Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Blandine Mondesert, Jeremy P. Moore, Paul Khairy
Summary: Due to advancements in surgical techniques and cardiology care, Fontan patients are living longer and require multidisciplinary expertise to manage complications in adulthood. Arrhythmias are common in Fontan patients and are influenced by anatomy, surgical technique, and postoperative care. Diagnostic tools, treatments, and device strategies for arrhythmias in Fontan patients should consider their specific anatomy, surgical repair, and clinical status. Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) have greatly improved the management of Fontan patients, but the unique challenges of this patient population require careful consideration.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Willem Gerrits, Ibrahim Danad, Birgitta Velthuis, Saima Mushtaq, Maarten J. Cramer, Pim van der Harst, Frebus J. van Slochteren, Mathias Meine, Dominika Sucha, Marco Guglielmo
Summary: Research has shown that using cardiac computed tomography (CT) for patient selection and guided placement in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) can improve the treatment response rate.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Henrike A. K. Hillmann, Claudius Hansen, Oliver Przibille, David Duncker
Summary: This study aims to analyze the patient perspectives on the remote monitoring of cardiac devices in Germany. The survey found that most patients felt well informed and remote monitoring helped them cope with their disease. Some patients experienced technical problems with remote monitoring, and younger patients are more interested in using smartphones for data transfer.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Philipp Spitaler, Bernhard Erich Pfeifer, Agnes Mayr, Rudolf Bachler, Valentin Bilgeri, Agne Adukauskaite, Axel Bauer, Markus Stuehlinger, Fabian Barbieri, Wolfgang Dichtl
Summary: This study suggests that the use of a device-based algorithm for AV interval optimization in CRT devices may improve clinical outcomes. The results support the recommendation to program an offset of 50 milliseconds in patients with left bundle branch block and preserved atrioventricular conduction after CRT device implantation.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pei Li, Gun-Hee Lee, Su Yeong Kim, Se Young Kwon, Hyung-Ryong Kim, Steve Park
Summary: Patient-friendly medical diagnostics and treatments have gained significant attention for their rapid development of portable biosensors and implantable devices. Challenges related to wearable biosensors are highlighted, along with advances in implantable devices and patient-friendly surgical approaches.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Meor Azraai, Daisuke Miura, Yuan-Hong Lin, Thalys Sampaio Rodrigues, Voltaire Nadurata
Summary: This study investigated the incidence and predictors of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) malfunction with radiotherapy (RT). The study found that photon beam energy ≥10 MV, anatomical location of RT above the diaphragm, and having a CIED from the ICD group were predictors of CIED malfunction.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Pieter Martens, Matthias Dupont, Jeroen Dauw, Petra Nijst, Lieven Herbots, Paul Dendale, Pieter Vandervoort, Liesbeth Bruckers, Wai Hong Wilson Tang, Wilfried Mullens
Summary: The study demonstrated that treatment with ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and iron deficiency led to significant improvements in cardiac function, including LVEF, LVESV, and cardiac force-frequency relationship.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL
(2021)
Book Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anna Novitzky
Summary: A survey of exhibition halls and storage rooms reveals a determination to improve.
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Abdulaziz Joury, Tamunoinemi Bob-Manuel, Alexandra Sanchez, Fnu Srinithya, Amber Sleem, Ayman Nasir, Abdullah Noor, Dana Penfold, Robert Bober, Daniel P. Morin, Selim R. Krim
Summary: In the past decade, advancements in wireless and sensor technologies have revolutionized cardiac care, leading to more convenient and accurate treatment options for patients through the use of wireless and leadless cardiac devices. This review discusses the concept, function, indications, methods of delivery, potential complications, consideration for implantation, and cost-effectiveness of commonly used devices in digital health care for cardiac patients.
CURRENT PROBLEMS IN CARDIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Subrat Das, Gregory P. Siroky, Shawn Lee, Davendra Mehta, Ranjit Suri
Summary: Remote monitoring of cardiac implantable electronic devices has become common practice due to technological advances, but it also brings cybersecurity risks. While no cyberattacks causing patient harm have been reported, the potential threats have been demonstrated in research and patient concerns.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Moritz Hadwiger, Nikolaos Dagres, Janina Haug, Michael Wolf, Ursula Marschall, Jan Tijssen, Alexander Katalinic, Fabian-Simon Frielitz, Gerhard Hindricks
Summary: This study compared the survival rates of patients receiving de novo cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) with or without defibrillator capability. The results showed that there was no significant difference in survival between patients receiving CRT with a defibrillator (CRT-D) and those receiving CRT with a pacemaker (CRT-P), after adjusting for age and baseline imbalances.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Maximilian Grab, Fabian Hundertmark, Nikolaus Thierfelder, Matthew Fairchild, Petra Mela, Christian Hagl, Linda Grefen
Summary: Preoperative anxiety in cardiac surgery can be reduced through improved patient education using 3D models, leading to shorter hospital stays and better postoperative outcomes.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Allergy
Christopher Mulvey, Elaine MacHale, Garrett Greene, Lorna Lombard, Joanne Walsh, Sinead Plunkett, Thomas A. McCartan, Vincent Brennan, Fiona O. ' Hannigan, Matshediso Mokoka, Richard W. Costello
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between treatment adherence rates, goal achievement, and patient-selected goals in severe asthma patients. Results showed that only 53% of patient-selected goals aligned with clinician treatment goals. Patients who chose disease-specific goals were more likely to achieve both control and their specified goal.
JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Alexandra Ahmet, Anshu Gupta, Janine Malcolm, Cathrine Constantacos
Summary: Adrenal crisis is preventable, yet it continues to be a significant cause of death. Patient education deficits and clinician education deficits have been identified as risk factors for adrenal crisis, but have not been adequately addressed. Using clinical cases, we emphasize the importance of both patient and clinician education in preventing adrenal crisis and propose an approach to address education deficits and reduce the risk of adrenal crisis.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2023)
Review
Critical Care Medicine
Dima Nasrawi, Sharon Latimer, Debbie Massey, Brigid M. Gillespie
Summary: This study aims to describe the delivery, barriers, and enablers to patient participation in inpatient cardiac rehabilitation programs after cardiac surgery. Through integrative analysis, three main aspects of inpatient cardiac rehabilitation programs were identified, and some improvement suggestions were proposed.
AUSTRALIAN CRITICAL CARE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Tiny Jaarsma, David R. Thompson, Anna Stromberg
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR NURSING
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Leonie Klompstra, Tiny Jaarsma, Massimo F. Piepoli, Tuvia Ben Gal, Lorraine Evangelista, Anna Stromberg, Maria Back
Summary: Physical activity (PA) is important for improving health outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF). However, adherence to PA is low, making it necessary to explore novel approaches to increase PA. This study found no significant difference in PA between patients with HF who received either exergaming or motivational support. Factors such as having grandchildren, recent diagnosis of HF, and higher social motivation were identified as independent predictors of a clinically relevant increase in non-sedentary time.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR NURSING
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Claire A. Lawson, Carolyn Lam, Tiny Jaarsma, Umesh Kadam, Anna Stromberg, Mohammad Ali, Wan Ting Tay, Louise Clayton, Kamlesh Khunti, Iain Squire
Summary: The study aimed to develop an expert consensus for a core outcome set (COS) of symptoms to be monitored by HF patients, with the key priority of reducing admissions. Through a rigorous process involving systematic review, e-Delphi, and nominal group technique (NGT), a COS comprising eight symptoms and signs was identified, with a numerical rating scale selected as the optimal approach for symptom monitoring. The recognition of a range of HF-specific and general symptoms, alongside comorbidities, is crucial for admission prevention and faster identification of clinical deterioration.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR NURSING
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lisa Hjelmfors, Jan Martensson, Anna Stromberg, Anna Sandgren, Maria Friedrichsen, Tiny Jaarsma
Summary: This qualitative study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of healthcare professionals regarding communication about prognosis and end-of-life care in heart failure. The use of a heart-failure-specific question prompt list (HF-QPL) was found to facilitate conversation and improve communication among professionals, patients, and family members.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Leonie Klompstra, Charlotta Lans, Emil Mercke, Anna Stromberg, Tiny Jaarsma
Summary: The purpose of this study was to compare the 6 min walk distance (6MWD) obtained at a 30 m track with the guidance of healthcare professionals vs. the 6MWD obtained by participants themselves using an app. A total of 37 participants performed both tests. The results showed a high overall agreement and reliability between the two methods of measuring 6MWD, indicating that using an app is a feasible and valid approach.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR NURSING
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Lis Neubeck, Catherine Ross, Jennifer Jones, Maggie Simpson, Richard Mindham, Tiny Jaarsma, Izabella Uchmanowicz, Lynne Hinterbuchner, Felicity Astin
Summary: The 2023 update of the Core Curriculum in Cardiovascular Nursing (2015) incorporates the establishment of the Association of Cardiovascular Nursing and Allied Professionals and acknowledges the diverse professional backgrounds of its members, including nurses, allied health professionals, and healthcare scientists (referred to collectively as Nurses and Allied Professionals in this document).
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR NURSING
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Emma Safstrom, Kristofer Arestedt, Heather D. Hadjistavropoulos, Maria Liljeroos, Lena Nordgren, Tiny Jaarsma, Anna Stromberg
Summary: Hospitalization for cardiac conditions is increasing globally, and follow-up care after hospitalization often takes place in a different healthcare setting. This can lead to fragmented care and the need for improved coordination and continuity of care. The Patient Continuity of Care Questionnaire (PCCQ) is used to assess patients' perceptions of continuity of care. This study developed a shortened version of the PCCQ, which demonstrated good psychometric properties and can be used to measure patient perceptions of continuity of care after hospitalization in clinical and research settings.
HEALTH EXPECTATIONS
(2023)
Article
Nursing
Emma Safstrom, Kristofer Arestedt, Maria Liljeroos, Lena Nordgren, Tiny Jaarsma, Anna Stromberg
Summary: This study aims to explore whether the associations between continuity of care, perceived control, and self-care can explain variations in health-related quality of life and hospital readmissions in people with chronic cardiac conditions after hospital discharge. The results indicate that continuity of care predicts self-care, which in turn predicts health-related quality of life and hospital readmission. The association between continuity of care and self-care is partially mediated by perceived control.
JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING
(2023)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Elke Mathijssen, Wendela de Lange, Nienke Bleijenberg, Thijs van Houwelingen, Tiny Jaarsma, Jaap Trappenburg, Heleen Westland
Summary: In home care, implementing eHealth requires behavior change from health care professionals and clients. Understanding the factors influencing eHealth use in home care is crucial for optimizing implementation strategies. However, there is a lack of comprehensive overview on these factors.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Philip Moons, Tone M. Norekval, Elena Arbelo, Britt Borregaard, Barbara Casadei, Bernard Cosyns, Martin R. Cowie, Donna Fitzsimons, Alan G. Fraser, Tiny Jaarsma, Paulus Kirchhof, Josepa Mauri, Richard Mindham, Julie Sanders, Francois Schiele, Aleksandra Torbica, Ann Dorthe Zwisler
Summary: Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) play a crucial role in understanding patients' perspectives on their health and medical conditions. Their use can lead to improvements in healthcare quality and informed clinical decisions. This article provides an overview of PROs for cardiovascular populations, including disease-specific and domain-specific measures, as well as international standards and guidelines for their selection. Collaboration and evaluation of PROs are needed to guide decision-making in regulatory contexts and to monitor care quality and resource allocation. New sources, such as wearable devices and electronic health records, offer opportunities for collecting PROs.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Nursing
Maria Friedrichsen, Tiny Jaarsma, Hans Thulesius, Nana Waldreus, Christel Hedman, Pier Jaarsma, Caroline Lythell, Micha Milovanovic, Marit Karlsson, Anna Milberg, Anne Soederlund Schaller
Summary: This study explores the experiences of assistant nurses in specialized palliative care units regarding thirst in terminally ill patients. The findings reveal a lack of attention to and communication about thirst, as well as ethical challenges faced by the nurses. The study emphasizes the need for improved nursing practices in addressing thirst in end-of-life care.
JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING
(2023)
Article
Nursing
Hanna Allemann, Frida Andreasson, Elizabeth Hanson, Lennart Magnusson, Tiny Jaarsma, Ingela Thylen, Anna Stromberg
Summary: This study aims to describe the co-design process of an online support program for informal carers of people with heart failure. The process involved three phases and included the input of both informal caregivers and content creators. The co-design approach ensured that end users were genuinely included in the process, aligning with the principles of person-centered care.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Towe Hedbom, Maria Liljeroos, Ingela Thylen, Lotti Orwelius, Tiny Jaarsma, Anna Stromberg
Summary: This study explores the expectations of tele-yoga among individuals with long-term illness before starting a tele-yoga intervention. Participants expect improvements in physical function and overall health through tele-yoga, as well as improved psychological well-being and performance. They view tele-yoga as a novel technological solution that can facilitate the delivery of yoga, and expect group tele-yoga to provide opportunities for mutual inspiration.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Sara Pettersson, Leonie Klompstra, Maria Jirwe, Tiny Jaarsma
Summary: This study aims to develop a culturally appropriate tool to support self-care in migrants with type 2 diabetes. The co-design process involved migrant patients, healthcare providers, and researchers in developing the tool. The results showed that patients desired information about self-care behavior in their own languages, and healthcare providers requested clear instructions on where to find reliable information in the patient's language. The discussion highlighted the importance of diverse cultural backgrounds in co-design studies.
PATIENT PREFERENCE AND ADHERENCE
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Ina Thon Aamodt, Irene Lie, Edita Lycholip, Anna Stromberg, Tiny Jaarsma, Jelena Celutkiene, Ragnhild Helleso
Summary: Informal caregivers play an important role in caring for family members with chronic illnesses such as heart failure. This study explores the experiences of informal caregivers using non-invasive telemonitoring to support HF patients at home. The findings highlight the importance of involving informal caregivers and HF patients in the implementation and future research of telemonitoring in HF care.
