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  • 1. Agewall, Stefan
    et al.
    Rydén, Lars
    Perk, Joep
    Rosengren, Annika
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine. Skellefteå Research Unit.
    Hellénius, Mai-Lis
    Ros, Inger
    Efterlyses: politik mot hjärtinfarkt2013In: Läkartidningen, ISSN 0023-7205, E-ISSN 1652-7518, Vol. 110, no 13-14, p. 664-Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 2. Almroth, Henrik
    et al.
    Höglund, Niklas
    Department of Cardiology, Heart Centre, University Hospital, S-901 85 Umeå, Sweden.
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Englund, Anders
    Jensen, Steen
    Department of Cardiology, Heart Centre, University Hospital, S-901 85 Umeå, Sweden.
    Kjellman, Björn
    Tornvall, Per
    Rosenqvist, Mårten
    Atorvastatin and persistent atrial fibrillation following cardioversion: a randomized placebo-controlled multicentre study2009In: European Heart Journal, ISSN 0195-668X, E-ISSN 1522-9645, Vol. 30, no 7, p. 827-833Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    AIMS: To evaluate the effect of atorvastatin in achieving stable sinus rhythm (SR) 30 days after electrical cardioversion (CV) in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS AND RESULTS: The study included 234 patients. The patients were randomized to treatment with atorvastatin 80 mg daily (n = 118) or placebo (n = 116) in a prospective, double-blinded fashion. Treatment was initiated 14 days before CV and was continued 30 days after CV. The two groups were well-balanced with respect to baseline characteristics. Mean age was 65 +/- 10 years, 76% of the patients were male and 4% had ischaemic heart disease. Study medication was well-tolerated in all patients but one. Before primary endpoint 12 patients were excluded. In the atorvastatin group 99 patients (89%) converted to SR at electrical CV compared with 95 (86%) in the placebo group (P = 0.42). An intention-to-treat analysis with the available data, by randomization group, showed that 57 (51%) in the atorvastatin group and 47 (42%) in the placebo group were in SR 30 days after CV (OR 1.44, 95%CI 0.85-2.44, P = 0.18). CONCLUSION: Atorvastatin was not statistically superior to placebo with regards to maintaining SR 30 days after CV in patients with persistent AF.

  • 3. Alvariza, Anette
    et al.
    Årestedt, Kristofer
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine. Umeå University, Arctic Research Centre at Umeå University.
    Brännström, Margareta
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Nursing. Umeå University, Arctic Research Centre at Umeå University.
    Family members' experiences of integrated palliative advanced home and heart failure care: a qualitative study of the PREFER intervention2018In: Palliative & Supportive Care, ISSN 1478-9515, E-ISSN 1478-9523, Vol. 16, no 3, p. 278-285Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objective: Chronic heart failure is a disease with high morbidity and symptom burden for patients, and it also places great demands on family members. Patients with heart failure should have access to palliative care for the purpose of improving quality of life for both patients and their families. In the PREFER randomized controlled intervention, patients with New York Heart Association classes III–IV heart failure received person-centered care with a multidisciplinary approach involving collaboration between specialists in palliative and heart failure care. The aim of the present study was to describe family members' experiences of the intervention, which integrated palliative advanced home and heart failure care.

    Method: This study had a qualitative descriptive design based on family member interviews. Altogether, 14 family members participated in semistructured interviews for evaluation after intervention completion. The data were analyzed by means of content analysis.

    Results: Family members expressed gratitude and happiness after witnessing the patient feeling better due to symptom relief and empowerment. They also felt relieved and less worried, as they were reassured that the patient was being cared for properly and that their own responsibility for care was shared with healthcare professionals. However, some family members also felt as though they were living in the shadow of severe illness, without receiving any support for themselves.

    Significance of results: Several benefits were found for family members from the PREFER intervention, and our results indicate the significance of integrated palliative advanced home and heart failure care. However, in order to improve this intervention, psychosocial professionals should be included on the intervention team and should contribute by paying closer attention and providing targeted support for family members.

  • 4.
    Andersson, Jonas
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Almroth, Henrik
    Höglund, Niklas
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Jensen, Steen
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Tornvall, Per
    Englund, Anders
    Rosenqvist, Mårten
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Markers of fibrinolysis as predictors for maintenance of sinus rhythm after electrical cardioversion2011In: Thrombosis Research, ISSN 0049-3848, E-ISSN 1879-2472, Vol. 127, no 3, p. 189-192Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    No fibrinolytic component alone was found to be a predictor of recurrence of atrial fibrillation. In multivariate models lower PAI-1 mass was associated with sinus rhythm even after adjusting for CRP, markers of the metabolic syndrome and treatment with atorvastatin. Our findings suggest a patophysiological link between AF and PAI-1 mass but the relation to inflammation remains unclear.

  • 5.
    Andersson, Jonas
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Jansson, Jan-Håkan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Nilsson, Torbjørn K
    Lindahl, Bernt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Effect of intensive lifestyle intervention on C-reactive protein in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance and obesity: results from a randomized controlled trial with 5-year follow-up2008In: Biomarkers: biochemical indicators of exposure, response, and susceptibility to chemicals, ISSN 1366-5804, Vol. 13, no 7, p. 671-679Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of metabolic and cardiovascular disease. To study the effects of lifestyle on CRP in a high-risk population we conducted a randomized controlled trial on 200 obese subjects (BMI > 27 kg m(-2)) with impaired glucose tolerance recruited from primary care settings. They were randomized to either a 1-month stay at a wellness centre focusing on diet, exercise and stress management (intervention group) or 30-60 min of oral and written information on lifestyle intervention (control group). A significant reduction of CRP was observed after 1 month and 1 year in the intervention group. They reduced their CRP levels more than the control group 1 year after intervention (p=0.004). In conclusion lifestyle intervention can decrease CRP in obese individuals with impaired glucose tolerance for up to 1 year. Further research is needed to evaluate whether the CRP level reduction translates into a decreased risk for cardiovascular morbidity.

  • 6.
    Andersson, Jonas
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Jansson, Jan-Håkan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Hellsten, Gideon
    Nilsson, Torbjörn K
    Hallmans, Göran
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Nutritional Research.
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Effects of heavy endurance physical exercise on inflammatory markers in non-athletes2010In: Atherosclerosis, ISSN 0021-9150, E-ISSN 1879-1484, Vol. 209, no 2, p. 601-605Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    OBJECTIVES: Physical activity has beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease but the mechanisms are still somewhat unclear. One possible pathway may be through the anti-inflammatory effects attributed to regular physical activity. Our primary aim was to study the effects of endurance physical exercise on C-reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNFalpha) during the acute and recovery phases. Secondarily, we studied the impact of diet on these inflammatory markers.

    METHODS: Twenty men, aged 18-55 years, participated in a 14 days cross-country skiing tour. They traveled 12-30km per day corresponding to about 10h of heavy physical activity. The participants were randomized to a diet with either 30 or 40% of energy derived from fat. Inflammatory variables were analysed at week 0, after 1 and 2 weeks and during the recovery phase at week 6 and 8.

    RESULTS: CRP and TNFalpha increased significantly during the two weeks of exercise (1.4-5.0mg/l, p=0.00 and 6.8-8.4pg/ml, p=0.00). CRP levels were significantly lower during recovery (median 0.7mg/l) compared to baseline (median 1.4mg/l) and did not correlate to metabolic variables. There were no significant changes in IL-6 levels during the study period. For dietary groups significant CRP changes were observed only in the high fat group during recovery.

    CONCLUSIONS: CRP and TNFalpha increased significantly but reacted differently during heavy physical activity while there seemed to be no significant changes in IL-6. No significant differences regarding inflammatory variables were found between the dietary groups.

  • 7.
    Andersson, Jonas
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Johansson, Lars
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Ladenvall, Per
    Wiklund, Per-Gunnar
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Stegmayr, Birgitta
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Jern, Christina
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    C-reactive protein is a determinant of first-ever stroke: prospective nested case-referent study2009In: Cerebrovascular Diseases, ISSN 1015-9770, E-ISSN 1421-9786, Vol. 27, no 6, p. 544-551Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a determinant of stroke, but there are no prospective studies on CRP and first ischemic stroke divided into etiologic subtypes. Our primary aim was to study CRP as a determinant of ischemic stroke, classified according to Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) criteria, and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in a prospective study. A secondary aim was to study the relationship between the 1444C>T polymorphism, plasma levels of CRP and stroke.

    METHODS: The study was a prospective population-based case-referent study nested within the Northern Sweden Cohorts. We defined 308 cases of ischemic stroke and 61 ICH. Two controls for each case were defined from the same cohort.

    RESULTS: The OR for the highest (>3 mg/l) versus lowest group (<1 mg/l) of CRP was 2.58 (95% CI 1.74-3.84) for ischemic stroke and 1.63 (95% CI 0.67-3.93) for ICH. In a multivariate model including traditional risk factors, CRP remained associated with ischemic stroke (OR 2.06; 95% CI 1.29-3.29). Small-vessel disease was associated with CRP in the multivariate model (OR 3.88; 95% CI 1.10-13.7). The CRP 1444 (CC/CT vs. TT) polymorphism was associated with plasma levels of CRP but neither with ischemic stroke nor with ICH.

    CONCLUSIONS: This prospective population-based study shows that CRP is significantly associated with the risk of having a first ischemic stroke, especially for small-vessel disease. No significant associations were found between the CRP 1444C>T polymorphism and any stroke subtype.

  • 8.
    Andersson, Jonas
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Rosenqvist, Mårten
    Tornvall, Per
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    NT-proBNP predicts maintenance of sinus rhythm after electrical cardioversion.2015In: Thrombosis Research, ISSN 0049-3848, E-ISSN 1879-2472, Vol. 135, no 2, p. 289-291Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia. NT-proBNP is a fragment of the prohormone brain natriuretic peptide. Previous studies indicate that increased levels of NT-proBNP are associated with higher recurrence rates of AF after electrical cardioversion. Our null hypothesis was that NT-proBNP does not predict recurrence of AF after restoration of sinus rhythm.

    METHODS: We performed a hypothesis generating study within a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized, prospective multicentre study of the effects of atorvastatin on recurrence of AF after electrical cardioversion. 199 patients with persistent AF and an indication for cardioversion were included in the present substudy. NT-proBNP was assessed prior to cardioversion. Cardioversion was performed according to local standard clinical practice on an elective outpatient basis. Patients were followed-up one month after cardioversion.

    RESULTS: 181 patients had a successful cardioversion and 91 of the study group remained in sinus rhythm at day 30. Recurrence of AF was observed in 108 patients at day 30. An optimal cutpoint for NT-proBNP at 500 ng/L predicted recurrence of AF after cardioversion (OR 2.94; 95% CI 1.30-6.63). In multivariate analysis adjusting for age, sex, hypertension, and treatment group strengthened the results (OR 3,56; 95% CI 1,44-8,81). When analysing the ROC curve of NT-proBNP in baseline and atrial fibrillation at day 30 the result was 0.57.

    CONCLUSION: NT-proBNP levels are a predictor of recurrence of AF 30 days after cardioversion. ROC curves indicates that the practical value of NT-proBNP for the individual patient is limited.

  • 9. Axelsson, J. M.
    et al.
    Burup-Kristensen, C.
    Kesaniemi, A.
    Rossebo, A. B.
    Pedersen, T. R.
    Nienaber, C. A.
    Gohlke-Barwolf, C.
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Willenheimer, R.
    Wachtell, K.
    Incidence and predictors of infective endocarditis in asymptomatic patients with mild-to-moderate aortic stenosis2014In: European Heart Journal, ISSN 0195-668X, E-ISSN 1522-9645, Vol. 35, no Supplement 1, Meeting abstract P4316, p. 758-758Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 10. Bang, Casper N.
    et al.
    Gerdts, Eva
    Aurigemma, Gerard P.
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Dahlof, Bjoern
    Roman, Mary J.
    Kober, Lars
    Wachtell, Kristian
    Devereux, Richard B.
    Systolic left ventricular function according to left ventricular concentricity and dilatation in hypertensive patients: the Losartan Intervention For Endpoint reduction in hypertension study2013In: Journal of Hypertension, ISSN 0263-6352, E-ISSN 1473-5598, Vol. 31, no 10, p. 2060-2068Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background:Left ventricular hypertrophy [LVH, high left ventricular mass (LVM)] is traditionally classified as concentric or eccentric based on left ventricular relative wall thickness. We evaluated left ventricular systolic function in a new four-group LVH classification based on left ventricular dilatation [high left ventricular end-diastolic volume (EDV) index and concentricity (LVM/EDV(2/3))] in hypertensive patients.Methods and results:Nine hundred thirty-nine participants in the Losartan Intervention For Endpoint reduction in hypertension (LIFE) echocardiography substudy had measurable LVM at enrolment. Patients with LVH (LVM/body surface area 116g/m(2) in men and 96g/m(2) in women) were divided into four groups; eccentric nondilated' (normal LVM/EDV and EDV), eccentric dilated' (increased EDV, normal LVM/EDV), concentric nondilated' (increased LVM/EDV with normal EDV), and concentric dilated' (increased LVM/EDV and EDV) and compared to patients with normal LVM. At baseline, 12% had eccentric nondilated, 20% eccentric dilated, 29% concentric nondilated, and 14% concentric dilated LVH, with normal LVM in 25%. Compared with the concentric nondilated LVH group, those with concentric dilated LVH had significantly lower pulse pressure/stroke index and ejection fraction; higher LVM index, stroke volume, cardiac output, left ventricular midwall shortening, left atrial volume and isovolumic relaxation time; and more had segmental wall motion abnormalities (all P<0.05). Similar differences existed between patients with eccentric dilated and those with eccentric nondilated LVH (all P<0.05). Compared with patients with normal LVM, the eccentric nondilated had higher LV stroke volume, pulse pressure/stroke index, Cornell voltage product and SBP, and lower heart rate and fewer were African-American (all P<0.05).Conclusion:The new four-group classification of LVH identifies dilated subgroups with reduced left ventricular function among patients currently classified with eccentric or concentric LVH.

  • 11. Bang, Casper N.
    et al.
    Gerdts, Eva
    Aurigemma, Gerard P.
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    de Simone, Giovanni
    Dahlof, Bjorn
    Kober, Lars
    Wachtell, Kristian
    Devereux, Richard B.
    Four-Group Classification of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Based on Ventricular Concentricity and Dilatation Identifies a Low-Risk Subset of Eccentric Hypertrophy in Hypertensive Patients2014In: Circulation Cardiovascular Imaging, ISSN 1941-9651, E-ISSN 1942-0080, Vol. 7, no 3, p. 422-429Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background-Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH; high LV mass [LVM]) is traditionally classified as concentric or eccentric based on LV relative wall thickness. We evaluated the prediction of subsequent adverse events in a new 4-group LVH classification based on LV dilatation (high LV end-diastolic volume [EDV] index) and concentricity (mass/end-diastolic volume [M/EDV](2/3)) in hypertensive patients. Methods and Results-In the Losartan Intervention for Endpoint Reduction (LIFE) echocardiography substudy, 939 hypertensive patients with measurable LVM at baseline were randomized to a mean of 4.8 years of losartan- or atenolol-based treatment. Patients with LVH (LVM/body surface area >= 116 and >= 96 g/m(2) in men and woman, respectively) were divided into 4 groups-concentric nondilated (increased M/EDV, normal EDV), eccentric dilated (increased EDV, normal M/EDV), concentric dilated (increased M/EDV and EDV), and eccentric nondilated (normal M/EDV and EDV)-and compared with patients with normal LVM. Time-varying LVH classes were tested for association with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality and a composite end point of myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, and cardiovascular death in multivariable Cox analyses. At baseline, the LVs were categorized as eccentric nondilated in 12%, eccentric dilated in 20%, concentric nondilated in 29%, concentric dilated in 14%, and normal LVM in 25%. Treatment changed the prevalence of 4 LVH groups to 23%, 4%, 5%, and 7%; 62% had normal LVM after 4 years. In time-varying Cox analyses, compared with normal LVM, those with eccentric dilated and both concentric nondilated and dilated LVH had increased risks of all-cause or cardiovascular mortality or the composite end point, whereas the eccentric nondilated group did not. Conclusions-Hypertensive patients with relatively mild LVH without either increased LV volume or concentricity have similar risk of all-cause mortality or cardiovascular events because hypertensive patients with normal LVM seem to be a low-risk group.

  • 12. Bang, Casper N.
    et al.
    Greve, Anders M.
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Egstrup, Kenneth
    Gohlke-Baerwolf, Christa
    Kober, Lars
    Nienaber, Christoph A.
    Ray, Simon
    Rossebo, Anne B.
    Wachtell, Kristian
    Effect of lipid lowering on new-onset atrial fibrillation in patients with asymptomatic aortic stenosis: The Simvastatin and Ezetimibe in Aortic Stenosis (SEAS) study2012In: American Heart Journal, ISSN 0002-8703, E-ISSN 1097-6744, Vol. 163, no 4, p. 690-696Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background Lipid-lowering drugs, particularly statins, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may prevent atrial fibrillation (AF). This effect has not been investigated on new-onset AF in asymptomatic patients with aortic stenosis (AS). Methods Asymptomatic patients with mild-to-moderate AS (n = 1,421) were randomized (1: 1) to double-blind simvastatin 40 mg and ezetimibe 10 mg combination or placebo and followed up for a mean of 4.3 years. The primary end point was the time to new-onset AF adjudicated by 12-lead electrocardiogram at a core laboratory reading center. Secondary outcomes were the correlates of new-onset AF with nonfatal nonhemorrhagic stroke and a combined end point of AS-related events. Results During the course of the study, new-onset AF was detected in 85 (6%) patients (14.2/1,000 person-years of follow-up). At baseline, patients who developed AF were, compared with those remaining in sinus rhythm, older and had a higher left ventricular mass index a smaller aortic valve area index. Treatment with simvastatin and ezetimibe was not associated with less new-onset AF (odds ratio 0.89 [95% CI 0.57-1.97], P = .717). In contrast, age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.07 [95% CI 1.05-1.10], P < .001) and left ventricular mass index (HR 1.01 [95% CI 1.01-1.02], P < .001) were independent predictors of new-onset AF. The occurrence of new-onset AF was independently associated with 2-fold higher risk of AS-related outcomes (HR 1.65 [95% CI 1.02-2.66], P = .04) and 4-fold higher risk of nonfatal nonhemorrhagic stroke (HR 4.04 [95% CI 1.18-13.82], P = .03). Conclusions Simvastatin and ezetimibe were not associated with less new-onset AF. Older age and greater left ventricular mass index were independent predictors of AF development. New-onset AF was associated with a worsening of prognosis. (Am Heart J 2012;163:690-6.)

  • 13. Bang, Casper N.
    et al.
    Greve, Anders M.
    Kober, Lars
    Rossebo, Anne B.
    Ray, Simon
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Nienaber, Christoph A.
    Devereux, Richard B.
    Wachtell, Kristian
    Renin-angiotensin system inhibition is not associated with increased sudden cardiac death, cardiovascular mortality or all-cause mortality in patients with aortic stenosis2014In: International Journal of Cardiology, ISSN 0167-5273, E-ISSN 1874-1754, Vol. 175, no 3, p. 492-498Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Renin-angiotensin system inhibition (RASI) is frequently avoided in aortic stenosis (AS) patients because of fear of hypotension. We evaluated if RASI with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) increased mortality in patients with mild to moderate AS. Methods: All patients (n = 1873) from the Simvastatin and Ezetimibe in Aortic Stenosis study: asymptomatic patients with AS and preserved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction were included. Risks of sudden cardiac death (SCD), cardiovascular death and all-cause mortality according to RASI treatment were analyzed by multivariable time-varying Cox models and propensity score matched analyses. Results: 769 (41%) patients received RASI. During a median follow-up of 4.3 +/- 0.9 years, 678 patients were categorized as having severe AS, 545 underwent aortic valve replacement, 40 SCDs, 103 cardiovascular and 205 all-cause deaths occurred. RASI was not associated with SCD (HR: 1.19 [95% CI: 0.50-2.83], p = 0.694), cardiovascular (HR: 1.05 [95% CI: 0.62-1.77], p = 0.854) or all-cause mortality (HR: 0.81 [95% CI: 0.55-1.20], p = 0.281). This was confirmed in propensity matched analysis (all p > 0.05). In separate analyses, RASI was associated with larger reduction in systolic blood pressure (p = 0.001) and less progression of LV mass (p = 0.040). Conclusions: RASI was not associated with SCD, cardiovascular or all-cause mortality in asymptomatic AS patients. However, RASI was associated with a potentially beneficial decrease in blood pressure and reduced LV mass progression. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  • 14. Bang, Casper N
    et al.
    Greve, Anders M
    La Cour, Morten
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Gohlke-Bärwolf, Christa
    Ray, Simon
    Pedersen, Terje
    Rossebø, Anne
    Okin, Peter M
    Devereux, Richard B
    Wachtell, Kristian
    Effect of Randomized Lipid Lowering With Simvastatin and Ezetimibe on Cataract Development (from the Simvastatin and Ezetimibe in Aortic Stenosis Study)2015In: American Journal of Cardiology, ISSN 0002-9149, E-ISSN 1879-1913, Vol. 116, no 12, p. 1840-1844Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Recent American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines on statin initiation on the basis of total atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk argue that the preventive effect of statins on cardiovascular events outweigh the side effects, although this is controversial. Studies indicate a possible effect of statin therapy on reducing risk of lens opacities. However, the results are conflicting. The Simvastatin and Ezetimibe in Aortic Stenosis study (NCT00092677) enrolled 1,873 patients with asymptomatic aortic stenosis and no history of diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other serious co-morbidities were randomized (1:1) to double-blind 40 mg simvastatin plus 10 mg ezetimibe versus placebo. The primary end point in this substudy was incident cataract. Univariate and multivariate Cox models were used to analyze: (1) if the active treatment reduced the risk of the primary end point and (2) if time-varying low-density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol lowering (annually assessed) was associated with less incident cataract per se. During an average follow-up of 4.3 years, 65 patients (3.5%) developed cataract. Mean age at baseline was 68 years and 39% were women. In Cox multivariate analysis adjusted for age, gender, prednisolone treatment, smoking, baseline LDL cholesterol and high sensitivity C-reactive protein; simvastatin plus ezetimibe versus placebo was associated with 44% lower risk of cataract development (hazard ratio 0.56, 95% confidence interval 0.33 to 0.96, p = 0.034). In a parallel analysis substituting time-varying LDL-cholesterol with randomized treatment, lower intreatment LDL-cholesterol was in itself associated with lower risk of incident cataract (hazard ratio 0.78 per 1 mmol/ml lower total cholesterol, 95% confidence interval 0.64 to 0.93, p = 0.008). In conclusion, randomized treatment with simvastatin plus ezetimibe was associated with a 44% lower risk of incident cataract development. This effect should perhaps be considered in the risk-benefit ratio of statin treatment.

  • 15. Bang, Casper N.
    et al.
    Greve, Anders M.
    Rossebø, Anne B.
    Ray, Simon
    Egstrup, Kenneth
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Nienaber, Christoph
    Okin, Peter M.
    Devereux, Richard B.
    Wachtell, Kristian
    Antihypertensive treatment with β-blockade in patients with asymptomatic aortic stenosis and association with cardiovascular events2017In: Journal of the American Heart Association: Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease, ISSN 2047-9980, E-ISSN 2047-9980, Vol. 6, no 12, article id e006709Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Patients with aortic stenosis (AS) often have concomitant hypertension. Antihypertensive treatment with a beta-blocker (Bbl) is frequently avoided because of fear of depression of left ventricular function. However, it remains unclear whether antihypertensive treatment with a Bbl is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events in patients with asymptomatic mild to moderate AS.

    Methods and results: We did a post hoc analysis of 1873 asymptomatic patients with mild to moderate AS and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction in the SEAS (Simvastatin and Ezetimibe in Aortic Stenosis) study. Propensity-matched Cox regression and competing risk analyses were used to assess risk ratios for all-cause mortality, sudden cardiac death, and cardiovascular death. A total of 932 (50%) patients received Bbl at baseline. During a median follow-up of 4.3 +/- 0.9 years, 545 underwent aortic valve replacement, and 205 died; of those, 101 were cardiovascular deaths, including 40 sudden cardiovascular deaths. In adjusted analyses, Bbl use was associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 0.5, 95% confidence interval 0.3-0.7, P<0.001), cardiovascular death (hazard ratio 0.4, 95% confidence interval 0.2-0.7, P<0.001), and sudden cardiac death (hazard ratio 0.2, 95% confidence interval 0.1-0.6, P=0.004). This was confirmed in competing risk analyses (all P<0.004). No interaction was detected with AS severity (all P>0.1).

    Conclusions: In post hoc analyses Bbl therapy did not increase the risk of all-cause mortality, sudden cardiac death, or cardiovascular death in patients with asymptomatic mild to moderate AS. A prospective study may be warranted to determine if Bbl therapy is in fact beneficial.

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  • 16. Bergström, Erik
    et al.
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Dahlqvist, Rune
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Pharmacology.
    Birgander, Lisbeth Slunga
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    [Do better next time]2009In: Läkartidningen, ISSN 0023-7205, E-ISSN 1652-7518, Vol. 106, no 8, p. 527-Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 17. Bergström, Erik
    et al.
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Dahlqvist, Rune
    Birgander, Slunga Lisbeth
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    [Criticism against a prioritization project in Vasterbotten. Serious prioritization work requires knowledge and open ethical principles]2009In: Läkartidningen, ISSN 0023-7205, E-ISSN 1652-7518, Vol. 106, no 3, p. 126-127Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 18. Bjorck, Lena
    et al.
    Rosengren, Annika
    Winkvist, Anna
    Capewell, Simon
    Adiels, Martin
    Bandosz, Piotr
    Critchley, Julia
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Guzman-Castillo, Maria
    O'Flaherty, Martin
    Johansson, Ingegerd
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Odontology.
    Changes in Dietary Fat Intake and Projections for Coronary Heart Disease Mortality in Sweden: A Simulation Study2016In: PLOS ONE, E-ISSN 1932-6203, Vol. 11, no 8, article id e0160474Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objective In Sweden, previous favourable trends in blood cholesterol levels have recently levelled off or even increased in some age groups since 2003, potentially reflecting changing fashions and attitudes towards dietary saturated fatty acids (SFA). We aimed to examine the potential effect of different SFA intake on future coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality in 2025. Methods We compared the effect on future CHD mortality of two different scenarios for fat intake a) daily SFA intake decreasing to 10 energy percent (E%), and b) daily SFA intake rising to 20 E %. We assumed that there would be moderate improvements in smoking (5%), salt intake (1g/day) and physical inactivity (5% decrease) to continue recent, positive trends. Results In the baseline scenario which assumed that recent mortality declines continue, approximately 5,975 CHD deaths might occur in year 2025. Anticipated improvements in smoking, dietary salt intake and physical activity, would result in some 380 (-6.4%) fewer deaths (235 in men and 145 in women). In combination with a mean SFA daily intake of 10 E%, a total of 810 (-14%) fewer deaths would occur in 2025 (535 in men and 275 in women). If the overall consumption of SFA rose to 20 E%, the expected mortality decline would be wiped out and approximately 20 (0.3%) additional deaths might occur. Conclusion CHD mortality may increase as a result of unfavourable trends in diets rich in saturated fats resulting in increases in blood cholesterol levels. These could cancel out the favourable trends in salt intake, smoking and physical activity.

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  • 19.
    Blomstedt, Yulia
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Norberg, Margareta
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Ng, Nawi
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Nyström, Lennarth
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine. Research Unit Medicine-Geriatric Clinic, Skellefteå County Hospital, SE-931 86 Skellefteå, Sweden..
    Lönnberg, Göran
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Stenlund, Hans
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Wall, Stig
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Weinehall, Lars
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Flawed conclusions on the Vasterbotten Intervention Program by San Sebastian et .al2019In: BMC Public Health, E-ISSN 1471-2458, Vol. 19, no 1, article id 1095Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    An evaluation of Vasterbotten Intervention Programme (VIP) was recently conducted by San Sebastian et al. (BMC Public Health 19:202, 2019). Evaluation of health care interventions of this kind require 1) an understanding of both the design and the nature of the intervention, 2) correct definition of the target population, and 3) careful choice of the appropriate evaluation method. In this correspondence, we review the approach used by San Sebastian et al. as relates to these three criteria. Within this framework, we suggest important explanations for why the conclusions drawn by these authors contradict a large body of research on the effectiveness of the VIP.

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  • 20.
    Blomstedt, Yulia
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health. Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Centre for Demographic and Ageing Research (CEDAR).
    Norberg, Margareta
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health. Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Centre for Demographic and Ageing Research (CEDAR).
    Stenlund, Hans
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Nyström, Lennarth
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Lönnberg, Göran
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Wall, Stig
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Weinehall, Lars
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health. Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Centre for Demographic and Ageing Research (CEDAR).
    Impact of a combined community and primary care prevention strategy on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality: a cohort analysis based on 1 million person-years of follow-up in Västerbotten County, Sweden, during 1990-20062015In: BMJ Open, E-ISSN 2044-6055, Vol. 5, no 12, article id e009651Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of the Västerbotten Intervention Programme (VIP) by comparing all eligible individuals (target group impact) according to the intention-to-treat principle and VIP participants with the general Swedish population.

    DESIGN: Dynamic cohort study.

    SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: All individuals aged 40, 50 or 60 years, residing in Västerbotten County, Sweden, between 1990 and 2006 (N=101 918) were followed from their first opportunity to participate in the VIP until age 75, study end point or prior death.

    INTERVENTION: The VIP is a systematic, long-term, county-wide cardiovascular disease (CVD) intervention that is performed within the primary healthcare setting and combines individual and population approaches. The core component is a health dialogue based on a physical examination and a comprehensive questionnaire at the ages of 40, 50 and 60 years.

    PRIMARY OUTCOMES: All-cause and CVD mortality.

    RESULTS: For the target group, there were 5646 deaths observed over 1 054 607 person-years. Compared to Sweden at large, the standardised all-cause mortality ratio was 90.6% (95% CI 88.2% to 93.0%): for women 87.9% (95% CI 84.1% to 91.7%) and for men 92.2% (95% CI 89.2% to 95.3%). For CVD, the ratio was 95.0% (95% CI 90.7% to 99.4%): for women 90.4% (95% CI 82.6% to 98.7%) and for men 96.8% (95% CI 91.7 to 102.0). For participants, subject to further impact as well as selection, when compared to Sweden at large, the standardised all-cause mortality ratio was 66.3% (95% CI 63.7% to 69.0%), whereas the CVD ratio was 68.9% (95% CI 64.2% to 73.9%). For the target group as well as for the participants, standardised mortality ratios for all-cause mortality were reduced within all educational strata.

    CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that the VIP model of CVD prevention is able to impact on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality when evaluated according to the intention-to-treat principle.

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  • 21. Blyme, Adam
    et al.
    Asferg, Camilla
    Nielsen, Olav W.
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Gohlke-Baerwolf, Christa
    Wachtell, Kristian
    Olsen, Michael H.
    Increased hsCRP is associated with higher risk of aortic valve replacement in patients with aortic stenosis2016In: Scandinavian Cardiovascular Journal, ISSN 1401-7431, E-ISSN 1651-2006, Vol. 50, no 3, p. 138-145Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objective To investigate relations between inflammation and aortic valve stenosis (AS) by measuring high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, at baseline (hsCRP(0)) and after 1year (hsCRP(1)) and exploring associations with aortic valve replacement (AVR). Design We examined 1423 patients from the Simvastatin and Ezetimibe in Aortic Stenosis study. Results During first year of treatment, hsCRP was reduced both in patients later receiving AVR (2.3 [0.9-4.9] to 1.8 [0.8-5.4] mg/l, p<0.001) and not receiving AVR (1.90 [0.90-4.10] to 1.3 [0.6-2.9] mg/l, p<0.001). In Cox-regression analyses, hsCRP(1) predicted later AVR (HR=1.17, p<0.001) independently of hsCRP(0) (HR=0.96, p=0.33), aortic valve area (AVA) and other risk factors. A higher rate of AVR was observed in the group with high hsCRP(0) and an increase during the first year (AVR(highCRP0CRP1inc)=47.3% versus AVR(highCRP0CRP1dec)=27.5%, p<0.01). The prognostic benefit of a 1-year reduction in hsCRP was larger in patients with high versus low hsCRP(0) eliminating the difference in incidence of AVR between high versus low hsCRP(0) (AVR(highCRP0CRP1dec)=27.5% versus AVR(lowCRP0CRP1dec)=25.8%, p=0.66) in patients with reduced hsCRP during the first year. Conclusions High hsCRP(1) or an increase in hsCRP during the first year of follow-up predicted later AVR independently of AVA, age, gender and other risk factors, although no significant improvement in C-statistics was observed.

  • 22. Blyme, Adam
    et al.
    Asferg, Camilla
    Nielsen, Olav W
    Sehestedt, Thomas
    Kesäniemi, Y Antero
    Gohlke-Bärwolf, Christa
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Willenheimer, Ronnie
    Ray, Simon
    Nienaber, Christoph A
    Rossebø, Anne
    Wachtell, Kristian
    Olsen, Michael H
    High sensitivity C reactive protein as a prognostic marker in patients with mild to moderate aortic valve stenosis during lipid-lowering treatment: an SEAS substudy2015In: Open heart, E-ISSN 2053-3624, Vol. 2, no 1, article id e000152Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    AIMS: To assess the prognostic importance of high-sensitive C reactive protein (hsCRP) in patients with mild to moderate aortic valve stenosis during placebo or simvastatin/ezetimibe treatment in Simvastatin and Ezetimibe in Aortic Stenosis (SEAS).

    METHODS AND RESULTS: In 1620 SEAS patients, we measured lipids and hsCRP at baseline and after 1 year of treatment and registered during 4 years of follow-up major cardiovascular events (MCE) composed of ischaemic cardiovascular events (ICE) and aortic valve-related events (AVE). Simvastatin/ezetimibe reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (3.49 (2.94 to 4.15) to 1.32 (1.02 to 1.69) vs 3.46 (2.92 to 4.08) to 3.34 (2.81 to 3.92) mmol/L) and hsCRP (2.1 (0.9 to 4.1) to 1.2 (0.6 to 2.4) vs 2.2 (0.9 to 4.9) to 1.8 (0.85 to 4.35) mg/L, all p<0.05) during the first year of treatment. In multivariable Cox regression analysis adjusting for traditional risk factors and baseline hsCRP, ICE was associated with a 1-year increase of hsCRP (HR=1.19 (95% CI 1.12 to 1.25), p<0.001) but not with active treatment (HRTreatment=0.86 (0.67 to 1.13), p=0.28). Patients in the top quartile of baseline hsCRP versus the rest were associated with a higher risk of MCE (HR=1.34(1.09 to 1.64), p=0.02). The prognostic benefit of reduction in hsCRP after 1 year was significantly larger (p<0.01 for interaction) in patients with high versus low baseline hsCRP; hence, a reduction in hsCRP abolished the difference in incidence of MCE between high versus low baseline hsCRP in patients with reduced hsCRP (31.1 vs 31.9%, NS) in contrast to patients with increased hsCRP.

    CONCLUSIONS: The treatment-associated reduction in ICE was in part related to a reduction in hsCRP but not in lipids. hsCRP reduction was associated with less MCE, especially in patients with high baseline hsCRP.

    TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT00092677.

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  • 23.
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine. Medicin–geriatrik-kliniken, Skellefteå lasarett.
    Hög dödlighet bland hjärtinfarktpatienter som inte vårdats på HIA: fördjupad analys nödvändig2008In: Läkartidningen, ISSN 0023-7205, E-ISSN 1652-7518, Vol. 105, no 17-18, p. 1270-1271Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 24.
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
    Ny behandling av Skelleftesjukan2018In: Läkartidningen, ISSN 0023-7205, E-ISSN 1652-7518, Vol. 115, no 47, article id FEW6Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 25.
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine. Departments of Internal Medicine and Geriatric medicine, Skellefteå Hospital, Skellefteå.
    On the clinical use of digitalis: with reference to its prescription, maintenance therapy, intoxication and the patient's knowledge1983Doctoral thesis, comprehensive summary (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Digitalis in one of the most frequently prescribed drugs, especially to elderly people. The prescription of cardiac glucosides (1978) was studied by using statistics from Apoteksbolaget (the National Corpora­tion of Swedish Pharmacies). There was a threefold difference in the sales of cardiac glucosides per 1000 inhabitants in the different primary care areas. Digoxin was prescribed to 90-98 per cent of the patients, with considerable variations in the dosages. Many other factors besides the cardio-vascular morbidity were likely to cause these differences.

    Maintenance digitalis therapy has lately been questioned. In a retro­spective study, digitalis was discontinued in 141 geriatric patients without contraindications to digitalis withdrawal. Digoxin treatment seemed to be unnecessary in 108 patients (81 per cent), followed up two months after digoxin withdrawal. A long-term study (mean: 20,5 months) was carried out in these 108 patients. Digitalis therapy was reinstituted in 30 of 99 patients, equally distributed on the basis of clear, possible or uncertain indications. Significantly more patients (p< 0,001) with atrial fibrillation compared with sinus rhythm were restarted. A prospective, randomized, double-blind placebo- controlled study in 39 out of 66 geriatric patients confirmed the results of the retrospective study. During a two-month period 32 of 37 patients (86 per cent) managed without digitalis. Eighteen out of 66 patients (27 per cent) presented contraindications to digoxin with­drawal. Those who needed digitalis were restarted mainly during the first nonth (mean: 18 days) following digoxin withdrawal.

    Digitalis intoxication has been studied earlier, mainly in hospitalized patients. A clinical examination and ECG of a random sample of out­patients treated with digoxin shewed that about 5 per cent were certainly intoxicated and about 2 per cent suspected of being intoxi­cated.

    Elderly patients are said to be more sensitive to digitalis. Eleven per cent of 66 geriatric patients were found, without doubt, to be digitalis intoxicated. The mean serum digoxin concentration was significantly higher in eight toxic patients compared with non-toxic patients, but 75 per cent of the toxic patients had serum digoxin con­centrations within or below therapeutic range. Five of these intoxi­cated patients did not need maintenance digitalis therapy.

    A questionnaire of 361 patients in Skellefteå and Uppsala revealed that about 45 per cent had taken digitalis for more than five years. Approximately 85 per cent took one tablet daily and stated compliance. About one fifth did not know why they were taking digoxin and about half of the patients were uncertain if they were improved, by digitalis therapy. Although digitalis intoxication is such an important clinical problem, some 55 per cent did not know about digitalis's side-effects and some 50 per cent stated that no or insufficient information had been given. Only 15 per cent were satisfied with the information they had received. A significant negative correlation between digoxin dosages and the age of the patients was found.

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  • 26.
    Boman, Kurt
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Boman, Jenny Hernestål
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Andersson, Jonas
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Olofsson, Mona
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Dahlöf, Björn
    Effects of atenolol or losartan on fibrinolysis and von Willebrand factor in hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy.2010In: Clinical and applied thrombosis/hemostasis, ISSN 1076-0296, E-ISSN 1938-2723, Vol. 16, no 2, p. 146-152Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of the beta-blocker atenolol with the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) losartan on plasma tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) activity and mass concentration, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) activity, tPA/PAI-1 complex, and von Willebrand factor (VWF). DESIGN: A prespecified, explorative substudy in 22 patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) performed within randomized multicenter, double-blind prospective study. RESULTS: After a median of 36 weeks of treatment, there were significant differences between the treatment groups, atenolol versus losartan, in plasma median levels of tPA mass (11.9 vs 7.3 ng/mL, P = .019), PAI-1 activity (20.7 vs 4.8 IU/mL, P = .030), and tPA/PAI-1 complex (7.1 vs 2.5 ng/mL, P = .015). In patients treated with atenolol, median levels of tPA mass (8.9-11.9 ng/mL, P = .021) and VWF (113.5%-134.3%, P = .021) increased significantly, indicating a change toward a more prothrombotic state. No significant changes occurred in the losartan group. CONCLUSION: Losartan treatment was associated with preserved fibrinolytic balance compared to a more prothrombotic fibrinolytic and hemostatic state in the atenolol group. These findings suggest different fibrinolytic and hemostatic responses to treatment in hypertensive patients with LVH.

  • 27.
    Boman, Kurt
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Brenander, Andre
    Gustavsson, Mats
    Furberg, Curt D
    A pilot test of a new tool for remote blood pressure monitoring2014In: Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, ISSN 1357-633X, E-ISSN 1758-1109, Vol. 20, no 5, p. 239-241Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    We conducted a pilot trial of a remote blood pressure (BP) monitoring system, in which subjects measured their own BP at a primary healthcare centre. The data were wirelessly transmitted to the general practitioner. A total of 132 subjects with a new or prior diagnosis of hypertension were enrolled. Their mean age was 61 years and 77 were men (58%). They were followed for an average of 487 days (range 19-1110). The median number of BP measurements made was 6 per patient (range 2-49). The mean blood pressure decreased from 137/85 to 132/78 mmHg (P < 0.001) and the percentage of subjects with adequately controlled BP (defined as < 140/90 mmHg) increased from 47 to 66% (P < 0.01). Randomised trials are now required to confirm these findings.

  • 28.
    Boman, Kurt
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Davidson, Thomas
    Gustavsson, Mats
    Olofsson, Mona
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Renström, Gun-Britt
    Johansson, Lars
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Telemedicine improves the monitoring process in anticoagulant treatment2012In: Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, ISSN 1357-633X, E-ISSN 1758-1109, Vol. 18, no 6, p. 312-316Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    We compared the INR (International Normalized Ratio) monitoring process using a telemedicine device with the conventional approach in which blood samples were sent to the hospital for analysis. We conducted a randomized controlled trial. We enrolled 40 patients on chronic warfarin therapy from two primary healthcare centres (PHCs). Half were monitored using the telemedicine device and half were monitored conventionally. Each patient received three INR measurements. The total processing time was measured from blood sampling until warfarin dosing was performed in the anticoagulant clinic. The median total processing time was significantly shorter with telemedicine than usual care (34 vs. 260 min, P < 0.001). This was mainly because sample transport was avoided using the point-of-care device and automatic data transmission. Telemedicine reduced the total processing time for INR monitoring and has the potential to improve the management of patients undergoing anticoagulant treatment at PHCs.

  • 29.
    Boman, Kurt
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Gerdts, Eva
    Wachtell, Kristian
    Dahlöf, Björn
    Nieminen, Markku S
    Olofsson, Mona
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Papademetriou, Vasilios
    Devereux, Richard B
    Exercise and cardiovascular outcomes in hypertensive patients in relation to structure and function of left ventricular hypertrophy: the LIFE study.2009In: European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention & Rehabilitation, ISSN 1741-8267, E-ISSN 1741-8275, Vol. 16, no 2, p. 242-248Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: Exercise lowers blood pressure and improves cardiovascular function, but little is known about whether exercise impacts cardiovascular morbidity and mortality independent of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and LV geometry. DESIGN: Observational analysis of prospectively obtained echocardiographic data within the context of a randomized trial of antihypertensive treatment. METHODS: A total of 937 hypertensive patients with ECG LVH were studied by echocardiography in the Losartan Intervention For Endpoint reduction in hypertension study. Baseline exercise status was categorized as sedentary (never exercise), intermediate (30 min twice/week). During 4.8-year follow-up, 105 patients suffered the primary composite endpoint of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, or cardiovascular death. MI occurred in 39, stroke in 60, and cardiovascular death in 33 patients. RESULTS: Sedentary individuals (n = 212) had, compared with those physically active (n = 511), higher heart rate (P<0.001), weight (P<0.001), body surface area (P = 0.02), body mass index (P<0.001), LV mass (LVM, P = 0.04), LVM indexed for height or body surface area (P = 0.004); thicker ventricular septum (P = 0.012) and posterior wall (P = 0.016); and larger left atrium (P = 0.006). Systolic variables did not differ. In Cox regression analysis, physically active compared with sedentary patients had lower risk of primary composite endpoint [odds ratio (OR): 0.42, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.26-0.68, P < 0.001], cardiovascular death (OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.22-0.1.10, NS), and stroke (OR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.13-0.49, P < 0.001) without significant difference for MI (OR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.35-1.75, NS) independent of systolic blood pressure, LVM index, or treatment. CONCLUSION: In hypertensive patients with LVH, physically active patients had improved prognosis for cardiovascular endpoints, mortality, and stroke that was independent of LVM.

  • 30.
    Boman, Kurt
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Jansson, Jan-Håkan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Nilsson, Torbjörn
    Swedberg, Karl
    Cleland, John G F
    Poole-Wilson, Philip
    Effects of carvedilol or metoprolol on PAI-1, tPA-mass concentration or Von Willebrand factor in chronic heart failure--a COMET substudy.2010In: Thrombosis Research, ISSN 0049-3848, E-ISSN 1879-2472, Vol. 125, no 2, p. e46-50Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    INTRODUCTION: In COMET (Carvedilol or Metoprolol European Trial), carvedilol reduced mortality compared with metoprolol in patients with chronic heart failure. We hypothesized that carvedilol might have greater effects on endothelial derived haemostatic factors than metoprolol. We aimed to study the effects of carvedilol or metoprolol on tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), its inhibitor PAI-1 and Von Willebrand factor (VWF) in patients with heart failure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We recruited 260 patients (134 on carvedilol, 126 on metoprolol), mean age 66 years and 84% of them men. Plasma mass concentrations of tPA and PAI-1and percent of VWF were measured at baseline and after one and two years of treatment. RESULTS: Plasma tPA, PAI-1 and VWF were similar between treatment groups at baseline and no significant differences between groups emerged after one or two years of treatment. In paired analyses in patients assigned to carvedilol, median PAI-1 level decreased from 37.2 to 32.1 microg/l at two years (p=0.034) and of VWF decreased from baseline to one year (240 vs. 218%, p=0.023) in patients assigned to carvedilol but were not reduced at any time in patients assigned to metoprolol. Plasma tPA increased over time in both treatment groups (p=0.013 and 0.027 respectively). CONCLUSION: We found no significant difference in the effects of carvedilol or metoprolol on tPA, PAI-1 and VWF. Comparison over time within treatment groups suggested that PAI-1 and VWF might have declined on carvedilol but not on metoprolol. Our hypothesis is not proved but this may reflect an inadequate sample size rather than lack of an effect.

  • 31.
    Boman, Kurt
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Lindmark, K.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Stalhammar, J.
    Wikstrom, G.
    Bergman, G. J.
    Tornblom, M.
    Costa-Scharplatz, M.
    Wirta, S. Bruce
    Olofsson, Mona
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Costs associated with heart failure with preserved versus reduced ejection fraction: a retrospective population-based cohort study in Sweden2017In: European Journal of Heart Failure, ISSN 1388-9842, E-ISSN 1879-0844, Vol. 19, no S1, p. 346-347, article id 1383Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background and purpose: To implement cost-effective management programmes, it is important to understand the costs associated with heart failure (HF) with preserved (HFpEF) versus reduced (HFrEF) ejection fraction. We aimed to estimate direct costs associated with HFpEF and HFrEF using population data from two Swedish counties.

    Methods: Patients with HF were identified via electronic medical records (EMRs) from primary and/or secondary care in Västerbotten, linked via unique identifiers to data from the National Patient Register and Swedish Prescribed Drug Register. Local echocardiography data were used to identify HFpEF (defined as ejection fraction ≥50%) and HFrEF (defined as <50%). Patients aged ≥18 years with ≥2 diagnoses of HF between 01/01/2010 and 31/03/2015 and an ICD-10 diagnostic code of I50 (inclusive of all granular codes), I42.0, I42.6, I42.7, I42.9, I110, I130 or I132 in any position were included. Patients were followed from date of first diagnosis (index date) to end of study period or EMR collection, date of death or loss to follow-up for other reasons, whichever came first. Unadjusted all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related (defined by ICD-10 codes) costs associated with secondary care were estimated based on diagnosis-related group codes and price lists. Costs of drug use and comorbidities were available in Uppsala only; impact of the latter on total costs was assessed using a multiple Gamma regression model.

    Results: In total, 8702 patients with HF were identified. HF phenotype was known in 3167 patients: 35.4% had HFpEF and 64.6% had HFrEF. Patients with HFpEF were older (mean±SD: 74.2±12.6 vs 69.9±13.7 years) and had a higher Charlson comorbidity index (1.83 vs 1.65) than those with HFrEF. Total all-cause costs dropped substantially after 1 year after diagnosis. CVD-related costs followed the same pattern, and comprised 85.9% and 89.6% of total costs over 4 years after diagnosis for patients with HFpEF and HFrEF, respectively. Inpatient costs, which accounted for ˜90% of total costs, generally decreased over time, whereas outpatient all-cause and CVD-related costs (accounting for ˜10%) tended to increase over time, especially for patients with HFpEF (Figure). In Uppsala, drug use in the year after diagnosis cost SEK 18171.0 and 11109.7 per patient with HFpEF and HFrEF, respectively. Furthermore, anaemia, cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, hypotension and aortic insufficiency were significant drivers of all-cause costs in the year after diagnosis (all p<0.05) in the Uppsala cohort.

    Conclusions: This analysis highlights the substantial economic burden of HFpEF and HFrEF. Costs were highest in the first year after diagnosis, and were driven by inpatient costs due to CVD and other comorbidities.

  • 32.
    Boman, Kurt
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Lindmark, Krister
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Olofsson, M.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Stalhammar, J.
    Bergman, G. J.
    Tornblom, M.
    Wirta, S. Bruce
    Costa-Scharplatz, M.
    Calado, F.
    Wikström, G.
    Healthcare resource utilization associated with heart failure with preserved versus reduced ejection fraction: a retrospective population-based cohort study in Sweden2017In: European Journal of Heart Failure, ISSN 1388-9842, E-ISSN 1879-0844, Vol. 19, no S1, p. 346-346, article id 1382Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background and purpose: To estimate healthcare resource utilization among patients with heart failure (HF) with preserved (HFpEF) versus reduced (HFrEF) ejection fraction using population data from two Swedish counties.

    Methods: Patients with HF were identified via electronic medical records (EMRs) from primary and/or secondary care in Uppsala and Västerbotten, linked via unique identifiers to data from the National Patient Register and Swedish Prescribed Drug Register. Local echocardiography data were used to identify HFpEF (defined as ejection fraction ≥50%) and HFrEF (defined as <50%). Patients aged ≥18 years with ≥2 diagnoses of HF between 01/01/2010 and 31/03/2015 and an ICD-10 diagnostic code of I50 (inclusive of all granular codes), I42.0, I42.6, I42.7, I42.9, I110, I130 or I132 in any position were included. Patients were followed from date of first diagnosis (index date) to end of study period or EMR collection, date of death or loss to follow-up for other reasons, whichever came first. Unadjusted all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related hospitalization rates were assessed using a Cox proportional hazards model, accounting for age, sex, setting of first diagnosis (primary vs secondary care), HF phenotype and NT-proBNP level.

    Results: In total, 8702 patients with HF were identified. HF phenotype was known in 3167 patients; 64.6% had HFrEF, 35.4% had HFpEF. Patients with HFrEF were younger (mean±SD: 69.9±13.7 vs 74.2±12.6 years) with a lower Charlson comorbidity index (1.65 vs 1.83) than those with HFpEF. All-cause hospitalization rates were marginally lower for HFrEF than for HFpEF (mean [95% CI] proportion of patients hospitalized within 1 year of diagnosis, 72.5 [70.1–74.8]% vs 73.8 [70.7–77.0]%; hazard ratio [HR] over whole follow-up period, 0.87 [0.79–0.97], p=0.0093). The proportion of patients hospitalized was higher for those diagnosed in secondary care than in primary care, particularly within 1 year of diagnosis (1-year rate, 69.6 [68.3–71.0]% vs 59.1 [56.8–61.4]%; HR, 1.15 [1.07–1.23], p=0.0002). Similar trends were observed for CVD-related hospitalization rates for HFrEF vs HFpEF (1-year rate, 69.5 [67.1–71.9]% vs 70.7 [67.5–74.0]%; HR, 0.89 [0.81–0.99], p=0.0309) and for patients diagnosed in secondary vs primary care (1-year rate, 66.6 [65.3–68.0]% vs 56.2 [53.8–58.5]%; HR, 1.15 [1.07–1.24], p=0.0001). Numbers of hospitalizations and outpatient visits decreased with time after diagnosis for HFrEF, but increased slightly for HFpEF after 2 years (Figure). The mean±SD total number of all-cause days of hospitalization during the first year after diagnosis was lower in patients with HFrEF vs HFpEF (19.9±26.1 vs 26.3±34.5 days), while the number of HF-related days of hospitalization was similar (16.0±22.4 vs 17.2±24.0 days).

    Conclusions: Number and duration of hospital stays were significantly lower over time in patients with HFrEF than HFpEF; this may be explained by the comorbidity burden in the latter group.

  • 33.
    Boman, Kurt
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Lindmark, Krister
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Stålhammar, Jan
    Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
    Olofsson, Mona
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Costa-Scharplatz, Madlaina
    Medical Affairs/RWE, Novartis Sweden AB, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Fonseca, Ana Filipa
    Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland.
    Johansson, Stina
    IQVIA, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Heller, Vincent
    IQVIA, Solna, Sweden.
    Törnblom, Michael
    Real-World and Analytics Solutions, IQVIA Solutions Sweden AB, Solna, Sweden.
    Wikström, Gerhard
    Institute of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
    Healthcare resource utilisation and costs associated with a heart failure diagnosis: A retrospective, population-based cohort study in Sweden2021In: BMJ Open, E-ISSN 2044-6055, Vol. 11, no 10, article id e053806Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objectives: To examine healthcare resource use (HRU) and costs among heart failure (HF) patients using population data from Sweden.

    Design: Retrospective, non-interventional cohort study.

    Setting: Two cohorts were identified from linked national health registers (cohort 1, 2005-2014) and electronic medical records (cohort 2, 2010-2012; primary/secondary care patients from Uppsala and Västerbotten).

    Participants: Patients (aged ≥18 years) with primary or secondary diagnoses of HF (≥2 International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th revision classification) during the identification period of January 2005 to March 2015 were included.

    Outcome measures: HRU across the HF phenotypes was assessed with logistic regression. Costs were estimated based on diagnosis-related group codes and general price lists.

    Results: Total annual costs of secondary care of prevalent HF increased from SEK 6.23 (€0.60) to 8.86 (€0.85) billion between 2005 and 2014. Of 4648 incident patients, HF phenotype was known for 1715: reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF): 64.5%, preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF): 35.5%. Within 1 year of HF diagnosis, the proportion of patients hospitalised was only marginally higher for HFrEF versus HFpEF (all-cause (95% CI): 64.7% (60.8 to 68.4) vs 63.7% (60.8 to 66.5), HR 0.91, p=0.14; cardiovascular disease related (95% CI): 61.1% (57.1 to 64.8) vs 60.9% (58.0 to 63.7), HR 0.93, p=0.28). Frequency of hospitalisations and outpatient visits per patient declined after the first year. All-cause secondary care costs in the first year were SEK 122 758 (€12 890)/patient/year, with HF-specific care accounting for 69% of the costs. Overall, 10% of the most expensive population (younger; predominantly male; more likely to have comorbidities) incurred ~40% of total secondary care costs.

    Conclusions: HF-associated costs and HRU are high, especially during the first year of diagnosis. This is driven by high hospitalisations rates. Understanding the profile of resource-intensive patients being at younger age, male sex and high Charlson comorbidity index scores at the time of the HF diagnosis is most likely a sign of more severe disease.

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  • 34.
    Boman, Kurt
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine. Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Skellefteå.
    Olofsson, Mona
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine. Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Skellefteå.
    Berggren, Peter
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine. Primary Health Care Center, Storuman.
    Sengupta, Partho P.
    Narula, Jagat
    Robot-Assisted Remote Echocardiographic Examination and Teleconsultation: A Randomized Comparison of Time to Diagnosis With Standard of Care Referral Approach2014In: JACC Cardiovascular Imaging, ISSN 1936-878X, E-ISSN 1876-7591, Vol. 7, no 8, p. 799-803Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The strategy using cardiological consultation in addition to the robot-assisted remote echocardiography at a distance was tested in a prospective, randomized open-Label trial to evaluate its feasibility and to define its clinical value in a rural area. The present study involved 1 primary healthcare center in the north of Sweden, 135 miles from the hospital where the echocardiograms and the cardiology teleconsultation were performed tong distance in real time. Nineteen patients were randomized to remote consultation and imaging, and 19 to the standard of care consultation. The total process time was significantly reduced in the former arm (median 114 days vs. 26.5 days; p < 0.001). The time from randomization until attaining a specialist consultation was also significantly reduced (p < 0.001). The patients satisfaction was reassuring; they considered that the remote consultation strategy offered an increased rapidity of diagnosis and the likelihood of receiving faster management compared with the standard of care at the primary healthcare center. 

  • 35.
    Boman, Kurt
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Olofsson, Mona
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Bergman, Ann-Charlotte R.
    Brännström, Margareta
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Nursing.
    Anaemia, but not iron deficiency, is associated with clinical symptoms and quality of life in patients with severe heart failure and palliative home care: a substudy of the PREFER trial2017In: European journal of internal medicine, ISSN 0953-6205, E-ISSN 1879-0828, Vol. 46, p. 35-40Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: To explore the relationships between anaemia or iron deficiency (ID) and symptoms, quality of life (QoL), morbidity, and mortality.

    Methods: A post-hoc, non-prespecified, explorative substudy of the prospective randomized PREFER trial. One centre study of outpatients with severe HF and palliative need managed with advanced home care. Associations between anaemia, ID, and the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS), Euro QoL (EQ-5D), Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questions (KCCQ) were examined only at baseline but at 6months for morbidity and mortality.

    Results: Seventy-two patients (51 males, 21 females), aged 79.2±9.1years. Thirty-nine patients (54%) had anaemia and 34 had ID (47%). Anaemia was correlated to depression (r=0.37; p=0.001), anxiety (r=0.25; p=0.04), and reduced well-being (r=0.26; p=0.03) in the ESAS; mobility (r=0.33; p=0.005), pain/discomfort (r=0.27; p=0.02), and visual analogue scale of health state (r=-0.28; p=0.02) in the EQ-5D; and physical limitation (r=-0.27; p=0.02), symptom stability; (r=-0.43; p<0.001); (r=-0.25; p=0.033), social limitation;(r=-0.26; p=0.03), overall summary score; (r=-0.24, p=0.046) and clinical summary score; (r=-0.27; p=0.02) in the KCCQ. ID did not correlate to any assessment item. Anaemia was univariably associated with any hospitalization (OR: 3.0; CI: 1.05-8.50, p=0.04), but not to mortality. ID was not significantly associated with any hospitalization or mortality.

    Conclusion: Anaemia, but not ID, was associated although weakly with symptoms and QoL in patients with advanced HF and palliative home care.

  • 36.
    Boman, Kurt
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
    Olofsson, Mona
    Dahlöf, Björn
    Gerdts, Eva
    Nieminen, Markku S
    Papademetriou, Vasilios
    Wachtell, Kristian
    Devereux, Richard B
    Left ventricular structure and function in sedentary and physically active subjects with left ventricular hypertrophy (the LIFE Study).2005In: Am J Cardiol, ISSN 0002-9149, Vol. 95, no 2, p. 280-3Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 37.
    Boman, Kurt
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Olofsson, Mona
    Forsberg, Johan
    Boström, Sven-Ake
    Remote-controlled robotic arm for real-time echocardiography: the diagnostic future for patients in rural areas?2009In: Telemedicine journal and e-health, ISSN 1530-5627, E-ISSN 1556-3669, Vol. 15, no 2, p. 142-147Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    There exists a great clinical need for improving specialist consultation and utilization of echocardiography in areas remote from hospital-based care. This paper presents the development and first technical assessment of a concept of cardiovascular consultation utilizing long distance, real-time echocardiography as a diagnostic tool in rural areas. The development of CARdiological consultation at a DISTance (CARDISTA) was achieved in three stages, comprising tests of different broadband infrastructures, videoconference systems, microphones, cameras, monitors, and loudspeakers. The CARDISTA concept includes a cardiologist and a sonographer, a robotic arm (Medirob), a portable ultrasound machine, and presently available information technology using an advanced broadband backbone. The three stages provided, with some remaining doubts, echocardiographic examination at a distance comparable to hospital-based examinations. A continuous broadband capacity of 20 megabits per second (Mbps) seemed to be a vital component of CARDISTA for achieving the highest-quality imaging. With this broadband capacity, it was possible to achieve a transmission delay below 200 ms. The technical tests of the CARDISTA concept revealed promising results in enabling long distance real-time echocardiography for specialist consultation. CARDISTA is now ready for clinical testing and evaluation in rural areas for patients with heart diseases, especially heart failure.

  • 38.
    Boman, Kurt
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine. Skellefteå Research Unit.
    Svedberg, Jan
    NUS.
    Man ska lyssna på patienten: ovanlig grund till hjärtsvikt upptäcktes efter 40 år2013In: Läkartidningen, ISSN 0023-7205, E-ISSN 1652-7518, Vol. 110, no 29-31, p. 346-347Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    After a delay of nearly 40 years the correct diagnosis was finally elucidated. The cause of the patients's heart failure was an arterio-venous fistula resulting from a previous spleenectomy. After embolization of the fistula the patient was relieved of her heart failure symptoms with a successful discontinuation of the pharmacological therapy

  • 39.
    Boman, Kurt
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine. Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Skellefteå Hospital, Skellefteå, Sweden.
    Thormark Fröst, Finn
    Bergman, Ann-Charlotte R.
    Olofsson, Mona
    Research Unit, Department of Medicine , Skellefteå Hospital , Skellefteå , Sweden..
    NTproBNP and ST2 as predictors for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in elderly patients with symptoms suggestive for heart failure2018In: Biomarkers, ISSN 1354-750X, E-ISSN 1366-5804, Vol. 23, no 4, p. 373-379Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: A new biomarker, suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2) has been introduced as a marker for fibrosis and hypertrophy. Its clinical value in comparison with N-terminal pro-hormone of brain natriuretic peptide /Amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) in predicting mortality in elderly patients with symptoms of heart failure (HF) is still unclear.

    Aim: To evaluate the prognostic value for all-cause- and cardiovascular mortality of ST2 or NTproBNP and the combination of these biomarkers.

    Patients and methods: One hundred seventy patients patients with clinical symptoms of HF (77 (45%) were with verified HF) were recruited from one selected primary health care center (PHC) in Sweden and echocardiography was performed in all patients. Blood samples were obtained from 159 patients and stored frozen at -70 degrees C. NTproBNP was analyzed at a central core laboratory using a clinically available immunoassay. ST2 was analyzed with Critical Diagnostics Presage ST2 ELISA immunoassay.

    Results: We studied 159 patients (mean age 778.3years, 70% women). During ten years of follow up 78 patients had died, out of which 50 deaths were for cardiovascular reasons. Continuous NTproBNP and ST2 were both significantly associated with all-cause mortality (1.0001; 1.00001-1.0002, p=0.04 and 1.03; 1.003-1.06, p=0.03), NTproBNP but not ST2 remained significant for cardiovascular mortality after adjustments (1.0001; 1.00001-1.0002, p=0.03 and 1.01; 0.77-1.06, p=0.53), respectively. NTproBNP above median (>328ng/L) compared to below median was significantly associated with all-cause mortality(HR: 4.0; CI :2.46-6.61; p<0.001) and cardiovascular mortality (HR: 6.1; CI: 3.11-11.95; p<0.001). Corresponding analysis for ST2 above median (25.6ng/L) was not significantly associated neither with all-cause mortality (HR; 1.4; CI: 0.89-2.77) nor cardiovascular mortality (HR: 1.3; CI: 0.73-2.23) and no significant interaction of NTproBNP and ST2 (OR: 1.1; CI: 0.42-3.12) was found.

    Conclusion: In elderly patients with symptoms of heart failure ST2 was not superior to NTproBNP to predict all cause or cardiovascular mortality. Furthermore, it is unclear if the combination of ST2 and NTproBNP will improve long-term prognostication beyond what is achieved by NTproBNP alone.

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  • 40. Brodin, Lars-Ake
    et al.
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Dahlström, Ulf
    Hagerman, Inger
    Willenheimer, Ronnie
    [Echocardiography refines the diagnosis in heart failure]2007In: Lakartidningen, ISSN 0023-7205, Vol. 104, no 34, p. 2338-44Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 41.
    Brännström, Margareta
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Nursing.
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    A new model for integrated heart failure and palliative advanced homecare: rationale and design of a prospective randomized study2013In: European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, ISSN 1474-5151, E-ISSN 1873-1953, Vol. 12, no 3, p. 269-275Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Guidelines have concluded that there is a great need for new models of integrated care, e.g. heart failure and palliative care, in order to facilitate equality of care for dying patients, regardless of diagnosis. We found no evidence in the literature concerning the advantages and effects of integrated heart failure and palliative advanced home care for patients with severe chronic heart failure.

    Aim: The primary aim is to study the effects of integrated Palliative advanced homecarRE and heart FailurE caRE (PREFER) on patients' symptom burden, quality of life, and activities of daily living (ADL) as compared to usual care.

    Method: Prospective, randomized study with an open-evaluation PROBE design. Optimally treated outpatients with chronic heart failure of varying aetiologies in New York Heart Association classes III-IV will be eligible to participate.

    Conclusion: The PREFER study is designed to investigate whether a new concept of managing patients with severe chronic heart failure by integrating palliative homecare and active heart failure treatment will reduce symptom burden, increase quality of life and ADL, and reduce the number of hospitalizations in patients with severe chronic heart failure.

  • 42.
    Brännström, Margareta
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Nursing.
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Effects of person-centred and integrated chronic heart failure and palliative home care. PREFER: a randomized controlled study2014In: European Journal of Heart Failure, ISSN 1388-9842, E-ISSN 1879-0844, Vol. 16, no 10, p. 1142-1151Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    AimsWe evaluated the outcome of person-centred and integrated Palliative advanced home caRE and heart FailurE caRe (PREFER) with regard to patient symptoms, health-related quality of life (HQRL), and hospitalizations compared with usual care. Methods and resultsFrom January 2011 to October 2012, 36 (26 males, 10 females, mean age 81.9years) patients with chronic heart failure (NYHA class III-IV) were randomized to PREFER and 36 (25 males, 11 females, mean age 76.6years) to the control group at a single centre. Prospective assessments were made at 1, 3, and 6 months using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale, Euro Qol, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire, and rehospitalizations. Between-group analysis revealed that patients receiving PREFER had improved HRQL compared with controls (57.619.2 vs. 48.524.4, age-adjusted P-value=0.05). Within-group analysis revealed a 26% improvement in the PREFER group for HRQL (P=0.046) compared with 3% (P=0.82) in the control group. Nausea was improved in the PREFER group (2.4 +/- 2.7 vs. 1.7 +/- 1.7, P=0.02), and total symptom burden, self-efficacy, and quality of life improved by 18% (P=0.035), 17% (P=0.041), and 24% (P=0.047), respectively. NYHA class improved in 11 of the 28 (39%) PREFER patients compared with 3 of the 29 (10%) control patients (P=0.015). Fifteen rehospitalizations (103days) occurred in the PREFER group, compared with 53 (305days) in the control group. ConclusionPerson-centred care combined with active heart failure and palliative care at home has the potential to improve quality of life and morbidity substantially in patients with severe chronic heart failure.

  • 43.
    Brännström, Margareta
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing.
    Brulin, Christine
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing.
    Norberg, Astrid
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing.
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine. Medicin.
    Strandberg, Gunilla
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing.
    Being a palliative nurse for persons with severe congestive heart failure in advanced homecare.2005In: European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, ISSN 1474-5151, E-ISSN 1873-1953, Vol. 4, no 4, p. 314-323Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Advanced homecare for persons with congestive heart failure is a ‘new’ challenge for palliative nurses. The aim of this study is to illuminate the meaning of being a palliative nurse for persons with severe congestive heart failure in advanced homecare. Narrative interviews with 11 nurses were conducted, tape-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. A phenomenological-hermeneutic method was used to interpret the text. One meaning of being a palliative nurse is being firmly rooted and guided by the values of palliative culture. Being adaptable to the patient's way of life carries great weight. On one hand nurses live out this value, facilitating for the patients to live their everydaylife as good as possible. Being a facilitator is revealed as difficult, challenging, but overall positive. On the other hand nurses get into a tight corner when values of palliative culture clash and do not correspond with the nurses interpretation of what is good for the person with congestive heart failure. Being in such a tight corner is revealed as frustrating and giving rise to feelings of inadequacy. Thus, it seems important to reflect critical on the values of palliative culture.

  • 44.
    Brännström, Margareta
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Nursing. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine. Department of Medicine-Geriatric, Skellefteå County Hospital, Sweden.
    Ekman, Inger
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine. Department of Medicine-Geriatric, Skellefteå County Hospital, Sweden.
    Strandberg, Gunilla
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Nursing.
    Being a close relative of a person with severe, chronic heart failure in palliative advanced home care: a comfort but also a strain2007In: Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, ISSN 0283-9318, E-ISSN 1471-6712, Vol. 21, no 3, p. 338-344Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Within previous research on family care of terminally ill people, studies have only rarely been carried out concerning heart failure care. This study aims to illuminate meanings of being a close relative of a person with severe, chronic heart failure (CHF) in palliative advanced home care (PAHC). Narrative interviews were conducted with three close relatives, tape-recorded, transcribed verbatim and a phenomenological-hermeneutic method was used to interpret the text. Meanings of being a close relative is to follow the life-threatening ups and downs, the person with CHF is going through. This means being on primary call, always on standby to mediate security and pleasure. In the deepest downs it is also to call for the back-up call i.e. the PAHC team, trusting their ability to show up on time to alleviate in the worst downs i.e. ease suffering. This study reveals that to be the close relative that the ill person is dependent on 24 hours a day is both a comfort and a strain.

  • 45.
    Brännström, Margareta
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing.
    Ekman, Inger
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine. Medicin.
    Strandberg, Gunilla
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing.
    Narratives of a man with severe chronic heart failure and his wife in palliative advanced home care over a 4.5-year period.2007In: Contemporary Nurse, ISSN 1037-6178, Vol. 27, no 1, p. 10-22Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 46.
    Brännström, Margareta
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing.
    Ekman, Inger
    Norberg, Astrid
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing.
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine. Medicin.
    Strandberg, Gunilla
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing.
    Living with severe chronic heart failure in palliative advanced home care.2006In: European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, ISSN 1474-5151, E-ISSN 1873-1953, Vol. 5, no 4, p. 295-302Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background - Living with severe chronic heart failure (CHF) in palliative care has been little studied.

    Aim - The aim of this study is to illuminate meaning of living with severe CHF in palliative advanced home care through patients' narratives.

    Methods-Narrative interviews were conducted with 4 patients, tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim. A phenomenological–hermeneutic method was used to interpret the text.

    Results - Meaning of living with severe CHF in palliative advanced home care emerged as ‘knocking on death's door’ although surviving. The course of the illness forces one to live a ‘roller coaster life,’ with an ongoing oscillation between ups and downs. Making it through the downs breeds a kind of confidence in one's ability to survive and the will to live is strong. Being offered a safety belt in the ‘roller coaster’ by the palliative advanced home care team evokes feelings of security.

    Conclusions - Meaning of living with severe CHF in palliative advanced home care is on one hand, being aware of one's imminent death, on the other hand, making it through the downs i.e. surviving life-threatening conditions, breed confidence in also surviving the current down. Being constructively dependent on palliative advanced home care facilitates everyday life at home.

  • 47.
    Brännström, Margareta
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Nursing.
    Hägglund, Lena
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Nursing.
    Fürst, Carl Johan
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Unequal care for dying patients in Sweden: a comparative registry study of deaths from heart disease and cancer2012In: European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, ISSN 1474-5151, E-ISSN 1873-1953, Vol. 11, no 4, p. 454-459Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: The Swedish Palliative Registry is a nationwide quality registry aimed at facilitating improvement in end-of-life care. The goal is for the registry to list and report quality indicators related to care during the last week of life in all cases expected death in Sweden.

    AIM: To examine the quality of care during the last week of life as reported to the registry for patients with heart disease compared to those with cancer.

    METHOD: A retrospective registry study.

    RESULTS: Patients dying of heart disease compared to those dying from cancer had more shortness of breath, fewer drugs prescribed as needed against the usual symptoms and often died alone. Furthermore, they and their close relatives received less information about the imminence of death and bereavement follow-up was less common. The healthcare personnel were less aware of the heart disease patients' symptoms and less often knew about where they wished to die.

    CONCLUSION: Great differences were found in registered end-of-life care suggesting that the care given to patients with heart disease and cancer was unequal even after adjustment for age, sex and setting at the time of death. If our observational findings are confirmed in future studies there is obviously a need for new models for end-of-life management in order to facilitate the provision of equal care to dying patients regardless of diagnosis.

  • 48.
    Burström, Marianne
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Nursing.
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine.
    Strandberg, Gunilla
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Nursing.
    Brulin, Christine
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Nursing.
    Manliga patienter med hjärtsvikt och deras erfarenheter av att vara trygga och otrygga2007In: Vård i Norden, ISSN 0107-4083, E-ISSN 1890-4238, Vol. 3, no 27, p. 24-28Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    To be safe is a basic human need. Although feelings of being unsafe has been identified as a common problem among persons who live with heart failure there are few qualitative studies focusing on the problem. The aim of this study was to describe what it means to be safe or unsafe for men with heart failure. Seven men with heart failure, functional class NYHA II-III, were interviewed in focus groups. The interviews were analysed with content analysis. Threat of sudden death was described as both a source of safety and unsafety, and living with a fear of drowning in their own body fluid was seen as a source of unsafety for the men. In meetings with caregivers and relatives it was of importance to be received as a unique and valuable person. The confidence to the heart specialist was almost supernatural and the specialist nurse was spoken about as valuable for the feeling of being safe. In conclusion, to be seen with respect by physicians and nurses who have good ability to listen to the men's experience of living with heart failure can probably increase the men's feelings of safety. Further, it is important that physicians and nurses have good knowledge about heart failure.

  • 49.
    Burström, Marianne
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Nursing.
    Brännström, Margareta
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Nursing.
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Strandberg, Gunilla
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Nursing.
    Life experiences of security and insecurity among women with chronic heart failure2012In: Journal of Advanced Nursing, ISSN 0309-2402, E-ISSN 1365-2648, Vol. 68, no 4, p. 816-825Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Aim. This paper is a report of a study illuminating womens experiences of living with chronic heart failure with a focus on feelings of security and insecurity.

    Background. To be secure is a basic human need. Although feelings of being insecure has been found to be a common problem among people who live with chronic heart failure few qualitative studies, particularly among women, have been carried out in the field.

    Method. Eight women took part in focus group interviews during 2006. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Findings. The womens feelings of security include acceptance of the past, everyday life and the future, trusting the self and the body despite the disease, not having to deal with dependency alone, and faith in care and treatment. The womens feelings of insecurity include feeling guilty for being sick and incapacitated, fear of living with a frail and failing body, anxiety about growing dependence on others, loneliness and death and lack of faith in care and treatment.

    Conclusion. The outlook on the past, the present and the view about the future, can be fundamental for the quality of life, and the sense of security and insecurity among women living with chronic heart failure. To support a sense of security it seems essential that nursing staff attempt to understand the womens outlook on life and their personal interpretations of living with chronic heart failure. This can be crucial for enhancing feelings of security in daily life for these women.

  • 50. Burup-Kristensen, C.
    et al.
    Axelsson, J. M.
    Kesaniemi, A.
    Rossebo, A. B.
    Pedersen, T. R.
    Nienaber, C. A.
    Gohlke-Barwolf, C.
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Willenheimer, R.
    Wachtell, K.
    Advancing age and differences in outcomes in patients with asymptomatic mild to moderate aortic stenosis2014In: European Heart Journal, ISSN 0195-668X, E-ISSN 1522-9645, Vol. 35, no Supplement 1, Meeting abstract P2389, p. 418-419Article in journal (Other academic)
12345 1 - 50 of 203
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