost half of our study population [mean age 73 (SD 6) years] with symptoms of possible heart failure had signs of impaired cardiac function on Doppler echocardiography. Half of these individuals had isolated impairment of the diastolic function. Almost two thirds of the elderly patients who had an ejection fraction of less than 40% did not receive treatment with ACE inhibitors, one of the cornerstones in the treatment of heart failure.

    BNP and N-terminal proBNP were equally effective in detecting impaired cardiac function. As a response to increased filling pressure they probably provide earlier information on the haemodynamic situation than Doppler echocardiography does.

    In these elderly patients, functional class (NYHA class III: 7 times increased risk), in vivo examination by Doppler echo cardiography (EF<30%: 8 times increased risk) and the in vitro measurement of plasma BNP (>27.8 pmol/L: 11 times increased risk) and N-terminal proBNP (>109 pmol/L: 7 times increased risk) could be used as prognostic determinants in assessing the risk of cardiovascular death.

    Conclusion: The results indicate that a focused patient history and clinical examination provides important information that is often sufficient for the prognostic evaluation of a patient with heart failure symptoms. Additional information may be obtained with Doppler echo cardiographic examination and measurement of plasma BNP or N-terminal proBNP. The relationship between BNPIN-terminal proBNP concentration and risk of cardiovascular death may be analysed to define decision limits for the concentrations of these peptides as regards further diagnostic procedures and/or phannaceutical treatment.

    List of papers
    1. Heart failure in the elderly: characteristics of a Swedish primary health care population
    Open this publication in new window or tab >>Heart failure in the elderly: characteristics of a Swedish primary health care population
    2002 (English)In: Heart Drug, ISSN 1422-9528, E-ISSN 1424-0556, Vol. 2, no 5, p. 211-220Article in journal (Refereed) Published
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Heart failure (HF) is a challenge to diagnose and treat according to guidelines. Few studies have been performed in elderly subjects with symptoms that might be associated with HF in primary health care.

    Objective: To study elderly patients presenting with symptoms possibly associated with HF, with respect to systolic and diastolic function, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels and treatment.

    Methods: A cardiologist examined 415 elderly (65–82 years) patients with symptoms of dyspnoea, fatigue and/or peripheral oedema. All patients underwent echocardiography and plasma BNP determination. Systolic function was determined semiquantitatively, and ejection fraction (EF) <40% was considered to be reduced. Abnormal diastolic function was defined as a reduced ratio of peak early diastolic filling velocity to peak filling velocity at atrial contraction (E/A ratio; age adjusted) or an abnormal pattern of pulmonary venous flow.

    Results: Forty-eight percent of the patients showed abnormal systolic (26%) or diastolic function (22%). A majority of the patients with diastolic HF had relaxation abnormalities and neither pseudonormal nor restrictive filling patterns. Increased levels of BNP were found in the group with impaired systolic function. More than half of those with EF <40% were not receiving angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitions at all, or were on a suboptimal dose, whereas others were on treatment for an HF diagnosis despite normal cardiac function.

    Conclusion: Diagnostic tools that are more objective than clinical examination are needed for the diagnosis of HF.

    Keywords
    Elderly patients, Heart failure, Primary health care
    National Category
    Medical and Health Sciences
    Identifiers
    urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-46849 (URN)10.1159/000067723 (DOI)
    Available from: 2009-10-11 Created: 2009-10-11 Last updated: 2017-12-13Bibliographically approved
    2. Utility of the amino-terminal fragment of pro-brain natriuretic peptide in plasma for the evaluation of cardiac dysfunction in elderly patients in primary health care
    Open this publication in new window or tab >>Utility of the amino-terminal fragment of pro-brain natriuretic peptide in plasma for the evaluation of cardiac dysfunction in elderly patients in primary health care
    2003 (English)In: Clinical Chemistry, ISSN 0009-9147, E-ISSN 1530-8561, Vol. 49, no 8, p. 1337-1346Article in journal (Refereed) Published
    Abstract [en]

    Background: The aims of this study were to measure the N-terminal fragment of pro-brain natriuretic peptide (proBNP) in plasma in medical conditions commonly found in primary care and to evaluate the utility of these measurements in identifying impaired cardiac function in elderly patients with symptoms associated with heart failure.

    Methods: We studied 415 patients (221 men and 194 women; mean age, 72 years) who had contacted a primary healthcare center for dyspnea, fatigue, and/or peripheral edema. One cardiologist evaluated the patients in terms of history, physical examination, functional capacity, electrocardiography, and suspicion of heart failure. Plasma N-terminal proBNP was measured by an in-house RIA. An ejection fraction ≤40% by Doppler echocardiography was regarded as reduced cardiac function. Abnormal diastolic function was defined as an abnormal mitral inflow defined as reduced ratio of peak early diastolic filling velocity to peak filling velocity at atrial contraction (E/A ratio), or as abnormal pulmonary venous flow pattern.

    Results: Patients with impaired functional capacity, impaired systolic function, and/or impaired renal function had significantly increased N-terminal proBNP concentrations. By multiple regression analysis, N-terminal proBNP concentrations were also influenced by ischemic heart disease, cardiac enlargement, and certain medications but not by increased creatinine. No gender differences were observed. Patients with isolated diastolic dysfunction attributable to relaxation abnormali-ties had lower concentrations than those with normal cardiac function, whereas those with pseudonormal E/A ratios or restrictive filling patterns had higher concentrations.

    Conclusions: Plasma N-terminal proBNP concentrations increase as a result of impaired systolic function, age, impaired renal function, cardiac ischemia and enlargement, and certain medications. Values are high in diastolic dysfunction with pseudonormal patterns, but not in patients with relaxation abnormalities. An increase in plasma N-terminal proBNP might be an earlier sign of abnormal cardiac function than abnormalities identified by currently used echocardiographic measurements.

    National Category
    Medical and Health Sciences
    Identifiers
    urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-26758 (URN)10.1373/49.8.1337 (DOI)11356 (Local ID)11356 (Archive number)11356 (OAI)
    Available from: 2009-10-08 Created: 2009-10-08 Last updated: 2017-12-13Bibliographically approved
    3. The risk of cardiovascular death in elderly patients with possible heart failure: results from a 6-year follow-up of a Swedish primary care population
    Open this publication in new window or tab >>The risk of cardiovascular death in elderly patients with possible heart failure: results from a 6-year follow-up of a Swedish primary care population
    2005 (English)In: International Journal of Cardiology, ISSN 0167-5273, E-ISSN 1874-1754, Vol. 100, no 1, p. 17-27Article in journal (Refereed) Published
    Abstract [en]

    Little is known about the prognosis and clinical variables influencing the prognosis among elderly patients in primary health care with mild to moderate heart failure.

    Aim: To evaluate the risk of cardiovascular mortality in elderly patients with symptoms of heart failure with respect to systolic and diastolic function, and functional impairment. To evaluate prognostic determinants and to risk-stratify the patients.

    Methods: A cardiologist examined 510 patients, out of 548 invited, attending primary care for symptoms of dyspnoea, fatigue and/or peripheral oedema and assessed New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class. Examination by Doppler echocardiography was done in 454 patients, 56 patients being excluded because of, e.g., atrial fibrillation. Abnormal systolic function was defined as ejection fraction <40%. The diastolic function was evaluated using the mitral inflow and pulmonary venous flow variables. Different clinical and echocardiographic variables were analysed using a Cox regression analysis to identify those most influencing the risk of cardiovascular mortality.

    Conclusion: Abnormal systolic and/or diastolic function was found in 219 patients (48% of the 454 patients who could be echocardiographically completely investigated). The follow-up period was 6 years. Total mortality was 20%, and cardiovascular mortality was 14% (70% of total mortality). Cardiovascular mortality was high in patients with severely impaired functional capacity and ejection fraction <40% at the start of the study. Risk variables identified were male gender, diabetes mellitus, impaired functional capacity and abnormal cardiac function by echocardiography. A prognostic score model using simple clinical variables (gender, NYHA class, cardiac function) was developed to assess the risk of cardiovascular death in order to identify patients with high, moderate or low risk. In a ROC curve analysis, the AUC for clinical variables was only 0.75, whereas the AUC for clinical variables and echocardiography was 0.78, indicating that the additional prognostic information obtained by Doppler echocardiography was rather small.

    National Category
    Medical and Health Sciences
    Identifiers
    urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-33737 (URN)10.1016/j.ijcard.2004.03.031 (DOI)19779 (Local ID)19779 (Archive number)19779 (OAI)
    Available from: 2009-10-09 Created: 2009-10-09 Last updated: 2017-12-13Bibliographically approved
    4. Results from a 6-year follow-up of a Swedish population in primary care regarding b-type natriuretic peptide (bnp) and the aminoterminal fragment of proBNP (n-terminal proBNP) and risk for cardiovascular death in elderly patients with possible heart failure.
    Open this publication in new window or tab >>Results from a 6-year follow-up of a Swedish population in primary care regarding b-type natriuretic peptide (bnp) and the aminoterminal fragment of proBNP (n-terminal proBNP) and risk for cardiovascular death in elderly patients with possible heart failure.
    (English)Manuscript (preprint) (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Abstract

    Heart failure is common in the elderly population and carries a serious prognosis. Identification of risk factors for cardiovascular mortality among primary care patients is important.

    Aim

    To evaluate EDTA-plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the aminoterminal fragment of proBNP (N-terminal proBNP) as prognostic markers in elderly with symptoms of mild to moderate heart failure.

    Methods

    From 474 patients attending primary care for symptoms of dyspnoea, fatigue and/or peripheral oedema blood was sampled in plastic tubes containing EDTA in order to measure BNP by non-extraction immunoradiometric assay and of N-terminal proBNP by non-extraction radioimmunoassay. Patients were evaluated with respect to history and clinical- and laboratory examinations with particular reference to cardiac structure and function. Follow-up time was 6 years. A Cox regression analysis was performed to identify the weight of risk variables.

    Conclusion

    During the follow-up period of 6 years the total mortality was 16 % (75 patients out of 474), and cardiovascular mortality was 11% (52 patients). Cardiovascular mortality increased with increased plasma concentration of BNP or N-terminal proBNP. Both pep tides were useful prognostic markers for cardiovascular mortality in patients with heart failure. In those with the highest quartile of plasma concentration of BNP and N=terminal proBNP, 9.9 times and 5.0 times increased risk for CV death were identified respectively.

    National Category
    Medical and Health Sciences
    Identifiers
    urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-84703 (URN)
    Available from: 2012-10-17 Created: 2012-10-17 Last updated: 2013-09-26Bibliographically approved
  • 6.
    Alehagen, Urban
    et al.
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Dahlström, Ulf
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Lindahl, Tomas
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Biomedicine and Surgery, Division of clinical chemistry. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Centre for Laboratory Medicine, Department of Clinical Chemistry.
    Elevated D-dimer level is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular death in out-patients with symptoms compatible with heart failure2004In: Thrombosis and Haemostasis, ISSN 0340-6245, E-ISSN 2567-689X, Vol. 92, no 6, p. 1250-1258Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    D-dimer, a marker of fibrin turnover, exhibits many interesting properties as a biological marker of thrombosis. Some of the properties of D-dimer might also be used to provide additional information about patients with heart failure. In this study, we evaluate the prognostic information acquired from D-dimer concerning increased risk of cardiovascular mortality in an elderly population with symptoms associated with heart failure. A cardiologist examined 458 elderly patients, out of 548 invited, attending primary care for symptoms of dyspnoea, fatigue and/or peripheral oedema and assessed NYHA functional class and cardiac function. Abnormal systolic function was defined as EF <40% on Doppler echocardiography. Abnormal diastolic function was defined as reduced E/A ratio and/or an abnormal pattern of pulmonary venous flow. Blood samples were drawn, and BNP and D-dimer were analysed. D-dimer was analysed using an automated micro-latex assay. A statistical analysis was performed to identify the prognostic value of increased plasma concentration of D-dimer. Results showed that during a median follow-up period of 5.5 years, 68 (14%) patients died of cardiovascular disease. No gender difference was noted. A plasma concentration of D-dimer >0.25mg/L increased the risk almost 4-fold. In conclusion, D-dimer is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality that may be used to risk-stratify patients with heart failure. © 2004 Schattauer GmbH, Stuttgart.

  • 7.
    Alehagen, Urban
    et al.
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Goetze, JP
    Dahlström, Ulf
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Reference intervals and decision limits for B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and its precursor (Nt-proBNP) in the elderly2007In: Clinica Chimica Acta, ISSN 0009-8981, E-ISSN 1873-3492, Vol. 382, no 1-2Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Elderly patients have the highest prevalence of heart failure (HF). The aims of the study were to establish a reference interval for B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and (Nt-proBNP) in elderly people, and to identify clinically relevant decision limits based on long-term outcome. Methods: Plasma concentrations of BNP and Nt-proBNP were measured from two elderly populations: 218 healthy subjects (mean age 73 years, population I), and 474 patients (mean age 73 years, population II) with symptoms associated with HF. Study population II was followed for 6 years with registration of all cardiovascular mortality. Results: An association between both BNP and Nt-proBNP concentrations and age was found. The upper limit for the reference intervals in the healthy elderly (population I) was: BNP ≤ 28 pmol/L (≤ 97 ng/L), and Nt-proBNP ≤ 64 pmol/L (≤ 540 ng/L). Based on cardiovascular mortality, decision limits for BNP (∼ 50 pmol/L, ∼ 170 ng/L) and Nt-proBNP (∼ 200 pmol/L, ∼ 1700 ng/L) (population II) were determined. Conclusions: Besides establishing reference intervals for BNP and Nt-proBNP in an elderly population, a higher clinically relevant decision limit for BNP and Nt-proBNP was identified, indicating additive prognostic information of the peptides on top of measurements by echocardiography. Therefore, both reference intervals and decision limits should be included in clinical practice. © 2007.

  • 8.
    Alehagen, Urban
    et al.
    Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Lindstedt, G.
    Sahlgren Academy at Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Levin, Lars-Åke
    Linköping University, Department of Department of Health and Society, Center for Medical Technology Assessment. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Dahlström, Ulf
    Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Results from a 6-year follow-up of a Swedish population in primary care regarding b-type natriuretic peptide (bnp) and the aminoterminal fragment of proBNP (n-terminal proBNP) and risk for cardiovascular death in elderly patients with possible heart failure.Manuscript (preprint) (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Abstract

    Heart failure is common in the elderly population and carries a serious prognosis. Identification of risk factors for cardiovascular mortality among primary care patients is important.

    Aim

    To evaluate EDTA-plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the aminoterminal fragment of proBNP (N-terminal proBNP) as prognostic markers in elderly with symptoms of mild to moderate heart failure.

    Methods

    From 474 patients attending primary care for symptoms of dyspnoea, fatigue and/or peripheral oedema blood was sampled in plastic tubes containing EDTA in order to measure BNP by non-extraction immunoradiometric assay and of N-terminal proBNP by non-extraction radioimmunoassay. Patients were evaluated with respect to history and clinical- and laboratory examinations with particular reference to cardiac structure and function. Follow-up time was 6 years. A Cox regression analysis was performed to identify the weight of risk variables.

    Conclusion

    During the follow-up period of 6 years the total mortality was 16 % (75 patients out of 474), and cardiovascular mortality was 11% (52 patients). Cardiovascular mortality increased with increased plasma concentration of BNP or N-terminal proBNP. Both pep tides were useful prognostic markers for cardiovascular mortality in patients with heart failure. In those with the highest quartile of plasma concentration of BNP and N=terminal proBNP, 9.9 times and 5.0 times increased risk for CV death were identified respectively.

  • 9.
    Alehagen, Urban
    et al.
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Lindstedt, G
    Göteborgs universitet.
    Levin, Lars-Åke
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Department of Health and Society, Center for Medical Technology Assessment.
    Dahlström, Ulf
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Risk of cardiovascular death in elderly patients with possible heart failure. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the aminoterminal fragment of ProBNP (N-terminal proBNP) as prognostic indicators in a 6-year follow-up of a primary care population2005In: International Journal of Cardiology, ISSN 0167-5273, E-ISSN 1874-1754, Vol. 100, no 1, p. 125-133Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Heart failure is common in the elderly population and carries a serious prognosis. We evaluated EDTA-plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (brain natriuretic peptide, BNP) and the aminoterminal fragment of proBNP (N-terminal proBNP) as prognostic markers in elderly primary care patients with symptoms of heart failure. Methods: From 474 patients attending primary care for symptoms of dyspnea, fatigue and/or peripheral edema, blood was sampled in plastic tubes containing EDTA to measure BNP by non-extraction immunoradiometric assay and N-terminal proBNP by non-extraction radioimmunoassay. Patients were evaluated with respect to history and function by NYHA classification and Doppler echocardiography. Follow-up time was 6 years. Cox regression analysis was performed to identify the weight of risk variables. Conclusion: Total 6-year mortality was 20% (102 patients out of 510), and cardiovascular (CV) mortality was 14% (71 patients, 70% of total mortality). BNP and N-terminal proBNP were essentially equally useful as prognostic markers. In patients with the highest quartiles of plasma concentration of BNP and N-terminal proBNP, respectively, the risk of cardiovascular mortality was 10 and 4.8 times, respectively, higher than that in those in the lowest quartile. Peptide concentrations varied widely within all functional groups including those with normal echocardiographic findings. Plasma concentrations of BNP and N-terminal proBNP give important prognostic information concerning risk of cardiovascular mortality. Cost-effective "clinical pathways" should be outlined for patients with elevated peptide concentrations. © 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  • 10.
    Alehagen, Urban
    et al.
    Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Lindstedt, G.
    Sahlgren Academy at Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Levin, Lars-Åke
    Linköping University, Department of Department of Health and Society, Center for Medical Technology Assessment. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Dahlström, Ulf
    Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    The risk of cardiovascular death in elderly patients with possible heart failure: results from a 6-year follow-up of a Swedish primary care population2005In: International Journal of Cardiology, ISSN 0167-5273, E-ISSN 1874-1754, Vol. 100, no 1, p. 17-27Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Little is known about the prognosis and clinical variables influencing the prognosis among elderly patients in primary health care with mild to moderate heart failure.

    Aim: To evaluate the risk of cardiovascular mortality in elderly patients with symptoms of heart failure with respect to systolic and diastolic function, and functional impairment. To evaluate prognostic determinants and to risk-stratify the patients.

    Methods: A cardiologist examined 510 patients, out of 548 invited, attending primary care for symptoms of dyspnoea, fatigue and/or peripheral oedema and assessed New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class. Examination by Doppler echocardiography was done in 454 patients, 56 patients being excluded because of, e.g., atrial fibrillation. Abnormal systolic function was defined as ejection fraction <40%. The diastolic function was evaluated using the mitral inflow and pulmonary venous flow variables. Different clinical and echocardiographic variables were analysed using a Cox regression analysis to identify those most influencing the risk of cardiovascular mortality.

    Conclusion: Abnormal systolic and/or diastolic function was found in 219 patients (48% of the 454 patients who could be echocardiographically completely investigated). The follow-up period was 6 years. Total mortality was 20%, and cardiovascular mortality was 14% (70% of total mortality). Cardiovascular mortality was high in patients with severely impaired functional capacity and ejection fraction <40% at the start of the study. Risk variables identified were male gender, diabetes mellitus, impaired functional capacity and abnormal cardiac function by echocardiography. A prognostic score model using simple clinical variables (gender, NYHA class, cardiac function) was developed to assess the risk of cardiovascular death in order to identify patients with high, moderate or low risk. In a ROC curve analysis, the AUC for clinical variables was only 0.75, whereas the AUC for clinical variables and echocardiography was 0.78, indicating that the additional prognostic information obtained by Doppler echocardiography was rather small.

  • 11.
    Alehagen, Urban
    et al.
    Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Lindstedt, Göran
    Sahlgren Academy at Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Eriksson, Henry
    Department of Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital-Östra, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Dahlström, Ulf
    Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Utility of the amino-terminal fragment of pro-brain natriuretic peptide in plasma for the evaluation of cardiac dysfunction in elderly patients in primary health care2003In: Clinical Chemistry, ISSN 0009-9147, E-ISSN 1530-8561, Vol. 49, no 8, p. 1337-1346Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: The aims of this study were to measure the N-terminal fragment of pro-brain natriuretic peptide (proBNP) in plasma in medical conditions commonly found in primary care and to evaluate the utility of these measurements in identifying impaired cardiac function in elderly patients with symptoms associated with heart failure.

    Methods: We studied 415 patients (221 men and 194 women; mean age, 72 years) who had contacted a primary healthcare center for dyspnea, fatigue, and/or peripheral edema. One cardiologist evaluated the patients in terms of history, physical examination, functional capacity, electrocardiography, and suspicion of heart failure. Plasma N-terminal proBNP was measured by an in-house RIA. An ejection fraction ≤40% by Doppler echocardiography was regarded as reduced cardiac function. Abnormal diastolic function was defined as an abnormal mitral inflow defined as reduced ratio of peak early diastolic filling velocity to peak filling velocity at atrial contraction (E/A ratio), or as abnormal pulmonary venous flow pattern.

    Results: Patients with impaired functional capacity, impaired systolic function, and/or impaired renal function had significantly increased N-terminal proBNP concentrations. By multiple regression analysis, N-terminal proBNP concentrations were also influenced by ischemic heart disease, cardiac enlargement, and certain medications but not by increased creatinine. No gender differences were observed. Patients with isolated diastolic dysfunction attributable to relaxation abnormali-ties had lower concentrations than those with normal cardiac function, whereas those with pseudonormal E/A ratios or restrictive filling patterns had higher concentrations.

    Conclusions: Plasma N-terminal proBNP concentrations increase as a result of impaired systolic function, age, impaired renal function, cardiac ischemia and enlargement, and certain medications. Values are high in diastolic dysfunction with pseudonormal patterns, but not in patients with relaxation abnormalities. An increase in plasma N-terminal proBNP might be an earlier sign of abnormal cardiac function than abnormalities identified by currently used echocardiographic measurements.

  • 12.
    Alfredsson, Joakim
    et al.
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Sederholm Lawesson, Sofia
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Stenestrand, Ulf
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Wallentin, Lars
    Uppsala.
    Swahn, Eva
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Gender influence tretment and outcome of patients with unstable coronary artery disease.2003In: European Heart Journal,2003, 2003, p. 72-72Conference paper (Refereed)
  • 13.
    Alfredsson, Joakim
    et al.
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Sederholm Lawesson, Sofia
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Stenestrand, Ulf
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Wallentin, Lars
    Uppsala.
    Swahn, Eva
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Unstable coronary artery disease - a missed diagnosis.2003In: European Heart Journal,2003, 2003, p. 74-74Conference paper (Refereed)
  • 14.
    Alfredsson, Joakim
    et al.
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Stenestrand, Ulf
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Wallentin, L
    Swahn, Eva
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Sex-based differences in management and outcome in unstable coronary artery disease2005In: Second International Conference on Women, Heart disease and Stroke,2005, 2005Conference paper (Other academic)
  • 15.
    Alfredsson, Joakim
    et al.
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Swahn, Eva
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Stenestrand, Ulf
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Wallentin, L
    ST-segment depression and elevated biochemical cardiac markers are highly predictive of worse outcome in both women and men.2004In: XXVI Congress of the European Soceity of Cardiology,2004, 2004, p. 1762-1762Conference paper (Other academic)
  • 16.
    Arnold, MF
    et al.
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Clinical Physiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Clinical Physiology.
    Voigt, JU
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Clinical Physiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Clinical Physiology.
    Kukulski, T
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Clinical Physiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Clinical Physiology.
    Wranne, Bengt
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Clinical Physiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Clinical Physiology.
    Sutherland, George R
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Hatle, Liv
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Clinical Physiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Clinical Physiology.
    Editorial: Does atrioventricular ring motion always distinguish constriction from restriction? A Doppler myocardial imaging study2001In: Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography, ISSN 0894-7317, E-ISSN 1097-6795, Vol. 14, no 5, p. 391-395Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Constrictive pericarditis and restrictive cardiomyopathy can be difficult to differentiate on clinical examination. Cardiac ultrasonography is increasingly being used as the noninvasive method of choice for confirming the specific morphologic and hemodynamic abnormalities associated with either condition. Interrogation of atrioventricular valve plane motion by Doppler myocardial imaging (DMI) has been suggested as a valuable new approach that can help differentiate one from the other. We report the color DMI, pulsed DMI, and strain rate findings in 2 cases of constrictive pericarditis in which consideration of the annular motion pattern alone would not have allowed such differentiation.

  • 17. Aronsson, B
    et al.
    Perk, J
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Clinical Physiology.
    Norlén, S
    Hedbäck, Bo
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Resuming domestic activities after myocardial infarction: a study in female patients2000In: Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, ISSN 1103-8128, E-ISSN 1651-2014, Vol. 7, p. 39-44Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 18.
    Bergdahl, Björn
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Undergraduate Medical Education in Sweden2000In: Medical Curricula In European Countries / [ed] Mila García Barbero, Copenhagen: The World Health Organization, WHO , 2000, p. 155-161Chapter in book (Other academic)
  • 19.
    Bergdahl, Björn
    et al.
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Fyrenius, Anna
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Clinical Physiology.
    Persson, Anne-Christine
    Problembaserat lärande på webben utmanar studenternas tänkande2004In: Läkartidningen, ISSN 0023-7205, E-ISSN 1652-7518, Vol. 101, p. 3236-3239Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 20.
    Berglund, Ulf
    et al.
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Karlsson, Erling
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Betydande underbehandling av hög kolesterolnivå vid kranskärlssjukdom.2000In: Läkartidningen, ISSN 0023-7205, E-ISSN 1652-7518, Vol. 97, p. 155-157Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 21.
    Berglund, Ulf
    et al.
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Olin, Christian
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Thoracic Surgery. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery.
    Diskutabel metodik ger missvisande resultat. SBU-studie av indikationer för ingrepp i hjärtats kranskärl kan ifrågasättas.1999In: Läkartidningen, ISSN 0023-7205, E-ISSN 1652-7518, Vol. 96, p. 700-702Article in journal (Other (popular science, discussion, etc.))
  • 22.
    Berglund, Ulf
    et al.
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Radiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Richter, Arina
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Clopidogrel treatment before percutaneous coronary intervention reduces adverse cardiac events2002In: The Journal of invasive cardiology, ISSN 1042-3931, E-ISSN 1557-2501, Vol. 14, no 5, p. 243-246Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objective. Platelet inhibition during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) generally reduces adverse cardiac events. There are very few data on the combination of aspirin and the platelet adenosine diphosphate-receptor inhibitor clopidogrel given before the intervention. Design. In a non-randomized comparison, a total of 706 consecutive patients received clopidogrel 375 mg in addition to aspirin on the day before PCI. The control group consisted of 724 consecutive PCI patients receiving only aspirin pre-treatment. Results. The two groups were well balanced regarding baseline characteristics. Pre-treatment with clopidogrel reduced the in-hospital composite of death, myocardial infarction or urgent revascularization by 41% compared to the control (8.2% versus 4.8%, respectively, p = 0.010). This was due to a decreased incidence of myocardial infarction (7.2% versus 4.4%, p = 0.024) and percutaneous reintervention (1.2% versus 0.3%, p = 0.039). There was no difference in femoral complications between the groups. For every patient in the clopidogrel group, there was a cost reduction of SEK 447 ($40 United States currency). Conclusion. Clopidogrel treatment in addition to aspirin before PCI was associated with a reduction of inhospital adverse cardiac events. It was also safe and cost-saving.

  • 23.
    Bergström, Anders
    et al.
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Andersson, B
    Edner, M
    Nylander, Eva
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Clinical Physiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Clinical Physiology.
    Persson, H
    Dahlström, Ulf
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Effect of carvedilol on diastolic function in patients with diastolic heart failure and preserved systolic function. Results of the Swedish Doppler-echocardiographic study (SWEDIC)2004In: European Journal of Heart Failure, ISSN 1388-9842, E-ISSN 1879-0844, Vol. 6, no 4, p. 453-461Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of carvedilol on diastolic function (DF) in heart failure patients with preserved left ventricular (LV) systolic function and abnormal DF. Patients and Methods: We randomised 113 patients with diastolic heart failure (DHF) (symptomatic, with normal systolic LV function and abnormal DF) into a double blind multi-centre study. The patients received either carvedilol or matching placebo in addition to conventional treatment. After uptitration, treatment was continued for 6 months. Two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography were used for quantification of LV function at baseline and at follow-up. Four different DF variables were evaluated by Doppler echocardiography: mitral flow E:A ratio, deceleration time (DT), isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) and the ratio of systolic/diastolic pulmonary venous flow velocity (pv-S/D). Primary endpoint was change in the integrated quantitative assessment of all four variables during the study. Results: Ninety-seven patients completed the study. A mitral flow pattern reflecting a relaxation abnormality was recorded in 95 patients. There was no effect on the primary endpoint, although a trend towards a better effect in carvedilol treated patients was noticed in patients with heart rates above 71 beats per minute. At the end of the study, there was a statistically significant improvement in E:A ratio in patients treated with carvedilol (0.72 to 0.83) vs. placebo (0.71 to 0.76), P<0.05. Conclusions: Treatment with carvedilol resulted in a significant improvement in E:A ratio in patients with heart failure due to a LV relaxation abnormality. E:A ratio was found to be the most useful variable to identify diastolic dysfunction in this patient population. This effect was observed particularly in patients with higher heart rates at baseline. © 2004 European Society of Cardiology.

  • 24. Bjorklund, E
    et al.
    Lindahl, B
    Stenestrand, Ulf
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Swahn, Eva
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Dellborg, M
    Pehrsson, K
    Van De Werf, F
    Wallentin, L
    Outcome of ST-elevation myocardial infarction treated with thrombolysis in the unselected population is vastly different from samples of eligible patients in a large-scale clinical trial2004In: American Heart Journal, ISSN 0002-8703, E-ISSN 1097-6744, Vol. 148, no 4, p. 566-573Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background Patients in clinical trials of fibrinolytic agents have been shown to be younger, less often female, and to have lower risk characteristics and a better outcome compared with unselected patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction. However, a direct comparison of patients treated with fibrinolytic agents and not enrolled versus those enrolled in a trial, including a large number of patients, has not been performed. Methods Prospective data from the Swedish Register of Cardiac Intensive Care on patients admitted with acute myocardial infarction treated with thrombolytic agents in 60 Swedish hospitals were linked to data on trial participants in the ASsessment of Safety and Efficacy of a New Thrombolytic (ASSENT)-2 trial of fibrinolytic agents. Baseline characteristics, treatments, and long-term outcome were evaluated in 729 trial participants (A2), 2048 nonparticipants at trial hospitals (non-A2), and 964 nonparticipants at other hospitals (non-A2-Hosp). Results Nontrial patients compared with A2 patients were older and had higher risk characteristics and more early complications, although the treatments were similar. Patients at highest risk of death were the least likely to be enrolled in the trial. The 1-year mortality rate was 8.8% versus 20.3% and 19.0% (P < .001 for both) among A2 compared with non-A2 and non-A2-Hosp patients, respectively. After adjustment for a number of risk factors, the 1-year mortality rate was still twice as high in nontrial compared with A2 patients. Conclusions The adjusted 1-year mortality rate was twice as high in patients treated with fibrinolytic agents and not enrolled in a clinical trial compared with those enrolled. One major reason for the difference in outcome appeared to be the selection of less critically ill patients to the trial.

  • 25. Björck, L
    et al.
    Rosengren, A
    Wallentin, L
    Stenestrand, Ulf
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Smoking and presentation with ST elevation in Swedish men and women with acute myocardial infarction.2006In: World Congress of Cardiology - ECS,2006, 2006Conference paper (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

      Abstract 3988. European Heart J 2006. 

  • 26. Björkelund, Cecilia
    et al.
    Bengtsson, Calle
    Göteborg.
    Schenk-Gustafsson, Karin
    Kard klin KS Stockholm.
    Swahn, Eva
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Hantering av hjärt-kärlsjukdom präglas av manligt perspektiv.2001In: Läkartidningen, ISSN 0023-7205, E-ISSN 1652-7518, Vol. 98, p. 3314-3318Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 27. Björklund, E
    et al.
    Stenestrand, Ulf
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Lindback, J
    Svensson, L
    A prehospital diagnostic strategy reduces time to treatment and mortality in real life STEMI patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention2005In: Congress of the European Society of Cardiology,2005, 2005Conference paper (Other academic)
  • 28. Björklund, E
    et al.
    Stenestrand, Ulf
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Lindback, J
    Svensson, L
    Prehospital diagnosis and start of treatment reduces time delay and mortality in real life patients with STEMI2005In: Congress of the European Society of Cardiology,2005, 2005Conference paper (Other academic)
  • 29. Björklund, E
    et al.
    Stenestrand, Ulf
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Lindbäck, J
    Svensson, L
    Wallentin, L
    Lindahl, B
    Prehospital diagnosis and start of treatment reduces time delay and mortality in real-life patients with STEMI2005In: Journal of Electrocardiology, ISSN 0022-0736, E-ISSN 1532-8430, Vol. 38, p. 186-186Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 30. Björklund, Erik
    et al.
    Stenestrand, Ulf
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Lindbäck, Johan
    Svensson, Leif
    Lindahl, Bertil
    Pre-hospital thrombolysis delivered by paramedics is associated with reduced time delay and mortality in ambulance-transported real-life patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction2006In: European Heart Journal, ISSN 0195-668X, E-ISSN 1522-9645, Vol. 27, no 10, p. 1146-1152Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Aims: There are sparse data on the impact of pre-hospital thrombolysis (PHT) in real-life patients. We therefore evaluated treatment delays and outcome in a large cohort of ambulance-transported real-life patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) according to PHT delivered by paramedics or in-hospital thrombolysis. Methods and results: Prospective cohort study used data from the Swedish Register of Cardiac intensive care on patients admitted to the coronary care units of 75 Swedish hospitals in 2001-2004. Ambulance-transported thrombolytic-treated patients younger than age 80 with a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction were included. Patients with PHT (n = 1690) were younger, had a lower prevalence of co-morbid conditions, fewer complications, and a higher ejection fraction (EF) than in-hospital-treated patients (n = 3685). Median time from symptom onset to treatment was 113 min for PHT and 165 min for in-hospital thrombolysis. One-year mortality was 7.2 vs. 11.8% for PHT and in-hospital thrombolysis, respectively. In a multivariable analysis, after adjusting for baseline characteristics and rescue angioplasty, PHT was associated with lower 1-year mortality (odds ratio 0.71, 0.55-0.92, P = 0.008). Conclusion: When compared with regular in-hospital thrombolysis, pre-hospital diagnosis and thrombolysis with trained paramedics in the ambulances are associated with reduced time to thrombolysis by almost 1 h and reduced adjusted 1-year mortality by 30% in real-life STEMI patients. © The European Society of Cardiology 2006. All rights reserved.

  • 31.
    Broström, Anders
    et al.
    Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Hübbert, Laila
    Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Jakobsson, Per
    Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Pulmonary Medicine. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Johansson, Peter
    Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Fridlund, Bengt
    Department of Nursing, Lund University, Lund, Sweden and School of Social and Health Sciences, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden.
    Dahlström, Ulf
    Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Effects of long-term nocturnal oxygen treatment in patients with severe heart failure2005In: Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, ISSN 0889-4655, E-ISSN 1550-5049, Vol. 20, no 6, p. 385-396Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is common in patients with heart failure (HF) and leads to disturbed sleep. The objective of this study was to determine the persistent effects of long-term nocturnal oxygen treatment in patients with severe HF regarding (1) objective outcomes, such as sleep, SDB, cardiac function, and functional capacity; (2) subjective outcomes, such as self-assessed sleep difficulties, daytime sleepiness, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL); and (3) the relationship between objective and subjective outcomes. In this open nonrandomized experimental study, 22 patients, median age 71 years, with severe HF were studied before and after 3 months of receiving nocturnal oxygen. The measures used were overnight polysomnography, echocardiography, 6-minute walk test, self-assessed sleep difficulties (Uppsala Sleep Inventory-HF), daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale), and HRQOL (36-Item Short Form Health Survey and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire). SDB, with a 90% dominance of central sleep apnea, occurred in 41% of the patients with severe HF before intervention. After intervention, functional capacity improved for both the whole group of patients with HF (P < .01) and HF patients with SDB (P < .05). No improvements regarding cardiac function, objective sleep, subjective sleep, or SDB were seen, except for a decrease of > or = 4% desaturations (P < .05). HRQOL did not differ significantly between HF patients with and without SDB before or after intervention with nocturnal oxygen. Long-term nocturnal oxygen treatment improved functional capacity in patients with severe HF, with or without SDB. No improvements were seen regarding sleep, daytime sleepiness, SDB, cardiac function, or HRQOL.

  • 32.
    Broström, Anders
    et al.
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Nursing Science.
    Johansson, Peter
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    How can nurses objectively measure sleep and sleep disordered breathing in patients with heart failure? A methodological description2005In: Annual spring meeting of the working group on cardiovascular nursing,2005, 2005Conference paper (Other academic)
  • 33.
    Broström, Anders
    et al.
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Nursing Science.
    Johansson, Peter
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Sleep disturbances in patients with chronic heart failure and their holistic consequences-what different care actions can be implemented?2005In: European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, ISSN 1474-5151, E-ISSN 1873-1953, Vol. 4, no 3, p. 183-197Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Sleep disturbances are prevalent among elderly, especially among those with chronic heart failure (CHF) and can affect all dimensions of quality of life (QOL) negatively. Aim: To describe the most common causes leading to sleep disturbances in patients with CHF, their consequences from a holistic perspective and different care actions that can be implemented. Methods: MEDLINE and CINAHL databases were searched from 1989 to July 2004. Findings: Sleep disordered breathing (SDB), and insomnia were the most common causes for sleep disturbances and occurs in 45-82% (SDB) and one-third (insomnia) of all patients with CHF. SDB cause a disturbed sleep structure with frequent awakenings, as well as several adverse effects on the cardiovascular system causing increased morbidity and mortality. Insomnia, caused by anxiety, an unknown life situation in relation to the debut of CHF, or symptoms/deteriorations of CHF can lead to negative effects on all aspects of QOL, as well as daytime sleepiness. Conclusion: The high prevalence of sleep disturbances and their holistic consequences should be taken into account when nurses asses and plan the care for patients with CHF. Randomized studies with large sample sizes evaluating non-pharmacological nursing interventions that improve sleep are needed. © 2005 European Society of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  • 34.
    Broström, Anders
    et al.
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Nursing Science.
    Johansson, Peter
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Sleep disturbances in patients with chronic heart failure from a holistic perspective - A new nursing topic2005In: Annual spring meeting of the working group on cardiovascular nursing,2005, 2005Conference paper (Other academic)
  • 35.
    Broström, Anders
    et al.
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Nursing Science.
    Johansson, Peter
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Albers, Jan
    Wiberg, Jan
    Svanborg, Eva
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Neuroscience and Locomotion, Clinical Neurophysiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Reconstruction Centre, Department of Neurophysiology UHL.
    Fridlund, Bengt
    P374 3-Month CPAP treatment in a young male patient with severe obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome - a qualitative case study from the couple´s perspective2006In: 8th World Congress on Sleep Apnea 27-30 September 2006,2006, 2006, p. 76-76Conference paper (Other academic)
  • 36.
    Broström, Anders
    et al.
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Neuroscience and Locomotion, Clinical Neurophysiology.
    Johansson, Peter
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Kihl, J
    Forslund, P
    Dahlström, Ulf
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Svanborg, Eva
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Neuroscience and Locomotion, Clinical Neurophysiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Reconstruction Centre, Department of Neurophysiology UHL.
    Fridlund, B G
    Depressive symptoms in patients with chronic heart failure - effects on insomnia, daytime sleepiness and health-related quality of life2006In: World Congress of Cardiology,2006, 2006, p. 224-224Conference paper (Other academic)
  • 37.
    Broström, Anders
    et al.
    Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, Nursing Science. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Johansson, Peter
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Strömberg, Anna
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Nursing Science.
    Albers, J
    County Hospital Ryhov.
    Mårtensson, Jan
    Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, Nursing Science. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Svanborg, Eva
    Linköping University, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Clinical Neurophysiology . Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Reconstruction Centre, Department of Neurophysiology UHL.
    Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome - Patients' perceptions of their sleep and its effects on their life situation2007In: Journal of Advanced Nursing, ISSN 0309-2402, E-ISSN 1365-2648, Vol. 57, no 3, p. 318-327Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Title. Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome - patients' perceptions of their sleep and its effects on their life situation Aim. This paper reports a descriptive study of how untreated patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome perceived their sleep situation and how the syndrome affected their life situation. Background. Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome is a prevalent problem independently associated with an increased risk for hypertension, cardiovascular disease, chronic heart failure and mortality. Increased consumption of healthcare resources can often be seen among patients over a long period of time since many have been undiagnosed and untreated. Methods. A phenomenographic approach was employed. Data were collected by interviews during 2005 with 20 purposively selected participants with untreated obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome. Findings. Participants described loud snoring, frequent awakenings, dyspnoea, frustration over nocturia, fear of dying during sleep and partners' anxiety about the apnoea, as being night-time effects of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome. They described dry and sore throats, tiredness and daytime sleepiness, shame about falling asleep and snoring, thoughts about complications and depressed mood as daytime effects. Needs, such as increased alertness, improved ability to concentrate, improved relationship, adequate information as well as effective treatment, were described. Participants tried self-care strategies such as information-seeking about sleep disturbances and treatment, adapted sleeping routines, change of bedroom arrangements, adapted daily schedules, hyperactivity and avoidance of difficult situations. Conclusion. The perceived effects and needs, as well as tried self-care actions by the patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome in this study, could be used to identify and evaluate concerns of other patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome waiting for treatment. © 2007 The Authors.

  • 38.
    Broström, Anders
    et al.
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Nursing Science.
    Johansson, Peter
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Strömberg, Anna
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Nursing Science.
    Albers, Jan
    Wiberg, Jan
    Mårtensson, Jan
    Svanborg, Eva
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Neuroscience and Locomotion, Clinical Neurophysiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Reconstruction Centre, Department of Neurophysiology UHL.
    Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome - Patient perceptions of their life situation before initiation of CPAP treatment2006In: 8th World Congress on Sleep Apnea 27-30 September, 2006,2006, 2006, p. 124-124Conference paper (Other academic)
  • 39.
    Broström, Anders
    et al.
    Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Strömberg, Anna
    Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Dahlström, Ulf
    Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Fridlund, Bengt
    Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Congestive heart failure, spouses' support and the couple's sleep situation: a critical incident technique analysis2003In: Journal of Clinical Nursing, ISSN 0962-1067, E-ISSN 1365-2702, Vol. 12, no 2, p. 223-233Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    • Sleep related breathing disorders are common as well as a poor prognostic sign associated with higher mortality in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). These patients often have a shorter total duration of sleep, disturbed sleep structure and increased daytime sleepiness, which can negatively affect all dimensions of the life situation. The spouse has an important role in supporting the patient in relation to sleep disorders, but this role may be adversely affected by the sleep situation of the couple.

    •  The aim of this study was to describe decisive situations that influence spouses' support to patients with CHF in relation to the couple's sleep situation.

    • A qualitative descriptive design using critical incident technique was employed. Incidents were collected by means of interviews with 25 spouses of patients with CHF, strategically selected from two hospital-based specialist clinics in southern Sweden.

    •  Two main areas emerged in the analysis: support stimulating situations and support inhibiting situations. Support stimulating situations described how spouses' support was positively affected by their own adaptation in psychosocial or practical situations, and receiving help from others. Support inhibiting situations described how the spouses' support was negatively affected by sleep disturbances as a result of the patient's symptoms, anxiety in relation to the disease, limitations as a result of the sleeping habits, dissatisfaction with care related to the sleep situation, and being left to cope alone with the problems.

    •  An increased understanding of the stimulating and inhibiting situations influencing spouses' support for patients with CHF can guide health care personnel in deciding if an intervention is needed to improve the sleep situation for patient and spouse.

  • 40.
    Broström, Anders
    et al.
    Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Strömberg, Anna
    Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Dahlström, Ulf
    Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Fridlund, Bengt
    Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Patients with congestive heart failure and their conceptions of their sleep situation2001In: Journal of Advanced Nursing, ISSN 0309-2402, E-ISSN 1365-2648, Vol. 34, no 4, p. 520-529Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Aim. To describe, from a nursing perspective, how patients with CHF conceived their sleep situation.

    Background.  Sleep disturbances are very common in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). Polysomnographic studies have shown that the total duration of sleep is shorter and the sleep structure disturbed, with frequent arousals and sleep stage changes.

    Methods.  A qualitative descriptive design inspired by a phenomenographic approach was employed. Conceptions were collected through interviews with 20 strategically chosen CHF patients.

    Findings.  The findings showed that the patients’ sleep was affected by their daily activities, the disease itself and cardiac symptoms. The sleep disturbances gave effects such as fatigue, listlessness, loss of concentration and loss of temper. These effects led to a need for daytime sleep, seclusion, counselling and information. Patients handled their sleep disturbances through coping mechanisms related to developed patterns of daily life and through support from their psychosocial environment.

    Conclusions. Through an increased awareness of the causes of sleep disturbances in CHF patients, nurses can more effectively meet their caring needs and reduce the psychological stressors that patients develop. Information and education, both to patients and the next of kin, about the disease and the sleep situation, especially good sleeping habits, can help patients to better cope with sleep disturbances.

  • 41.
    Broström, Anders
    et al.
    Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Strömberg, Anna
    Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Dahlström, Ulf
    Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences.
    Fridlund, Bengt
    Department of Nursing, Lund University, Lund, Sweden and School of Social and Health Sciences, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden.
    Sleep difficulties, daytime sleepiness, and health-related quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure2004In: Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, ISSN 0889-4655, E-ISSN 1550-5049, Vol. 19, no 4, p. 234-242Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND:

    Normal sleep changes with age in duration, fragmentation, and depth. The prevalence of insomnia is high in the elderly general population. In patients with chronic heart failure (HF) objective sleep assessments have shown disturbances such as a shorter total duration of sleep, frequent arousals, and sleep stage changes.

    OBJECTIVE:

    To describe self-assessed sleep difficulties, daytime sleepiness, and their relation to health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in men and women with HF, as well as to make a comparison to data from a norm population.

    METHODS:

    Cross-sectional design including 223 patients with HF, New York Heart Association classification II-IV, assessed using the Uppsala Sleep Inventory-Chronic Heart Failure, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, and Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire.

    RESULTS:

    The most commonly reported sleep difficulties were initiating and maintaining sleep. The ratio of habitual sleep to the amount of estimated need for sleep was significantly shorter for women (P < .05), and the number of awakenings per night was significantly increased for men (P < .001). A total of 21% suffered from daytime sleepiness. Patients suffering from difficulties maintaining sleep, initiating sleep, and early morning awakenings reported significantly lower HRQOL in almost all dimensions of the SF-36 (P < .05-P < .001) compared to patients without sleeping difficulties, as well as to the normal population. The disease-specific Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire showed significantly reduced (P < .05-P < .001) HRQOL as measured by the total and subscale scores for patients suffering from sleeping difficulties compared to patients without sleeping difficulties.

    CONCLUSION:

    Patients with HF have a reduced HRQOL especially if difficulties maintaining sleep, initiating sleep, and early morning awakenings are involved.

  • 42. Cherfan, P
    et al.
    Olsson, Anders
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Internal Medicine. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Centre for Medicine, Department of Endocrinology and Gastroenterology UHL.
    Jonasson, Lena
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Effects of simvastatin on human t-cells in vivo2005In: European Atherosclerosis Society Congress,2005, 2005Conference paper (Other academic)
  • 43. Cherfan, P
    et al.
    Tompa, A
    Wikby, A
    Löfgren, S
    Jonasson, Lena
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Effects of simvastatin on human T cells in vivo2007In: Atherosclerosis, ISSN 0021-9150, E-ISSN 1879-1484, Vol. 193, no 1, p. 186-192Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objective: The use of statins has shown several anti-inflammatory actions, including modulatory effects on T cells in vitro. Since the effects on human T cells in vivo are less clarified, our aim was to investigate the effects of simvastatin on human T cells in vivo and ex vivo. Methods and results: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study design was applied. Eighty volunteers with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia received either simvastatin 40 mg or placebo for 6 weeks. The serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) were significantly reduced by simvastatin. The proportions of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets expressing early (CD25) or late (HLA-DR) activation markers, as assessed by flow cytometry, were not changed by simvastatin. However, simvastatin tended to increase the density of HLA-DR and L-selectin per CD8+ T cell. The T helper(h)1/Th2 response was evaluated by stimulatory assays followed by intra-cellular staining of interferon-γ and interleukin-4. Simvastatin treatment did not affect the Th1 response but the results indicated a potential to suppress Th2. Conclusion: Simvastatin treatment resulted in a few discrete changes as regards peripheral T cells. However, the findings do not provide evidence that simvastatin-induced anti-inflammatory actions are related to any significant modulatory effects on human T cells in clinically healthy men with hypercholesterolemia. © 2006 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  • 44. Cowie, MR
    et al.
    Jourdain, P
    Maisel, A
    Dahlström, Ulf
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Follath, F
    Isnard, R
    Luchner, A
    McDonagh, T
    Mair, J
    Nieminen, M
    Francis, G
    Clinical applications of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) testing2003In: European Heart Journal, ISSN 0195-668X, E-ISSN 1522-9645, Vol. 24, no 19, p. 1710-1718Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Many claims have been made in recent years regarding the utility of plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentration measurements in the diagnosis, risk stratification and monitoring of patients with heart failure. This paper summarizes the current evidence and provides guidance for practising clinicians. Overall, plasma BNP testing appears to be of most value in the diagnostic arena, where it is likely to improve the performance of non-specialist physicians in diagnosing heart failure. In clinical practice, BNP testing is best used as a 'rule out' test for suspected cases of new heart failure in breathless patients presenting to either the outpatient or emergency care settings, it is not a replacement for echocardiography and full cardiological assessment, which will be required for patients with an elevated BNP concentration. Although work is ongoing in establishing the 'normal' values of BNP, heart failure appears to be highly unlikely below a plasma concentration of 100 pg/ml. However, as BNP levels rise with age and are affected by gender, comorbidity and drug therapy, the plasma BNP measurement should not be used in isolation from the clinical context.

  • 45.
    Dahlström, Ulf
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Can natriuretic peptides be used for the diagnosis of diastolic heart failure?2004In: European Journal of Heart Failure, ISSN 1388-9842, E-ISSN 1879-0844, Vol. 6, no 3, p. 281-287Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Many patients with heart failure have stiff hearts with an increased wall thickness and small volumes leading to diastolic dysfunction. Different definitions for diastolic heart failure have been proposed but today there is no generally accepted definition and there are few large controlled studies telling us how it should be managed. Natriuretic peptides (BNP or NT-proBNP) might be used to detect patients with diastolic dysfunction especially in those patients having a restrictive filling pattern or pseudo-normalised mitral flow pattern and in those, who are symptomatic. However, patients with relaxation abnormalities and mild symptoms or asymptomatic may have normal levels of the natriuretic peptides indicating no or only slight elevation of the left ventricular filling pressures. Thus low levels cannot be used as a rule out diagnosis of diastolic dysfunction.

  • 46.
    Dahlström, Ulf
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    CIBIS II-studien Beta-blockad vid hjärtsvikt, förbättrar prognosen.1999In: Incitament, ISSN 1103-503X, Vol. 4, p. 40-44Article in journal (Other (popular science, discussion, etc.))
  • 47.
    Dahlström, Ulf
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Frequent non-cardiac comorbidities in patients with chronic heart failure2005In: European Journal of Heart Failure, ISSN 1388-9842, E-ISSN 1879-0844, Vol. 7, no 3 SPEC. ISS., p. 309-316Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Heart failure (HF) in elderly patients is associated with more diffuse symptoms and signs due to the presence of other noncardiac comorbidities. This can cause difficulties in assessing the correct diagnosis and initiating appropriate therapy. The four most frequently occurring noncardiac comorbidities and therapies used to treat them are discussed in the present paper. Hypertension is an important precursor of HF, and is still the most common risk factor for HF in the general population. About 50% of patients with untreated hypertension will develop HF. Pressure overload leads to the development of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and diastolic dysfunction. Diabetes, which occurs in about 20-30% of patients with HF, is an important comorbidity resulting in morphological and metabolic disturbances affecting myocardial blood flow and hormonal regulation leading to a poor outcome and necessitating aggressive conventional treatment. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), occurs in approximately 20-30% of heart failure patients, and may complicate HF treatment, it is therefore important to recognize and treat it effectively. Finally, the early detection of anemia, which occurs in 20-30% of HF patients, is important since it is associated with functional impairment and increased mortality and morbidity. Combined treatment with erythropoietin and intravenous iron has shown beneficial effects on clinical symptoms and morbidity. In conclusion early detection of concomitant diseases in patients with HF is important and should be considered carefully when initiating therapy. © 2005 European Society of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  • 48.
    Dahlström, Ulf
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Heart failure clinics: organization, development and esperiences2001In: Current Opinion in Cardiology, ISSN 0268-4705, E-ISSN 1531-7080, Vol. 16, p. 174-179Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 49.
    Dahlström, Ulf
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    New treatment of heart failure. Angiotensin II receptor blockaders show promising results in an extensive study2004In: Läkartidningen, ISSN 0023-7205, E-ISSN 1652-7518, Vol. 101, p. 742-743Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 50.
    Dahlström, Ulf
    Linköping University, Faculty of Health Sciences. Linköping University, Department of Medicine and Care, Cardiology. Östergötlands Läns Landsting, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology.
    Nursing care and education in heart failure.1999In: Zeitschrift für Kardiologie, ISSN 0300-5860, E-ISSN 1435-1285, Vol. 88, p. 47-51Article in journal (Refereed)
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