TABLE OF CONTENT: Cardiovascular Journal of Africa, Vol 15, Issue 5, Sep / Oct 2004

1. Title: Cellular injury in ischaemia : editorial comment
   Authors: Lochner, A.; Koeslag, J.H.; Du Toit, E.F.; Huisamen, B.; Moolman, J.A.; Van Rooyen, J.
   From: Cardiovascular Journal of South Africa, Vol 15, Issue 5, Sep / Oct
   Published: 2004
   Pages: p.205-206
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2. Title: Hyperhomocyst(e)inemia is an important risk factor for vascular disease in subjects with high-molecular weight apo(a) isoforms : cardiovascular topics
   Authors: Delport, Rhena; Lingenhel, Arnulf W.; Ubbink, Johan B.; Kraft, Hans G.
   From: Cardiovascular Journal of South Africa, Vol 15, Issue 5, Sep / Oct
   Published: 2004
   Pages: p.207-213
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   Abstract: Background: Homocyst(e)ine is reported to increase the binding of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] to fibrin, which may increase the thrombogenic effects of Lp(a) in vivo. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a relationship between homocyst(e)ine and Lp(a) levels and vascular disease risk, and if the relationship depends on the apo(a) isoforms.
   Methods: A case-control study was performed in 91 Caucasian male subjects with vascular disease due to athersclerosis, and in 100 healthy age- and sex-matched control subjects.
   Results: Both hyperhomocyst(e)inemia and elevated Lp(a) were significantly more prevalent in patients. Concordant elevated Lp(a) and hyperhomocyst(e)inemia were not associated with increased vascular disease risk (relative odds 2.96; 95% CI: 0.90-9.80), while hyperhomocyst(e)inemia in the absence of elevated Lp(a) was associated with increased vascular disease risk (relative odds 7.20; 95% CI: 2.37-21.91). Hyperhomocyst(e)inemia in individuals with high-molecular weight apo(a) isoforms [smaller apo(a) isoform > S3] was observed to be associated with increased vascular disease risk (relative odds 11.02; 95% CI: 3.54-34.30), while vascular disease risk in subjects with low-molecular weight apo(a) isoforms [smaller apo(a) isoform < S3] was not significantly increased, the relative odds being 1.92; 95% CI: 0.51-7.24.
   Conclusions: We conclude that hyperhomocyst(e)inemia is an important risk factor in individuals with highmolecular weight apo(a) isoforms.
    
3. Title: Risk factors and complications of hypertension in Yaounde, Cameroon : cardiovascular topics
   Authors: Shey Wiysonge, C.U.; Ngu Blackett, K.; Mbuagbaw, J.N.
   From: Cardiovascular Journal of South Africa, Vol 15, Issue 5, Sep / Oct
   Published: 2004
   Pages: p.215-219
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   Abstract: Aim: To determine the risk factors and complications of hypertension, isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) and isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH) in Yaounde.
   Methods and Results: Between January and September 1998 we examined 813 consecutive adult patients (46.5% men) in the Yaounde University Teaching Hospital, with special focus on risk factors of hypertension and clinical findings in the cardiovascular system. We measured systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, body mass index and plasma glucose, and recorded chest X-ray, electrocardiogram and echocardiogram. Hypertension, ISH and IDH were defined using the WHO-ISH 1999 criteria. After controlling for the confounding effects of age and sex, hypertension was significantly associated with obesity, family history of hypertension, alcohol intake, heart failure, stroke and left ventricular hypertrophy (p < 0.01); smoking was significantly associated with ISH (p = 0.04), and no factor was independently associated with IDH.
   Conclusions: A prevention strategy for hypertension and its resultant complications in Cameroon should include measures aimed at obesity and alcohol consumption, as well as early diagnosis with the institution of effective and affordable therapy.
    
4. Title: Metabolic Cardiomyopathy, H. Böhles, A.C. Sewell : book review
   Authors: Brink, P.A.
   From: Cardiovascular Journal of South Africa, Vol 15, Issue 5, Sep / Oct
   Published: 2004
   Pages: p.220
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5. Title: SA Heart Association National Congress, 6-8 October 2004, ICC, Durban : abstracts
   From: Cardiovascular Journal of South Africa, Vol 15, Issue 5, Sep / Oct
   Published: 2004
   Pages: p.221-246
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6. Title: New pathophysiological insights explain life-saving benefits of perindopril in coronary artery disease patients : drug trends in cardiology
   From: Cardiovascular Journal of South Africa, Vol 15, Issue 5, Sep / Oct
   Published: 2004
   Pages: p.248-249
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7. Title: ACTION with nifedipine GITS (Adalat XL) provides evidence for safety and improved outcome in angina patients : drug trends in cardiology
   From: Cardiovascular Journal of South Africa, Vol 15, Issue 5, Sep / Oct
   Published: 2004
   Pages: p.249-251
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8. Title: CHARM study in CHF patients with impaired LV function reinforces benefits of candesartan cilexetil (Atacand(R)) : drug trends in cardiology
   From: Cardiovascular Journal of South Africa, Vol 15, Issue 5, Sep / Oct
   Published: 2004
   Pages: p.252
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9. Title: Fixed-combination therapy for hypertension increases success rate : drug trends in cardiology
   From: Cardiovascular Journal of South Africa, Vol 15, Issue 5, Sep / Oct
   Published: 2004
   Pages: p.254-255
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10. Title: Significant reduction in heart attacks in patients taking Pfizer's Lipitor : drug trends in cardiology
    From: Cardiovascular Journal of South Africa, Vol 15, Issue 5, Sep / Oct
    Published: 2004
    Pages: p.255
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11. Title: Teveten(R) (eprosartan) reduces future risk in hypertensive stroke patients : drug trends in cardiology
    From: Cardiovascular Journal of South Africa, Vol 15, Issue 5, Sep / Oct
    Published: 2004
    Pages: p.255-256
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12. Title: Cardio news
    From: Cardiovascular Journal of South Africa, Vol 15, Issue 5, Sep / Oct
    Published: 2004
    Pages: p.256
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