January-June 2014
For years, the Philippine Heart Association (PHA) has struggled to come up with a collaborative inter-institutional cardiovascular research, one that not only Philippine cardiology can take pride in but also that which can be worthy of acclaim regionally and internationally.
Year after year, the men and women who have steered the PHA have always had research at its priority list of things to achieve. That ten percent of the PHA’s Annual Convention revenue has yearly been allocated for research has certainly put substance to the PHA’s thrust.
Being members of the PHA, we have a common vision
to reach, a common mission to undertake. Let us all rally
behind a mindset change for heart’s sake.
Association of the Neutrophil–lymphocyte Ratio with Outcomes of Patients Admitted for Acute Coronary Syndrome
Patients with documented acute coronary syndromes (ACS) have an early risk of death of up to 10%. An elevated leukocyte count has been identified as an independent predictor of an increased risk for long-term mortality and myocardial infarction. An elevated neutrophil count predicts a worse outcome in ACS. In contrast, a low lymphocyte count is related to higher risk of adverse outcomes and mechanical complications, low ejection fraction, high degree of myocardial necrosis and mortality in patients with ACS. The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) integrates the two leukocyte subtype counts with opposing actions in terms of vascular inflammation.
Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Employees of a Cardiac Institution
The objective of this study was to determine the characteristics, demographic profile, and cardiovascular risk factors of 856 permanent employees of a cardiac institution. It also aimed to determine the association of their characteristics with hypertension, obesity, and cigarette smoking.
The Effectiveness of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation in Preventing Sudden Cardiac Death and Fatal Arrhythmias among Adult Coronary Artery Disease Patients: A Meta- analysis
Almost 90% of patients develop fatal arrhythmias after acute myocardial infarction. For three decades, studies recommended omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake in preventing sudden death and lethal arrhythmias in coronary artery disease (CAD). However, recent equivocal and contrasting data question the benefits of omega-3 PUFA.
Catheter-Directed Reperfusion Therapy after Unsuccessful Systemic Thrombolysis in a Patient with Evolving Sub-massive Pulmonary Embolism
Thrombolysis in sub-massive pulmonary embolism remains controversial. We present a case of a 52 year old obese male admitted for a 2-week history of dyspnea and swelling of the right leg. On admission, the patient was dyspneic and tachycardic.
Isolated Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection
Isolated partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC) is a very rare variant of PAPVC, and involves the anomalous drainage of the right upper pulmonary vein into the superior vena cava (SVC) with no associated inter-atrial septal defect. We present a case of an isolated PAPVC occurring in 26-year old female patient who presented with palpitations, exertional dyspnea and easy fatigability.
Mitral Valve Replacement: The St. Luke’s Medical Center Quezon City Experience
The St. Luke’s Medical Center Quezon City Heart Institute is one of the leading cardiac centers in the country. However, there has been no cardiac valve surgery census published since the establishment of the Heart Institute in 1986. This study was conducted to present the institution’s experience on mitral valve surgery.
Determination of the Optimal Cut-off Value of Cardiac Troponin I for the Diagnosis of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease at the Manila Doctors Hospital (CTNI-CKD MDH Study)
Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients may present with atypical symptoms and nonspecific electrocardiographic findings. Diagnosis of AMI has been dependent on cardiac biomarkers, especially cardiac Troponin I (cTnI), but is usually elevated in CKD patients. This study aimed to determine the optimal cut-off value of cTnI in CKD patients with angina/anginal equivalents admitted at Manila Doctors Hospital (MDH) to diagnose AMI.
Clinical Profile and Outcome of Post-revascularization Patients Presenting with Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Retrospective Study
Studies on previously revascularized patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are lacking, especially among Asian patients. This study aimed to provide data regarding the risk factors and clinical profile of post-revascularization patients who present with ACS in a local medical institution.