Effect of Long-term Fenofibrate Therapy on Serum Creatinine and Its Reversibility in Hypertriglyceridemic Patients with Hypertension

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have shown that fenofibrate therapy increases serum creatinine level and that there is a return of serum creatinine to baseline level after the discontinuation of the drug. We evaluated the effect of long-term fenofibrate therapy on creatinine levels and its reversibility in patients with hypertension and hypertriglyceridemia. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 54 hypertensive and hypertriglyceridemic patients taking fenofibrate for 3–6 years (Fenofibrate group) and 30 control patients with similar age, sex, follow-up duration, and creatinine levels (Control group). In 23 patients taking fenofibrate with low triglyceride level and/or with high creatinine levels, fenofibrate was discontinued, and creatinine levels were measured after 2 months. RESULTS: Creatinine levels increased in both the fenofibrate group (from 0.91±0.18 mg/dL to 1.09±0.23 mg/dL, p < 0.001) and the control group (from 0.94±0.16 mg/dL to 0.98±0.16 mg/dL, p=0.04) compared to baseline. However, the elevation was more pronounced in the fenofibrate group than in the control group (21.1±15.4% vs. 4.5±11.3%, p < 0.001). The discontinuation of fenofibrate lowered creatinine levels (from 1.39±0.32 mg/dL to 1.15±0.24 mg/dL, p < 0.001) which were still higher than pre-treatment levels (p=0.013). CONCLUSION: Long-term fenofibrate therapy significantly increased creatinine levels in hypertensive and hypertriglyceridemic patients. The effect of fenofibrate on creatinine level was partially reversible. This finding suggests that follow-up creatinine level is necessary with fenofibrate therapy.

Multimodality Intravascular Imaging Assessment of Plaque Erosion versus Plaque Rupture in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We assessed plaque erosion of culprit lesions in patients with acute coronary syndrome in real world practice. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Culprit lesion plaque rupture or plaque erosion was diagnosed with optical coherence tomography (OCT). Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) was used to determine arterial remodeling. Positive remodeling was defined as a remodeling index (lesion/reference EEM [external elastic membrane area) >1.05. RESULTS: A total of 90 patients who had plaque rupture showing fibrous-cap discontinuity and ruptured cavity were enrolled. 36 patients showed definite OCT-plaque erosion, while 7 patients had probable OCT-plaque erosion. Overall, 26% (11/43) of definite/probable plaque erosion had non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) while 35% (15/43) had ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Conversely, 14.5% (13/90) of plaque rupture had NSTEMI while 71% (64/90) had STEMI (p<0.0001). Among plaque erosion, white thrombus was seen in 55.8% (24/43) of patients and red thrombus in 27.9% (12/43) of patients. Compared to plaque erosion, plaque rupture more often showed positive remodeling (p=0.003) with a larger necrotic core area examined by virtual histology (VH)-IVUS, while negative remodeling was prominent in plaque erosion. Overall, 65% 28/43 of plaque erosions were located in the proximal 30 mm of a culprit vessel-similar to plaque ruptures (72%, 65/90, p=0.29). CONCLUSION: Although most of plaque erosions show nearly normal coronary angiogram, modest plaque burden with negative remodeling and an uncommon fibroatheroma might be the nature of plaque erosion. Multimodality intravascular imaging with OCT and VH-IVUS showed fundamentally different pathoanatomic substrates underlying plaque rupture and erosion.

Effect of Short-term Fenofibrate Therapy on Blood Creatinine Levels in Patients with Hypertriglyceridemia / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Previous studies have reported that fenofibrate therapy increases blood creatinine levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fenofibrate therapy on the renal function in patients with hypertriglyceridemia and to determine the parameters associated with changes in renal functions. METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 86 hypertriglyceridemic patients (triglycerides > or = 200 mg/dL) who were divided into two groups: the fenofibrate group (n = 43), who received 160 mg of fenofibrate, and the control group (n = 43). Lipid profiles and renal function were measured at the beginning of the study and after 2 months. RESULTS: The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decreased in the fenofibrate group (p < 0.001), but did not change in the control group (p = 0.80). Accordingly, the decrease was more pronounced in the fenofibrate group than the control group (-18.6 +/- 8.6 vs. 0.9 +/- 9.6%, respectively; p < 0.001). Changes in serum creatinine (p < 0.001) and blood urea nitrogen (p < 0.005) levels were similar to those of eGFR. In a stepwise linear regression analysis, the percent change in creatinine was independently associated with fenofibrate therapy (r = 0.71; p < 0.001) and old age (r = 0.27; p < 0.05) in all patients. In the fenofibrate group, percent change in creatinine was associated with age (r = -0.51; p < 0.001) and smoking (r = 0.42; p < 0.005), while percent change was associated with body mass index (r = 0.31; p < 0.05) in the control group. Elevation of creatinine by 20% or more was associated with fenofibrate therapy (p < 0.001) and old age (p < 0.005) in all patients, and with old age (p < 0.001) in the fenofibrate group. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term fenofibrate therapy significantly impaired the renal function of hypertriglyceridemic patients, and this effect was more pronounced in elderly patients. This finding suggests that creatinine levels should be followed in patients receiving fenofibrate therapy.

Influence of Previous Statin Therapy on Cholesterol-Lowering Effect of Ezetimibe

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The inhibition of cholesterol absorption by ezetimibe increases cholesterol synthesis. The effect of inhibition of cholesterol synthesis on cholesterol absorption is controversial. The influence of these interactions on cholesterol levels is unknown. We investigated on the extent to which cholesterol levels were affected by the reaction of one pathway to the inhibition of the other pathway. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This case-controlled study enrolled 198 patients who needed cholesterol-lowering drugs. Ezetimibe (10 mg) was administered to the patients with (n=58) and without on-going statin therapy (n=58). Simvastatin (20 mg) was administered to the patients treated with (n=41) and without ezetimibe (n=41). RESULTS: Ezetimibe without statin lowered the total cholesterol by 13.3+/-8.8% (p<0.001) and the low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) by 18.7+/-15.3% (p<0.001). Ezetimibe added to statin decreased the total cholesterol by 21.1+/-7.7% (p<0.001) and the LDL-C by 29.9+/-12.6% (p<0.001). The total cholesterol and LDL-C were reduced more by ezetimibe in patients with statin therapy than in those without statin therapy (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). The differences in the effect of simvastatin on total cholesterol and LDL-C between the patients with and without ezetimibe showed borderline significance (p=0.10 and p=0.055, respectively). CONCLUSION: A prior inhibition of cholesterol synthesis by statin enhanced the effect of ezetimibe on total cholesterol and LDL-C by 7.8% and 11.2%, respectively. This finding suggests that ezetimibe increased cholesterol synthesis, resulting in a significant elevation of cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol Lowering Effects of Low-dose Statins in Korean Patients

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare cholesterol lowering effects of low dose 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) in Korean patients. METHODS: A total of 909 consecutive patients were enrolled prospectively according to the criteria of National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines. Lipid profiles were obtained before and 2 months after statin therapy. RESULTS: Atorvastatin 10 mg (n=260), lovastatin 20 mg (n=145), pitavastatin 2 mg (n=80), pravastatin 20 mg (n=28), rosuvastatin 5 mg (n=145), and simvastatin 20 mg (n=208) reduced low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by -41.8+/-11.0%, -33.8+/-12.8%, -39.3+/-10.8%, -31.5+/-8.9%, -48.8+/-12.3%, and -42.8+/-13.5%, respectively. LDL cholesterol less than 130 mg/dL was achieved in 90.3%, 76.9%, 88.5%, 85.2%, 97.2%, and 94.2%, respectively. The reduction of LDL cholesterol by 30% or more was obtained in 84.4%, 60.7%, 81.6%, 63.0%, 93.0%, and 83.5%, respectively. LDL cholesterol less than 70 mg/dL or the reduction by 50% or more was observed in a small portion of patients and was variable according to the different types of statins. CONCLUSION: A low dose statin was enough to manage dyslipidemia in most Korean patients with low to moderate risks and was even effective in a subpopulation of high risk patients.

Effect of Fenofibrate Therapy on Blood Creatinine Levels in Patients with Hypertension and Hypertriglyceridemia

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have reported that fenofibrate therapy increased blood creatinine levels. We investigated the effect of fenofibrate therapy on creatinine levels in patients with hypertension and hypertriglyceridemia. METHODS: This retrospective study included 36 hypertensive patients with hypertriglyceridemia taking fenofibrate for 1-3 years (Fenofibrate group) and 36 control patients with similar age, sex, follow-up duration, creatinine levels, and lipid levels to those of fenofibrate therapy (Control group). RESULTS: Baseline parameters except lipid profiles were similar between the fenofibrate and control groups. Creatinine levels increased in the fenofibrate group (from 0.90+/-0.18 mg/dL to 1.05+/-0.22 mg/dL, p<0.001) and did not change in the control group (from 0.91+/-0.12 mg/dL to 0.92+/-0.14 mg/dL, p=0.39). The elevation was more pronounced in the fenofibrate group than in the control group (0.15+/-0.12 vs. 0.02+/-0.11 mg/dL, p<0.001). Changes in creatinine levels were only associated with fenofibrate therapy (r=0.52, p<0.001) in the stepwise linear regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Fenofibrate therapy for 1-3 years significantly increased creatinine levels in hypertensive patients with hypertriglyceridemia. This finding suggests that follow-up measurement of creatinine level is necessary with fenofibrate therapy.

Relation Between RR Intervals and Early Diastolic Mitral Annular Velocities in Atrial Fibrillation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Irregular RR intervals in atrial fibrillation (AF) make beat-to-beat changes in left ventricular (LV) systolic performance. Early diastolic mitral annular velocity (E') is one of the well-established parameters for evaluating LV diastolic function. The relation between RR intervals and E's is unknown. The aim of this study was to observe the influence of continuous changes in RR interval on the parameter for diastolic function in AF. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Echocardiography was performed in 117 patients with AF. E' was adjusted for the effect of pre-preceding RR interval (RR-2) using the logarithmic equation between RR-2 and E'. The logarithmic equation between adjusted E' and preceding RR interval (RR-1) was calculated. RESULTS: The slope in the relation between RR-1 and E' varied from -2.5 to 2.6. The slope was lower (more likely negative) in patients with higher ratio of early diastolic mitral flow velocity (E) to E' (r=-0.21, p=0.023), ischemic heart disease (IHD, r=0.21, p=0.026), and higher systolic blood pressure (r=-0.19, p=0.046). When patients were divided into these 3 groups on the basis of slope, the lowest slope group (0.57, n=39). The slope with regards to the relationship between RR-2 and E' also varied from -3.4 to 3.1. CONCLUSION: Changes in RR intervals had variable effects on E's according to clinical variables in AF.

Acute Viral Myopericarditis Presenting as a Transient Effusive-Constrictive Pericarditis Caused by Coinfection with Coxsackieviruses A4 and B3

Acute myopericarditis is usually caused by viral infections, and the most common cause of viral myopericarditis is coxsackieviruses. Diagnosis of myopericarditis is made based on clinical manifestations of myocardial (such as myocardial dysfunction and elevated serum cardiac enzyme levels) and pericardial (such as inflammatory pericardial effusion) involvement. Although endomyocardial biopsy is the gold standard for the confirmation of viral infection, serologic tests can be helpful. Conservative management is the mainstay of treatment in acute myopericarditis. We report here a case of a 24-year-old man with acute myopericarditis who presented with transient effusive-constrictive pericarditis. Echocardiography showed transient pericardial effusion with constrictive physiology and global regional wall motion abnormalities of the left ventricle. The patient also had an elevated serum troponin I level. A computed tomogram of the chest showed pericardial and pleural effusion, which resolved after 2 weeks of supportive treatment. Serologic testing revealed coxsackievirus A4 and B3 coinfection. The patient received conservative medical treatment, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and he recovered completely with no complications.

Effect of Statins on C-reactive Protein, Lipoprotein(a) and Fibrinogen in Hypercholesterolemic Patients

OBJECTIVE: C-reactive protein (CRP), lipoprotein (a)[Lp(a)], and fibrinogen are associated with systemic inflammatory reactions. Statins have anti-inflammatory effects. However, the effect of statins on these parameters is inconsistent. We evaluated the effect of statins on inflammatory markers and variables related to changes in these markers. METHODS: A total of 390 hypercholesterolemic patients were enrolled. Atorvastatin (n=112), lovastatin (n=25), pitavastatin (n=49), rosuvastatin (n=20), and simvastatin (n=184) were administered. Lipids, CRP, Lp(a), and fibrinogen levels were measured before and after 2 months of the therapy. RESULTS: Statins reduced cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglyceride levels by -28.9+/-9.1% (P=0.000), -41.4+/-12.4% (P=0.000), and -11.6+/-39.4% (P=0.000), respectively and increased high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level by 2.56+/-13.2% (P=0.014). CRP levels decreased from 1.23+/-1.30 to 1.14+/-1.29 mg/L (P=0.000). Lp(a) levels were not changed (P=0.91) and fibrinogen levels increased from 277.8+/-54.4 to 282.6+/-56.9 mg/dL (P=0.042). Changes in CRP levels were associated with baseline CRP levels (r=-0.56, P=0.000) and changes in HDL cholesterol levels (r=-0.14, P=0.005). Changes in Lp(a) levels were associated with changes in triglyceride (r=-0.24, P=0.000) and baseline aspartate aminotransferase level (r=0.12, P=0.015). Changes in fibrinogen levels were associated with baseline fibrinogen levels (r=-0.40, P=0.000), sex (r=0.18, P=0.001), and changes in HDL cholesterol levels (r=-0.15, P=0.003). CONCLUSION: Inflammatory markers showed different responses to statins and changes in these markers were associated with different parameters. This finding suggests that anti-inflammatory effect of statin is confined to a specific pathway of inflammation.

Fenofibrate Reduces C-Reactive Protein Levels in Hypertriglyceridemic Patients With High Risks for Cardiovascular Diseases

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The effects of fenofibrate on C-reactive protein (CRP) are under debate. We investigated the effect of fenofibrate on CRP levels and the variables determining changes. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This case-control study enrolled 280 hypertriglyceridemic patients who were managed either with 200 mg of fenofibrate (Fenofibrate group, n=140) or with standard treatment (comparison group, n=140). CRP levels were measured before and after management for 2 months. RESULTS: CRP levels decreased in both the fenofibrate (p=0.003) and comparison (p=0.048) groups. Changes in CRP levels were not significantly different between the two groups (p=0.27) and were negatively associated with baseline CRP levels (r=-0.47, p or =1 mg/L, CRP levels also decreased in both groups (p=0.000 and p=0.001 respectively), however, more in the fenofibrate group than in the comparison group (p=0.025). The reduction of CRP was associated with higher baseline CRP levels (r=-0.29, p=0.001), lower body mass index (BMI, r=0.23, p=0.007), and fenofibrate therapy (r=0.19, p=0.025). CRP levels decreased more in the fenofibrate group than in the comparison group in patients with a BMI < or =26 kg/m2 with borderline significance (-1.21+/-1.82 mg/L vs. -0.89+/-1.92 mg/L, p=0.097). In patients with a high density lipoprotein-cholesterol level <40 mg/dL, CRP levels were reduced only in the fenofibrate group (p=0.006). CONCLUSION: Fenofibrate reduced CRP levels in hypertriglyceridemic patients with high CRP and/or low high density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels and without severe overweight. This finding suggests that fenofibrate may have an anti-inflammatory effect in selected patients.

Effects of Ezetimibe Added to Ongoing Statin Therapy on C-Reactive Protein Levels in Hypercholesterolemic Patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Ezetimibe alone does not decrease C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in hypercholesterolemic patients. However, several reports have suggested that ezetimibe might potentiate the effect of statin not only on cholesterol but also on CRP when administered together. We investigated the effect of ezetimibe on CRP levels in patients taking statins. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Patients who had not achieved recommended low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) goals with statin therapy were divided into two groups, the ezetimibe group (n=60) and the control group (n=60). A third group of hypercholesterolemic patients without statin therapy was treated with statin (n=59). Patients with CRP level 10 mg/L were excluded. Lipid and CRP levels were measured before therapy commenced, and after 2 months of therapy. RESULTS: Ezetimibe decreased cholesterol and LDL-C levels by 20.2% (p=0.000) and 28.1% (p=0.000) respectively. However, ezetimibe did not reduce CRP levels (from 0.83+/-0.68 to 1.14+/-1.21 mg/dL, p=0.11). CRP levels remained unchanged in the control group (p=0.42). In contrast, statin lowered CRP levels (from 0.82+/-0.73 to 0.65+/-0.57 mg/dL, p=0.008). In patients taking statins, changes in CRP levels were not associated with changes in LDL-C (r=-0.02, p=0.87), but with baseline CRP levels (r=-0.38, p=0.000). CONCLUSION: Ezetimibe failed to reduce CRP levels in hypercholesterolemic patients taking statins despite significant reduction of LDL-C. This finding suggests that the anti-inflammatory effect of statin may not be secondary to cholesterol reduction, but via other mechanisms.

Effects of the Transition from Premenopause to Postmenopause on Lipids and Lipoproteins: Quantification and Related Parameters

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to quantitatively measure changes in lipids and lipoproteins during perimenopause and to identify variables related to these changes. METHODS: Among women who had three regular health evaluations over a span of 2-4 years, 34 women remained in the premenopausal state, 34 premenopausal women transitioned to the postmenopausal state, and 36 postmenopausal women were enrolled. The menopausal state was determined not only by a history of amenorrhea but also by levels of female sex hormones. Yearly changes in lipids were calculated using a linear regression of the three measurements. RESULTS: The transition from premenopause to postmenopause was associated with increased total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels by 7.4 +/- 8.0 mg/dL (4.2 +/- 4.9%) and 6.9 +/- 6.5 mg/dL (6.8 +/- 7.0%) over one year, resulting in an elevation of 19.6 +/- 22.6 mg/dL (10.9 +/- 13.0%) and 18.9 +/- 19.5 mg/dL (18.6 +/- 20.3%), respectively, during perimenopause. There were no changes observed in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Body weight, blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides did not change in any of the three groups. In all women, changes in both total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were associated with changes in follicle stimulating hormone (r = 0.40, p < 0.001 and r = 0.38, p < 0.001, respectively). Changes in triglycerides were associated with changes in body weight (r = 0.28, p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: During perimenopause, total and LDL cholesterol levels increase and these changes in cholesterol are mainly dependent on changes in female sex hormones.

The Impact of Mitral Annular Calcification on Left Ventricular Function in Nonagenarians

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is known to be associated with degenerative processes of the cardiac fibrous skeleton and cardiovascular disease mortality. However, MAC has not been evaluated in an extreme age group (patients > or =90 years of age). In this study, the clinical significance of MAC associated with aging was examined in this age group and compared with MAC associated with aging in a younger (20 to 50 years of age) group of patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We assessed echocardiographic parameters in 43 nonagenarians and 51 young patients. In the nonagenarian group, patient's age was 92+/-2 years and 27% were male; in the young control group, patient's age was 36+/-9 years and 51% were male. Comprehensive M-mode and Doppler echocardiography, including tissue Doppler imaging, were performed. The frequency and severity of MAC was assessed from the leading anterior to the trailing posterior edge at its largest width for least 3 cardiac cycles. RESULTS: Echocardiography showed that the left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic dimension was larger in the young controls (p=0.007); however, the ejection fraction (EF) was lower in the nonagenarian group (p=0.001). The frequency of MAC was greater in nonagenarians {42/43 (97%)} than in controls {9/51 (17%), p<0.0001}. The maximal width of MAC was larger in nonagenarians (0.52+/-0.17 mm and 0.05+/-0.13 mm, p<0.0001). MAC was correlated with LV mass index (g/m2) (r=0.280, p=0.014) and EF (%) (r=-0.340, p=0.001). More importantly, early mitral inflow velocity/early diastolic mitral annulus velocity (E/E') was strongly correlated with MAC in non-agenarians (r= 0.683, p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: MAC may be associated with extreme age and increased LV filling pressure in nonagenarians. Further study is necessary to assess the cardiovascular mortality and structural changes related to mitral annulus calcification associated with aging.

Acute Embolic Occlusion of the Left Common Iliac Artery Treated With Intra-Arterial Thrombolysis and Percutaneous Thrombectomy

Acute embolic occlusion of the common iliac artery is a rare medical emergency that is not only limbthreatening, but also potentially life-threatening. Several treatment options exist for acute limb ischemia, although no treatment is clearly best. We report a case of acute embolic occlusion of the left common iliac artery in a patient with atrial fibrillation who was treated successfully using mechanical thrombectomy following intra-arterial thrombolysis.

Atherosclerotic Progression Attenuates the Expression of Nogo-B in Autopsied Coronary Artery: Pathology and Virtual Histology Intravascular Ultrasound Analysis

The relation of Nogo-B to atherosclerotic plaque progression is not well understood. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess the expression of Nogo-B in fibroatheromas (FA) of different stages, classified using virtual histology intravascular ultrasound (VH-IVUS) analysis in 19 autopsied cases of non-sudden cardiac death. VH-IVUS imaging analysis was performed 30 mm from the ostium of each coronary artery. VH-IVUS revealed 11 early FAs (34.5+/-8.3 yr), 12 late FAs (42.6+/-16.6 yr), 8 thick-cap FAs (TkCFAs) (46.4+/-11.1 yr), and 6 thin-cap FAs (TCFAs) (51.8+/-6.8 yr). TkCFAs and TCFAs were defined as advanced FA. FA progression advanced with age (P=0.04). VH-IVUS analysis of small, early FAs showed smaller necrotic cores and relatively less calcium compared to more advanced FAs with large necrotic cores (P<0.001). Histopathology and immunohistochemical stains demonstrated that early or late FAs had smaller necrotic cores, less empty space of decalcification, and greater Nogo-B expression compared to advanced FAs (vs. early FA, P=0.013; vs. late FA, P=0.008, respectively). These findings suggest that FA progression is inversely associated with Nogo-B expression. Local reduction of Nogo-B may contribute to plaque formation and/or instability.

Relationship Between RR Intervals and Early Diastolic Mitral Annulus Velocities in Atrial Fibrillation Patients Who do not Have Significant Valvular Diseases

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Irregular RR intervals in atrial fibrillation (AF) results in beat to beat changes in hemodynamical parameters. Early diastolic mitral annulus velocity (E') is one of the parameters that represent diastolic function of the left ventricle (LV). In this study, we have investigated the effects of continuous changes of systolic functions in AF on the diastolic functions of the LV. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: E' (35-40 beats) was recorded in 31 AF patients that did not have significant valvular heart diseases. The relationships between preceding RR intervals (RR-1) or pre-preceding RR intervals (RR-2) and E's were obtained using a logarithmic function. RESULTS: Slopes between RR-1 and E' varied from -1.62 to 1.04 in total coordinates. In the logistic regression analysis patients with negative slopes were found to have a larger left atrial size than patients with positive slopes (5.5+/-0.67 cm vs. 4.9+/-0.56 cm, p=0.02). Slopes were negatively related with mean RR intervals in the Pearson correlation analysis (r=-0.40, p=0.028). Slopes between RR-2 and E' were also variable and were not associated with other parameters. CONCLUSION: Beat to beat changes in systolic functions derived from irregular RR intervals in AF had variable effects on diastolic functions among patients. The relationship between RR-1 and E' was associated with LA sizes and mean RR intervals.

The correlation between midwall function and carotid intima-media thickness in hypertensive patients / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In hypertensive patients, LV ejection fraction may be normal or high, thus limiting assessment of prognosis. This has led to a growing body of research using LV midwall fractional shortening (MWS) instead. The current study aims to assess LV midwall function in hypertension patients and to study its correlation with the intima-media thickness (IMT) of the carotid artery. METHODS: Echocardiography and ultrasonography of the carotid artery were conducted to establish a group of hypertension patients without major complications (n=136) and a control group (n=48). LV MWS was determined using two cylindrical models, and the IMT was measured. RESULTS: Compared with normotensive subjects, hypertensive adults exhibited higher LV mass index and lower LV MWS. A statistically significant correlation was found between the LV MWS and the average IMT in hypertension patients (r=-0.41). There was also a significant negative correlation among the maximum IMT (r=-0.40), LV mass index (r=-0.32), age (r=-0.31), and systolic blood pressure (r=-0.22). Regarding the prevalence of plaque in the carotid artery, the stage 1 hypertension group exhibited 16.7% prevalence, and the stage 2 hypertension group 32.9% prevalence, thereby showing far higher figures than the control group's 4.2%. CONCLUSIONS: The LV MWS in hypertension patients underwent a statistically significant decrease, and the correlation between LV MWS and the IMT of the carotid artery was found to be high compared with the general blood pressure index. LV MWS can be used as an indicator to assess the prognosis of hypertension patients.

Association of New Parameters Derived from Relation between RR intervals and Left Ventricular Performances with Heart Failure in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Normal Systolic Function

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Heart failure (HF) may occur in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with a normal left ventricular (LV) systolic function if the diastolic function is impaired. The association of new parameters from the relationship between the preceding RR interval (RR-1) and LV outflow peak ejection velocity (Vpe) with systolic function has been reported. The aim of this study was to observe whether these parameters were associated with HF in AF patients with a normal systolic function. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: AF patients with a normal systolic function were divided into two groups according to the presence (n=16) or absence (n=30) of a history of HF. From the logarithmic equation between RR-1 and Vpe, the slope, Vpe at RR-1 second (Vpe-1), and Slope/Vpe-1 were calculated. RESULTS: Patients with a history of HF were older (p=0.037) and tended to more frequently have hypertension (p=0.063) than those with no history of HF. The ejection fractions were similar between the two groups. In the coordinates with RR-1 from 0.6 to 1 second, the slope tended to be steeper (p=0.074) and slope/Vpe-1 was higher in patients with a history of HF (p=0.011). The Vpe-1 was similar between the two groups (p=0.66). A multiple forward logistic regression analysis showed that slope/Vpe-1 was the only independent variable associated with the occurrence of HF. Slope/Vpe-1 was related with aortic regurgitation, HF history, and the interventricular septal thickness in a multiple stepwise regression analysis. CONCLUSION: New parameters from the relationship between the RR intervals and LV performances were associated with the occurrence of HF in AF patients with a normal systolic function. This finding suggests that these parameters may be related with the LV diastolic function.

The Value of the First Two Minutes of Heart Rate Recovery after Exercise Treadmill Test in Predicting the Presence and Severity of Coronary Artery Disease

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The recent data has revealed that the first 1 minute and 2 minutes of heart rate recovery of patients who are being evaluated for chest pain and asymptomatic adults are associated with the overall mortality. However, the clinical significance of the heart rate recovery after exercise testing during the first 2 minutes for predicting the presence or severity of coronary artery disease and the correlation with the Duke treadmill score (DTS) have not been fully evaluated. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study population included 39 patients with significant coronary artery stenosis and 39 subjects with normal coronary arteries. All of them underwent a tread-mill exercise testing prior to coronary angiography. The differences in the heart rate recovery and the DTS between the two groups were investigated. The heart rate recovery and DTS between the multivessel disease group and single vessel disease group were also investigated. RESULTS: The heart rate recovery during the second minute (calculated by the heart rate at 1 minute-the heart rate at 2 minute) after exercise and the DTS were significantly lower in the coronary artery disease group. These parameters were also significantly lower in the multivessel disease group than those in the single vessel disease group. The heart rate recovery during the second minute and the DTS had positive linear correlation (R=0.281, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In this study, the heart rate recovery during the second minute was considered to be an additional important variable to predict the presence and severity of coronary artery disease.

A case of acute myocardial infarction associated with amphetamine abuse / 대한내과학회지

Acute myocardial infarction is a rarely reported complication of amphetamine abuse. We report here on a case of a 39-year-old man who presented with cardiac enzyme patterns, a clinical history and an ECG that were all compatible with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction. This was probably the result from self administration of intravenous amphetamine. The initial coronary angiogram (CAG) showed total occlusion of the distal right coronary artery (RCA) with a large thrombus. Because the RCA was tortuous and removal of thrombus was thought not to be easy, he was treated with thrombolytic therapy and intravenous heparin followed by oral warfarin. The follow-up CAGs at 2 weeks and 10 months later showed almost complete resolution of the coronary abnormalities. In this case, the early coronary angiography was thought to be helpful to determine the relative contribution of thrombus and spasm that were associated with amphetamine abuse.