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Hypertension is the leading modifiable risk factor for global cardiovascular disease, responsible for an estimated 10.8 million deaths and more than 200 million disability-adjusted life years annually.1 Despite the availability of effective pharmacological and lifestyle interventions, prevalence continues to rise, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where over three-quarters of all cases now occur.2 The condition’s […]

Physicians’ acquaintance with a new procedure results in higher patient referral: experience of Kosovo in coronary angiography

Aurora Bakalli, Tefik Bekteshi, Basri Sejdiu
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Published Online: Aug 7th 2018 Heart International 2012;7(1):e6 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4081/hi.2012.e6
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Abstract

Overview

The first coronary angiography in Kosovo
was completed in 2003. We analyzed coronary
angiographies performed in our center from
October 2003 until October 2009 divided into
two 3-year periods. The aims of our study
were: to compare the number of coronary
angiographies completed in the two periods;
to evaluate the prevalence of normal coronary
angiographies diagnosed in the first period
compared to the second period; and to assess
the prevalence of advanced coronary artery
disease in the first three years compared to
the last three years. This was a prospective
angiography study that included 1,139
patients. The first group had 422 patients,
who underwent the angiography procedure
during the first three years, and the second
group had 717 patients that went through the
procedure during the last three years. In the
first year, 109 coronary angiographies were
completed, followed by 137, 176, 213, 218 and
286 (P<0.001) procedures in the subsequent years. In the first period, a normal or nearnormal coronary artery profile was found in 27% of patients, while this figure rose to approximately 39% in the second period (P=0.004). Advanced coronary artery disease was found in 45% of the patients who underwent coronary angiography during the first three years, whereas this figure was only 24% of cases during the second period (P<0.001). We believe that the availability of specialized resources and the physicians’ familiarity with coronary angiography in our country influenced their decision to refer more patients for this procedure.

Keywords

Coronary angiography, patient referral for coronary angiography, coronary artery disease.

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Article Information

Correspondence

Aurora Bakalli, Department of Cardiology, University Clinical Center of Kosovo, Prishtina and the Cardiology Diagnostic Center- Diagnostika, Vushtrri, Kosovo. Tel. +377.44.151.111. E-mail: abakalli@hotmail.com

Received

2011-08-13T00:00:00

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