Regular exercise and cardiovascular risk factors.

Physical inactivity has been counted as a risk factor for coronary artery disease. Regular exercise has also been reported to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease and its risk factors. We surveyed 3615 subjects for their conventional risk factors of coronary disease and for the frequency of their exercise. We found that subjects who had regular exercise were more likely to have lower triglyceride and resting heart rate. HDL cholesterol was higher in the group of subjects who had regular exercise. There was no difference in fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol or blood pressure levels between those who had and those who did not have regular exercise.

Acute and follow-up results of laser angioplasty: single center experience.

Excimer laser angioplasty was used to treat total occluded coronary arteries and instent restenosis lesions with high success rate. To assess immediate and long-term results of patients treated with excimer laser, we analyzed demographic information and the immediate results of 44 patients who underwent ELCA. The patients were followed up and assessed for clinical restenosis. The initial success rate of ELCA was 86.4 per cent which is comparable to plain balloon angioplasty performed during the same period. Clinical restenosis was 29 per cent. In conclusion, ELCA for patients with coronary artery disease can be performed with initial high success rate and reasonable long-term restenosis.