Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 2, 2026

Coronary Progenitor Cells and Soluble Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Prognosis after Coronary Angioplasty
10:03

Coronary Progenitor Cells and Soluble Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Prognosis after Coronary Angioplasty

Published on: January 28, 2020

Prognosis of cardiac disease in the ambulant patient

V M Jelinek, J Krafchek, I G McDonald

    The Medical Journal of Australia
    |September 15, 1984
    PubMed

    Insights

    Unexpected cardiac death is uncommon in cardiology patients. Most cardiac deaths occurred in elderly patients with advanced disease and prior symptoms, with no unexpected fatalities observed in this study.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiology
    • Clinical Medicine
    • Epidemiology

    Background:

    • Cardiac practice often assumes unexpected death is common in patients.
    • This assumption guides intensive diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
    • The study questions the prevalence of unexpected cardiac mortality.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the actual incidence of unexpected death in ambulant cardiac patients.
    • To determine if current cardiac care assumptions are evidence-based.
    • To assess the potential impact of interventions on mortality rates.

    Main Methods:

    • A cohort of 636 consecutive ambulant cardiac patients was studied from 1978 to 1981.
    • Mortality data, including cause and circumstances of death, were meticulously recorded.
    • Patient demographics, disease status, and initial symptoms were analyzed.

    Main Results:

    • Only 22 deaths (3.4%) occurred in the study cohort over the observation period.
    • Nineteen of these deaths were attributed to cardiac causes.
    • All cardiac deaths were in elderly patients with advanced, long-standing disease and prior symptoms, none being unexpected.

    Conclusions:

    • Unexpected death is relatively uncommon in cardiology practice.
    • Current intensive regimens for younger, asymptomatic patients with cardiomyopathy and coronary disease may not significantly impact overall mortality.
    • Further research may be needed to refine risk stratification and treatment strategies.

    More Related Videos

    Clinical Application of Phase Angle and BIVA Z-Score Analyses in Patients Admitted to an Emergency Department with Acute Heart Failure04:05

    Clinical Application of Phase Angle and BIVA Z-Score Analyses in Patients Admitted to an Emergency Department with Acute Heart Failure

    Published on: June 30, 2023

    Cutoff Value of Phase Angle by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis at Admission as a Prognostic Factor in Patients with Acute Heart Failure05:16

    Cutoff Value of Phase Angle by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis at Admission as a Prognostic Factor in Patients with Acute Heart Failure

    Published on: June 10, 2025

    Related Concept Videos

    Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation01:30

    Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation

    Heart failure can be classified in various ways, with the most common classifications based on physical activity limitations, disease progression, severity, and treatment strategies.The Functional Classification of Heart Failure divides patients into four categories based on physical activity limitation due to symptom burden.Class I: Patients in this class have cardiac disease but no physical activity limitations. Ordinary activities like walking, climbing stairs, or routine tasks do not cause...
    Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions01:30

    Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions

    The first step in nursing management of a patient with heart failure involves thoroughly assessing the patient's medical history.Subjective Data: Obtain the patient's medical history of coronary artery disease, hypertension, myocardial infarction, and symptoms like dyspnea, orthopnea, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.Objective Data: Conduct a physical examination to identify findings such as jugular vein distention, pulmonary crackles, tachycardia, murmurs, peripheral edema, and vital signs,...
    Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

    Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

    Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
    Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

    Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

    Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
    Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

    Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

    Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
    Cardiomyopathy VI: Nursing Management01:29

    Cardiomyopathy VI: Nursing Management

    Assessment: Nursing management of patients with cardiomyopathy begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's history, including a family history of cardiomyopathy or sudden cardiac death, personal history of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and any alcohol consumption or drug use.During the physical examination, assess vital signs, look for signs of heart failure (such as edema, jugular venous distention, and cyanosis), auscultate for abnormal heart sounds (like murmurs and gallops),...