Investigating Surgeons' Reactions to Patients' Death: A Phenomenological Study.

The main purpose of this study was to scrutinize the reaction of surgeons towards patients' death. This study enjoyed a qualitative approach using a phenomenological lived experience. 12 surgeons who had witnessed patients' death were selected through purposive sampling until data saturation was achieved. The data were collected using semi-structured interviews and were analyzed through the Colaizzi's method. The main concepts extracted from the analysis of the participants' experience comprised three main themes, six sub-categories and 19 initial sub-categories. The main themes were (a) emotional-mental reactions including the sub-themes of emotional distress, mood disorder and mental distress, (b) death encounter including the sub-themes of rational encounter and pre-emptive measure and (c) post-traumatic growth covering the concepts of optimism and performance improvement. The obtained findings imply that the patients' death can sometimes make surgeons aware of the post-incident growth although such deaths affect their personal, family, social and professional lives.

The Most Important Predictors of Metabolic Syndrome Persistence after 10-year Follow-Up: YHHP Study.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is one of the world's largest health epidemics, and its management is a major challenge worldwide. The aim of this 10-year follow-up study was to assess the most important predictors of MetS persistence among an Iranian adult population. METHODS: In this cohort study, 887 out of 2000 participants with MetS aged 20-74 years in the central part of Iran were followed-up for about 10 years from 2005-2006 to 2015-2016. MetS was defined based on the criteria of NCEP-ATP III adopted for the Iranian population. Cox proportional hazards regression was conducted to evaluate the predictors of MetS persistence in crude- and multivariate-adjusted models. RESULTS: Our analyses showed that 648 out of 887 participants (73%) completed the follow-up and 565 (87.2%) of them had persistence of MetS after 10-year follow-up. There was a significant association between age, weight, body mass index, triglyceride, and waist circumference in participants who had MetS compared to those without MetS after 10-year follow-up (P < 0.05). There was a direct association between increases in the mean changes of systolic/diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference, and low HDL-C and risk of MetS persistence after adjusting the model for sex and age in the total population (P trend < 0.05). The trends were the same for women except in diastolic blood pressure. After adjustment for potential confounders, the risk of MetS persistence in men was significantly higher than women (HR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.38-2.85, Ptrend = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Most of the risk factors of MetS were positively associated with persistence of MetS. Therefore, modification of lifestyle is recommended to reduce MetS.

The association between a dietary habits score and the risk of metabolic syndrome: A cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Dietary habits are proposed to affect the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The present study aimed to investigate the association between a dietary habits score (DHS) and the risk of MetS and its components among Iranian adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cohort study 1092 participants without MetS were followed up to 10 years. The baseline data on general characteristics as well as dietary habits were assessed through interview. The modified National Cholesterol Education Program, adult treatment panel III guideline was used to define MetS. The hazard ratio for the association between each dietary habit and MetS was used to calculate the DHS for each participant and the participants were categorized into quartiles based on their final calculated score. RESULTS: In total, 809 (74.1%) with mean age of 43 ± 14.4 years were followed. The risk of abdominal obesity (HR = 3.43, 95%CI: 1.97-5.94), low HDL cholesterol (HR = 3.01, 95%CI: 1.62-5.62), hyperglycemia (HR = 3.06, 95%CI: 1.58-5.94), and hypertension (HR = 3.44, 95%CI: 1.85-6.37) and MetS (HR = 2.94, 95%CI: 1.6-5.39) were significantly higher in those with the highest DHS compared with subjects categorized in the lowest quintile of DHS after adjustment for all possible confounders. There was a linear trend between the dietary habit score and the risk of developing MetS and its components (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The DHS was significantly associated with an increased risk of MetS and some of its components. Future studies are needed to confirm the approach used to calculate the DHS and its association with the risk of MetS and its components in other populations.

Corrigendum to "Current Status of Sodium Bicarbonate in Coronary Angiography: An Updated Comprehensive Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2015/690308.].

Baseline and postoperative levels of C-reactive protein and interleukins as inflammatory predictors of atrial fibrillation following cardiac surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a leading arrhythmia with high incidence and serious clinical implications after cardiac surgery. Cardiac surgery is associated with systemic inflammatory response including increase in cytokines and activation of endothelial and leukocyte responses. AIM: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the strength of evidence for evaluating the association of inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukins (IL), with POAF following isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), isolated valvular surgery, or a combination of these procedures. METHODS: We conducted a meta-analysis of studies evaluating measured baseline (from one week before surgical procedures) and postoperative levels (until one week after surgical procedures) of inflammatory markers in patients with POAF. A compre-hensive search was performed in electronic medical databases (Medline/PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Science Direct, and Google Scholar) from their inception through May 2017 to identify relevant studies. A comprehensive subgroup analysis was performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS: A literature search of all major databases retrieved 1014 studies. After screening, 42 studies were analysed including a total of 8398 patients. Pooled analysis showed baseline levels of CRP (standard mean difference [SMD] 0.457 mg/L, p < 0.001), baseline levels of IL-6 (SMD 0.398 pg/mL, p < 0.001), postoperative levels of CRP (SMD 0.576 mg/L, p < 0.001), postoperative levels of IL-6 (SMD 1.66 pg/mL, p < 0.001), postoperative levels of IL-8 (SMD 0.839 pg/mL, p < 0.001), and postoperative levels of IL-10 (SMD 0.590 pg/mL, p < 0.001) to be relevant inflammatory parameters significantly associated with POAF. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative inflammation is proposed to be involved in the pathogenesis of POAF. Therefore, perioperative assessment of CRP, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 can help clinicians in terms of predicting and monitoring for POAF.

The Effect of Classic Chest Physiotherapy on Postoperative Pain Scores and Hospital Stay in Patients Undergoing Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Chest physiotherapy (CPT) is a care that increases the mobilization of several structures from both muscle and subcutaneous tissue. We planned to investigate the effect of classic CPT on pain, fatigue, satisfaction, and hospital length of stay (LOS) in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a randomized controlled trial that conducted on 50 patients undergoing elective off-pump CABG. The patients have been randomly divided into two groups; in the group A (n=25) patients received physiotherapy at a single session of classic CPT, 4 times during 2nd to 5th days for 15 minutes in every session, in the group B (n=25) patients had not protocol of this exercise therapy (control). RESULTS: The average age of all participants was 62.08 ±9.08 years. Of the 50 patients, 33 (66%) was male. Classic CPT significantly decreased pain (P=0.04), hospital LOS (P=0.010) and could increase in patients' satisfaction (P<0.001). However, it had no considerable effect on fatigue (P=0.725). CONCLUSION: According to our findings, classic CPT could improve postoperative care after off-pump CABG surgery.

Haematological indices as predictors of atrial fibrillation following isolated coronary artery bypass grafting, valvular surgery, or combined procedures: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: New postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is one of the most critical and common complications after cardiovascular surgery precipitating early and late morbidities. Complete blood count (CBC) is an imperative blood test in clinical practice, routinely used in the examination of cardiovascular diseases. AIM: This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to determine the strength of evidence for evaluating the association of haematological indices in CBC tests with atrial fibrillation following isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), isolated valvular surgery, or a combination of these treatments. METHODS: We conducted a meta-analysis of studies evaluating pre- and postoperative haematological indices in patients with POAF. A comprehensive subgroup analysis was performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS: A literature search of all major databases retrieved 732 studies. After screening, 22 studies were analysed including a total of 6098 patients. Pooled analysis showed preoperative platelet count (PC) (weighted mean difference [WMD] = -7.07 × 10^9/L and p < 0.001), preoperative mean platelet volume (MPV) (WMD = 0.53 FL and p < 0.001), preoperative white blood cell count (WBC) (WMD = 0.130 × 10^9/L and p < 0.001), preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (WMD = 0.33 and p < 0.001), preoperative red blood cell distribution width (RDW) (WMD = 0.36% and p < 0.001), postoperative WBC (WMD = 1.36 × 10^9/L and p < 0.001), and postoperative NLR (WMD = 0.74 and p < 0.001) as associated factors with POAF. CONCLUSIONS: Haematological indices may predict the risk of POAF before surgery. These easily-performed tests should definitely be taken into account in patients undergoing isolated CABG, valvular surgery, or combined procedures.

Effect of dietary habits on the risk of metabolic syndrome: Yazd Healthy Heart Project.

OBJECTIVE: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) refers to a group of risk factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Dietary habits are among the most important risk factors for MetS. The current study aimed at assessing the effect of dietary habits on the risk of MetS in a 10-year follow-up study in central Iran. DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: Yazd, Iran. SUBJECTS: Participants aged 20-74 years without any history of MetS, who were originally recruited for Yazd Healthy Heart Project (YHHP) during 2005-2006, were revisited during 2015-2016. At phase I of YHHP, demographic data, anthropometric measurements, five components of MetS, biochemical tests and dietary habits were evaluated; and the same data were collected in phase II. RESULTS: A total of 1092 participants were eligible to be included in the present study. After follow-up, the 10-year cumulative incidence of MetS was 56·1 %. After adjustment for potential confounders, increased risk of MetS (hazard ratio; 95 % CI) was found in those who did not try to control their body weight (1·57; 1·06, 2·35), did not usually eat salad (1·91; 1·22, 3·00) and added salt to their food (1·57, 1·06, 2·33). These associations were stronger in men than in the total population after subgroup analysis, but were not present in women. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary habits affect the risk of MetS in the Iranian population. Lifestyle interventions are needed to improve dietary habits to reduce the risk of MetS. Future studies are highly recommended to confirm our results in other populations.

Corrigendum to "Rheumatological Findings in Candidates for Valvular Heart Surgery".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.5402/2012/927923.].

Prediction of New-Onset and Recurrent Atrial Fibrillation by Complete Blood Count Tests: A Comprehensive Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most critical and frequent arrhythmias precipitating morbidities and mortalities. The complete blood count (CBC) test is an important blood test in clinical practice and is routinely used in the workup of cardiovascular diseases. This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to determine the strength of evidence for evaluating the association of hematological parameters in the CBC test with new-onset and recurrent AF. MATERIAL AND METHODS We conducted a meta-analysis of observational studies evaluating hematologic parameters in patients with new-onset AF and recurrent AF. A comprehensive subgroup analysis was performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS The literature search of all major databases retrieved 2150 studies. After screening, 70 studies were analyzed in the meta-analysis on new-onset AF and 23 studies on recurrent AF. Pooled analysis on new-onset AF showed platelet count (PC) (weighted mean difference (WMD)=WMD of -26.39×10^9/L and p<0.001), mean platelet volume (MPV) (WMD=0.42 FL and p<0.001), white blood cell (WBC) (WMD=-0.005×10^9/L and p=0.83), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (WMD=0.89 and p<0.001), and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) (WMD=0.61% and p<0.001) as associated factors. Pooled analysis on recurrent AF revealed PC (WMD=-2.71×109/L and p=0.59), WBC (WMD=0.20×10^9/L (95% CI: 0.08 to 0.32; p=0.002), NLR (WMD=0.37 and p<0.001), and RDW (WMD=0.28% and p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Hematological parameters have significant ability to predict occurrence and recurrence of AF. Therefore, emphasizing the potential predictive role of hematological parameters for new-onset and recurrent AF, we recommend adding the CBC test to the diagnostic modalities of AF in clinical practice.

Platelets Cellular and Functional Characteristics in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to determine the strength of evidence for evaluating the association of platelet cellular and functional characteristics including platelet count (PC), MPV, platelet distribution width (PDW), platelet factor 4, beta thromboglobulin (BTG), and p-selectin with the occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and consequent stroke. MATERIAL AND METHODS We conducted a meta-analysis of observational studies evaluating platelet characteristics in patients with paroxysmal, persistent and permanent atrial fibrillations. A comprehensive subgroup analysis was performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS Literature search of all major databases retrieved 1,676 studies. After screening, a total of 73 studies were identified. Pooled analysis showed significant differences in PC (weighted mean difference (WMD)=-26.93 and p<0.001), MPV (WMD=0.61 and p<0.001), PDW (WMD=-0.22 and p=0.002), BTG (WMD=24.69 and p<0.001), PF4 (WMD=4.59 and p<0.001), and p-selectin (WMD=4.90 and p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Platelets play a critical and precipitating role in the occurrence of AF. Whereas distribution width of platelets as well as factors of platelet activity was significantly greater in AF patients compared to SR patients, platelet count was significantly lower in AF patients.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with mild heart failure is a reversal therapy.

This systematic review with meta-analysis sought to determine the efficacy, safety of implantation of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in mild heart failure (HF). Medline, Embase, Elsevier, and Sciences online database as well as Google scholar literature were used for selecting appropriate studies with randomized controlled design. The literature search of all major databases retrieved 2035 studies. After screening, a total of 10 trials were identified that reported outcomes of interest. Pooled analysis was performed on left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (P<0.001), LV end-diastolic volume (P<0.001), LV end-systolic volume (P<0.001), LV end-diastolic diameter (P<0.001), LV end-systolic diameter (P<0.001), incidence of progression of heart failure (P<0.001), mortality (P=0.06), infection (P=0.1), and pneumothorax (P=0.08). Overall, implantation of CRT in patients with asymptomatic and mild HF resulted in improved cardiac function, decreased progression of HF, trend to decrease of mortality in short to long-term follow-up.

Strategies Preventing Contrast-Induced Nephropathy After Coronary Angiography: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of 125 Randomized Controlled Trials.

This systematic review with meta-analysis sought to determine the strength of evidence for the effects of hydration (sodium bicarbonate [SB] and normal saline [NS]), supplementations ( N-acetylcysteine [NAC] and vitamin C), and some common drugs (adenosine antagonists [AAs], statins, loop diuretics, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors [ACEIs]) on the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) and requirement for hemodialysis after coronary angiography. After screening, a total of 125 trials that reported outcomes were identified. Pooled analysis indicated beneficial effects of SB versus NS (odds ratio [OR] = 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.56-0.94; P = .01), NAC (OR = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.70-0.88; P = .001), vitamin C (OR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.45-0.89; P = .01), statins (OR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.35-0.57; P = .001), AA (OR = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.14-0.47; P = .001), loop diuretics (OR = 0.97; 95% CI: 0.33-2.85; P = .9), and ACEI (OR = 1.06; 95% CI: 0.69-1.61; P = .8). Overall, hydration with SB, use of supplements, such as NAC and vitamin C, and administration of statins and AA should always be considered for the prevention of CIN after coronary angiography.

Impact of antioxidant supplementations on cardio-renal protection in cardiac surgery: an updated and comprehensive meta-analysis and systematic review.

This systematic review with meta-analysis sought to determine the strength of evidence in terms of the impact of common antioxidant supplementations, such as N-acetylcysteine (NAC), vitamin C, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on perioperative outcomes after cardiac surgery with particular focus on the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and acute kidney injury (AKI) with associated mortality. A total of 29 trials were identified that reported incidence of AF and 17 trials that reported incidence of AKI. Pooled analysis reported that NAC (OR=0.5; P=.001), vitamin C (OR=0.4; P=.001), and PUFA (OR=0.8; P=.01) administration were associated with significantly reduced incidence of AF. In terms of postoperative AKI, only NAC was shown to be a beneficial supplement that was able to significantly reduce the incidence of AKI (OR=0.7; P=.01), and NAC could also significantly decrease overall mortality (OR=0.3; P=.03) following cardiac surgery. The use of NAC in patients undergoing cardiac surgery should be strongly recommended due to its combined cardio-renal protective effects and reduced mortality. Also, PUFA and vitamin C might be able to significantly decrease the incidence of arrhythmia; however, reno-protective effects and impact on overall mortality of these supplements seem to be less impressive.

Administration of low molecular weight and unfractionated heparin during percutaneous coronary intervention.

This systematic review with meta-analysis sought to determine the efficacy and safety of unfractionated heparin (UFH) and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) on clinical outcomes following percutaneous coronary intervention. Medline, Embase, Elsevier, and web of knowledge as well as Google scholar literature were used for selecting appropriate studies with randomized controlled design. After screening 445 studies, a total of 23 trials (including a total of 43,912 patients) were identified that reported outcomes. Pooled analysis revealed that LMWH compared to UFH could significantly increase thrombolysis in myocardial infarction grade 3 flow (p<0.001), which was associated with similar target vessel revascularization (p=0.6), similar incidence of stroke (p=0.7), and significantly lower incidence of re-myocardial infarction (p<0.001), major bleeding (p=0.02) and mortality (p<0.001). Overall, LMWH was shown to be a useful type of heparin for patients with MI undergoing PCI, due to its higher efficacy and lower rate of complication compared to UFH. It is also associated with increased myocardial perfusion, decreased major hemorrhage, and mortality.

Protective effects of anti-oxidant supplementations on contrast-induced nephropathy after coronary angiography: an updated and comprehensive meta-analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: This systematic review with meta-analysis sought to determine the strength of evidence for effects of antioxidants (AO) such as N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), vitamin C, vitamin E, and alpha-lipoic acid on the incidence of contrast-in-duced nephropathy (CIN), requirement for haemodialysis, level of serum creatinine, and mortality after coronary angiography. METHODS AND RESULTS: After Medline, Embase, Elsevier, Sciences online database, and Google Scholar literature searches, studies with randomised controlled design were selected for the meta-analysis. The effect sizes measured were odds ratio (OR) for categorical variables and standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for calculating differences between mean changes of serum creatinine in intervention and control groups. A value of p < 0.1 for Q test or I2 > 50% indicated significant heterogeneity between the studies. Literature search of all major databases retrieved 2350 studies. After screening, a total of 49 trials were identified that reported outcomes. Pooled treatment effect analysis revealed that NAC (OR of 0.79; 95% CI 0.69-0.9; p = 0.000), vitamin C (0.63; 95% CI 0.45-0.89; p = 0.000), and vitamin E (OR of 0.5; 95% CI 0.27-0.92; p = 0.026) could significantly reduce the incidence of CIN. NAC (SMD of -0.119; 95% CI -0.191 - 0.046; p = 0.000), but not vitamin C (SMD of -0.08; 95% CI -0.22-0.04; p = 0.1) and vitamin E (-0.25; 95% CI -0.46-0.05; p = 0.1), could significantly reduce mean levels of serum creatinine. Nevertheless, AO could not reduce the incidence of mortality, with an OR of 0.94 (95% CI 0.69-1.28; p = 0.7). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, antioxidants such as NAC, vitamin C, and vitamin E can reduce the incidence of CIN, while only NAC might be able to significantly lower serum creatinine levels. There is no impact of AO supplementation on mortality.

Appropriate bolus administration of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors for patients with acute coronary syndromes undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: intracoronary or intravenous? A comprehensive and updated meta-analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: This systematic review with meta-analysis sought to compare the efficacy and safety of intracoronary (IC) vs. intravenous (IV) administration of glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors on clinical outcomes following per-cutaneous coronary intervention in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction or non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome). METHODS: Medline, Embase, Elsevier, and Sciences online databases as well as Google Scholar literature were used to select appropriate studies with randomised controlled design. The primary end-points were mortality and target vessel revascularisation (TVR), whereas the secondary end points were incidence of thrombolysis in myocardial infarction score 3 flow (TIMI 3 flow means complete perfusion in distal coronary artery bed), re-myocardial infarction (re-MI), major bleeding, stent thrombosis left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and heart failure (HF). The literature search of all major databases retrieved 1006 stud-ies. After screening, a total of 18 trials (5812 patients) were identified with reported outcomes. RESULTS: Pooled analysis showed IC administration of GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors can significantly increase LVEF (WMD 4.97; 95% CI 3.34-6.60; p = 0.000) and the incidence of TIMI 3 flow (OR of 0.77; 95% CI 0.64-0.92; p = 0.005), and significantly decrease in incidence of HF (OR of 1.927; 95% CI 1.189-3.124; p = 0.008). Incidences of TVR, re-MI, major bleeding, stent thrombosis, and mortality showed no significant differences between the IC and IV groups. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the most appropriate route of administration of GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors for patients with acute coronary syndromes appeared to be an IC injection that could increase LVEF and TIMI 3 flow and decrease the incidence of HF. Furthermore, the IC administration was not associated with increased adverse event rates when compared to IV injection.

Safety and efficacy of glucose-insulin-potassium treatment in coronary artery bypass graft surgery and percutaneous coronary intervention.

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate protective effects of glucose-insulin-potassium (GIK) on outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We systematically searched Medline/Pubmed, Elsevier, Embase, Web of Knowledge and Google Scholar. A total of 1206 studies were retrieved during the extensive literature search of all major databases; however, 38 trials reporting the end-point of interest were selected. We performed a pooled analysis of outcomes following PCI: incidence of cardiac arrest [odds ratio (OR) of 0.91; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.76-1.09; P = 0.3], stroke (OR of 1.71; 95% CI: 0.37-1.37; P = 0.3), cardiogenic shock (OR of 1.02; 95% CI: 0.92-1.14; P = 0.6), reinfarction (OR of 0.95; 95% CI: 0.81-1.14; P = 0.5) and mortality (OR of 1.04; 95% CI: 0.96-1.13; P = 0.3); and following CABG: incidence of atrial fibrillation (OR of 0.86; 95% CI: 0.70-1.05; P = 0.1), incidence of ventricular fibrillation (OR of 0.83; 95% CI: 0.62-1.13; P = 0.2), reinfarction (OR of 0.97; 95% CI: 0.74-1.27; P = 0.8), infection (OR of 1.04; 95% CI: 0.67-1.62; P = 0.8), length of intensive care unit stay (LIS) [standard mean differences (SMD) of -0.27; 95% CI: -0.40 to -0.14; P = 0.000], length of hospital stay (LHS) (SMD of -0.035; 95% CI: -0.12 to -0.05; P = 0.4) and mortality (OR of 0.72; 95% CI: 0.41-1.26; P = 0.2). Our results showed that GIK did not have considerable cardioprotective effects. However, patients undergoing CABG seem to be better responders to GIK therapy compared with patients undergoing PCI. Furthermore, in contrast to CABG, GIK therapy in patients undergoing PCI might be associated with more complications rather than protective effects.