[Restoration of the left atrial mechanical function after successful electrical cardioversion]. / Powrót czynnosci mechanicznej lewego przedsionka po skutecznej kardiowersji elektrycznej.

Some papers indicate that restoration of the left atrial mechanical function (LAMF) can be delayed to even 7 days after successful electrical cardioversion. The goals of the paper include the estimation of delay in restoration of LAMF and factors that influence it. 75 patients (53 males and 22 females, av. age 56.5 +/- 10.8) after elective electrical cardioversion underwent daily echocardiography to determine LAMF, taking A/E ratio > 1/3 as a criterion. The patients were divided into 2 subgroups: G1--with restoration of LAMF < 24 h after cardioversion and G2: the remaining ones. The analysed parameters were: left atrium diameter, rheumatic valvular disease, duration of atrial fibrillation, global and segmental contractility disorders. The data were analysed with ANOVA. The restoration of LAMF < 24 h was found in 53 patients; on the 2nd day in 6 patients, on the 3rd-8th day in 14 patients. In 2 patients no LAMF could be found on the 14th day after cardioversion. Failure to restore LAMF on the cardioversion day was related to: left atrium enlargement, rheumatic valvular disease, duration of atrial fibrillation > 14 days and contractility disorders.

[Main coronary disease risk factors in metallurgy workers]. / Glówne czynniki zagrozenia choroba wiencowa w populacji pracowników walcowni metali.

The authors investigated the extension of major coronary risk factors among metal-flatten workers. In the whole population the percentage of these factors was as follows: hypertension 14,4%, hypercholesterolemia, 17.7%, hyperglycemia 6,5%, overweight 35% and cigarette smoking 61,3%. The extension of the risk factors is dependent on age and increases with age. No significant correlation was found between these factors and working conditions. In comparison to other investigations carried out in Poland the examined population exhibited considerable tobacco smoking, overweight, hyperglycemia and hypercholesterolemia.