TABLE OF CONTENT: Cardiovascular Journal of Africa, Vol 14, Issue 1, Jan / Feb 2003

1. Title: The ECG : what is 'normal'? : editorial
   Authors: Millar, R.N. Scott
   From: Cardiovascular Journal of South Africa, Vol 14, Issue 1, Jan / Feb
   Published: 2003
   Pages: p.5-7
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2. Title: Ageing of ex-sportsmen : ergonometric parameters of ex-elite athletes : cardiovascular topics
   Authors: Maznev, Ivan; Grigorov, Vladimir; Goldberg, Lenard; Ignatovic, Goran
   From: Cardiovascular Journal of South Africa, Vol 14, Issue 1, Jan / Feb
   Published: 2003
   Pages: p.8-11
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   Abstract: After the cessation of physical activity for six or more years, processes start to occur in previously active sportsmen that cause aerobic capacity to reach the values observed in people of the same age who have never participated in sport. However, the physical capacity of these people remains above the average level for the same age group. The important factors related to the aerobic capacity of ex-elite sportsmen are the age, current physical activity and body weight. There is no relationship between their maximal aerobic capacity and the type of sport discipline practiced by the ex-athlete in the past.
    
3. Title: Typical electrocardiographic deviations after cessation of physical activities in elite sportsmen : cardiovascular topics
   Authors: Maznev, Ivan; Grigorov, Vladimir; Goldberg, Lenard; Ignatovic, Goran
   From: Cardiovascular Journal of South Africa, Vol 14, Issue 1, Jan / Feb
   Published: 2003
   Pages: p.12-15
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   Abstract: We observed that ECG changes associated with high levels of sporting activity are reversible in the majority of cases after cessation of the sports career. This is probably related to the normalisation of the raised vagal tone and diminution of the effort-related heart hypertrophy and chamber dilatation in ex-sportsmen. The persistent ECG changes observed in some of the ex-sportsmen could be related to the ageing processes observed in the general population as well. It is important that all ECG deviations in ex-sportsmen be considered seriously and interpreted in the context of the ECGs obtained during the active sports career.
    
4. Title: Physical inactivity as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in communities undergoing rural to urban transition : the THUSA study : cardiovascular topics
   Authors: Kruger, H. Salome; Venter, Christina S.; Vorster, Hester H.
   From: Cardiovascular Journal of South Africa, Vol 14, Issue 1, Jan / Feb
   Published: 2003
   Pages: p.16-23
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   Abstract: Background. Coronary heart disease (CHD) remains uncommon among South African blacks. Habitual physical activity contributes to the low prevalence of CHD in this population. The aim of this study was to determine the physical activity levels of black South Africans in the North West Province and to assess the relationship between physical activity and the prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease in a cross-sectional study.
   Subjects and methods. Apparently healthy volunteers (n = 946) were recruited from randomly selected sites in the North West Province, South Africa. Measurements were made in community halls. Demographic data, anthropometric measurements and physical activity were determined. Blood pressures were measured, blood was drawn and serum and plasma samples were prepared. Biochemical variables were determined using standardised methodology.
   Results. Men were significantly more active than women, with mean physical activity index (PAI) scores of 3.66 ± 1.78 and 2.75 ± 1.04 respectively (P = 0.0001). Subjects in the deep rural areas were more inactive than more urbanised subjects. With multivariate tests in men, no statistically significant differences in CHD risk could be found with increasing physical activity, except for fasting insulin, which was significantly lower in the moderately active group than in the inactive group. In women, the most active group had a significantly higher mean highdensity lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol concentration than the most inactive group and also a significantly lower mean triglyceride concentration. The most active group of women also had a significantly higher mean fasting serum glucose than the less active group. Among both men and women, inactive overweight subjects had the highest mean systolic blood pressure, total serum cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)- cholesterol.
   Conclusions. In men, only fasting serum insulin was significantly associated with physical inactivity, but in women, a number of cardiovascular disease risk factors were significantly associated with physical inactivity, especially in overweight subjects.
    
5. Title: The William Nelson ECG quiz
   From: Cardiovascular Journal of South Africa, Vol 14, Issue 1, Jan / Feb
   Published: 2003
   Pages: p.23, 28
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6. Title: Autopsy-determined causes of death following organ transplantation in 25 patients aged 20 years or younger : cardiovascular topics
   Authors: Rose, Alan G.
   From: Cardiovascular Journal of South Africa, Vol 14, Issue 1, Jan / Feb
   Published: 2003
   Pages: p.24-28
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   Abstract: Aim: This study aims to examine the autopsy-determined principal and proximate causes of death in 25 patients aged 20 years or younger who died during the 10-year period from 1990 to 1999 after receiving an organ transplant at the University of Minnesota/Fairview-University Medical Center.
   Methods: The autopsy records of this institution were examined for organ transplant recipients who were aged 20 years or younger at the time of their death. In each case, after review of the clinical and pathological data, the principal cause of death (PCOD), as well as the proximate cause of death (PXCOD) were noted.
   Results: A total of 25 recipient patients were identified (five heart, five lung, five kidney and 10 liver transplants). Seven patients died 30 days or less postoperatively and 18 died thereafter. The following categories of PCOD were encountered: operative/technical complications 28%, most (6/7) being associated with liver transplantation. Infection (24%) and chronic rejection (12%) were other important PCOD. Respiratory complications accounted for 47% of the PCOD. The following categories of PXCOD were noted: technical problems 16%, pulmonary pathology 24%, miscellaneous 32%, acute rejection 4% and nil 20%.
   Conclusions: This study revealed that technical problems in liver transplants were an important PCOD; respiratory complications and chronic rejection were additional major causes of mortality in this young age group of transplant recipients. Pulmonary pathology and technical problems were the commonest specific groups contributing to the PXCOD.
    
7. Title: Chronic idiopathic effusive pericarditis in a patient with 'cor pulmonale' : case report
   Authors: Goldberg, L.; Hagios, P.
   From: Cardiovascular Journal of South Africa, Vol 14, Issue 1, Jan / Feb
   Published: 2003
   Pages: p.30-34
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   Abstract: Chronic idiopathic pericarditis is a diagnosis of exclusion that is estimated to occur in 3.5% of primary pericardial disease. It is possible that many of these cases are secondary to unrecognised viral infections. The natural history is variable and treatment should be individualised, although chronic colchicine administration may hold promise as a newer therapeutic modality in symptomatic recurrent pericarditis. This case presentation illustrates the diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties that may arise in such patients.
    
8. Title: Are all statins created equal? : letter to the editor
   Authors: Maritz, Frans Jacobus
   From: Cardiovascular Journal of South Africa, Vol 14, Issue 1, Jan / Feb
   Published: 2003
   Pages: p.35-37
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9. Title: The jury is still out on oestrogens and oestrogen / progestin and the heart : letter to the editor
   Authors: Cheifitz, R.L.
   From: Cardiovascular Journal of South Africa, Vol 14, Issue 1, Jan / Feb
   Published: 2003
   Pages: p.38-39
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10. Title: Comments on the letter by dr Rob Cheifitz : letter to the editor
    Authors: Hough, Stephen
    From: Cardiovascular Journal of South Africa, Vol 14, Issue 1, Jan / Feb
    Published: 2003
    Pages: p.40
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