Thyroid hormone treatment after coronary-artery bypass surgery
Article Abstract:
Injection of the thyroid hormone triiodothyronine into patients having coronary-artery bypass surgery does not appear to affect the outcome of surgery or the need for postoperative care. Most patients undergoing coronary-bypass surgery show decreased levels of thyroid hormones, but the relation between these hormone levels and patient outcome is unknown. Of 142 patients having coronary-artery bypass surgery, 71 received placebo and 71 received triiodothyronine during the surgery and for 6 hours after surgery. The triiodothyronine was administered at an initial dose of 0.8 micrograms per kilogram of body weight followed by 0.113 micrograms per kilogram per hour. The triiodothyronine levels were below normal in both groups early in the operation. However, these levels rose above normal during the 24 hours following surgery in the treatment group. Both groups had a similar incidence of arrhythmia and received similar therapies to regulate blood flow. During the 6 hours after surgery the patients in the treatment group had lower vascular resistance and their hearts pumped more blood per minute due to increased stroke volume. The duration of hospital stay and death rates in both groups were similar.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1995
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Care after coronary-artery bypass surgery
Article Abstract:
All patients who have had coronary artery bypass surgery should be encouraged to eat a healthy diet, begin a regular exercise program, stop smoking if they are smokers, and lose weight if they are overweight. They should also take aspirin every day and a beta blocker, ACE inhibitor, or cholesterol-lowering drug if needed. Treatment for depression may also be beneficial.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2003
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Thyroid hormone and the cardiovascular system
Article Abstract:
The effects of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism on the cardiovascular system are described. Topics include the effect of thyroid hormone on heart contraction, cellular mechanisms, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, subclinical hyperthyroidism, amiodarone, and changes in thyroid function in heart disease.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2001
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