Relationship between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and impaired myocardial perfusion in cardiac syndrome X.

OBJECTIVE: Myocardial tissue perfusion is decreased in patients with cardiac syndrome X (CSX). Systemic inflammation appears to be an important contributor to the diseased microvascular network of these patients. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a surrogate marker of inflammation. Accordingly, we evaluated this biomarker concerning the microvascular circulation of CSX patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included 60 consecutive patients (54.1 ± 7.8 years of age, 49 females) with CSX (typical chest pain, positive exercise stress test results, and normal coronary angiograms) and 60 consecutive age- and sex-matched control subjects. In all coronary territories, epicardial coronary flow was assessed by the Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction frame count (TFC) method, and myocardial tissue perfusion was assessed by the myocardial blush grade (MBG) method. Normal myocardial perfusion was accepted as an MBG score of 3 in all coronary territories. RESULTS: Patients with CSX had higher NLRs than those of control subjects (1.98 ± 0.77 vs 1.72 ± 0.55, respectively; p = 0.04). Among patients with CSX, those with impaired myocardial perfusion had higher NLRs than those with normal myocardial perfusion (2.13 ± 0.82 vs 1.71 ± 0.59, respectively; p = 0.028). There was a negative correlation between the NLR and total MBG score (p = 0.027, r = -0.29). Logistic regression analysis showed that the NLR was an independent and negative predictor of myocardial tissue perfusion (p = 0.027; Beta, -1.057; odds ratio, 2.878; 95% confidence interval, 1.129-7.335). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with CSX have high NLRs, and inflammation seems to be associated with distorted myocardial perfusion in these patients.

The prevalence and types of cardiovascular disease in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing renal transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common cause of death in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) as well as in renal transplant recipients (RTR). In this study we sought to evaluate the prevalence and the types of CVD in patients with ESRD undergoing renal transplantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The data of 500 consecutive patients with ESRD undergoing renal transplantation were evaluated retrospectively. Demographic findings, clinical variables, and laboratory results including invasive and noninvasive cardiologic tests were recorded. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 31.6 ± 10.2 years, of whom 133 (26.6%) were female. The prevalence of major atherosclerotic risk was as follows: hypertension 62.2%, diabetes mellitus 3.4%, smoking 26.4%, dyslipidemia 13.2%, and family history of atherosclerosis 9.8%. Treadmill exercise test was performed on 139 subjects, and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy on 73. Coronary artery disease was identified in 16 of 42 cases (38.1%) who had undergone angiography. Eight patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention, and coronary bypass surgery was performed on 4 cases prior to renal transplantation. On echocardiographic examination mean ejection fraction was 51.9 ± 7.1%, and wall motion abnormality was detected in 15% of cases. The most prevalent valvular disease was mitral regurgitation (45.8%) followed by tricuspid regurgitation (30.6%). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate that CVD and atherosclerotic risk factors are common in patients with ESRD undergoing renal transplantion. With regard to the prognostic significance, pretransplantation identification of these conditions is of paramount importance. As a result, improved detection of occult CV disorders results in the possiblity of improved outcomes following renal transplantation.

Value of stress myocardial perfusion scanning in diagnosis of severe coronary artery disease in liver transplantation candidates.

BACKGROUND: The significant potential for perioperative and late cardiovascular complications makes careful preoperative cardiac risk assessment imperative in liver transplantation candidates. OBJECTIVE: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of myocardial perfusion scanning for detection of coronary artery disease (CAD) in liver transplantation candidates. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We prospectively evaluated 93 liver transplantation candidates. Patients with known CAD were excluded. All patients, regardless of symptoms and risk factors, underwent myocardial perfusion scanning and coronary angiography. RESULTS: Results of myocardial perfusion scanning were abnormal in 64 patients (68.8%) and normal in 29 patients (31.2%). Of patients with abnormal scans, only 6 (9.4%) had severe CAD at coronary angiography. None of the 29 patients with normal perfusion scans and the 24 patients with fixed defects had severe CAD; however, 6 of 40 patients (15.0%) with reversible perfusion defects had severe CAD at coronary angiography (P = .005). Alcoholic liver disease, reversible perfusion defects at myocardial perfusion scanning, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, and higher low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly associated with CAD. Defining reversible perfusion defects as a sign of ischemia, and fixed defects and normal perfusion as nonischemic, myocardial perfusion scanning had 100% sensitivity but 61% specificity for severe CAD. The test's accuracy was low (38%). CONCLUSIONS: The results of reversible perfusion defects on myocardial perfusion scanning were sensitive but not specific for CAD in liver transplantation candidates. The high number of false-positive results decreased the test's accuracy.

Epicardial adipose tissue thickness by echocardiography is a marker for the presence and severity of coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), which is thought to be a component of visceral adiposity, is associated with the metabolic syndrome. We aimed to test the hypothesis that echocardiographic EAT thickness can be a marker for the presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). METHOD AND RESULTS: In all, 150 patients (100 patients with CAD and 50 patients with normal coronary arteries by diagnostic coronary angiography; 65 women, 85 men; mean age 55.7+/-7.4 years) were enrolled. EAT thickness was measured using 2-D echocardiographic parasternal long- and short-axis views. EAT thickness measurements were compared with angiographic findings. EAT thickness was significantly higher in patients with CAD in comparison to those with normal coronary arteries (6.9+/-1.5 mm vs. 4.4+/-0.8 mm; P<0.001). Furthermore, EAT thickness increased with the severity of CAD (multivessel disease 7.4+/-1.2 mm vs. single vessel disease 5.7+/-1.7 mm; P<0.001). Gensini's score significantly correlated with EAT thickness (r=0.600, P<0.001). EAT thickness of > or = 5.2 mm had 85% sensitivity and 81% specificity (ROC area 0.914, P<0.001, 95% CI [0.86-0.96]) for predicting CAD. CONCLUSION: EAT thickness, which is easily and non-invasively evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography, can be an adjunctive marker to classical risk factors for the prediction of CAD.

Incidence of aspirin resistance and its relationship with cardiovascular risk factors and graft function in renal transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Aspirin (ASA) is frequently used to prevent cardiovascular events and improve renal graft function after renal transplantation. Clinical studies have demonstrated that decreased responsiveness to ASA therapy is associated with an increased risk of atherothrombotic events. However, no clinical trial to date has evaluated the incidence and clinical importance of ASA resistance among renal transplant recipients. AIM: To assess the incidence of ASA resistance and its association with cardiovascular risk factors (CRF) and renal graft function after renal transplantation. METHODS: We prospectively included 40 patients undergoing living related donor renal transplantation using ASA (80 mg/d) in the study. ASA resistance was defined using a platelet function analyzer (PFA-100). Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was measured by postoperative Tc-99m diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid renal scintigraphy. We investigated the incidence of ASA resistance and its relationship to CRF and renal graft function. RESULTS: ASA resistance was noted in 11 patients (27.5%). The demographic characteristics of the patients were similar in both groups (P > .05). Compared with patients in the ASA-sensitive group, patients in the ASA-resistant group showed significantly higher total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, C-reactive protein, and fibrinogen levels and lower GFRs (44 +/- 21 mL/min vs 63 +/- 26 mL/min, P = .03). The incidence of ASA resistance was higher among patients with GFRs < 60 mL/min compared with those with a GFR >or= 60 mL/min (10% vs 1%; P = .012). CONCLUSION: ASA resistance is associated with higher lipid levels and inflammatory and thrombotic cardiovascular risk factors and lower GFRs in renal transplant recipients.

Lipid profiles of patients with a transplanted heart before and after the operation.

BACKGROUND: Graft coronary artery disease, a serious problem after orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT), has multifactorial etiologies with dyslipidemia as one of the major risk factors. In this study we examined lipid profiles and drug therapy of our patients before and after OHT. METHODS: Thirteen patients who underwent OHT at our center were enrolled in the study. We noted the patients' clinical and demographic data and current medications as well as pre- and postoperative lipid values. RESULTS: The mean age of the study group was 32.0 +/- 13.2 years with three women. Compared to the preoperative values, significant increases were detected in the mean levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (81.3 +/- 29.1 vs 103.5 +/- 22.2 mg/dL; P = .03) and total cholesterol (142.0 +/- 58.5 vs 184.0 +/- 37.8 mg/dL; P = .02), while triglyceride (113.5 +/- 67.3 vs 137.0 +/- 69.9 mg/dL; P = .1) and high-density lipoprotein (42.7 +/- 10.2 vs 48.7 +/- 14.4 mg/dL; P = .2) levels did not change significantly at 2 to 3 months postoperatively. On follow-up eight patients were prescribed a statin (atorvastatin in all), one of whom was on ezetimibe in addition to statin and one, fenofibrate. The patients tolerated lipid-lowering agents well; no significant side effect was noted. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrated increased lipid values, mainly in total cholesterol and LDL levels, after OHT. Regarding the importance of dyslipidemia as a major atherosclerotic risk factor, we believe that statins in the absence of a contraindication should be part of the treatment protocol in patients with a transplanted heart.

Effects of rosiglitazone on plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels and myocardial performance index in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Thiazolidinediones (TZD) have become a powerful tool for lowering insulin resistance. The problem of cardiovascular adverse events including fluid retention and risk of heart failure should be well known and recognised. We aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of rosiglitazone on cardiac function and fluid dynamics. Forty-six type 2 diabetic patients were randomised to treatment with rosiglitazone or metformin or to a control group. There are no significant differences between the groups in the duration of diabetes, HbA1c, plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, body mass index and myocardial performance indexes (MPIs) before the treatment. After three and six months all these parameters were repeated. Rosiglitazone increased plasma BNP levels and worsened MPIs 3 months after the start of treatment. Also left ventricular end-systolic volume increased and weight gain was observed. But these results were statistically non-significant (all p>0.05). When we continued rosiglitazone treatment to six months the increase in BNP levels became soft and statistically significant improvements were seen in MPIs (p<0.01). Also left ventricular end-systolic volume decreased significantly (p=0.004) and weight gain was stopped. In patients with type 2 diabetes, TZD treatment might have slight adverse effects on ventricular contractility and fluid dynamics at the beginning of the therapy. However, these changes seem to stabilise in the long term.

Effects of immunosuppressive drugs on serum lipid levels in renal transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Hyperlipidemia is an important metabolic disorder that is common among renal transplant recipients. This study investigated the possible effects of transplantation and immunosuppressive drugs on lipid profiles in this patient group. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the records of 179 patients who underwent renal transplantation between 1996 and 2000, recording lipid profile findings-total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), and triglyceride (TG)-before and at least 6 months after transplantation. We also recorded patient demographics, underlying renal disorder, and immunosuppressive drug regimens. RESULTS: Sixty-nine (38.5%) patients were women and 110 men (61.5%). The mean age (+/- SD) of the 179 recipients was 35.7 +/- 11.8 years (range, 11 to 62 years). The respective pre- versus posttransplantation lipid profile findings were: TC, 171.6 +/- 42.4 mg/dL versus 204.7 +/- 45.3 mg/dL, P < .001; LDLc, 114.5 +/- 34.5 mg/dL versus 142.2 +/- 39.7 mg/dL, P < .001; HDLc, 46.7 +/- 13.6 mg/dL versus 42.5 +/- 12.3 mg/dL, P = .001; TG, 142.9 +/- 55.7 mg/dL versus 178.8 +/- 71.8 mg/dL, P < .001. Increased lipid levels were found to be independent of patient age, sex, donor type, and immunosuppressive drug regimen. CONCLUSION: The results suggested that antihyperlipidemic drugs should be administered routinely to renal transplant recipients irrespective of the immunosuppressive drug regimen or graft source.

Hypertension and arrhythmia: blood pressure control and beyond.

Arrhythmias are common problems in hypertensive patients. The presence and complexity of both supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias may influence morbidity, mortality, as well as the quality of life of patients. Diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle, left atrial size and function, and left ventricular hypertrophy have been suggested as the underlying risk factors for supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias in hypertensives. Recently, several non-invasive electrocardiographic parameters have been defined and widely investigated to identify the hypertensive patient at risk for the development of arrhythmias. These parameters include signal averaged analysis of P wave, QT interval dispersion, heart rate variability, ventricular late potentials and T wave morphology analysis. The aim of this review was to evaluate the relationships between high blood pressure, ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias, relevant non-invasive cardiac parameters for risk assessment in hypertensive patients and the effects of blood pressure control.

Echocardiographic evidence of cardiac involvement in ankylosing spondylitis.

Aortic insufficiency, myocardial fibrosis and conduction disturbances are known complications of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). However, few studies have assessed left ventricular diastolic function and no data are available about P-wave analysis. In this study 88 AS patients and 31 healthy volunteers underwent clinical examination, electrocardiography, echocardiography and signal-averaged P-wave analysis for the evaluation of asymptomatic cardiac involvement. The aortic root in AS patients was larger and this was correlated with the duration of the disease. Five of 88 AS patients (5.7%) had evidence of mitral valve prolapse, six (6.8%) had thick and redundant mitral valves without prolapse, five (5.7%) had mild mitral regurgitation, two had moderate (2.3%) and two had mild (2.3%) aortic regurgitation. Examination of diastolic function revealed a lower peak of E-wave velocity (E) and E/A ratio, a higher peak of A-wave velocity (A) and acceleration rate of the A wave, a longer deceleration time of E-wave velocity and isovolumic relaxation time in the AS group compared to controls. Mean filtered P-wave duration (PWD) in AS was similar to that of controls. However, PWD in AS patients was positively correlated with left atrial dimension and acceleration rate of the A wave and negatively correlated with E and E/A ratio. In conclusion, cardiac involvement may be seen in AS patients in the absence of clinical manifestations. Echocardiographic examination of diastolic function can be used in this asymptomatic period. Further studies are needed to clarify the prognostic significance of diastolic abnormalities and the value of P-wave analysis in cardiac evaluation of these patients.

The effects of chronic carvedilol therapy on QT dispersion in patients with congestive heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Carvedilol therapy reduces mortality from sudden cardiac death and progressive pump failure in congestive heart failure (CHF). However, the effect(s) of carvedilol on ventricular repolarization characteristics is unclear. AIM: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of chronic carvedilol therapy on ventricular repolarization characteristics as assessed by QT dispersion (QTd) in patients with CHF. METHOD: Nineteen patients (age 53+/-12 years; 16 male, three female) with CHF (eight ischemic, 11 non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy) were prospectively included in the study. Carvedilol was administered in addition to standard therapy for CHF at a dose of 3.125 mg bid and uptitrated biweekly to the maximum tolerated dose. From standard 12-lead electrocardiograms the maximum and minimum QT intervals (QTmax, QTmin), QTd, corrected QT intervals (QTcmax, QTcmin) and corrected QTd (QTcd) values were calculated at baseline, after the 2nd and the 16th month of carvedilol therapy. RESULTS: A significant reduction was noted in the QTd and QTcd values with carvedilol therapy after the 16th month (QTd: 81+/-22 ms vs. 40+/-4.3 ms P<0.001; QTcd: 91+/-25 ms vs. 51+/-7 ms P<0.001), but not after the 2nd month (P>0.05). The resting heart rate was also significantly reduced after a 16-month course of carvedilol therapy (78+/-13 bpm vs. 66+/-15 bpm, P<0.05). Carvedilol therapy did not alter QTmax and QTcmax intervals (P>0.05), however, QT min and QTcmin significantly increased with carvedilol at the 16th month (P<0.001 and P<0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION: Long-term carvedilol therapy was associated with a reduction in QTd, an effect that might contribute to the favorable effects of carvedilol in reducing sudden cardiac death in CHF.

Hormone replacement therapy to improve left ventricular diastolic functions in healthy postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of estrogen and estrogen plus progesterone replacement therapy on left ventricular systolic and diastolic function parameters in healthy postmenopausal women. METHODS: Forty-six healthy consecutive postmenopausal women were prospectively enrolled. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which was either 0.625 mg/day conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) alone, or with 2.5 mg/day medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) was administered depending on the hysterectomy status. Left ventricular systolic and diastolic function parameters were evaluated with echocardiography before and after 6 months of HRT. The paired t-test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Estrogen or estrogen plus progesterone did not significantly alter the left ventricular dimensions and systolic function parameters. However, significant improvements were noted in several diastolic function parameters including late diastolic mitral flow velocity, ratio of early to late mitral flow velocity and isovolumic relaxation time (P=0.003, P=0.001 and P=0.005, respectively, for the CEE group; all P<0.001 for the CEE+MPA group). CONCLUSIONS: Estrogen or estrogen plus progesterone replacement therapy may significantly improve left ventricular diastolic functions in healthy postmenopausal women.

Effects of hormone replacement therapy on heart rate variability in postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is associated with reduced cardiovascular risk, but the underlying mechanism(s) are not fully understood. This study investigated the effects of a 6-month course of HRT on cardiac autonomic function parameters assessed by heart rate variability (HRV) in postmenopausal women. METHODS: Forty-six healthy postmenopausal women (age 48 +/- 5, range 40-60) with normal baseline electrocardiogram and negative exercise testing were enrolled. HRT, which was either 0.625 mg/day conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) plus 2.5 mg/day medroxyprogesterone acetate or 0.625 mg/day CEE alone were administered depending on hysterectomy status. Power spectral analysis of HRV was performed to calculate the low frequency component in absolute (LF) and normalized units (LF nu), high frequency component in absolute (HF), and normalized units (HF nu), and the LF/HF ratio. The standard deviation of RR intervals (SDNN) was calculated from the time series of RR intervals. RESULTS: A 6-month course of HRT did not significantly alter resting heart rate (P > 0.05). The LF/HF ratio and LF nu significantly decreased after HRT (P = 0.022 and P = 0.032), whereas a significant increase was noted in the HF component of HRV (P = 0.043), indicating an improvement in cardiac autonomic function. The SDNN value, which was 28.8 +/- 11.8 ms before HRT significantly increased to 35.4 +/- 16.7 ms after 6 months (P = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that a 6-month course of HRT may significantly improve cardiac autonomic function parameters, a finding that could at least partly explain the potential cardioprotective effect(s) of HRT.

Soy protein diet significantly improves endothelial function and lipid parameters.

BACKGROUND: Replacement of animal protein with soy protein in the diet is associated with decreased cholesterol levels. However, the effects of soy protein diet on endothelial function are not well known. HYPOTHESIS: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of soy protein diet on plasma lipids and endothelial function parameters assessed by two different methods. METHODS: Twenty hypercholesterolemic, nonsmoker male patients (age 50.1+/-11.8 years), with a normal body mass index, were included. After calculating their daily requirements, a diet with 25-30% of energy from fats. 10-12% from proteins, and the rest from carbohydrates was instituted. Sixty percent of the animal source proteins of the diet were substituted by soy. The anthropometric measures, lipid parameters, and endothelial functions of the subjects were assessed at baseline and 6 weeks after soy protein diet. Flow-mediated endothelium-dependent dilatation (EDD) and plasma thrombomodulin (TM) levels were evaluated as endothelial function parameters. RESULTS: After diet, plasma total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and triglyceride levels decreased significantly (p <0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.039, and p = 0.001, respectively). The mean plasma TM levels were also significantly reduced with diet (p = 0.004). Studies of the brachial artery indicated a borderline dilatation in baseline brachial artery diameter (p = 0.05), however the diameter at reactive hyperemia was significantly larger after diet (p<0.001), resulting in a significant improvement of EDD (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Soy protein diet significantly improves plasma lipid profile in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Furthermore, the endothelial function, as judged by two different methods (EDD and plasma TM levels), also improves with soy protein diet.

Diastolic dysfunction and increased serum homocysteine concentrations may contribute to increased cardiovascular risk in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To assess cardiac flow parameters in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). DESIGN: A prospective case-control study. SETTING: University-based hospital. PATIENT(S): Thirty consecutive patients with PCOS were enrolled. Thirty women with regular menstrual cycles served as the controls. INTERVENTION(S): Systolic and diastolic function parameters were assessed by standard two-dimensional and M-mode echocardiography. Insulin sensitivity was evaluated by a standard 75-g oral glucose tolerance test and area-under-curve insulin analysis. Serum hormones, lipid profile, homocysteine, vitamin B(12), folate, fibrinogen, uric acid, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-I concentrations were measured. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Systolic and diastolic function parameters, insulin sensitivity and serum homocysteine levels. RESULT(S): The mean serum homocysteine and uric acid concentrations were significantly higher in the PCOS group. Patients with PCOS had significant hyperinsulinemia. All systolic function parameters were comparable between the two groups. However, patients with PCOS had significantly lower peak mitral flow velocity in early diastole and significantly lower ratio between the early and late peak mitral flow velocities and also had significantly longer isovolumic relaxation time, reflecting a trend for nonrestrictive-type diastolic dysfunction. The area-under-curve insulin correlated positively with peak mitral flow velocity in late diastole (r = 0.375). The mean cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein ratio correlated negatively with mean mitral flow velocity in early diastole (E) peak (r = -0.474). The mean fasting insulin level correlated negatively with mean E/A ratio (r = -0.387). CONCLUSION(S): Diastolic dysfunction and increased serum homocysteine concentrations may contribute to increased cardiovascular disease risk in patients with PCOS.

Extent of coronary atherosclerosis and homocysteine affect endothelial markers.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of the presence, extent, and clinical stability of coronary artery disease on endothelial function parameters, C-reactive protein and homocysteine levels. Fifty-eight patients with angiographically documented coronary artery disease and 25 patients with normal coronary arteries were evaluated for risk factors, plasma homocysteine, C-reactive protein, and soluble adhesion molecule levels. Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and sE-selectin were significantly higher in the group with coronary artery disease than in healthy subjects (p = 0.005 and p = 0.031, respectively). Patients with unstable angina had significantly higher C-reactive protein (p < 0.001), troponin I (p < 0.01), and leukocyte counts (p < 0.05) than those with stable angina. sE-selectin levels were correlated with the extent of coronary atherosclerosis (r = 0.444, p < 0.05), and plasma homocysteine levels were associated with vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (r = 0.479, p < 0.05) in unstable cases. These results suggest that vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and sE-selectin are useful for determining the presence of coronary atherosclerosis, whereas C-reactive protein, troponin 1, and leukocyte count are predictors of clinical stability.

What is the optimal evaluation time of the QT dispersion after acute myocardial infarction for the risk stratification?

The sequential changes of the corrected QT dispersion (QTcD) were studied in 136 patients 1 day to 30 days after a transmural acute myocardial infarction (AMI) to investigate the optimal measurement time of QT dispersion for risk stratification. The study group included 136 patients (89 men; mean age, 57+/-10 years) with transmural AMI who were treated with thrombolytics (Tr+ group, n = 73) or not (Tr- group, n = 63) and 65 healthy controls (43 men; mean age, 56+/-7 years). Fourteen patients in whom ventricular tachycardia (VT), ventricular fibrillation (VF), or sudden cardiac death developed during the 30-day period were also evaluated as major cardiac arrhythmia (MCA) group. ECGs were obtained for each patient on days 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, and 30 after AMI. QTc dispersion in patients with AMI (for every period of QTcD after MI) was significantly more prolonged than in normal controls (49.3+/-16.3 ms) (p<0.001). QTcD was significantly greater in patients without thrombolytics than in patients with thrombolytics for every period (days 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, and 30) of QTcD after MI (p<0.001). The mean of QTcD was significantly greater in patients with MCA than in patients without MCA group for every period (days 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, and 30) of QTcD after MI (p < 0.05). Maximal QTcD was seen on day 10 (p < 0.05 1st vs day 10 for each group) after myocardial infarction, and then reached a plateau for an each group. The ideal time to measure the QTD for risk stratification is at least 10 days after AMI.

No evidence of cardiac autonomic involvement in ankylosing spondylitis, as assessed by heart rate variability.

The aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of autonomic nervous system (ANS) function by using power spectral analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) method in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The study included 94 AS patients all fulfilling the New York criteria for AS, and 49 healthy volunteers. Recordings for HRV were obtained with a PC-based high-resolution electrocardiographic system and analysed using power spectral analysis. The peak around 0.04-0.15 Hz was defined as low-frequency peak (LF) and the other, around 0. 15-0.40 Hz, was defined as high-frequency peak (HF), representing mostly the sympathetic and the parasympathetic components of the ANS, respectively. The following variables were calculated and compared between groups: the LF in absolute and normalised units (LF nU); the HF in absolute and normalised units (HF nU); and LF/HF ratio. The AS group included 47 male and 47 female subjects with a mean age of 33 +/- 11 years (range 16-64). In the control group there were 23 male and 26 female healthy subjects (mean age 33 +/- 8; range 19-60). None of the patients or control subjects had any cardiac or neurological symptoms. Both groups were similar with respect to age and sex characteristics (p > 0.05). The HRV analysis indicated that the peaks of LF, LF nU, HF, HF nU and LF/HF ratio were similar in both groups. Groups also did not differ with respect to heart rate at the time of examination. Our data demonstrated no evidence of ANS involvement as assessed by HRV analysis in AS patients.

Hormone replacement therapy shortens QT dispersion in healthy postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on myocardial repolarization characteristics in postmenopausal women without coronary artery disease. METHODS: Fifty-one consecutive healthy postmenopausal women (age 48 +/- 5) with negative exercise stress testing were prospectively enrolled into the study. Standard 12-lead electrocardiograms were obtained to evaluate the effects of 6 months of HRT on QT intervals, corrected QT intervals (QTcmax and QTcmin), QT dispersion (QTd), and corrected QTd (QTcd). Hormone regimens were continuous 0.625 mg/day conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) plus 2.5 mg/day medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) or 0.625 mg/day CEE alone depending on the hysterectomy status. RESULTS: Although not statistically significant, CEE alone or in combination with MPA increased QTmax and QTmin values. However, the increase in QTmin was greater than the increase in QTmax, which resulted in statistically significant shortening of QTd (P = 0.007 in CEE and P < 0.001 in CEE + MPA groups). There was a significant prolongation of QTcmin values after 6 months in patients assigned to the CEE group (P = 0.001). The QTcd values were significantly shortened by HRT with both regimens (for CEE group 49 +/- 13 ms vs 38 +/- 13 ms, P = 0.01; for CEE + MPA group 49 +/- 14 ms vs 36 +/- 13, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: HRT significantly decreased the QTd and QTcd in postmenopausal women without coronary artery disease, independent of the addition of MPA to the regimen. This improvement in myocardial repolarization may be one of the mechanisms of the favorable effects of HRT on cardiovascular system. However, the clinical implications of the shortening of QTd in postmenopausal women with HRT must be clarified.

The diagnostic value of 12-lead electrocardiogram in predicting infarct-related artery and right ventricular involvement in acute inferior myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to investigate the predictive value of presentation and 24-hour electrocardiograms in defining the infarct-related artery (IRA), its lesion segment, and the right ventricular involvement in acute inferior myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS: One hundred forty-nine patients with acute inferior MI were included. Infarct-related artery, its lesion segment, and the validity of new ECG criteria for the diagnosis of right ventricular MI (RVMI) were investigated by means of criteria obtained from admission and 24- hour ECGs. RESULTS: The presence of ST-segment elevation in lead III > lead II criterion (Criterion 1) and ST-segment depression in lead I > lead aVL criterion (Criterion 2) from admission ECG defined the right coronary artery (RCA) as IRA with a sensitivity of 64% and a specificity of 100%. These two criteria also defined the proximal or mid lesions in RCA as culprit lesions (sensitivity of 99%, specificity of 96%). Absence of these two criteria indicated Cx as IRA with a sensitivity of 50% and a specificity of 97%. The depth of Q wave in lead III > lead II criterion (Criterion 3) had no value for discrimination of IRA, but the width of Q wave in lead III > lead II criterion (Criterion 4) supported the RCA to be IRA with a sensitivity of 60% and a specificity of 61% (Criteria 3 and 4 were obtained from 24-hour ECGs). The finding of Criterion 1 plus Criterion 5 (ST elevation in V(1) but no ST elevation in V2) on admission ECG had a sensitivity of 63% and a specificity of 99% in the diagnosis of RVMI. CONCLUSION: We concluded that 12-lead ECG is a cheap, easy, and readily obtainable diagnostic approach in discrimination of IRA and its culprit lesion segment. However, despite high specificity, due to moderate degree sensitivity, its value for the diagnosis of RVMI is questionable.