[CorBene: a new model for collaborative care of patients with congestive heart failure]. / CorBene: Ein neues, kooperatives Versorgungsmodell für Patienten mit Herzinsuffizienz.

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is one of the most common medical disorders. The prognosis tends to be unfavorable and the quality of care needs further improvement. The aim of the CorBene project is to improve the health-related quality of life and the prognosis in patients in all stages of CHF and to reduce the hospitalization rate. For this purpose a modern collaborative treatment program involving all relevant health care professionals was developed. The key feature is the close collaboration between family physicians, practicing cardiologists, hospitals and rehabilitation facilities. The CorBene model was launched in Cologne and then spread to North-Rhine/Westphalia and to Saarland. Currently, there is the possibility to offer it in all German states. Preliminary analyses confirm an optimal, guideline-based therapy of CHF.

[The effects of multimodal intervention for the primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases on depression, anxiety, and Type-D pattern: initial results of the randomized controlled PreFord trial]. / Effekte einer multimodalen Intervention zur Primärprävention kardiovaskulärer Krankheiten auf Depressivität, Angst und Typ-D-Muster: Erste Ergebnisse der randomisierten, kontrollierten PräFord-Studie.

Depression, anxiety, and Type-D pattern are associated with the earlier development and faster progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of the randomized controlled PreFord trial was to improve multiple biological and psychosocial risk factors in the primary prevention of CVD. A total of 447 women and men with an ESC risk score >5% were randomly assigned to either multimodal or routine care groups. Somatic and psychosocial variables (HADS, DS-14) were assessed before and after the intervention, and annually for 2 years thereafter. The intervention showed no significant effects on the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and type D personality, either in the whole sample or in those with elevated scores at baseline. Thus, our study did not provide evidence that symptoms of depression, anxiety, or Type D personality can be effectively treated by multimodal behavioral interventions for the primary prevention of CVD.

Long-term results of a three-week intensive cardiac out-patient rehabilitation program in motivated patients with low social status.

UNLABELLED: The short-term benefits of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) are well established. In contrast, well-documented long-term results are rare. The objective of this longitudinal multi-centre observational study was to examine the effects of intensive out-patient CR in a larger patient cohort, especially for patients with low social status. We present the final results 24 months after CR. METHODS: The study group of 327 patients (288 men, 39 women, aged 56.0+/-10.8 years, coronary artery disease in 295, other cardiac diseases in 32) participated in a 3- week CR programme followed by clinical re-evaluations 6 (III), 12 (IV) an 24 (V) months later. RESULTS: The improvement in mean maximal performance of 100.5+/-31.4 to 123.1+/-36.2 W (p<0.01) achieved during CR was further improved to 128.7+/-40.9 W (p < 0,01) after 24 months. Of the patients, 61.2% reported regular physical activity during the 24 months of the study. The lipid management achieved by CR was maintained over 24 month. At I 65%, at II 84.4% and at V 82.4% of the patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) were undergoing lipid lowering therapy. BMI increased from 26.8+/-3.0 to 27.6+/-3.6 kg/m2 (p < 0.01) during follow-up. Of the patients, 23.2% were active smokers at V. Cardiovascular diagnosis remained unaltered in 74.3% of patients. The obtained results are interesting with respect to the social status of the patients since 68% were general laborers. The results confirm the long-term effectiveness of an intensive 3-week out-patient CR programme. Most of the benefits achieved by CR appear to be sustainable in this population for at least 2 years.

[Prevention of arteriosclerosis. Importance of the treatment of arterial hypertension]. / Prävention der Atherosklerose. Stellenwert der Behandlung der arteriellen Hypertonie.

In most European countries and Northern America, cardiovascular diseases induced by atherosclerosis are the most common cause of death in older people. People surviving acute myocardial infarction or stroke suffer often by disabilities or handicaps. The lifelong care of such patients is expensive and plays a major role for increment of costs in public health systems. Prevention of atherosclerosis will reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, enhance quality of life and prolong lifetime of patients. Therefore the worldwide accepted risk factors of atherosclerosis have to be treated consequently and early enough within the meaning of primary prevention. Hypertension is one of the six major cardiovascular risk factors and is defined as elevated blood pressure above 140/90 mmHg. In case of hypertension, diagnostic efforts has to be focussed on detection of additional cardiovascular risk factors, secondary forms of hypertension, end organ damage or associated diseases. All therapeutic strategies are based on life style changes, which cover weight reduction, sodium restriction, controlled alcohol consumption and increment in physical activity. Pharmacotherapy will be added in regard to the global risk of the patient and the success of the life style changes. Selection of antihypertensives and their optimal combination will be determined by associated diseases (compelling indication), side effects and individual response in blood pressure. Goal of treatment is the normalization of blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg independent of age or sex. In diabetics and in case of nephropathy the goal is set lower (below 130/80 mmHg).There is strong evidence that reduction in blood pressure is followed by a decrease in the incidence of myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, nephropathy, and even in cardiovascular mortality. The success of antihypertensive therapy is greater in high risk patients like older people, patients with isolated systolic hypertension or diabetics. Risk reduction correlates well with the degree in blood pressure reduction. However, to minimize cardiovascular risk in hypertensives all additional risk factors have to be treated too.

[The PreFord Study. A prospective cohort study to evaluate the risk of a cardiovascular event (overall-collective) as well as a prospective, randomized, controlled, multicentre clinical intervention study (high-risk-collective) on primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases in the Ford Motor Company employees in Germany]. / Die PräFord-Studie. Prospektive Kohortenstudie zur Bewertung des Risikos für ein kardiovaskuläres Akutereignis (Gesamtkollektiv) sowie eine prospektive, randomisierte, kontrollierte, multizentrische klinische Interventionsstudie (Hochrisikoteilkollektiv) in der Primärprävention von Herz-Kreislauferkrankungen bei Mitarbeitern der Firma Ford in Deutschland.

The PreFord Study is a multicenter prospective cohort study to evaluate guideline based risk management on primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore a randomised controlled trial (RCT) will be designed to analyse the effect of a special intervention program. 40,000 employees of the Ford Motor Company, Visteon Company and Deutz Company in Germany will be included, monitored for ten years and the following primary endpoints will be investigated: 1. evaluation and comparison of established and newly developed risk-scores, 2. the relative impact of single and combined cardiovascular risk factors on cardiovascular diseases, 3. the influence of a novel occupationally integrated ambulant rehabilitation program in combination with a guideline oriented optimal drug therapy within a high risk group on the primary endpoint: risk reduction by, 4. the influence of this intervention on secondary endpoints: death, myocardial infarction and stroke, combined appearance of angina pectoris and hospitalisation, occurrence of cerebral circulatory disorder and hospitalisation, occurrence of peripheral occlusive arterial disease and hospitalisation and single cardiovascular risk factors and cost-benefit-analysis. Beginning with an cross sectional study there will be a systemic screening of cardiovascular risk profiles, of anthropometric data and different lifestyle-factors. Based on these data participants will be differentiated into three risk-groups according to the risk score of the European Society of Cardiology (risk of a lethal primary acute cardiovascular event: I < or = 1%; II > 1-< 5% and III > or = 5%). In the following longitudinal study different strategies will be applied: Group I: low risk (< 0.5% per year): repetition of the investigation after five and ten years. Group II: middle risk, (0.6% to 1.4% per year), repetition of the investigation every two years, instruction of the patients general practitioner (GP) with respect to a risk factor oriented and evidence based treatment. Group III: high risk, (> 1.5% per year or >15% within the next 10 years) will be randomised into two interventional groups. The first one, the intervention-group "PreFord" will perform an occupational integrated rehabilitation program (2,5-3 hours twice a week, for 15 weeks according to the BAR guidelines) with a following engagement in heart-groups and an annual repetition of the check-ups. The second group, the "classic" intervention-group will be treated evidence based in cooperation with their GP. As a result of this long term interventional study efficient, area wide implementable and economically feasible prevention concepts with special regards to operational healthcare will be developed and evaluated. Core elements will be exercise- and lifestyle-oriented concepts as well as guideline-based pharmacotherapy.

[Primary and secondary prevention of arteriosclerosis. Risk stratification of hypertension]. / Primäre und sekundäre Prävention der Arteriosklerose - Stellenwert der arteriellen Hypertonie.

Hypertension is one of the important risk factors in the pathogenesis of arteriosclerosis. The differences between primary and secondary prevention in diagnosis and therapeutic strategies are reviewed from international studies. The optimal therapy for hypertension and risk stratification, including all other risk factors, will reduce the incidence and mortality of coronary heart disease and stroke.

[Outcome of a four-week ambulatory cardiac rehabilitation (phase II) on cardiovascular risk factors, physical fitness and occupational reintegration in patients after myocardial infarct, dilatation treatment and heart operation]. / Auswirkungen einer vierwöchigen ambulanten kardialen Rehabilitationsmassnahme (Phase II) auf kardiovaskuläre Risikofaktoren, körperliche Belastbarkeit und berufliche Reintegration bei Patienten nach Myokardinfarkt, Dilatationsbehandlung und Herzoperation.

From October 1994 to July 1996, 128 patients (30 women, 98 men) participated in an outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program (phase II). Our objectives were to demonstrate risk-factor modification and increased workload capacity resulting directly from the rehabilitation in terms of primary results and long-term effects 6 and 12 months (n = 118, Figure 1) respectively 1.5 and 2 years (n = 87) after termination of the program (Tables 9 to 12). We observed how many of the patients were able to be occupationally reintegrated after completion of phase-II rehabilitation. Workload capacity significantly increased from 1.2 W/kg upon entry to 1.5 W/kg (p < or = 0.05) upon completion of 4 weeks cardiac rehabilitation. Workload capacity remained consistently high at 6 months and 1 year (1.5 W/kg) and at 1.5 and 2 years (1.7 W/kg). Total cholesterol decreased significantly from 247 to 201 mg/dl (p < or = 0.05) during the 4-week program. Significant cholesterol (p < or = 0.01) reductions persisted at 6 months (216 mg/dl) and 1 year (215 mg/dl). After 1.5 and 2 years, the total cholesterol was less than 14% and 17% below the mean of cholesterol at the beginning of the program. Similarly, LDL cholesterol was 185 mg/dl before entering the program, 146 mg/dl after 4 weeks, 151 mg/dl after 6 months and 149 mg/dl after 1 year. Triglyceride levels showed a significant reduction (p < or = 0.01) with levels 189 mg/dl before entering the program, 148 mg/dl after 4 weeks, 151 mg/dl after 6 months and 154 mg/dl after 1 year. LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels did not significantly increase after 1.5 and 2 years. The HDL cholesterol increased slightly as a long-term effect (from 51 mg/dl before entering the program to 55, 56 and 54 mg/dl after 1, 1.5 and 2 years, respectively). Seventy-three percent of the patients questioned (n = 73) found the program very good, 27% said it was good and no patient was dissatisfied. Fifty-one (81%) of the 63 patients who were actively employed before becoming ill and later entering our program were immediately able to be reintegrated into their previous occupation. In several cases reintegration took 7 weeks. Seven (11%) patients applied for pension, 5 (8%) patients remained unemployed on sick-leave.

[Primary results and long-term outcome of an ambulatory, cardiac rehabilitation model (phase II) after myocardial infarct, dilatation treatment and heart operation]. / Primärergebnisse und Langzeiteffekt eines ambulanten, kardialen Rehabilitationsmodells (Phase II) nach Myokardinfarkt, Dilatationsbehandlung und Herzoperation.

From October 1994 to July 1996, 128 patients (30 women, 98 men) participated in an outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program (phase II). Our objectives were to demonstrate risk-factor modification and increased work-load capacity resulting directly from the rehabilitation in terms of primary results and long-term effects, 6 months (n = 59) and 12 months (n = 30) after termination of the program. We observed how many of the patients were able to be occupationally re-integrated after completion of phase II rehabilitation. During the 4-week program, the work-load capacity increased significantly from 1.2 W/kg to 1.5 W/kg (p < or = 0.05). After 6 months (1.4 W/kg) and 1 year (1.5 W/kg), consistently high workload capacities were noted. Total cholesterol decreased significantly from 247 mg/dl to 201 mg/dl (p < or = 0.05) during the 4-week program. After 6 months (219 mg/dl) and 1 year (210 mg/dl) significant reductions persisted (p < or = 0.05). Similar results with LDL-cholesterol were seen: 185 mg/dl before entering the program, 146 mg/dl after 4 weeks, 158 mg/dl after 6 months and 151 mg/dl after 1 year. Triglyceride levels showed a significant reduction (p < or = 0.05), 189 mg/dl before entering in the program, 148 mg/dl after 4 weeks, 143 mg/dl after 6 months, and 135 mg/dl after 1 year. The HDL-levels increased slightly as a long-term effect, i.e., from 51 mg/dl to 49 mg/dl during the 4 week program, and 57 mg/dl after 6 and 12 months. Of the patients questioned (n = 73), 73% found the program very good, 27% said it was good, and no patient was dissatisfied. Of the 63 patients who were actively employed before becoming ill and later entered our program, 51 (81%) were able to be immediately re-integrated into their previous occupation. In several cases this re-integration took 7 weeks. Seven (11%) patients applied for pension, and 5 (8%) patients remained unemployed on sick-leave.

[Planimetric quantification of aortic valve stenoses using multiplanar transesophageal echocardiography]. / Planimetrische Quantifizierung von Aortenklappenstenosen mittels multiplaner transösophagealer Echokardiographie.

Standard techniques used in order to quantify the severity of aortic valve stenoses in clinical practice comprise: transthoracic echocardiography, namely, by determining maximum and mean transvalvular gradients and evaluating aortic valve areas, as well as invasive techniques which quantify aortic valve areas through hemodynamic pressure measurements and application of the Gorlin formula. Since the introduction of the multiplane TEE technique, it has become feasible to scan the aortic valve in a strictly horizontal plane and quantify the aortic valve orifice by planimetry. In this study, we investigated 23 patients with various degrees of aortic valve stenoses. We compared aortic valve areas, which had been planimetrically determined by multiplane TEE scans, and mean aortic valve gradients (standard TEE technique) with pressure gradients and valve areas derived from hemodynamic measurements obtained during cardiac catheterization, and have found that the valve areas as well as the mean pressure gradients correlate well.