High-intensity decreasing interval training (HIDIT) increases time above 90% [Formula: see text]O2peak.

PURPOSE: Training near [Formula: see text]O2max is considered to be the most effective way to enhance [Formula: see text]O2max. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a well-known time-efficient training method for improving cardiorespiratory and metabolic function and [Formula: see text]O2max. While long HIIT bouts allow [Formula: see text]O2max to be achieved quickly, short HIIT bouts improve time to exhaustion (Tlim). The aim of this study was to evaluate the time spent above 90% [Formula: see text]O2peak (T > 90% [Formula: see text]O2peak) during three different HIIT protocols. METHODS: Twelve cyclists performed three HIIT sessions. Each protocol had the same work and recovery power and ratio of work·recovery-1. The protocols consisted of long-interval HIIT (LIHIIT, 3 min work-2 min recovery), short-interval HIIT (SIHIIT, 30 s work-20 s recovery), and high-intensity decreasing interval training (HIDIT, work from 3 min to 30 s and recovery from 2 min to 20 s). T > 90% [Formula: see text]O2peak, Tlim, blood lactate [La], and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured at Tlim. RESULTS: T > 90% [Formula: see text]O2peak was greater in HIDIT (312 ± 207 s) than in SIHIIT (182 ± 225 s; P = 0.036) or LIHIIT (179 ± 145 s; P = 0.027). Tlim was not significantly different (P > 0.05) between HIDIT (798 ± 185 s), SIHIIT (714 ± 265 s), and LIHIIT (664 ± 282). At Tlim, no differences in [La] and RPE were found between protocols (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: HIDIT showed the highest T > 90% [Formula: see text]O2peak, suggesting that it may be a good strategy to increase time close to [Formula: see text]O2peak, despite similar Tlim, [La], and RPE at Tlim.

[The need for invasive diagnostic investigations (coronaro-ventriculography), interventions using extracorporeal circulation and coronary angioplasty in a defined population of Emilia-Romagna]. / Fabbisogno di indagini diagnostiche cruente (coronaro-ventricolografie), di interventi in CEC e di angioplastiche coronariche in un campione definito di popolazione dell'Emilia-Romagna.

Working on a limited and controlled population of 100,000 living in the territory of Imola, in northern Italy, we tried to determine the need for coronary arteriography examinations, CABG interventions and PTCA procedures (similarly to the 1980 Minnesota survey). Indications for diagnosis or treatment were made according to agreement criteria of published data in 1990. In the 3 year time (1989-91) of this survey, indication to coronary arteriography was done in 433 pts. (367 atherosclerotic, 58 valvular and 8 with other etiologies). 57.7% (250/433) of the pts. were treated with CABG or PTCA, and 42.3% (202/433) were treated medically. Of the 367 pts. documented as having coronary ischemia, 54.5% had further invasive therapy: 35.4% CABG and 19% PTCA. For a population of 100,000 annual need has been estimated as follows: 145 catheterization procedures (99% coronary arteriography), 60 extracorporeal circulation procedures, and 24 PTCA interventions. Comparing programming estimates done by the national Health System for the needs of a population group in Northern Italy, it is clear that they are underestimating the real needs by 50%, and such an important underestimation implies important and pressing considerations for the future planning of the health care of this important pathology.

Hemodynamic effects of felodipine in congestive heart failure.

The hemodynamic effects of increasing dosages of felodipine, a new calcium antagonist with selective vasodilator properties, were studied in 13 patients with chronic cardiac failure. A Swan-Ganz thermodilution catheter was positioned in the pulmonary artery and hemodynamic parameters were monitored from 9 am to 6 pm for five days. On the first and the fifth day patients received placebo (P) and on the second, third, and fourth day patients received felodipine 5, 10, and 20 mg, respectively. Symptom-limited exercise tests with a bicycle ergometer were performed on both days of P and on the fourth day. A marked reduction of systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and a significant increase of cardiac index without increments of heart rate (HR) were observed after felodipine at rest. A dose response effect could be demonstrated. During exercise a significant increment of cardiac index and decrease of pulmonary wedge pressure was observed after felodipine. Felodipine showed a potent vasodilator action on systemic circulation with significant changes on both stroke volume and filling pressures at rest and during exercise without side effects.