BackgroundAdhesion molecules play an important role in the development and progression of coronary atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was comparing the effect of Cratagol herbal tablet, aerobic exercise and their combination on the serum levels of Intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and E-Selectin in patients with stable angina pectoris.MethodsEighty stable angina pectoris patients aged between 45 and 65 years, were randomly divided into four groups including three experimental groups and one control group: aerobic exercise (E), Crataegus oxyacantha extract (S), aerobic exercise and Crataegus oxyacantha extract (S+E), and control (C). Blood sampling was taken 24 h before and after 12 weeks of aerobic exercise and Crataegus oxyacantha extract consumption. The results of serum levels of ICAM-1 and E-selectin were compared.ResultsIntergroup comparison of the data revealed a significant reduction (P <0.01) in serum levels of ICAM-1 and E-selectin in experimental groups. Analysis of data showed that the serum levels of ICAM-1 had significant difference when group S+E was compared with groups S and C, but not group E (P = 0.021, P = 0.000 and P = 0.068, respectively). Also the difference between the levels of E-selectin was significant comparing S+E and S but not E with group C (P = 0.021, P = 0.000 and P = 0.052, respectively).ConclusionsTwelve weeks effects of aerobic exercise and Crataegus oxyacantha extract consuming is an effective complementary strategy to significantly lower the risk of atherosclerosis and heart problems.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40199-015-0137-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A total of 55 consecutive patients who experienced perioperative myocardial infarction (MI) after coronary artery bypass grafting were studied using multislice computed tomography (MSCT) angiography to evaluate for graft patency. The MSCT detected acute graft occlusion in 23% grafts. Of the 55 patients, 40% patients had occluded grafts and perioperative MI in the area of the grafted vessels; remaining 60% had patent grafts with infarction in the area of the grafted vessels. Compared with the patients with patent grafts, those with occluded grafts had a higher blood sugar level. In addition, graft occlusion was higher in grafts with severe distal disease. Among the patients with patent grafts, luminal stenosis of the native vessels supplying the infarcted myocardium was higher than that in the native vessels supplying the non-infarcted myocardium. In conclusion, MSCT is feasible for the assessment of graft patency in the setting of perioperative MI. Graft occlusion is detected in less than half of the cases and usually occurs in the grafts with severe distal involvement and the patients with uncontrolled hyperglycemia. In patients with patent grafts, the severity of luminal stenosis of the native grafted vessel is the main predisposing factor for perioperative MI.

Introduction: Dialysis patients tend to have a greater prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of heart valves calcification, left ventricular hypertrophy, and left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction. It also aimed to determining the relationship of the above mentioned parameters with serum calcium, phosphorus, parathormone and duration of dialysis. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 hemodialysis patients who were referred to Hajar hospital in Shahrekord, Iran. Using echocardiography, patients were examined for the calcification of the heart valves, left ventricular hypertrophy, and left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Serum calcium, phosphorus, and parathormone and duration of dialysis was also determined. Results: The mean age of the patients was 58.10 ± 15.51 years. Around 24 patients suffered from calcification of the heart valves. Additionally, 85 patients suffered from left ventricular hypertrophy. The prevalence of left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction was 26% and 86%, respectively. Common valvular abnormalities were mitral valve regurgitation (97%), followed by tricuspid regurgitation, aortic and pulmonary regurgitation, respectively. There was a significant relationship between serum phosphorus and calcification of cardiac valves, left ventricular hypertrophy, and left ventricular systolic dysfunction (P < 0.05). Duration of dialysis and calcium and serum parathyroid hormone levels had no significant relationship with left ventricular hypertrophy and dysfunction and calcification of cardiac valves (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Cardiovascular diseases are common among hemodialysis patients. Hyperphosphatemia is a risk factor for the prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy, left ventricular systolic dysfunction and calcification of the heart valves.

Background Non-atherosclerotic spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare disease that predominantly affects women. It presents with acute chest pain, ventricular arrhythmias, and even sudden cardiac death. Case Summary A 33-year-old man presented to emergency department with fatigue and cold sweat. He had no complaint of chest pain at the time of admission. He experienced a retrosternal chest pain 2 days ago after lifting a 30 pounds weight in the gym. Para-clinic results such as coronary computed tomography angiography and electrocardiogram were normal. However, coronary angiography showed multiple coronary dissections. We followed the patient for 4 months. He was asymptomatic except for one episode of chest pain during Tehran earthquake, while he was carrying his child to escape the room. Follow-up myocardial perfusion scan was negative for ischaemia. Discussion Stressors such as intense exercise, emotional stress, and Valsalva manoeuvre may cause SCAD in otherwise healthy patient. As in our case, lifting heavy weights was the most likely reason for SCAD. Stable patients without ongoing chest pain will be followed conservatively.