The results of the scientific activities of our research group presented in the previous section, also have socio-economic consequences. They influence the organisation and improve the quality as well as the cost-effectiveness of the healthcare system. The results of the studies dealing with the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and thrombosis will give insights into the nature of both diseases and will influence the efficacy of their treatment. Therefore, the findings of our research group will help clinicians to choose more efficient and rational therapeutic procedures, which will help to improve the quality of life. Most of our studies have direct clinical applicability, as for an example the quantification of the effects of rehabilitation in patients with coronary artery disease. Besides that, the international guidelines that were also written by members of our research group help to improve quality and safety in the health system and improve the management of patients with vascular disease.
B.06 Other
COBISS.SI-ID: 1313708Oxidative stress is an important nonclassical risk factor for myocardial infarction (MI), and thus, it seems extremely important to recognize factors that effectively reduce it. The aim of our study was to explore possible influences of short-term cardiac rehabilitation (CR) of only 2 weeks in duration on oxidative stress in men after MI. Male patients aged 41-88 years, median 56 years, 6 to 8 weeks after acute MI, were included in our observational study using a pretest/posttest design. We investigated markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes before and after CR of only 2 weeks in duration and influence of smoking status on these differences. We found significant decrease in isoprostanes in urine in nonsmokers but not in smokers during CR. After CR, nonsmokers had lower isoprostanes in urine, lower non-transferrin-bound iron, and higher erythrocyte catalase than smokers. Of classical risk factors, only low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was lower in nonsmokers before and after CR than in smokers. No other significant differences were seen at the beginning or at the end of CR. To our knowledge, the results of our study indicate for the first time that short-term CR of only 2 weeks in duration already has a positive effect on reduction of oxidative stress in the body. However, this positive effect is seen only in nonsmokers and not in smokers.
B.06 Other
COBISS.SI-ID: 1115564Baseline platelet ractivity is decreased in coronary hypothermic patients. In this group of patients clopidogrel did not decrease platelet reactivity, while platelet reactivity was significantly decreased using eptifibatide.
B.06 Other
COBISS.SI-ID: 1551020International guidelines on management of patients with various diseases represent an important document that helps the physician to choose the safest, fastest and the most rational way of establishing the diagnosis and treatment. Our research group actively participated in writing different Slovenian and international scientific guidelines and consensus documents published in both Slovenian and international scientific journals. One such document sets down international guidelines for the management of patients with superficial thrombophlebitis.
B.06 Other
COBISS.SI-ID: 288428In this study low doses of statins showed protective effect on the functional and structural arterial wall properties. The combination of low dose of these drugs also significantly reduced the inflammation and oxidative stress.
B.06 Other