The Effects of Single Pill Combinations on Adherence and Blood Pressure Control in Hypertensive Patients.

Background: Hypertension is the most important risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Blood pressure control rates are as low as 17% to 31% in patients diagnosed with hypertension in high-income countries; control rates are likely poorer in low- to middle- and low-income countries. Blood pressure control rates are as low as 17% to 31% in patients diagnosed with hypertension in high-income countries; control rates are likely poorer in low- to middle- and low- income countries. Overall, 43% to 66% of patients fail to adhere to their prescribed antihypertensive medications, and after 1 year, ≈40% of patients with hypertension may stop their initial drug treatment. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of single pill combination antihypertensive drugs on the adherence to treatment, blood pressure control and cardiovascular events vs. free-combination therapy. Methods: We enrolled 192 adult hypertensive patients not older than 79 years, with untreated or uncontrolled hypertension despite previously receiving free combination antihypertensive therapy, between November 2020 and March 2022. Patients treated with single pill combination (SPC) were compared with an arm of the same size (n = 96) and matched by age and gender who received a standard free combination (FC) antihypertensive therapy. Results: There were significant reductions from baseline to month 6 of follow-up in office SBP in the SPC group vs. reduction in FC group (21.9 vs. 13.1 mmHg; p < 0.0001). There were significant reductions from baseline to month 6 of follow-up in office DBP in the SPC group vs. group with free-combination therapy (13.7 vs. 8.0 mmHg; p < 0.0001). At 6 months, 94 participants (98%) were still prescribed the SPC therapy. At the final 6-month study visit, 84.2% of patients in the SPC therapy group were adherent to the prescribed antihypertensive therapy vs. 52% of patients in the FC group. Target BP values (mean 24h ambulatory systolic/diastolic BP < 130/80 mmHg) were reached by more recipients of SPC than free-combination therapy (78.2% vs. 46.3%, p < 0.05) at month 6 of follow-up. Conclusion: Treatment with single pill combinations (SPC), is the emerging best practice for safe, effective, rapid, and convenient hypertension control. It improves the affordability, adherence and control of arterial hypertension.

The Diagnostic Value of Combined 24-h BP and ECG Holter Monitoring in Detection of Cardiac Arrhythmias in Patients with Arterial Hypertension.

Background: 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. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of combined 24h BP and ECG Holter monitoring in detection of cardiac arrhythmias in patients with arterial hypertension. Methods: We analyzed the simultaneous records of combined 24h BP and ECG Holter monitoring for 356 adult patients with diagnosed arterial hypertension in the period from January 2017 until January 2021 year. The cardiac arrhythmias were classified in three main groups as following: a) Supraventricular arrhythmias; b) Ventricular arrhythmias; c) Bradyarrhythmia's. Standard transthoracic echocardiograms were performed in order to evaluate signs of hypertensive or structural heart disease with focus on left ventricle hypertrophy and LV function. Results: Patients had a mean age of 64 ± 11years, 62% male. Average clinic BP was 153.4+18/87.5+14 mmHg. More than 46% of patients displayed a very high-risk profile. In all enrolled patients, cardiac arrhythmia was detected in 302 (84%) patients. The total number of patients with supraventricular arrhythmias was 153 (50,7%). Ventricular arrhythmias were detected in 98 (32,5%) patients. Bradyarrhythmia's were detected in 51 (16,9%) patients. Elevated resting heart rate in sinus rhythm was detected in 87 (31,6%) of 275 patients with sinus rhythm. Conclusion: Most arrhythmias are related to longstanding arterial hypertension. Effective treatment of arterial hypertension plays important role in preventing structural and functional cardiac abnormalities which will contribute to the reduction of cardiac arrhythmias in hypertensive patients.

Myocardial Surgical Revascularization in Patients with Reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction.

Background: Myocardial surgical revascularization in patients with low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is accompanied by a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate and eliminate the reasons for the most common perioperative and postoperative complications. Methods: A total of 64 were analyzed. of patients during 2019 who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), average age 61.29±9.12 years. Results: Out of the total number of operated patients, there were 16 women and 48 men. Patients were divided into two groups. The first group consisted of patients who underwent surgery with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (cCABG-CPB) and the second group those who underwent surgery without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (OPCAB). In 41 patients, myocardial infarction was previously recorded. Critical stenosis of the main trunk of the left coronary artery was present in 14 patients. The incidence of postoperative complications was higher in the cCABG-CPB 16/10 group (p0.030). Conclusion: In our study, we confirmed that myocardial revascularization is justified, especially in the case of multivessel coronary disease. In the long term, it significantly improves the systolic function of the left ventricle, and thus and quality and length of life.

Transcatheter Device Closure of Secundum Atrial Septal Defect in Adult Patient.

BACKGROUND: Atrial septal abnormalities are common congenital lesions remaining asymptomatic until adulthood in a great number of patients. The most frequent atrial septal defects in adults are ostium secundum atrial septal defect (ASD). Complications from untreated, hemodynamically significant ASD are atrial arrhythmia, paradoxical embolization, Eisenmenger's syndrome, pulmonary hypertension, and right ventricular failure. OBJECTIVE: We present a case report of secundum ASD in adult female patient who underwent transcatheter device closure with Amplatzer occluder. METHODS AND RESULTS: The case of female Bosnian patient 50 years old who lives in Belgium for 20 years ago and during her visit to Bosnia she came to our polyclinic for cardiological exam. Echocardiographic exam showed enlargement of left atrium (LAD 51mm), right atrium and ventricle (RAD 46mm, RVd 33mm), atrial septal defect 9mm with left right shunt Qp:Qs 2,3:1. Several months later transcatheter device closure with Amplatzer occluder was performed and subsequent symptomatic improvement reported after closure. CONCLUSION: Echocardiography has superior role for precise evaluation of ASD type secundum who are suitable for transcatheter device closure as primary treatment option. Transcatheter techniques has now become preferable to surgical repair and provide valid option of treatment for this type of CHD.

Risk Factors in Patients with Non-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

INTRODUCTION: The most common cause of myocardial ischemia is atherosclerotic epicardial coronary artery disease, present in 90% of patients. Risk factors positively correlate with the onset, development and subsequent complications of atherosclerotic disease. AIM: Determine the percentage frequency of classic risk factors for coronary disease in patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), with regard to gender. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 600 respondents, treated for NSTEMI at the Clinic for Internal Medicine of the University Clinical Center (UKC) Tuzla, in the period from June 2016 to December 2019. RESULTS: Overall, smoking was the leading risk factor (65%), followed by hypertension (58%), hyperlipoproteinemia (39%), overweight (33%), positive family burden (30%) and diabetes mellitus (19%). In male patients, the leading risk factor was smoking, rating at 74%, while in female patients - it was hypertension at 67%. In younger groups of patients leading risk factors were smoking and a positive family burden. CONCLUSION: With adequate prevention and treatment measures, a significant reduction in the prevalence of the cardiovascular disease can be achieved, since the risk factors for its development have long been known. Quitting smoking is one of the most effective secondary prevention measure since it reduces the reinfarction risk rate by 50%. Knowledge of coronary risks, as well as success in reducing them, can greatly contribute to patients' overall sense of contentment and significantly raise their self-confidence.

Pharmacological Prophylaxis of Atrial Fibrillation After Surgical Myocardial Revascularization.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation (POAF) is associated with a higher rate of postoperative complications and mortality, as well as with longer hospitalization and increased treatment costs. We have designed and performed a randomized, trial of pharmacological prophylaxis in which the event of interest is POAF. AIM: The aim of this study is to reduce the risk of postoperative, complications associated with this arrhythmia. METHODS: We included 240 stable patients with a coronary heart disease, who were referred to elective surgical revascularization of the myocardium. The patients were assigned into three groups of 80 patients each: group A (BB, beta blocker, comparator), group B (BB+ Amiodarone) and group C (BB + Rosuvastatin). The goal was to establish whether intervention by combination therapy was more useful than a comparator. RESULTS: An event of interest (POAF) has occurred in 66 of the total 240 patients. Number of new POAF cases is the lowest in Group B, 14 (17.5%) compared to 25 (31.25%) new cases in the comparator group, and 27 new cases (33.75%) in group C. Absolute risk reduction was 13.75%, ≈14% less POAF in group B compared to comparator. Relative risk reduction was 56% (RR 0.56, p = 0.04). Number Needed to Treat was 7.27. In group C, 33.75% of patients developed POAF. Absolute risk was insignificantly higher in group C (2.5%, NS) compared to the comparator .The number needed to harm was high, 40. CONCLUSION: The results of our research show that prophylaxis of POAF with combined therapy BB + Amiodarone was the most efficient one.

Successful Treatment of Cardiac Tamponade with Corticosteroids After Surgical Myocardial Revascularization: Case Report.

AIM: The aim of this case report is to show the significance of the cardiac tamponade, it's timely diagnosis and to present the unusual approach of the treatment. That was conducted with corticosteroids when the surgical procedure gave no results in rare cases like this. CASE REPORT: This paper presents the case of a man aged 72 years with a verified tamponade of pericardium. A large pericardial effusion with tamponade signs was verified by ultrasound and computerized tomography (CT) of the chest in a hemodynamically stable patient, and in the inability to evacuate the same, with pericardial fenestration, was successfully treated with corticosteroids. CONCLUSION: A large pericardial effusion with the signs of tamponade verified by echocardiography and computerized tomography, in hemodynamically stable patient, and in the inability to evacuate the same by fenestration, was treated successfully with corticosteroids.

Time of Occurrence and Duration of Atrial Fibrillation Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

INTRODUCTION: Dilatation of the left atrium and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (DDLV) according to recent studies has significance in the occurrence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF), stroke and death. Authors of some studies found no relationship between these parameters and atrial fibrillation. OBJECTIVE: this study is to determine the time of occurrence and duration of atrial fibrillation in patients after surgical revascularization (CABG) due to the presence of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and left atrium dilatation and identify the most significant predictors of incident AF. METHODS: Prospective study included 116 patients undergoing surgical myocardial revascularization followed from admission to discharge. The study was conducted at the Special Hospital "Heart Center BH" Tuzla for a period of one year (March 2011/2012 g.). For all patients was performed preoperative ultrasound examination, especially parameters of diastolic function of the left ventricle and left atrium volume index (LAVi), as the best parameter sized left atrium, and the postoperative occurrence of certain AF and day occurrence, duration in hours, the number of attacks. To assess whether an event occurred or not was used logistic regression, and the effect of time on the event of interest is analyzed by Cox 's regression hazard parallel. RESULTS: 75.9 % of patients had DDLV, and 91.4 % were hypertensives, 12.9 % from the previous stroke (ICV) and 42.2 % diabetics (DM), 14 % with COPD. The average age of patients was 61.41 ± 4.69 years. In both groups was 32.8 % women and 67.2 % men. LAVi preoperative values were significantly higher as DDLV greater degree. In patients with DDLV and higher values LAVi risk of AF is higher, the greater the length of AF and significantly higher number of attacks FA. Early occurrence of atrial fibrillation and its longer duration in function with increasing LAVi a marked increase in the value LAVi have the greatest hazard for the early appearance of atrial fibrillation. As a result of analysis of the most significant predictors of AF are DDLV and LAVi. CONCLUSION: Postoperative atrial fibrillation occurs earlier and lasts longer in patients with DDLV and elevated left atrial volume index especially LAV > 36ml/m(2). LAVi has the best explanation of the function of hazard occurrence of atrial fibrillation after CABG.

Cigarette smoking among students at the university of tuzla.

INTRODUCTION: Cigarette smoking among students is greatly widespread. Smoking prevalence ranges from 28% to 67% for students, respectively, from 19% to 34% for female students. AIM: The aim of this survey was to investigate the smoking habits of students, who are studying at three faculties at the University of Tuzla in academic Year 2012/2013 and to investigate whether there is a difference in smoking habits of students from different faculties and observed by gender. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included a total of 254 students, 170 females (66.93%) and 84 male patients (33.07%). A representative sample consisted of students of three faculties of the University of Tuzla. RESULTS: The conducted analyzes have shown that in this sample 22.8% of current smokers, and 7.8% are former smokers who now no longer smoke. Due to the adopted smoking habits, which some students began to adopt in the age of 13, in 47.5% part of students occasionally was observed some symptoms (cough, etc.) which are attributed to smoking. The analysis showed no statistically significant gender difference in smoking habits. Although the trend of smoking in the population students progression, one and the same quantity was well as male colleagues. We did not find any statistically significant difference in onset of adopting smoking habits. CONCLUSION: The analyzes have shown that in this sample 22.8% of current smokers, and 7.8% were former smokers who now no longer smoke. The analysis showed no statistically significant gender difference in smoking habits of all students. There were no statistically significant differences in the daily consumption of cigarettes between faculty.

Operative treatment of combined aortic stenosis and coronary artery disease.

INTRODUCTION: The aortic valve replacement is a standard operating procedure in patients with severe aortic stenosis. Structure of patients undergoing surgery ranges from young population with isolated mitral valvular disease to the elderly population, which is in addition to the underlying disease additionally burdened with comorbidity. One of the most commonly present factors that further complicate the surgery is coronary heart disease that occurs in, almost, one third of patients with aortic stenosis. The aim is to compare the results of surgery for aortic valve replacement with or without coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From August 2008 to January 2013 in our center operated on 120 patients for aortic stenosis. Of this number, 75 were men and 45 women. The average age was 63.37 years (16-78). Isolated aortic valve replacement was performed in 89 patients and in 31 patients underwent aortic valve replacement and coronary bypass surgery. Implanted 89 biological and 31 mechanical valves. RESULTS: Patients with associated aortic stenosis and coronary artery disease were more expressed symptomatic symptoms preoperatively to patients with isolated aortic stenosis who were on average younger age. Intra-hospital morbidity and mortality was more pronounced in the group of patients with concomitant aortic valve replacement and coronary bypass surgery. Morbidity was recorded in 17 patients (14.3%) in both groups, while the mortality rate in both groups was 12 patients (10.1%). CONCLUSION: Evaluation of preoperative risk factors and comorbidity in patients with aortic stenosis and coronary artery disease contributes to a significant reduction in intraoperative and postoperative complications. Also, early diagnosis of associated coronary artery disease and aortic stenosis contributes to timely decision for surgery thus avoiding subsequent ischaemic changes and myocardial damage.

Surgical treatment of left ventricular pseudoaneurysm.

INTRODUCTION: Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm is a rare condition because in most instances ventricular free-wall rupture leads to fatal pericardial tamponade. Rupture of the free wall of the left ventricle is a catastrophic complication of myocardial infarction, occurring in approximately 4% of patients with infarcts, resulting in immediate collapse of the patient and electromechanical dissociation. In rare cases the rupture is contained by pericardial and fibrous tissue, and the result is a pseudoaneurysm. The left ventricular pseudoaneurysm contains only pericardial and fibrous elements in its wall-no myocardial tissue. Because such aneurysms have a strong tendency to rupture, this disorder may lead to death if it is left surgically untreated. CASE REPORT: In this case report, we present a patient who underwent successful repair of a left ventricular pseudoaneurysm, which followed a myocardial infarction that was caused by occlusion of the left circumflex coronary artery. Although repair of left ventricular pseudoaneurysm is still a surgical challenge, it can be performed with acceptable results in most patients.

Surgical treatment of left ventricular pseudoaneurysm.

INTRODUCTION: Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm is a rare condition because in most instances ventricular free-wall rupture leads to fatal pericardial tamponade. Rupture of the free wall of the left ventricle is a cata-strophic complication of myocardial infarction, occurring in approximately 4% of pa-tients with infarcts, resulting in immediate collapse of the patient and electromechanical dissociation. In rare cases the rupture is contained by pericardial and fibrous tissue, and the result is a pseudoaneurysm. The left ventricular pseudoaneurysm contains only pericardial and fibrous elements in its wall-no myocardial tissue. Because such aneurysms have a strong tendency to rupture, this disorder may lead to death if it is left surgically untreated. CASE REPORT: In this case report, we present a patient who underwent successful repair of a left ventricular pseudoaneurysm, which followed a myocardial infarction that was caused by occlusion of the left circumflex coronary artery. Although repair of left ventricular pseudoaneurysm is still a surgical challenge, it can be performed with acceptable results in most patients.

Calcified right atrial and pulmonary artery mass after ventriculoatrial shunt insertion.

Insertion of ventriculoatrial (VA) shunts is an effective method of draining cerebrospinal fluid from the cerebral ventricle to the right atrium and significantly improves the survival of patients with hydrocephalus. Some patients who received a VA shunt subsequently developed complications, including thrombus formation around the intracardiac end of the catheter and thromboembolism. The relative rarity of complications and the long latency between shunt insertion and the development of symptoms in VA shunt recipients may result in misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. The case presented suggests that such patients may require routine echocardiography at regular intervals. Otherwise, the indwelling foreign body may become the source of a life-threatening thrombotic mass, if not recognised and treated appropriately.

The role of exercise test in stratifying the risk of asymptomatic patients with moderate/severe aortic stenosis.

OBJECTIVES: The role of exercise test in risk stratifying of asymptomatic patients with moderate and severe aortic stenosis (AS) in recent literature is still controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of exercise test in stratifying the risk of patients with moderate to severe aortic stenosis. METHODS: At the Internal Medicine Clinic, Department of Cardiology in Tuzla, in the period from January 2008 until January 2010 was followed 33 patients with clinical and echocardiographic parameters of moderate to severe asymptomatic aortic stenosis (mean effective orifice area EOA 0.9 +/- 0.34 cm2). In statistical analysis we used descriptive statistics, t-test, chi-square test and Kaplan-Meier life table for predictive values, sensitivity and specificity. A significance level of 0.05 was used. RESULTS: Two patients were excluded due to exclusion criteria, so 31 patient was followed up during 12 months period. Eighteen patients (58%) with EOA pounds sterling 0.8 cm2 had limiting symptoms during the test. During follow-up period, 11 patients developed serious spontaneous symptoms, and out of them 8 patients underwent surgical valve replacement, one patient died (sudden cardiac death), and 2 patients had serious complications (ischemic cerebral stroke). Twenty patients remained asymptomatic. The highest positive predictive accuracy had EOA pounds sterling 0.8 cm2 with limiting symptoms and it was 85%. The highest negative predictive accuracy had ST depression. CONCLUSION: only limiting symptoms along with EOA pounds sterling 0.8 cm2 had positive predictive accuracy.

Hexagon TB for the rapid diagnosis of lung TBC in praxis.

Hexagon TB is intended for the rapid diagnostics of tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is a contagious and epidemic disease. According to the data published by WHO, 3-4 millions of patients are diagnosed with this disease annually. In 2004, 107 new cases were discovered in the area of Tuzla Municipality. Annual incidence of this disease is 62,9 per 100 000 inhabitants in Bosnia and Herzegovina; 28,9 in Slovenia; 33,2 in FYRM; 48,5 in Croatia; 41,8 in Serbia and Montenegro. Western European countries have a rather low rate of the disease--5-10 cases per 100 000 inhabitants. Efficiency of Hexagon TB examination method was tested on 100 patients. The subjects were patients with clinical symptoms of active TBC infection, persons who were in contact with TBC patients and persons earlier cured of TBC. All the subjects were tested with Hexagon TB, and the results were compared against lungs X-rays and sputum test for BK and LOW. Hexagon TB is intended for rapid, qualitative detection of IgG, IgA, IgM antibodies against M. tuberculosis and mycobacterium in human serum, plasma or whole blood as an aid in the early diagnostics of tuberculosis infections for professional use. Hexagon TB was positive in 11 of the examined patients. 10 patients had changes suggesting TBC. 1 patient was directly positive for BK and 3 patients were positive for LOW. Of all the examined patients, 3 were positive for all tests positive. According to our results, Hexagon TB has significant importance in practice of rapid TBC diagnostics compared to lungs X-ray and examination of sputum for BK and LOW.

Intensive observation of toxic side effects after several-year of cyclosporin treatment in kidney transplant patient.

In this work we are going to show results of intensive observation of adverse reactions of cyclosporine therapy during 18 months. The research was applied on 30 patients with kidney transplant. The medium time of kidney transplant survival was 9,7+/-2,3 years, with time span of 6 to 15 years. All the patients were subjects to several years' cyclosporine treatment, which was applied on a daily basis with a dosage of 2 to 5 mg/kg of body weight. The concentration of cyclosporine in blood was measured once a month. The concentration of cyclosporine in blood in 19 patients was in referent values of 122,50 nag/ml up to 280,50 nag/ml of blood. In 4 of the patients the concentration was heightened up to 370 to 538 nag/ml (X=766,37 nag/ml), and in 7 patients cyclosporine was below normal dosage down to 30,78 to 96,30 nag/ml in blood (x=77,12 nag/ml). We noticed these toxic side effects: increased values of systolic and diastolic arterial blood pressure in 5 patients, neurotoxic tremor effects in 4 patients, hyperplasia gingival and hirsute in 1 patient each.

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in essential hypertension.

T Diastolic dysfunction is very frequent and is actually sign of manifest heart weakness. Over 40% of patients with heart weakness have isolated left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD). New diagnostics methods as Doppler Echocardiography with close monitoring enables precise and early LVDD diagnose. In all diastolic phases artery hypertension weakens relaxation and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) weakens compliance also. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate importance of all LVDD. Doppler echocardiography parameters usage and its important echocardiography characteristic in case of hypertensive patients. This study represents 64 patients with essential hypertension - random sample. Three patients had atrial fibrillation. Besides anamnestic data collection, echocardiography evaluation was undertaken on all patients. For LVDD diagnose following parameters were used: isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT), peak early filling velocity (E), peak atrial filling velocity (A), E/A ratio, DT (deceleration time), left ventricular (LV) mass. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was verified for 57 patients. Seven hypertensive patients didn't have verified LVH. Comparing patients with LVH with those without LVH differences were observed: patients with LVH had a longer IVRT, lower E/A ratio, A wave growth, IVRT directly correlates with LV mass increase and backward correlation LV mass with E/A was noticed. Among patients with LVH with E/A ratio =or> 1-1,5 and based on transmitral flow we used IVRT duration and pulse Doppler with volume sample over lateral mitral annulus measuring mitral annulus velocity. It appeared that it corresponds with IVRT duration in LVDD evaluation. Patients with atrial fibrillation had considerably extended IVRT that indicates LVDD existence. Patients with left ventricular hypertrophy were older and they have higher left ventricular mass comparing with patients without left ventricular hypertrophy. In case of patients with essential hypertension all above mentioned LVDD parameters have to be defined, specially IVRT duration for determination of LVDD existence in case of all patients with essential hypertension with and without LVH and in case of associated atrial fibrillation presence. It is necessary to tend to, as early as possible, detect LVDD and it's prevention with improved essential hypertension monitoring.