BACKGROUND

Systemic lupus involves different body organs including lungs. However, there is limited information on the systemic lupus without respiratory symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide in women with disseminated lupus erythematosus and to compare it with a control group.

METHODS

This prospective study was conducted during 2005 in the Rheumatology Clinic of Alzahra Hospital, Isfahan, Iran. The diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide and pulmonary parameters were measured using the unrelated samples in 76 female patients with systemic lupus.

RESULTS

Mean diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide in patients with lupus was lower than the control group (P ≤ 0.001). The amount of corrected volumetric capacity of carbon monoxide in lungs of patients was significantly different from the control group (P ≤ 0.001). Residual volume and total capacity of lungs in the female patients with lupus were higher than the control group (P ≤ 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Decreased diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide in lungs of females with systemic lupus without respiratory symptoms is prevalent. It indicates alveolar capillary membrane involvement in these patients. Increased residual volume and total capacity of lungs in these patients can be caused by bronchiolitis.

BACKGROUND

Lack of heart rate increase proportionate to exercise causes poor prognosis. Moreover, inflammatory factors such as C-reactive protein (CRP) are associated with atherosclerosis. The current study compared these two indices in individuals with and without metabolic syndrome in Isfahan, Iran.

METHODS

This study was performed on 203 people without and 123 patients with metabolic syndrome who were randomly selected from the participants of the Isfahan Cohort Study. The demographic data, waist circumference, blood pressure, height, and weight of the participants were recorded. Moreover, serum tr`viglyceride (TG), fasting blood sugar (FBS), total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) levels were measured. Exercise test was carried out according to the Bruce standard protocol and heart rate reserve (HRR) was determined and recorded. The age-adjusted data was analyzed using generalized linear regression and student's t-test in SPSS15.

RESULTS

The mean ages of participants without and with metabolic syndrome were 54.16 ± 8.61 and 54.29 ± 7.6 years, respectively. The corresponding values for mean LDL levels were 116.17 ± 24.04 and 120.12 ± 29.55 mg/dl. TG levels were 140.38 ± 61.65 and 259.99 ± 184.49 mg/dl for subjects without and with the metabolic syndrome, respectively. The mean FBS levels were 81.81 ± 9.90 mg/dl in the participants without the syndrome and 107.13 ± 48.46 mg/dl in those with metabolic syndrome. The mean systolic blood pressure was 116.06 ± 13.69 mmHg in persons without metabolic syndrome and 130.73 ± 15.15 mmHg in patients with the syndrome. The values for mean diastolic levels in the two groups were 76.52 ± 6.69 and 82.84 ± 8.7 mmHg, respectively. While the two groups were not significantly different in terms of HRR (P = 0.27), hs-CRP levels in the metabolic syndrome group was significantly higher than the other group (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

We failed to establish a relationship between HRR and the metabolic syndrome. However, the observed relationship between metabolic syndrome and hs-CRP level, which is an inflammatory factor, indicates elevated levels of hs-CRP in patients with metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND

Obesity and sedentary lifestyle are known as important risk factors of coronary artery disease. The prevalence of obesity has increased among both men and women in the world. Therefore, the present study tried to evaluate the effectiveness of a cardiac rehabilitation program on functional capacity and body mass index (BMI) in obese and non-obese women with coronary artery disease.

METHODS

In an observational study during 2000-11, we evaluated a total of 205 women with coronary artery disease who referred to the cardiac rehabilitation unit of Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan, Iran. BMI and functional capacity of each patient were assessed before and after the program. The patients were categorized as obese or non-obese based on their BMI. All participants completed the full course of the program. Data was analyzed by independent t-test and paired t-test in SPSS15.

RESULTS

Our finding showed that an 8-week cardiac rehabilitation program had significant effects on functional capacity in obese and non-obese female patients (P < 0.01 for both). The program also resulted in BMI improvements in both groups (P < 0.01 for both). Comparing the changes in the two groups did not reveal any significant differences in functional capacity. However, the two groups were significantly different in terms of BMI changes.

CONCLUSION

Cardiac rehabilitation programs are a major step in restoration of functional capacity and improvement of BMI in obese and non-obese women with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND

One of the causes of mortality in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is ventricular tachycardia. Abnormal serum Potassium (K) level is one of the probable causes of ventricular tachycardia in patients with AMI. This study carried out to determine the relationship between serum potassium level and frequency of ventricular tachycardia in early stages of AMI.

METHODS

Ina cross-sectional study on 162 patients with AMI in the coronary care unit (CCU) of Nour Hospital (Isfahan, Iran), the patients' serum potassium level was classified into three groups: 1) K<3.8 mEq/l, 2) 3.8≤K<4.5 mEq/l and 3) K≥4.5 mEq/l. The incidence of ventricular tachycardia in the first 24 hours after AMI was determined in each group by chi-square statistical method.

RESULTS

The frequency of ventricular tachycardia in the first 24 hours after AMI in K< 3.8 mEq/l, 3.8≤K<4.5 mEq/l and K≥4.5 mEq/l groups were 19.0%, 9.6% and 9.9% respectively. The high frequency of this arrhythmia in the first group as compared with the second and the third group was statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Hypokalemia increased the probability of ventricular tachycardia in patients with AMI. Thus, the follow up and treatment of hypokalemia in these patients is of special importance.

BACKGROUND

Some studies showed that smoking follows an upward trend in Asian countries as compared with other countries. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of cigarette smoking on cardiovascular diseases and risk factors of atherosclerosis in patients with hypertension.

METHODS

This study was conducted on 6123 men residing in central Iran (Isfahan and Markazi Provinces) that participated in Isfahan Healthy Heart Project (IHHP). Subjects were randomly selected using cluster sampling method. All the subjects were studied in terms of their history of cardiovascular disease, demographic characteristics, smoking, blood pressure, physical examination, pulse rate, respiratory rate, weight, height, waist circumference, and blood measurements including LDL-C, HDL-C, total cholesterol, triglyceride, fasting blood sugar and 2-hour post prandial test.

RESULTS

While 893 subjects suffered from hypertension, 5230 subjects were healthy. The hypertension prevalence was 2.5 times more in urban areas compared to rural areas that showed a significant difference as it increased to 3.5 times smoking factor was considered. The prevalence of risk factors of atherosclerosis and also cardiovascular complications in patients with hypertension were significantly higher than healthy people. Furthermore, they were higher in smokers with hypertension and those exposed to the cigarette smoke than nonsmokers.

CONCLUSION

Smoking and passive smoking had an increasing effect on the prevalence of risk factors of atherosclerosis and consequently the incidence of cardiovascular diseases in patients with hypertension.

BACKGROUND

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain the adequate erection for intercourse. Heart failure is a major risk factor for erectile dysfunction. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with erectile dysfunction in systolic heart failure.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study 100 male patients with systolic heart failure were selected using convenience sampling method. IIEF-5 questionnaire (the International Index of Erectile Function, 5-item version), MLHFQ (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire) and CES-D (Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale) were used to obtain data.

RESULTS

Mean score of erectile dysfunction was 14.02 ± 6.26 and 80% of heart failure patient had erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction was significantly associated with age (P < 0.001), education (P = 0.019), occupation (P = 0.002), hemoglobin level (P = 0.003), left ventricular ejection fraction (P = 0.030), cholesterol level (P = 0.001), renal dysfunction (P = 0.009), use of digoxin (P = 0.014), angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (P < 0.001), beta blocker (P = 0.001), diuretics (P = 0.035), depression (P < 0.001) and quality of life (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Erectile dysfunction (ED) was common in systolic heart failure and was associated with age, medical conditions, co morbidities, drugs for treatment and psychological disorders. In heart failure patients erectile dysfunction had negative impact on quality of life.

BACKGROUND

In this study, we discussed aging and common diseases associated with it which can lead to hospitalization. Hypertension was also evaluated as one of the factors affecting morbidity and mortality in elderly people.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, data was collected using checklists and extracting information from medical records in Al-Zahra Hospital (Isfahan, Iran). Data was then analyzed using descriptive statistics according to the research questions in SPSS.

RESULTS

A total number of 11,018 people aged 60-99 years were studied. Cardiovascular diseases were the most common cause of hospitalization [2063 patients (18.7%)]. In patients with cardiovascular diseases, 84 were suffering from hypertension, 76 had primary hypertension, 7 had hypertensive heart disease with or without congestive heart failure, and 1 had secondary hypertension. Among all hypertensive patients, there were 37 males (44.05%) and 47 females (55.95%). Moreover, 34 people aged 60-69, 30 aged 70-79, 18 aged 80-89 and 2 aged 90-99 years. Duration of hospitalization was less than 1 day for 12 people, 1-2 days for 27, 3-5 days for 25, 6-10 days for 14, 15-11 days for 6, and more than 15 days for 1 person.

CONCLUSION

Prevention and treatment of hypertension is important in order to control this disease. Untreated or poorly/untimely controlled hypertension would thus leave permanent side effects. It may thus leave sustained side effects if remain untreated or poorly/untimely controlled. However, people with hypertension were in minority in our study. Therefore, more research in this field with larger sample size is necessary for further identification of factors affecting quality of life in elderly people.

BACKGROUND

There is still controversy about association of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection with coronary heart disease (CHD). This study designed to evaluate this association in a sample of Iranians Population.

METHODS

Medical and drug history as well as fasting blood samples of 112 consecutive patients who were candidate for coronary angiography were taken on catheterization day. Fasting blood samples were used to measure C-reactive protein (CRP), anti H. pylori immunoglobulin G (anti H. pylori IgG) and interlukine-6 (IL6). According to angiography reports, participants were divided into patients with (n = 62) or without CHD (n = 43). To compare the association between H. pylori infection with CHD, multivariate logistic regression tests were used by adjusting sex and age, age and sex plus history of diabetes mellitus (DM), Dyslipidemia (DLP), and/or hypertension (HTN), CRP status and IL-6 level.

RESULTS

Sixty two patients with CHD and 43 participants without CHD were enrolled in the present study. The mean ages of patients with and without CHD were 62.4 261 9.5 and 59.0 261 10.5 years respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis after adjusting for history of DM and/or DLP and/or HTN plus CRP status and IL-6 level showed significant association of H. pylori infection with CHD (OR 3.18, 95%CI 1.08-9.40).

CONCLUSION

H. pylori infection is one of the probable risk factors for CHD independent of history of DM, DLP, HTN, CRP status and IL-6 level.

BACKGROUND

Stroke in young adults is a known but abnormal disease. Several recent studies have discussed the correlation between existence of coagulation factors such as V Leiden and prothrombin mutation (G20210A) as risk factors for incidence of stroke. The present study investigated the frequency of prothrombin gene mutation and its impact on incidence of ischemic stroke in Iranian youth.

METHODS

This was a case-control study using convenient sampling method on seventy six 18 to 50-year-old people provided that they did not have classical risk factors for stroke. Case group comprised 22 patients with ischemic stroke (15 males and 7 females). Fifty four healthy people (17 males and 37 females) were selected as the control group. Participants in both groups were recruited within 26 months (23.9.2007 to 21.11.2009) in Al-Zahra Hospital, Isfahan, Iran.

RESULTS

Prothrombin was not found in any of the studied patients. Heterozygous mutation was observed in one of the samples of the control group (1.85%).

CONCLUSION

Despite the known effect of prothrombin gene mutation on incidence of venous thrombosis, it does not seem this factor, as an independent factor, can be considered as a risk factor to create ischemic stroke in people who do not have other risk factor.

BACKGROUND

Physical activity (PA) has been associated with reduced blood pressure in observational epidemiologic studies and individual clinical trials. Since PA is considered as a key component for the prevention and treatment of hypertension in children and adolescents, the purpose of this study was to assess blood pressure changes in athletic and non-athletic students before, during and after PA.

METHODS

The subjects in this experimental study consisted of 60 female athletic (n = 30) and non-athletic students (n = 30) with an average age of 21-23 years. The athletes were physical education students and non-athletes were medical students. Blood pressure (BP) at the right arm was measured in sitting position at 5 minutes before, 6 minutes after starting PA and 5 minutes after the end of the exercise. Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and pulse pressure (PP) were measured by ordinary methods. Data was analyzed using student's t- test. Results were expressed as mean ± SD. The statistical difference was considered significant at P < 0.05.

RESULTS

The results showed that while systolic BP (SBP) increased during and 5 minutes after the end of physical exercise in both groups, diastolic BP (DBP) decreased. However, SBP values were significantly lower in non-athletic female students compared to the athletes. On the other hand, DBP values were significantly lower in athletic female students compared to non-athletes. Moreover, heart rate values were significantly lower at rest, during and 5 minutes after the end of physical exercise in athlete female students compared to non-athletes.

CONCLUSION

Our results revealed that physical activity reduced arterial BP levels in female athlete students.

BACKGROUND

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a relatively prevalent disease which causes high costs due to the required diagnostic tests, specialized treatments, and hospital admission. In recent decades, implementation of thromboprophylaxis protocols has significantly reduced the incidence of thromboembolism in hospitals. The present study aimed to compare the incidence of venous thromboembolism before and after implementation of the mentioned protocol in hospital with identified risk factors and underlying diseases.

METHODS

In this case-control group, 385 patients at the risk of DVT, some before and some after implementation of the protocol were studied. Therefore, the level of thromboprophylaxis and the incidence of venous thromboembolism were compared before and after the protocol. Data was entered into SPSS15 and analyzed by chi-square and t tests

RESULTS

Out of 385 patients, 34 patients (8.8%) had venous thromboembolism while 351 (91.2%) were not affected. The incidence of venous thromboembolism was significantly different before and after the implementation of the protocol (17.7% vs. 5.9%; P < 0.001). The incidence of venous thromboembolism in patients not receiving thromboprophylaxis was almost 5 times higher than those who received it (20.7% vs. 5.1%). The frequency distribution of thromboembolism had a significant difference in the two above mentioned groups (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Thromboprophylaxis protocol reduced venous thromboembolism incidence in patients with underlying diseases which increase the risk of the complication.

BACKGROUND

Childhood obesity has reached epidemic levels. Children obesity predisposes them to risk of cardiac disease in adulthood. Environmental factors, lifestyle preferences, and cultural environment play pivotal roles in the rising prevalence of obesity worldwide. Furthermore, family life style has a great influence on children obesity. This study aimed to determine the effect of family-oriented weight reduction program on the children’s anthropometric measurements.

METHODS

This was a non-pharmacological clinical trial study which was performed on 4-18 years old children attending outpatient clinics of Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism. Anthropometric measurements were recorded for all the participants. Children took part in one educational session in which they were taught about ways and benefits of having a regular physical activity each day and also benefits of having healthy nutrition. All the participants took part in every 4 months one-hour educational sessions and their anthropometrics were measured.

RESULTS

Fifty eight single-mother families participated in this study. Fourteen single-father families started the intervention but did not follow it to the end. Children’s body mass index (BMI) z-score decreased significantly after the study. Children waist circumference (WC) and hip circumference (HC) significantly increased. Mothers WC and waist to hip ratio (WHR) increased significantly. Regression test showed that mother BMI was an independent factor (B = 0.307; P < 0.021). The effect of the pattern of children’s BMI changed across a one-year period.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed significant effect of repetitive family life style education on children’s BMI z-score changes. Family, as the first place for children behavior formation, must be regarded as one of the best place to tackle childhood obesity.

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is a condition normally detected in people with type II diabetes.It eventually leads to cardiovascular diseases in the patient. Visfatin is an adipocytokine which issecreted from adipose tissue and can affect the inflammatory reaction and also serum lipidlevels. Additionally, omega-3 inhibits the accumulation of fat and formation of insulinresistance. The current study tried to investigate the effects of omega-3 on blood pressurecompared to placebo and the relationship between serum visfatin levels and blood pressure.

METHODS

A total number of 71 women with type II diabetes were randomly assigned to2 groups to receive either omega-3 capsules or placebo capsules. In the first step, aquestionnaire consisting age, height, weight, waist and hip circumferences, and systolic anddiastolic blood pressure was filled out for each subject. Blood samples were then collected forlaboratory tests. The next step was to conduct 8 weeks of intervention. All variables, except age,were measured again after the intervention. Hip circumference was considered as the maximumcircumference of the buttocks. Waist circumference was measured by placing a tape horizontallyacross the abdomen at the end of a normal exhalation. Laboratory tests included the assessmentof visfatin, glucose, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) concentrations. Lipid profile, i.e. lowdensity lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride (TG), and cholesterol,was also assessed. Using SPSS18, data obtained from the study was analyzed by a variety ofappropriate statistical tests.

RESULTS

There was a significant change in mean differences of systolic and diastolic bloodpressure. Blood pressure showed a significant reduction in the omega-3 group compared to theplacebo group. However, no significant changes were observed in systolic and diastolic bloodpressure before and after the intervention (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Based on the results of this study, a daily consumption of omega-3 is suggestedfor patients with type II diabetes.

BACKGROUND

As blood pressure is higher in menopausal women than their peers with similar Body mass index (BMI), and considering hot flashes as one of the most common symptoms of menopause, this study was conducted to examine the 24-hour changes of blood pressure in menopausal women experiencing hot flashes.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was performed on 26 menopausal 47-53 year-old women divided into 2 groups of 13. None of them had a history of internal diseases, hypertension, and hormone medications. Their blood pressure and heartbeat were recorded by a blood pressure Holter for 24 hours. The data was analyzed through student t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SPSS11.5.

RESULTS

Systolic blood pressure of the symptomatic group was significantly higher than the asymptomatic group during waking hours (P < 0.05). However, the heartbeats and systolic blood pressure of the symptomatic group were higher than those in the other group in 24 hours. This difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Similar to hot flashes, the increase in systolic blood pressure may arise from central sympathetic activity. Peripheral vasoconstriction and increased cardiac output, both caused by baroreflex dysfunction, might also have been responsible for increments in systolic blood pressure. Therefore, prospective studies are required to determine how the growing increase in blood pressure and the prevalence of hypertension differ in both groups.

BACKGROUND

Depression is among the most important barriers to proper treatment ofcardiac patients. It causes failure in accepting their conditions, decreases their motivation infollowing the therapeutic recommendations, and thus negatively affects their functionality andquality of life. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of an educational programbased on Predisposing, Reinforcing, Enabling Constructs in Educational Diagnosis andEvaluation (PRECEDE) model on depression level in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)surgery patients.

METHODS

This was a quasi-experimental study in which 54 post-bypass surgery patients ofIsfahan Cardiovascular Research Center were investigated. The patients were randomly dividedinto two groups of intervention and control. The data was collected using two questionnaires.Primarily, the cardiac depression scale was used to measure the degree of depression followedby PRECEDE model-based educational questionnaire to identify the role of the educationalintervention on patients. The PRECEDE model-based intervention composed of 9 educationalsessions per week (60-90 minutes each). The patients were followed up for two months postintervention.

RESULTS

Following the educational intervention, mean scores of predisposing, enabling,and reinforcing factors, and self-helping behaviors significantly increased in the interventiongroup compared to the control group (P < 0.001). In addition, a significant difference in meanscores of depression was observed between the two groups following the educationalintervention (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The findings of the current study confirmed the practicability and effectivenessof the PRECEDE model-based educational programs on preventing or decreasing depressionlevels in CABG patients.

BACKGROUND

Hirsutism is the condition of excessive terminal hair growth in women with a typical male pattern distribution. Hirsutism is a common disorder that affects about 5% -10% of women of reproductive age. Adipose tissue contributes up to 50% of the circulating testosterone in premenopausal women Because of excessive androgen production in fat tissue. Therefore, it seems that hirsutism must be more common in people with simple obesity but controversy exist regarding this subject. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relation between Body Mass Index and hirsutism in a representative sample of Iranian woman.

METHODS

This is a cross sectional case control clinical trial. The study involved 800 individuals; 400 hirsute females and 400 healthy women as control group. The mean age of the participants was 28 ± 6.2 years. Hirsutism was determined by the Ferriman-Gallwey scoring system. Height and weight were measured by a Seca scale, Body Mass Index was calculated as weight/height² (kg/m²), and collected data were analyzed by SPSS software version 18 using T-test and chi-square statistical test.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding age and height. However, Body Mass Index and weight were significantly higher in the case group than the control group. The chi square test revealed significant differences between the case and control groups regarding Body Mass Index (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In the current study hirsutism was more common in patients with a higher Body Mass Index. The increased frequency of hirsutism in overweight women could be explained by increased insulin resistance and more androgen production by adipose tissue.

BACKGROUND

Today, ischemic heart diseases (IHDs) are the most common diseases worldwide. Angiography is the best way to diagnose IHDs. Angiographic complications however can include death, myocardial infarction, nausea, spasm of the coronary arteries, chest pain, bradyarrhythmia, hypotension, or hypertension. This study aimed to determine the effects of a simultaneous injection of trinitroglycerin (TNG) with contrast agent on the early complications of angiography.

METHODS

This clinical trial was conducted in Chamran Hospital, Isfahan, Iran in 2005. Before the angiography, the study population were randomly assigned into two groups of intervention (n = 111) and placebo (n = 112). TNG was mixed with contrast material in the intervention group and distilled water was mixed with contrast agent in the placebo group to be used for angiography. Nausea, spasm of the coronary arteries, chest pain, bradyarrhythmia and the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were compared during and after the angiography in patients of both groups. The obtained data was analyzed by chi-square and t tests.

RESULTS

The mean age in the intervention and placebo groups were 59.93 ± 9.14 and 59.37 ± 10.12 years, respectively (P > 0.05). The two groups were not significantly different in terms of gender distribution. The frequency of nausea was 4.5% and 6.2% in the intervention and placebo groups, respectively. The corresponding values were 0.9% and 5.4% for coronary artery spasm and 1.8% and 6.3% for chest pain. Bradyarrhythmia occurred in 7.1% of patients in both groups. There were no significant differences in the abovementioned complications. Mean values of the highest and lowest systolic and diastolic blood pressures of the intervention group were significantly different from the placebo group (P = 0.001). Simultaneous injection of TNG and the contrast agent in this study resulted in positive findings (except for changes in blood pressure).

CONCLUSION

More studies are recommended with different doses of TNG, different times of injection and considering at-risk individuals.

BACKGROUND

Fibrinolytic therapy is the standard therapeutic method for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This study endeavored to assess the delay in arrival to the emergency department and door to needle time for thrombolytic therapy.

METHODS

This study was conducted on 80 patients with AMI whom referred to our clinic from January 2009 to January 2010. We measured time of arrival, needle time and door to needle time for all patients. Moreover, the relations of these times to some variables such as age, gender and the referred shift of emergency department personnel were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 80 patients, 62 (77.5%) male and 18 (22.5%) female were evaluated for thrombolytic therapy. The arrival time of overnight shifts was 14.59 ± 1.23 minutes shorter than other shifts. The median door to needle time was 46.56 minutes and the mean time of the onset of chest pain to arrival at the emergency department was 19.44 minutes. Seventy-two patients (90%) received fibrinolytic therapy within the first 30 minutes of arrival. The needle time was significantly longer in the night shift (P < 0.05) (between 8 to 14 minutes), while the time of receiving Streptokinase therapy in the other shifts was not meaningfully different. Finally there was a statistically significant difference between the referred shifts and needle time (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Despite our good results for door to needle time, to improve and attain the gold standard’s limits in administering fibrinolytic therapy, improvement of policies like training the personnel to shorten this time is recommend.

BACKGROUND

Cytokines are a group of low-molecular-weight regulatory proteins that produced by cells in response to stimulation. In fact, they increase in response to immune system during exercise. Also, many cytokines such as IL-6 and TNFα are secreted from adipose tissue in obese people. So the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of one session submaximal exercise on plasma levels of IL6 and TNFα in obese and non-obese women.

METHODS

Sixteen healthy women aged 20-30 years old participated in the study. Subjects were classified into obese (n=8) and nonobese (n=8) groups who performed submaximal exercise program (50-65% HRM) for 30minutes. Blood samples were taken for cytokines measurement, before and after exercise. Data were analyzed with SPSS15. The effect of exercise on mentiones variables was evaluated using t-test and covariance test.

RESULTS

Level of IL-6 increased significantly in two studied groups after 30 minutes submaximal exercise (P<0.05). Levels of TNFα increased significantly in obese subjects but not in non-obese subjects. There were no significant changes in the levels of IL-6 and TNFα after 30 minutes submaximal exercise between two studied groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

After submaximal exercise, plasma level of IL6 and TNFα may increase and adipose tissue is the main source of circulating IL6 and TNFα.

Congenital coronary anomalies are presented in approximately1% of patient referred for cardiac catheterization. Among the congenital coronary anomalies, a separated anomalous origin of all the coronary arteries from the right sinus of valsalva is very uncommon. We report a rare occurance of simultaneous occurence of mitral stenosis with ectopic origin of left main stem coronary artery from right sinus of Valsalva.

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the possible difference of the impact of Women Healthy Heart Project on lifestyle, as well as physical/biochemical parameters of working women and housewives.

METHODS

This was a community-based intervention study conducted over 5 years (2002-2007) in the counties of Isfahan and Najafabad (intervention areas) and Arak (control). Pre-study situation analysis of women was followed by 5 years of wide-ranging interventions (educational/environmental) conducted by various organizations using different methodologies. The interventions were aimed at modifying/improving lifestyle by increasing physical activity, encouraging healthy eating, and tobacco use cessation. The organizations involved in performing the interventions included the local radio and television authority, health/treatment centers, the Red Crescent Society, Municipalities, the Relief Committee, the Center for Retirees’ Welfare, and the Literacy Campaign Organization. After 5 years, final phase same as first phase was planed. The subjects studied in all phases‘ the pre- and post-intervention phases consisted of 10586 women aged above 18 years. Demographic data, obesity index, smoking, physical activity and eating habit were assessed before and after the study. Data were analyzed using SPSS-15 using Student's t-test, chi-square test, the general linear model of ANOVA, and logistic regression.

RESULTS

We studied 10586 women (6105 and 4481 women, pre- and post-intervention, respectively). Mean age of working women was 34.14±10.09 and 34.08±9.35 years before and after the study, respectively. Mean age of housewives before and after the study was 40.05±14.61 and 40.36±15.32 years, respectively. Interventions conducted during 5 years improved eating habits and decreased tobacco use in working women and housewives. In every phase of the study, there was a significant age difference between housewives and working women (P<0.001). Hence data were adjusted according to age in each phase. Overall physical activity of housewives and working women increased, but the percentage of passive smokers among housewives remained unchanged. Waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio changed significantly in housewives following interventions (P<0.001). The parameter which improved significantly in working women was waist circumference (P<0.05). However, after adjusting for age, no significant difference was seen between working women and housewives following interventions.

CONCLUSION

Community-based interventions, especially those directed at housewives, can lead to significant improvements in lifestyle and cardiovascular risk reduction. It seems that working women require tailored interventions to suit their conditions. Although short-term outcomes may seem insignificant, persistence and continuity of lifestyle changes may lead to reduced prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. Then longer-term studies are warranted.

BACKGROUND

Previous studies reported that the distribution of body fat is an important risk factor for coronary artery diseases (CAD) and abdominal adipose tissue is associated with severe CAD. This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between body fat distributions, plasma lipids and the severity of CAD in patients with stable angina.

METHODS

Ninety seven patients who underwent coronary angiography for stable angina were allocated into two groups: patients with mild or sever coronary artery involvement. Lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL) and triglyceride (TG) and apolipoprotein A and B, were measured for all of the participants and a demographic data questionnaire was filled by the subjects. Participants underwent abdominal computed tomography (CT-Scan) for measurement of adipose tissues that was classified to visceral and superficial and deep subcutaneous fat tissue compartment.

RESULTS

Patients with severe coronary artery involvement had higher level of apo B (P=0.02). Significant correlation was seen between visceral fat index and TG (P=0.01), HDL-C (P<0.01) in patients with mild coronary involvement and with total cholesterol (P=0.02), LDL-C (P=0.01) and apoB (P<0.01) in patients with severe coronary involvement.No significant relationship was seen among deep cutaneous fat index and lipid profile in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Our findings showed that visceral adipose tissue is significantly associated with severe CAD and has a significant correlation with lipid profile as well as Apo B.

BACKGROUND

Individuals are faced with numerous stressful life events which can negatively influence mental health. Many individuals use smoking as a means of confronting stress. Given the relatively high prevalence of smoking in central Iran, the present study was conducted to compare stress levels in smokers, non-smokers and those who had quit smoking.

METHODS

This study was conducted as part of Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Program on 9752 individuals in the cities of Isfahan, Arak, and Najafabad in 2008. Sampling was performed using multi-stage cluster randomization method. Data on age, sex, demographic characteristics, and smoking status was collected through interviews. Stress level detected by General Health questionnaire.Logistic regression and chi- squere test was used for data analyzing.

RESULTS

In the present study, 30% of non-smokers, 32.1% ex- smoker and 36.9% of smokers had GHQ of 4 and higher (P=0.01). In regression analysis, the final model which was controlled for age, sex, socioeconomic statues (including place of residence, marital status and education level) showed that the odds ratio of stress in smokers and ex- smoker was significantly higher than in non-smokers (OR=1.66 and OR=1.12, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Since in conducted studies, mental problems and stresses have had an important role in people's smoking, it seems suitable to use the results of this study to present intervention for correct methods of coping with stress towards reducing the prevalence of smoking in the community.

BACKGROUND

Evidences support the possible involvement of microorganisms such as Chlamydia pneumonia in the pathogenesis of ischemic heart diseases through a chronic inflammatory process. The aim of this study was to determine the relation between Chlamydia pneumoniae seropositivity with acute myocardial infarction and its related risk factors.

METHODS

In this case-control study, 88 patients admitted in CCU with a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome, without a history of chronic diseases including cancers were selected as cases and 49 surgical patients without an evidence of cardiovascular disease according to clinical examinations and ECG were selected as controls. Demographic characteristics and background risk factors were obtained using a questionnaire by expert nurses. Venous blood sample was obtained from participants for measuring the anti Chlamydia IgG and IgM antibodies using ELISA method. The prevalence of antibodies was compared in both groups and its relation with coronary syndrome was evaluated.

RESULTS

88 and 49 patients were enrolled in case and control groups, respectively. Mean age of patients and the controls was 14±59.7 and 13±56.9 years, respectively (P=0.26). Anti Chlamydia IgG seropositivity rate was 63(71.9%) and 23(46.9%) in case and controlcontrol groups, respectively (P<0.01; OR: 2.85; CI 95%: 1.38-5.9). Anti Chlamydia IgM was positive in 1 patient and 1 control. Anti Chlamydia IgG seropositivity rate was higher in patients older than 50 years old than those younger than 50 years old (OR: 2.83; CI 95%: 1.31 -1.14). There was a significant relation between BMI, smoking and Anti Chlamydia IgG seropositivity.

CONCLUSION

Considering the relation between anti Chlamydia antibody IgG seropositivity with BMI and myocardial infarction, it seems that appropriate diagnosis and treatment of these prone patients can be benefical.