[Possibilities of Computed Tomography of the Heart in Risk Stratification and Determination of Optimal Strategy of Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Complications of Atherosclerosis].

Modern strategies of primary prevention of cardiovascular complications of atherosclerotic etiology are presented in this article: traditional approach based on assessment of risk of development of complication and coming to replace it concept of prevention based on direct application of results of prospective clinical studies. The article contains detailed presentation of new opportunities of computer tomography of the heart allowing to substantially elevate precision of assessment of risk of cardiovascular complications of atherosclerotic etiology. Main attention is paid to the coronary artery calcification index, which determination substantially simpli- fies decision making relative to strategy of primary prevention in clinical practice.

[Atrial Contractile Function in Patients With Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation].

UNLABELLED: The aim of study was to investigate atrial contractile function in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) in sinus rhythm using transthoracic echocardiography. METHODS: 35 patients with paroxysmal AF and arterial hypertension (mean age 62 ± 10 years, 43% males) were enrolled in the study. Control group was composed of comparable patients with arterial hypertension without heart rhythm disturbances. We found significant depression of atrial contraction function in patients with AF in sinus rhythm expressed as decrease in left atrium EF, A' velocity and VTI, and increase in A/A' ratio, whereas peak a velocity was not affected. Patients with AF has markedly depressed atrial contractile function in sinus rhythm, to improve measurements accuracy we propose to use A/A' ratio as LA contractile function marker minimally dependent from LV diastolic function.