January-June 2018
Closely following the historical trails of the 66-year-old Philippine Heart Association (PHA) is the Philippine Journal of Cardiology (PJC), relaunched in 1973 after a brief interruption of the publication of its earlier predecessor, the Philippine Heart Journal. For this nearly half-a-century old publication of the country’s heart society, the Philippine Journal of Cardiology has a stature and a history that ought to be preserved, enhanced and honored. For the PHA Board of Directors and the PJC Editorial Staff, this is a task that is no longer an option, but a supreme obligation; a sublime commitment, not a choice.
Predictors of Resuscitation Outcomes with Global Assessment of Neurologic Status and Overall Survival in Sudden Cardiac Arrest (PROGNOSIS Cardiac Arrest): A Prospective Cohort Study
Global survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) remain poor, particularly in the Asian region. Literature on OHCA in the Philippines is limited. Better characterization of outcomes of patients with OHCA and predictors of improved survival may help improve the management of OHCA. This study aimed to determine the clinical profiles of patients who had OHCA and identify predictors of survival.
Economic Burden of Fatal and Non-fatal Acute Coronary Syndrome to Filipinos Admitted at a Tertiary Care Center
Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) contributes to approximately 30% of deaths in the Philippines based on the latest available data from the Department of Health. This study aimed to determine the economic burden of ACS to patients and their families and to determine the incidence of catastrophic healthcare expenditure among patients with ACS.
Right Ventricular Strain in Normal Healthy Adult Filipinos: A Retrospective, Cross-Sectional Pilot Study
Strain determination by speckle-tracking analysis has been used worldwide in determining strain in the left ventricle. However, strain determination using speckle-tracking analysis can also be done for the right ventricle. This study aimed to establish the normative data on the right ventricular lateral free wall (RVLFW) strain in healthy Filipino adults.
Association Between Heart Rate Recovery and Body Mass Index Among Non-Ischemic Patients in Sinus Rhythm Undergoing Treadmill Stress Test in a Tertiary Hospital
Obesity is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It is hypothesized that the increased risk is due to its link to autonomic parasympathetic dysfunction. This fall in parasympathetic tone can be assessed by heart rate recovery measured during the first one minute after exercise. The objective of this study is to determine the association between heart rate recovery and body mass index (BMI).
Comparison of the EuroSCORE II, STS and Ambler Scoring Systems in Predicting In-hospital Mortality Among Patients Undergoing Heart Valve Surgery
Risk models are helpful in planning perioperative care in patients undergoing heart valve surgery. In the absence of a local risk model, the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE II), Society of Thoracic Surgery (STS) risk score and Ambler scores are frequently used in our institution to predict in-hospital mortality after heart valve surgery.
Combined Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement and Endovascular Aneurysm Repair in a Patient with Severe Symptomatic Aortic Stenosis, Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and an Adherent Retrosternal Left Internal Mammary Artery Graft
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an effective technique for patients with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) who are poor surgical candidates or categorized as intermediate, high or extra-high risk for surgical aortic valve replacement. Likewise, endograft repair techniques such as endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) has been shown effective in the management of aortic aneurysmal disease in patients with suitable anatomy.
Catheter Ablation Versus Non-Ablative Strategies for Ventricular Tachycardia in Patients with Ischemic Cardiomyopathy on Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is an abnormal rapid rhythm originating from the lower ventricles occurring commonly in patients with cardiomyopathic hearts. Three treatment options are available: implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), antiarrhythmic medications or catheter ablation (or a combination of these options). This systematic review aimed to compare the efficacy of catheter ablation vs non-ablative techniques as treatment for VT in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy.