Takotsubo Syndrome: Finally Emerging From the Shadows?

It is now 30 years since Japanese investigators first described Takotsubo Syndrome (TTS) as a disorder occurring mainly in ageing women, ascribing it to the impact of multivessel coronary artery spasm. During the intervening period, it has become clear that TTS involves relatively transient vascular injury, followed by prolonged myocardial inflammatory and eventually fibrotic changes. Hence symptomatic recovery is generally slow, currently an under-recognised issue. It appears that TTS is induced by aberrant post-ß2-adrenoceptor signalling in the setting of "surge" release of catecholamines. Resultant activation of nitric oxide synthases and increased inflammatory vascular permeation lead to prolonged myocardial infiltration with macrophages and associated oedema formation. Initially, the diagnosis of TTS was made via exclusion of relevant coronary artery stenoses, plus the presence of regional left ventricular hypokinesis. However, detection of extensive myocardial oedema on cardiac MRI imaging offers a specific basis for diagnosis. No adequate methods are yet available for definitive diagnosis of TTS at hospital presentation. Other major challenges remaining in this area include understanding of the recently demonstrated association between TTS and antecedent cancer, the development of effective treatments to reduce risk of short-term (generally due to shock) and long-term mortality, and also to accelerate symptomatic recovery.

Coronary artery disease in post-menopausal women: are there appropriate means of assessment?

The recognition of sex differences in cardiovascular disease, particularly the manifestations of coronary artery disease (CAD) in post-menopausal women, has introduced new challenges in not only understanding disease mechanisms but also identifying appropriate clinical means of assessing the efficacy of management strategies. For example, the majority of treatment algorithms for CAD are derived from the study of males, focus on epicardial stenoses, and inadequately account for the small intramyocardial vessel disease in women. However, newer investigational modalities, including stress perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography are providing enhanced diagnostic accuracy and prognostication for women with microvascular disease. Moreover, these investigations may soon be complemented by simpler screening tools such as retinal vasculature imaging, as well as novel biomarkers (e.g. heat shock protein 27). Hence, it is vital that robust, sex-specific cardiovascular imaging modalities and biomarkers continue to be developed and are incorporated into practice guidelines that are used to manage women with CAD, as well as gauge the efficacy of any new treatment modalities. This review provides an overview of some of the sex differences in CAD and highlights emerging advances in the investigation of CAD in post-menopausal women.

Sex differences in spontaneous reports on adverse drug events for common antihypertensive drugs.

PURPOSE: To explore sex differences in spontaneously reported adverse drug events (ADEs) for antihypertensives in routine care. METHODS: A cross sectional analysis combining number of reports from the national pharmacovigilance database with data from the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register, from 2005 to 2012 for ACE inhibitors (ACE-I) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), with or without thiazide, diuretics (thiazides, potassium-sparing agents, sulfonamides, aldosterone antagonists), selective betablockers, and dihydropyridine calcium-channel-blockers (DHPs). The total number of reports was adjusted to exposed patients and dispensed DDDs among women and men. Dose exposures, co-medications, and co-prescriptions were also analyzed. RESULTS: In women, a higher prevalence of ADE-reports was seen in ACE-I (odds ratio, OR 1.21; 95% CI 1.09-1.35), ACE-I-combinations (OR 1.61; 1.44-1.79), ARB-combinations (OR 2.12; 1.47-3.06), thiazides (OR 1.78; 1.33-2.39), diuretics and potassium-sparing agents (OR 1.62; 1.22-2.17), and DHPs (OR 1.40; 1.17-1.67), with a potential linkage to dose exposure. For aldosterone antagonists, we observed a higher prevalence of ADE reports in men (OR 0.75; 0.59-0.97) but without any sex difference in dose exposure. CONCLUSIONS: This ecological study of reported ADEs showed a higher prevalence of reports in women in six out of ten groups of antihypertensive drugs, and this may potentially be linked to dose exposure. Aldosterone antagonists was the only group with a higher prevalence of ADE-reports in men with a similar dose exposure between women and men.

Threats or violence from patients was associated with turnover intention among foreign-born GPs - a comparison of four workplace factors associated with attitudes of wanting to quit one's job as a GP.

OBJECTIVE: General practitioners (GPs) are crucial in medical healthcare, but there is currently a shortage of GPs in Sweden and elsewhere. Recruitment of GPs from abroad is essential, but foreign-born physicians face difficulties at work that may be related to turnover intention, i.e. wanting to quit one's job. The study aims to explore the reasons to why foreign-born GPs may intend to quit their job. DESIGN: Survey data were used to compare four work-related factors that can be associated with turnover intentions; patient-related stress, threats or violence from patients, control of work pace, and empowering leadership, among native-born and foreign-born GPs. These work-related factors were subsequently examined in relation to turnover intention among the foreign-born GPs by means of linear hierarchical regression analyses. The questionnaire consisted of items from the QPS Nordic and items constructed by the authors. SETTING: A primary care setting in a central area of Sweden. SUBJECTS: Native-born (n = 208) and foreign-born GPs (n = 73). RESULTS: Turnover intention was more common among foreign-born GPs (19.2% compared with 14.9%), as was the experience of threats or violence from patients (22% compared with 3% of the native-born GPs). Threats or violence was also associated with increased turnover intention. Control of work pace and an empowering leadership was associated with reduced turnover intention. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The organisations need to recognise that foreign-born GPs may face increased rates of threats and/or violence from patients, which may ultimately cause job turnover and be harmful to the exposed individual.

Does patient's sex influence treatment in primary care? Experiences and expressed knowledge among physicians--a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Biological and sociocultural differences between men and women may play an important role in medical treatment. Little is known about the awareness of these differences among general practitioners (GPs) and if they consider such differences in their medical practice. The aim of this study was to explore GPs' perception of sex and gender aspects in medical treatment. METHODS: We conducted five focus group discussions (FGDs) with 29 physicians (mainly GPs) in Sweden. A discussion guide with semi-structured questions was used. All FGDs were audio-recorded and transcribed word-by-word. Data were analysed through inductive thematic analysis with no predetermined categories. RESULTS: Three main categories emerged from the data. The first category emphasised GPs' experiences of sex and gender differences in diagnosing and assessment of clinical findings. Medical treatment in men and women was central in the second category. The third category emphasised GPs' knowledge of sex differences in drug therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The GPs stated they had little knowledge of sex and gender differences in drug treatment, but gave multiple examples of how the patient's sex affects the choice of treatment. Sex and gender aspects were considered in diagnosing and in the treatment decision. However, once the decision to treat was made the choice of drug followed recommendations by local Drug and Therapeutics Committee, which were perceived to be evidence-based. In the analysis we found a gap between perceived and expressed knowledge of sex and gender differences in drug treatment indicating a need of education about this to be included in the curriculum in medical school and in basic and specialist training for physicians. Education could also be a tool to avoid stereotypical thinking about male and female patients.

Factors facilitating or hampering nurses identification of stroke in emergency calls.

AIMS: To explore the factors that facilitate or hamper identification of stroke in emergency calls concerning patients with stroke who have fallen or been in a lying position. BACKGROUND: Early identification of stroke in emergency calls is vital but can be complicated as the patients may be unable to express themselves and the callers generally are bystanders. In a previous study, we found presentation of fall or the patient being in a lying position to be the major problem in 66% of emergency calls concerning, but not dispatched as acute stroke. DESIGN: A qualitative study using interpretive phenomenology. METHODS: Analysis of transcribed emergency calls concerning 29 patients with stroke diagnoses at hospital discharge, in 2011 and presented with fall/lying position. FINDINGS: Patients' ability to express themselves, callers' knowledge of the patient and of stroke, first call-takers' and nurses' authority, nurses' coaching and nurses' expertise skills facilitated or hindered the identification of stroke. Certain aspects are adjustable, but some are determined by the situation or on callers' and patients' abilities and thus difficult to change. Nurses' expertise skills were the only theme found to have a decisive effect of the identification of stroke on its own. CONCLUSION: To increase identification of stroke in emergency calls concerning stroke, the first call-takers' and nurses' action, competence and awareness of obstacles are crucial and if strengthened would likely increase the identification of stroke in emergency calls. In complicated cases, nurses' expertise skills seem essential for identification of stroke.

Possible reasons why female physicians publish fewer scientific articles than male physicians - a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The proportion of women in medicine is approaching that of men, but female physicians are still in the minority as regards positions of power. Female physicians are struggling to reach the highest positions in academic medicine. One reason for the disparities between the genders in academic medicine is the fact that female physicians, in comparison to their male colleagues, have a lower rate of scientific publishing, which is an important factor affecting promotion in academic medicine. Clinical physicians work in a stressful environment, and the extent to which they can control their work conditions varies. The aim of this paper was to examine potential impeding and supportive work factors affecting the frequency with which clinical physicians publish scientific papers on academic medicine. METHODS: Cross-sectional multivariate analysis was performed among 198 female and 305 male Swedish MD/PhD graduates. The main outcome variable was the number of published scientific articles. RESULTS: Male physicians published significantly more articles than female physicians p <. 001. In respective multivariate models for female and male physicians, age and academic positions were significantly related to a higher number of published articles, as was collaborating with a former PhD advisor for both female physicians (OR = 2.97; 95% CI 1.22-7.20) and male physicians (OR = 2.10; 95% CI 1.08-4.10). Control at work was significantly associated with a higher number of published articles for male physicians only (OR = 1.50; 95% CI 1.08-2.09). Exhaustion had a significant negative impact on number of published articles among female physicians (OR = 0.29; 95% CI 0.12-0.70) whilst the publishing rate among male physicians was not affected by exhaustion. CONCLUSIONS: Women physicians represent an expanding sector of the physician work force; it is essential that they are represented in future fields of research, and in academic publications. This is necessary from a gender perspective, and to ensure that physicians are among the research staff in biomedical research in the future.

Sex differences in spontaneous reports on adverse bleeding events of antithrombotic treatment.

PURPOSE: To explore if sex differences are found in spontaneously reported adverse events for clopidogrel, low-dose aspirin and warfarin treatment in routine care. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis combining data on bleeding events from the Swedish Spontaneous Adverse Drug Event Reporting System (SWEDIS) with data from the National Prescribed Drug register. Bleeding event reports from 1999 to 2010 and 2005 to 2010 were adjusted to the number of prescriptions and the number of exposed patients respectively among women and men. Co-medication and co-prescription were analysed. RESULTS: More men were dispensed clopidogrel although the reported bleeding event risk after adjustment for number of patients exposed was higher in women (RR 1.40; 95 % CI, 1.00-1.96). The difference disappeared when adjusting for the number of prescriptions (RR 0.99; 95 % CI, 0.71-1.39). The reported bleeding event risk with low-dose aspirin was lower in women, adjusted for patients exposed (RR 0.80; 95 % CI, 0.66-0.97). For warfarin, no sex difference in bleeding event reports could be found (RR 1.01; 95 % CI, 0.87-1.17). CONCLUSIONS: This ecological comparison of bleeding reports and dispensed prescriptions showed a signal towards a higher prevalence of bleeding reports in women on clopidogrel treatment while the opposite was found for low-dose aspirin. For warfarin, no significant sex difference was seen regarding bleeding event reports, suggesting individualised dosing being an important factor. Men were more commonly prescribed antithrombotic combinations, and this was reflected by a larger proportion of bleeding reports including more than one antithrombotic agent.

A comparison of risk and protective factors related to suicide ideation among residents and specialists in academic medicine.

BACKGROUND: Physicians have an elevated risk of experiencing suicidal thoughts, which might be due to work-related factors. However, the hierarchical work positions as well as work-related health differ among resident and specialist physicians. As such, the correlates of suicide ideation may also vary between these two groups. METHODS: In the present study, work- and health-related factors and their association with suicidal thoughts among residents (n=234) and specialists (n=813) working at a university hospital were examined using cross-sectional data. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis showed that having supportive meetings was associated with a lower level of suicide ideation among specialists (OR=0.68, 95% CI: 0.50-0.94), while an empowering leadership was related to a lower level of suicide ideation among residents (OR=0.55, 95% CI: 0.32-0.94). Having been harassed at work was associated with suicidal ideation among specialists (OR=2.26, 95% CI: 1.31-3.91). In addition, sickness presenteeism and work disengagement were associated with suicide ideation in both groups of physicians. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that different workplace interventions are needed to prevent suicide ideation in residents and specialists.

Sex and gender differences in drug treatment: experiences from the knowledge database Janusmed Sex and Gender.

BACKGROUND: Evidence from clinical research indicates that men and women can differ in response to drug treatment. The knowledge database Janusmed Sex and Gender was developed to illuminate potential sex and gender differences in drug therapy and, therefore, achieve a better patient safety. The database contains non-commercial evidence-based information on drug substances regarding sex and gender aspects in patient treatment. Here, we describe our experiences and reflections from collecting, analyzing, and evaluating the evidence. JANUSMED SEX AND GENDER: Substances have been systematically reviewed and classified in a standardized manner. The classification considers clinically relevant sex and gender differences based on available evidence. Mainly biological sex differences are assessed except for gender differences regarding adverse effects and compliance. Of the 400 substances included in the database, clinically relevant sex differences were found for 20%. Sex-divided data were missing for 22% and no clinically relevant differences were found for more than half of the substances (52%). We noted that pivotal clinical studies often lack sex analyses of efficacy and adverse effects, and post-hoc analyzes are performed instead. Furthermore, most pharmacokinetic analyses use weight correction, but medicines are often prescribed in standard doses. In addition, few studies have sex differences as a primary outcome and some pharmacokinetic analyses are unpublished, which may complicate the classification of evidence. CONCLUSIONS: Our work underlines the need of sex and gender analyses, and sex-divided data in drug treatment, to increase the knowledge about these aspects in drug treatment and contribute to a more individualized patient treatment.

Bridging the gender gap: Insights from a contemporary analysis of sex-related differences in the treatment and outcomes of patients with acute coronary syndromes.

BACKGROUND: The question of whether gender-related disparities still exist in the treatment and outcomes of patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) remains controversial. Using data from 4 registries spanning a decade, we sought to determine whether sex-related differences have persisted over time and to examine the treating physician's rationale for adopting a conservative management strategy in women compared with men. METHODS: From 1999 to 2008, 14,196 Canadian patients with non-ST-segment elevation ACS were recruited into the Acute Coronary Syndrome I (ACSI), ACSII, Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE/GRACE(2)), and Canadian Registry of Acute Coronary Events (CANRACE) prospective multicenter registries. RESULTS: Women in the study population were found to be significantly older than men and were more likely to have a history of heart failure, diabetes, or hypertension. Fewer women were treated with thienopyridines, heparin, and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors compared with men in GRACE and CANRACE. Female gender was independently associated with a lower in-hospital use of coronary angiography (adjusted odds ratio 0.76, 95% CI 0.69-0.84, P < .001) and higher in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio 1.26, 95% CI 1.02-1.56, P = .036), irrespective of age (P for interaction =.76). Underestimation of patient risk was the most common reason for not pursuing an invasive strategy in both men and women. CONCLUSIONS: Despite temporal increases in the use of invasive cardiac procedures, women with ACS are still more likely to be treated conservatively, which may be due to underestimation of patient risk. Furthermore, they have worse in-hospital outcomes. Greater awareness of this paradox may assist in bridging the gap between current guidelines and management practices.

Are we using cardiovascular medications and coronary angiography appropriately in men and women with chest pain?

AIMS: The main purpose of the present study was to analyse the contemporary use of cardiovascular medications and diagnostic coronary angiography in men and women with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). Furthermore, we examined the association of outcomes (death, myocardial infarction, repeat coronary angiography, procedural complications) with angiographic findings. METHODS: All patients with stable chest pain (n = 12 200) referred for a first-time elective diagnostic coronary angiography during 2006-08 and registered in the Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Register (SCAAR) were included. Significant CAD was defined as ≥ 50% luminal narrowing in any epicardial coronary artery. RESULTS: In the youngest age group (≤ 59 years), more women than men (78.8 vs. 42.3%, P< 0.001) had normal/non-significant CAD, whereas more men had either left-main or three-vessel disease (18.2 vs. 4.2%, P < 0.001). Event rates were similarly low for men and women with normal/non-significant CAD, except for a higher procedural complication rate in women. Prior to angiography, fewer women than men with high-risk features were prescribed aspirin (83 vs. 86.1%, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: In women, normal/non-significant CAD was highly prevalent, especially among younger women, and associated cardiovascular event rates were low. In men, findings of advanced disease were more common than in women, even younger men. Fewer high-risk women than men were initially prescribed aspirin. The observed sex differences suggest a need for improved identification of women appropriate for investigation with coronary angiography, earlier diagnostics in men, and heightened attention in the evidence-based use of aspirin in risk patients, especially women.

Awareness of sex and gender dimensions among physicians: the European federation of internal medicine assessment of gender differences in Europe (EFIM-IMAGINE) survey.

Sociocultural gender is a complex construct encompassing different aspects of individuals' life, whereas sex refers to biological factors. These terms are often misused, although they impact differently on individuals' health. Recognizing the role of sex and gender on health status is fundamental in the pursuit of a personalized medicine. Aim of the current study was to investigate the awareness in approaching clinical and research questions on the impact of sex and gender on health among European internists. Clinicians affiliated with the European Federation of Internal Medicine from 33 countries participated to the study on a voluntary basis between January 1st, 2018 and July 31st, 2019. Internists' awareness and knowledge on sex and gender issues in clinical medicine were measured by an online anonymized 7-item survey. A total of 1323 European internists responded to the survey of which 57% were women, mostly young or middle-aged (78%), and practicing in public general medicine services (74.5%). The majority (79%) recognized that sex and gender are not interchangeable terms, though a wide discrepancy exists on what clinicians think sex and gender concepts incorporate. Biological sex and sociocultural gender were recognized as determinants of health mainly in cardiovascular and autoimmune/rheumatic diseases. Up to 80% of respondents acknowledged the low participation of female individuals in trials and more than 60% the lack of sex-specific clinical guidelines. Internists also express the willingness of getting more knowledge on the impact of sex and gender in cerebrovascular/cognitive and inflammatory bowel diseases. Biological sex and sociocultural gender are factors influencing health and disease. Although awareness and knowledge remain suboptimal across European internists, most acknowledge the underrepresentation of female subjects in trials, the lack of sex-specific guidelines and the need of being more informed on sex and gender-based differences in diseases.

Instant electrocardiogram feedback with a new digital technique reduces symptoms caused by palpitations and increases health-related quality of life (the RedHeart study).

AIMS: Palpitations, particularly common in women, are generally considered benign symptoms rarely caused by clinically important arrhythmias. Nevertheless, palpitations may cause anxiety, depression, and decreased health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This study investigates to what degree palpitations cause symptoms such as anxiety and depression and affect HRQOL in women and whether direct feedback of underlying heart rhythm during palpitations decrease anxiety and depression and increase HRQOL in women. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study included 821 women, age 21-88 years (mean 57 ± 11 years), with symptomatic palpitations recruited using social media. For 60 days, the participants used a handheld electrocardiogram (ECG)-recording device (Coala Heart Monitor) connected to their smartphones. ECG was recorded twice a day and when symptoms were present and was automatically algorithm-interpreted with immediate response to the user. Non-benign arrhythmias were also analysed manually. Questionnaires addressing anxiety and depression-Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), HRQOL (RAND-36), and Symptoms Checklist: Frequency and Severity (SCL)-were analysed before and after the data were collected. A total of 101 804 ECG recordings were automatically analysed. In 94%, sinus rhythm or premature atrial/ventricular contraction were recorded; in 6%, atrial fibrillation or supraventricular tachycardia were recorded. Apart from premature ventricular contractions, no ventricular arrhythmias were documented. Anxiety and depression (HADS and GAD-7) decreased (P < 0.001) as did frequency and severity of symptoms, and HRQOL increased in all domains (P < 0.001) at the 2-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Instant analysis of the ECG with direct response during palpitations decreases symptoms, anxiety, and depression and increases HRQOL in women.

Improving Efficiency of Clinical Studies Using a Total Digital Approach: Prospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: In general, most clinical studies have long recruitment periods. Signing the informed consent is particularly time-consuming when the participant must meet physically with the researchers. Therefore, introducing fully web-based techniques with the use of eAuthentication (BankID) and new digital electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring could speed up inclusion time, increase adherence, and also reach out to more remote regions. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to explore whether inclusion of a large number of participants could be realized quickly by using a total digital approach both for information and signing of informed consent, along with ECG monitoring and instant feedback on a mobile device. We also explored whether this approach can increase adherence in registration of ECG recordings and answering questionnaires, and if it would result in a more geographically uniform distribution of participants covering a wide age span. METHODS: Women with palpitations were intensively studied over 2 months by means of a handheld ECG monitoring device (Coala Heart Monitor). The device connects to a smartphone or tablet, which allows the participants to obtain the results immediately. Recruitment, study information, and signing the informed consent form with the help of BankID were performed in a completely digital manner. RESULTS: Between March and May 2018, 2424 women indicated their interest in participating in the study. On June 19, 2018, presumptive participants were invited to log in and register. After 25 days, 1082 women were included in the study; among these, 1020 women fulfilled the inclusion criteria, 913 of whom completed all phases of the study: recording ECG using the handheld device, completion of the prestudy questionnaires, and completion of the poststudy questionnaires 2 months after the ECG recordings. The dropout rate was 9%. In total, 101,804 ECG recordings were made. The mean age was 56 (SD 11) years (range 21-88 years) and 35 participants were 75 years or older. The participants were evenly distributed between living in the countryside and in cities. CONCLUSIONS: Total digital inclusion recruitment of 1082 participants was achieved in only 25 days, and resulted in a good geographical distribution, excellent adherence, and ability to reach a vast age span, including elderly women. Studies using a total digital design would be particularly appealing during a pandemic since physical contact should be avoided as much as possible. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN22495299; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN22495299.

A five-year rehabilitation programme for younger women after a coronary event reduces the need for hospital care.

AIMS: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the dominant diagnosis in in-patient care in Sweden and the third most common cause for long-term sick leave and disability pension. Women are higher consumers of health care than men and have higher frequencies of sickness absenteeism. The aim of this paper was to evaluate whether a five-year long rehabilitation programme for women with CVD affected the use of hospital care and sickness absenteeism. METHODS: 130 women below 65 years of age with CVD were randomized to either intervention (n = 69, mean age 52.4 years) with an intensive lifestyle programme (e.g. physical exercise, smoking cessation, dietary advice), including stress management or to standard care (n = 61, mean age 54.3 years). All patients went through baseline medical examinations, including self-administered questionnaires. This procedure was repeated yearly during the rehabilitation period. The frequency of cardiac-related healthcare use was followed via official registers. RESULTS: Emergency visits and number of in-patient days decreased significantly in the intervention group from year one to year five (p < 0.05) but remained unchanged in the control group. Scheduled doctor visits decreased significantly in both groups. There were no significant differences between groups regarding proportion of women on sick leave after one, three and five years. CONCLUSIONS: This extensive intervention programme reduced visits at emergency wards and numbers of in-patient days, which in the long run may have beneficial effects on public finances and the patient's quality of life. The study confirmed previous findings from interventions showing difficulties in influencing sick-leave rates.

Device profile of the Coala Heart Monitor for remote monitoring of the heart rhythm: overview of its efficacy.

Introduction: Several handheld thumb ECG devices for on-demand recording of heart rhythm have become available lately. These can be used both by health-care providers and purchased by laypersons for private use.Area covered: This profile describes the Coala Heart Monitor. This device differs from other handheld ECG monitors in three aspects: 1) it records both thumb and chest ECGs, 2) it uses both RR-dispersion and P-wave morphology for detecting atrial fibrillation, and 3) in synchronization with the chest ECG, it also records heart sounds presented as a phonocardiogram making measurement of systolic time intervals possible. The sensitivity and specificity for detecting atrial fibrillation are high. The use of systolic time interval in patients with heart failure has so far not been evaluated.Expert opinion: The increasing use of long-term prescribed and privately owned handheld ECG devices for on-demand recording of heart rhythm will most probably cause a paradigm shift in arrhythmia diagnostics. Coala Heart Monitor´s use of both chest and thumb recordings as well as analyzing both RR-dispersion and P-wave morphology may offer an advantage in diagnosing atrial fibrillation.

Survey on recent suicidal ideation among female university hospital physicians in Sweden and Italy (the HOUPE study): cross-sectional associations with work stressors.

BACKGROUND: Suicide rates among physicians are higher than in the general population, and rates among female physicians are particularly high. More female than male physicians report suicidal thoughts, with suicidal ideation being a well-recognized precursor of suicide. The urgent need to find the reasons for suicide risk in female physicians is underscored by society's increasing dependence on this group of health care providers. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper was to identify potential risk and protective factors associated with recent suicidal ideation in female physicians. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey analysis of work-related health, organizational culture, career paths, and working conditions was performed among permanently employed female physicians from the HOUPE (Health and Organisation among University Physicians in four European countries) study: 385 in Sweden and 126 in Italy. The main outcome measure was recent (within the prior 12 months) suicidal thoughts. RESULTS: Overall, 13.7% and 14.3% of the participants from Sweden and Italy, respectively, reported suicidal thoughts within the prior 12 months. Among the physicians from Sweden, the most powerful multivariate model for such thoughts included 2 independent variables related to work: degrading experiences/harassment at work (odds ratio [OR], 3.03; 95% CI, 1.48-6.23), and work meetings to discuss stressful situations (OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.19-0.69). The model included self-diagnosis and self-treatment as a significant factor. Work meetings to discuss stressful situations were also in the multivariate model for the Italian physicians (OR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.05-0.86), together with being given work assignments without adequate resources (OR, 5.0; 95% CI, 1.32-18.8). Significant non-work-related factors in the Italian model were younger age and seeking professional help for depression or burnout. CONCLUSIONS: In both Sweden and Italy, work stressors have been identified that may increase the risk for suicide for female physicians. A potential protective factor was meetings to discuss stressful work experiences. These findings suggest that such meetings should be more broadly implemented.

Personality Traits in Patients with Myocardial Infarction with Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe type A behavior pattern and trait anger in patients with myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) and compare them with patients with coronary heart disease and healthy controls. Type A behavior pattern and anger have been linked to coronary heart disease in previous studies. This is the first study to assess type A behavior pattern and trait anger in MINOCA patients. METHODS: One hundred MINOCA patients, consecutively recruited during 2007-2011 at 5 coronary care units in Stockholm, were matched for sex and age to 100 coronary heart disease patients and 100 healthy controls. All participants completed the Bortner Rating Scale to quantify type A behavior pattern and the Spielberger Trait Anger Scale to quantify anger 3 months after the acute event. RESULTS: MINOCA patients' Bortner Rating Scale score was 70.9 ± 10.8 (mean ± SD) and Spielberger Trait Anger Scale score was 14 (12-17) (median; interquartile range). Coronary heart disease patients' Bortner Rating Scale score was 70.5 ± 10.2 and Spielberger Trait Anger Scale score was 14 (12-17). Healthy controls' Bortner Rating Scale score was 71.9 ± 9.1 and Spielberger Trait Anger Scale score was 13 (11-16). CONCLUSION: We found no significant differences in Bortner Rating Scale score and Spielberger Trait Anger Scale score among MINOCA, coronary heart disease patients, and healthy controls, regardless of whether total scores, subscales, or cutoffs were used to classify type A behavior pattern and trait anger. However, we cannot exclude the existence of an occasional episode of anger or mental stress in relation to the coronary event. This is the first study to assess type A behavior pattern and trait anger in patients with MINOCA, and future studies need to confirm the current findings before any firm conclusions can be made.