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Objective: To compare the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire with objective tests in dry eye disease., Study Design: A prospective observational study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Ophthalmology, Nigde Omer Halisdemir University, Nigde, Turkiye, from 9th June to 31st December 2022., Methodology: All clinically diagnosed 323 eyes of patients with dry eye disease (DED) were included. The subjects were evaluated by the Oxford classification of corneal and conjunctival fluorescein staining, Schirmer I test, and fluorescein tear breakup time (TBUT). Symptoms of the patients were interpreted with OSDI and correlations of symptoms and objective markers were analysed., Results: There was no significant association between any objective signs (Schirmer I, TBUT, and Oxford), and OSDI (p = 0.26, 0.52, 0.18, and respectively). Schirmer I score showed a significant positive correlation with TBUT (p <0.001, r = 0.21) and a significant negative correlation with Oxford scale (p <0.001, r = -0.19). There was a statistically negative correlation between TBUT and Oxford scale (p <0.001, r = -0.37)., Conclusion: Except for the Schirmer test, TBUT and Oxford scale are effective tools in the diagnosis of DED. Symptom markers, such as OSDI may have lower reliability in diagnosing DED and determining its severity. Diagnostic tests are important in the detection of asymptomatic or less severe dry eye disease that can be ignored., Key Words: Dry eye disease, Diagnosis, Ocular surface disease index (OSDI), Tear breakup time (TBUT), Oxford grading scale, Schirmer I test.

Background: We aimed to compare outcomes of patients received successful fibrinolytic treatment (FT) for ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) and performed coronary angiography (CAG) within 24 - 72 h or after 72 h., Methods: Between March 2013 and November 2014, 76 STEMI patients received successful FT and performed CAG > 24 h were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups according to the time-interval from FT admission to CAG performing (Group-1, 24 - 72 h (n = 29), Group-2, > 72 h (n = 47)). The primary end point was major adverse cardiac events (MACE) defined as cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and heart failure., Results: The mean age of patients were 56 ± 11.4 years old (27.6% female). CAG was performed within mean 2.17 ± 0.38 days in the Group-1 and 2.9 ± 11.5 days in the Group 2 (P < 0.001). At short-term follow-up (6 months), MACE rate was higher in Group-2 (21.3%) than Group-1(13.8%), but it was not statistically significant (P = 0.661). The rate of MACE was 37.9% in Group-1 and 38.3% in Group-2 (P = 0.974) in the long-term follow-up (median: 57 months). Overall cardiac mortality rate was 7.9%, the re-infarction rate was 19.7% and heart failure was 17.1% in long-term follow-up, and there were no significant difference between groups., Conclusions: Present study has shown that performance of CAG after 24 h of successful FT, within 24 - 74 h or > 72 h, did not shown any difference in term of MACE both in short and long-term follow-up.

Background: Toluene is used extensively in various industrial processes, and an increasing number of workers are getting exposed to its vapor. Cardiac abnormalities that have been reported in association with toluene exposure (in toxic doses) are atrioventricular conduction abnormalities, sinus bradycardia, ventricular tachycardia, recurrent myocardial infarction, dilated cardiomyopathy, and coronary vasospasm., Hypothesis: We aimed to investigate the effects of chronic toluene exposure on cardiac rhythm., Methods: In this study, 40 workers in the polishing industry with more than 3 months of exposure to a mixture of organic solvents including toluene and 38 control subjects working in other fields who were matched by age, sex, smoking, habits, and living accommodation were investigated. Twelve-lead surface electrocardiogram and 24-hour Holter recordings were performed to determine QRS duration, PR duration (P and R wave interval on electrocardiograms), P wave dispersion, corrected QT dispersion, and heart rate variability parameters., Results: The maximum heart rate was significantly lower in the toluene-exposed group compared to the control group (130.5 ± 15.1 vs 138.6 ± 16.0, P = 0.02). Corrected low frequency (cLF) and cLF/corrected high frequency (cHF) were also significantly lower in toluene-exposed group (43.6 ± 7.2 vs 50.7 ± 10.5, P = 0.01 and 1.4 ± 0.4 vs 2.2 ± 1.0, P < 0.01, respectively). Mean cHF, root-mean-square successive difference, and standard deviation of all five-minute NN interval means values were significantly higher in the toluene-exposed group (32.8 ± 8.1 vs 25.4 ± 8.2, P ≤ 0.01; 74.0 ± 46.1 vs 60.3 ± 59.4, P = 0.02; and 149.5 ± 77.0 vs 108.9 ± 43.2, P = 0.01, respectively)., Conclusions: This study implies that chronic toluene exposure disturbs cardiac autonomy, particularly by suppressing sympathetic activity, and parasympathetic suppression also occurs with increased exposure duration. We also demonstrated that chronic toluene exposure was not associated with major cardiac arrhythmias and rhythm conduction system disorders., (© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Brugada syndrome is a form of inherited arrhythmia syndrome characterized by a distinct ST-segment elevation in the right precordial leads. Brugada phenocopies are clinical entities that present with an electrocardiographic pattern identical to Brugada syndrome and may obey to various clinical conditions. We present a case of a suicidal attempt using a high dose of propafenone causing a Brugada-type electrocardiographic pattern. Is this a Brugada syndrome case, a Brugada phenocopy or something else?, (© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: Epicardial fat thickness (EFT) is associated with increased cardio metabolic risk. Recent studies have suggested that there is a strong relationship between diabetes and EFT. Although the relationship between EFT and coronary artery disease (CAD) is well known, the possible impact of diabetes on the relationship between EFT and extent and complexity of CAD was not fully investigated., Aim: We aimed to investigate the relationship between EFT and extent and complexity of CAD in patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) with and without diabetes., Methods: We prospectively included 454 patients with NSTEMI (mean age: 61.8 ± 10.4 years) in the present study. Patients were classified into two groups according to their diabetes status (diabetic group and non-diabetic group). EFT was measured by transthoracic echocardiography on the right ventricle in individuals having the left lateral decubitus position. SYNTAX score was used to define the extent and complexity of CAD. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and other biochemical markers were measured in all participants., Results: Diabetic patients had higher EFT values compared with non-diabetics (p < 0.05). EFT is independently associated with diabetes, SYNTAX score, and hs-CRP in all patients (p < 0.05, for all). When patients were divided into two groups, as diabetic and non-diabetic, the association between EFT and SYNTAX score was stronger in diabetic patients compared with non-diabetics (r = 0.635; p < 0.001 vs. r = 0.179; p = 0.003)., Conclusions: Epicardial fat thickness is associated with SYNTAX score in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Furthermore, there is a stricter relationship between EFT and SYNTAX score in diabetic patients.

Background: CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores are widely used in clinical practice and include similar risk factors for the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). It is known that the factors comprising the newly defined CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF score promote atherosclerosis and are associated with severity of CAD., Aim: To investigate the association of the CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF score with the severity of CAD as assessed by SYNTAX score (SxS) in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)., Methods: A total of 454 consecutive patients with STEMI (males 79%, mean age 57.3 ± 12.9 years), who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention were included in our study. The patients were divided into three groups according to the SxS tertiles: low SxS group (SxS < 14; 151 patients), intermediate SxS group (SxS 14-20; 152 patients), and high SxS group (SxS ≥ 21; 151 patients)., Results: The CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, and CHA2DS2VASc-HSF scores were found to be significantly different among the SxS groups (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001). After multivariate analysis, the CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF score was associated with high SxS (odds ratio [OR] 1.258, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.026-1.544; p = 0.028) together with age (OR 1.032, 95% CI 1.013-1.050; p = 0.001) and ejection fraction (OR 0.927, 95% CI 0.901-0.955; p < 0.001)., Conclusions: A newly diagnosed CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF score predicts the severity of atherosclerosis in patients with STEMI.

Background: Percutaneous recanalization of chronic total coronary occlusion (CTO) tends to show a positive effect on left ventricular remodeling and ejection fraction (LVEF). Coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) is an important diagnostic index of the functional capacity of coronary arteries. The aim of this study was to evaluate, by non-invasive CFVR, whether the blood flow of donor artery reverts to normal after CTO percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Also, we assessed the effects of CTO recanalization on global cardiac functions by using myocardial performance index (MPI)., Methods: We evaluated 25 patients (mean age, 57.5 ± 14.1 years) who underwent CTO-PCI of the right coronary artery, whose collaterals were provided by the left anterior descending (LAD) artery. The coronary flow velocities in the distal LAD were measured using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) before, 24 hours after, and within 3 months of PCI. Both two-dimensional and tissue Doppler (tD) echocardiography were used to calculate MPI., Results: CFVR at month 3 was significantly increased compared to the basal and early CFVR (1.8 ± 0.3 vs. 2.3 ± 0.3 [P<.001] and 1.8 ± 0.2 vs. 2.3 ± 0.3 [P<.001], respectively). MPI at month 3 was significantly decreased compared to the basal and early MPI (0.61 ± 0.09 vs. 0.53 ± 0.07 [P<.001] and 0.60 ± 0.08 vs. 0.53 ± 0.07 [P<.001], respectively). Also, tD-MPI within 3 months was significantly decreased (0.58 ± 0.9 vs. 0.53 ± 0.8 [P=.01] and 0.57 ± 0.07 vs. 0.53 ± 0.8 [P<.001], respectively, for tD-MPI septal and 0.59 ± 0.08 vs. 0.51 ± 0.07 [P<.001] and 0.58 ± 0.08 vs. 0.51 ± 0.07 [P<.001], respectively, for tD-MPI lateral)., Conclusion: Successful recanalization of CTO results in increased CFVR-indicated blood flow in the donor artery and MPI-indicated global cardiac functions.

Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been proposed as a prognostic marker to determine systemic inflammatory response and atherosclerosis. Our aim was to determine the relationship between NLR and development of coronary collateral circulation (CCC) in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). A total of 521 consecutive patients with stable CAD who underwent coronary angiography and documented total occlusion in one of those major coronary arteries were included in this study. Levels of fasting blood glucose, white blood cell, and NLR were significantly higher in patients with poor collateral than in those with good collateral. After multivariate analysis, high level of NLR was an independent predictor of CCC together with levels of fasting blood glucose. The receiver-operating characteristic analysis provided a cutoff value of 2.75 for NLR to predict poor CCC with 65% sensitivity and 68% specificity. We demonstrated an independent association between levels of NLR and development of CCC in patients with stable CAD., (© The Author(s) 2013.)

Serum uric acid (SUA) levels have been proposed as a biomarker of coronary artery disease (CAD) and coronary collateral circulation (CCC). We investigated the association between SUA levels and development of CCC in patients with stable CAD. Consecutive patients (n = 480) with stable CAD who underwent coronary angiography and documented total occlusion in 1 of the major coronary arteries were included in this study. Levels of fasting blood glucose, white blood cell (WBC), creatinine, platelet count, and SUA were significantly higher in patients with poor CCC than in those with good CCC. After multivariate analysis, high levels of SUA were an independent predictor of CCC together with levels of fasting blood glucose and WBC. The receiver-operating characteristic analysis provided a cutoff value of 5.65 mg/dL for SUA to predict poor CCC with 60% sensitivity and 66% specificity. High levels of SUA may be associated with poor CCC in patients with stable CAD.

We assessed the relationship between the severity of coronary artery disease assessed by SYNTAX score (SS) and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (N:L ratio) in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). In total, 840 patients with STEMI in whom primary percutaneous coronary intervention was performed were prospectively included (622 male, 218 female; mean age 58.6 ± 12.4 years). Total and differential leukocyte counts and other biochemical markers were measured at admission. Patients were categorized into tertiles on the basis of SS. The N:L ratio of SShigh group was higher compared with SSlow and SSmid groups (P < .001 for all). Multivariate regression analysis showed that N:L ratio (β = .277, P < .001), ejection fraction (β = -.086, P = .012), age (β = .104, P = .004), and diabetes (β = .152, P < .001) were the independent predictors for SS in patients with STEMI.

Platelets play a role in the pathogenesis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We assessed the relationship between mean platelet volume (MPV) on admission and pre- and postinterventional flow with the infarct-related artery (IRA) in patients with STEMI. We prospectively included 840 patients with STEMI who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The patients were divided into 3 groups according to MPV tertiles. Pre- and post-PCI Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade was determined. Initial TIMI flow grade 3 was accepted as patent IRA. After the primary PCI, normal flow was defined as post-PCI TIMI flow 3. When the MPV was increased, the incidence of pre-PCI patent IRA (P = .004) and post-PCI normal TIMI flow (P < .001) was significantly decreased. Multivariate analysis showed that MPV was independently associated with post-PCI TIMI flow grade.

In this case report we present a patient with dextrocardia, who undergone implantation of dual chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). Here we aimed to underline several specific considerations which must be noted when one considers to implant an ICD in a patient with dextrocardia.

Introduction: Although beta-blockers are highly effective in the treatment of heart failure (HF), many patients with HF receiving a beta-blocker continue to become decompensated and require hospitalization for worsening HF. Levosimendan and dobutamine are used to manage decompensated HF, but their comparative effects on left ventricular (LV) function in patients prescribed beta-blockers are unknown., Aims: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of dobutamine and levosimendan on LV systolic and diastolic functions in chronic HF patients treated chronically with carvedilol. Forty patients with chronic HF who had NYHA class III to IV symptoms, a LV ejection fraction (LVEF) <40%, and ongoing treatment with carvedilol were enrolled in this randomized (1:1), dobutamine controlled, open-label study. Before and 24 h after treatment, LVEF, mitral inflow peak E and A wave velocity, E/A ratio, the deceleration time of the E wave (DT), isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT), peak systolic (Sm) and early diastolic (Em) mitral annular velocity, and systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) were measured by echocardiography., Results: Levosimendan produced a statistically significant increase in LVEF (28+/-5% vs. 33+/-3%), Sm (6.5+/-1.2 cm/s vs. 7.4+/-0.9 cm/s), DT (120+/-10 ms vs. 140+/-15 ms), and Em (7.5+/-0.4 cm/s vs. 8.1+/-0.5 cm/s) and significant decrease in E/A ratio (2.1+/-0.3 vs. 1.7+/-0.4) and SPAP (55+/-5 mmHg vs. 40+/-7 mmHg). No significant change occurred in LV systolic and diastolic function parameters, or SPAP with dobutamine treatment. Levosimendan did not significantly alter the heart rate (72+/-4 bpm vs. 70+/-3 bpm), systolic (105+/-5 mmHg vs. 102+/-4 mmHg), or diastolic blood pressure (85+/-5 mmHg vs. 83+/-5 mmHg) whereas with dobutamine treatment, all these parameters significantly increased., Conclusions: Dobutamine and levosimendan have different effects on LV functions in patients treated chronically with carvedilol. These differences should be considered when selecting inotropic therapy for decompensated HF receiving long-term carvedilol.

This study investigated the effects of chronic arsenic exposure on QT- and QTc-interval prolongation, QTc dispersion (QTcd) and transmural dispersion of repolarization (TDR). We compared cardiac parameters from 40 male subjects chronically exposed to arsenic (group A) with those of 40 male subjects not exposed to arsenic (group B). Although subjects in both groups had non-corrected QT intervals within normal limits, subjects in group A had significantly longer QTc and QTcd intervals compared with group B. A total of 70% of group A compared with 10% of group B had QTcd values > 50 ms. The mean TDR value was also significantly higher in group A compared with group B. Although non-corrected QT intervals were within normal limits, those subjects chronically exposed to arsenic had a slight QT prolongation and a higher prevalence of subtle repolarization abnormalities, which might be clinically relevant.

Objectives: In our study we sought to determine whether mean platelet volume (MPV), measured on admission, could be used in determining decreased coronary blood flow (CBF) in stable coronary artery disease (CAD) patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)., Background: Platelets play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of CAD. MPV reflects platelet function and activity. There are no reports regarding the effect of MPV on CBF in patients with stable CAD undergoing PCI., Methods: A total of 66 consecutive patients (mean age: 58 +/- 5 years, 74% male) with the diagnosis of stable CAD who were hospitalized for PCI were prospectively enrolled in our study. Coronary flow rates of all subjects were documented by corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count (CTFC) for each major coronary artery before and after PCI. Blood samples for MPV estimation, platelet count and other laboratory data obtained on admission were measured on the day of the scheduled PCI. Patients were divided into two groups according to MPV levels measured on admission: 1) high MPV group and 2) normal MPV group., Results: A final TIMI 3 flow was achieved in all patients with no complications. Procedural characteristics of PCI, except left anterior descending artery intervention, were similar in the two groups. Patients with high MPV had significantly higher CTFC than those with a normal MPV (24 +/- 3 vs. 17 +/- 5; p = 0.001). The MPV correlated strongly with post-PCI CTFC (R = 0.625; p = 0.0001). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that only MPV was an independent predictor of post-PCI CTFC after adjustment for baseline characteristics (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2-2.3; p = 0.001)., Conclusions: MPV may be considered a useful hematological marker, allowing for early and easy identification of patients with stable CAD who are at a higher risk of post-PCI low-reflow.

Coronary artery (CA) narrowings and/or occlusions after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) have been reported. The aim of this study was to describe the in vivo topographic anatomy of CAs and their anatomic relation to the mitral and tricuspid annulus using selective coronary angiography. Fifty consecutive patients undergoing RFA for narrow QRS complex tachycardia were included in the study. Multipolar electrode catheters were inserted into the right atrial appendage, His bundle region, distal coronary sinus (CS), and right ventricle. A mapping catheter was placed across the subeustachian isthmus (SEI). Selective coronary angiography was performed. The maximum and minimum distances between the distal CAs and the mapping catheter located along the mitral and tricuspid annulus were measured during systole and diastole and in right and left anterior oblique projections. The large (> or =1.5 mm) distal right CA was < or =5 mm from the mapping catheter in the SEI in 4 patients (8%). The large posterolateral branch of the right CA was < or =2 mm from the CS Os-middle cardiac vein in 10 patients (20%). The large left circumflex CA was < or =2 mm from the floor or ceiling of the CS in 7 patients (14%) and < or =2 mm from the CS catheter at the lateral and anterolateral mitral annulus in 12 patients (24%). RFA was canceled in 2 patients because of the close proximity (< or =2 mm) of the distal CA to the ablation site. In conclusion, large CAs are frequently located in close proximity to the common ablation sites. Coronary angiography should be considered in children and adults who may develop any signs or symptoms suggestive of acute CA occlusion until larger controlled series are available.

Objective: The relationship between myocardial bridging (MB) and ischemic heart disease is still controversial. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the existing atherosclerosis and noninvasive endothelial function of brachial artery in patients with MB., Methods: The present study included 50 patients (group I) who had MB in left anterior descending (LAD) on coronary angiography. All of the coronary artery segments were evaluated by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Endothelial function was assessed with measurement of flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and nitrate-dependent dilatation in the brachial artery. The study also included 30 healthy control subjects (group II). Patients in the group I were further subdivided into two subgroups based on the findings on IVUS: group IA included 20 patients without atherosclerotic lesions and group IB included 30 patients with atherosclerotic coronary artery disease in addition to MB., Results: FMD values were found to be significantly lower in the patients with MB (group I) than in the control (6.4 +/- 3% vs 11 +/- 4%, P <0.001). In regard to FMD values in subgroups, FMD was 7 +/- 2% in the group IA and 5.8 +/- 1% in the group IB (P = 0.023). On IVUS, atherosclerotic plaque was found proximal to the bridge in the same coronary artery segment in addition to MB in 75% of the patients in group I (group IB). No atherosclerotic plaque was found in within or distal segments of MB., Conclusion: Endothelial function is impaired in patients with MB and there is an increased tendency for atherosclerosis proximal to the bridge in the patients with MB. Endothelial dysfunction is more severe in the patients with atherosclerosis proximal to the bridge.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of a new proximal anastomotic device during off-pump coronary surgery., Methods: The Novare Enclose II is a manual proximal anastomotic device that enables the surgeon to perform proximal anastomoses without side-biting clamps in a fully pressurized aorta. The device was used in 30 off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients (Group A) for performing 25 vein, 10 free right internal thoracic artery and 14 radial artery anastomoses to the aorta. The number of proximal anastomoses varied between 1 and 3 per patient. Intraoperative transcranial Doppler measurements were performed to detect cerebral microemboli during the use of the device and were compared with transcranial Doppler measurements of 30 off-pump patients where a partial side clamp was used for proximal anastomoses (Group B). The aorta was evaluated using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and epiaortic echocardiography (EAE) in both groups before the procedure and patients with a calcified aorta were excluded., Results: In Group A, 49 proximal anostomoses were performed as planned with the device using conventional hand-sewn methods. Twenty-four of these were arterial conduits. In Group B, 32 proximal anastomoses were performed using 25 veins and 7 arterial grafts. There were no procedure related to adverse events or complications in both groups. The median number of microemboli was 15 (range 5-48) in Group A and 68 (range 35-290) in Group B (P<0.05)., Conclusion: The Enclose II device can be a valuable tool to perform venous or arterial proximal anastomoses during off-pump CABG. Transcranial Doppler results suggest that the device seems to be less traumatizing than side clamping and may reduce clamp-associated complications during off-pump coronary artery surgery.

Although factor V Leiden mutation, is the most common established genetic risk factor for venous thrombosis, its effect on the development of myocardial infarction remains unclear. We describe a family case of homozygous factor V Leiden mutation in two siblings presenting with acute myocardial infarction as a rare cause of myocardial infarction in the young.

Relationship between dyslipidemia, C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and serological evidence of Chlamydia pneumoniae was investigated in a Turkish population with coronary artery disease. This prospective, randomized, blinded study was carried out in Florence Nightingale Hospital which is affiliated to Kadir Has University, Medical Faculty. Thirty-two patients with acute coronary artery diseases (ACAD), 32 patients with chronic coronary artery diseases (CCAD) and 26 healthy controls (HC) were included in the study. We detected serum concentrations of C. pneumoniae IgG, IgA and IgM by ELISA method. We measured total cholesterol, trigliseride, LDL and HDL- cholesterol levels to determine dyslipidemia which was defined as total cholesterol >200 mg/dL, trigliserid > 150 mg/dL, LDL >130 mg/dL, HDL <45 mg/dL. CRP levels were also measured. Seropositivity to C. pneumoniae IgG was 84.3%, 100% and 65.3%; seropositivity to IgA was 9.3%, 6.2%, and 3.8%; and seropositivity to IgM was 12.5%, 15.3%, and 15.4% in patients with ACAD, CCAD and HC, respectively. Dyslipidemia was found as 93.7%, 78. 1% and 0% of patients with ACAD, CCAD and HC, respectively. CRP level was high in all patients (ACAD, CCAD) but not in healthy controls. As a conclusion, we found a significant association between seropositivity to C. pneumoniae IgG and dyslipidemia and CRP levels in ACAD and CCAD patients (p<0.05). C. pneumoniae IgG antibodies should be evaluated together with serum lipids and CRP levels in patients with ACAD and CCAD in Turkish population. This may help clinicians in treatment of C. pneumoniae infection and decrease the risk of coronary artery diseases.

Background: Lipid-lowering therapy was shown to have several beneficial effects in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD)., Aim: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of atorvastatin on platelet aggregation in patients with CAD., Methods: Twenty-five hypercholesterolaemic patients who had angiographically proven CAD and 16 normal subjects were enrolled. All patients received 10 mg/day atorvastatin for two months. Anti-platelet agents were discontinued 15 days prior to blood sampling at the beginning and at the end of the atorvastatin therapy. Aggregometric curves of the platelets in response to ADP, collagen and epinephrine were obtained using the aggregometry (turbidimetric) technique., Results: In patients with CAD, total cholesterol (TC) and LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) basal levels were measured (230 +/- 49 mg/dl, 140 +/- 41 mg/dl, respectively). Following lipid-lowering therapy, TC and LDL-C decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The activation measurements of aggregometric curves decreased significantly compared with basal parameters in response to ADP but not in response to collagen and epinephrine., Conclusion: Lipid-lowering therapy with the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, atorvastatin, had a marked reduction effect on platelet aggregation.

Background: This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the saline-irrigated radiofrequency modified maze operation for the treatment of chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) and compare the results of the left and bi-atrial procedures., Material and Method: During a period of two years, 105 patients with chronic AF having concomitant cardiac surgery underwent the procedure. Patients underwent either a bi-atrial ( n = 48) or left atrial ( n = 57) maze procedure. The first twenty patients underwent a bi-atrial maze procedure regardless of the pathology. In the following patients we adopted the bi-atrial approach in patients with a history of atrial flutter and where the right atrium has to be opened. Otherwise the procedure is restricted to the left atrial side. Mean age was 52 +/- 11 years in bi-atrial group and 54 +/- 9 years in left atrial group., Results: Three patients died early postoperatively (2.9%). There were 4 revisions for bleeding (3.8%). Two patients in bi-atrial group received a permanent pacemaker (4.1%). Patients in both groups were free of AF at the end of the procedure. (Bi-atrial group: sinus: 79.2%, pacemaker: 20.8%), (Left atrial group: sinus: 82.5%, pacemaker: 17.5%) ( p > 0.05). During the last follow-up, sinus rhythm was maintained in 79.6% of cases in bi-atrial group, while this rate was 75.6% in left atrial group ( p > 0.05)., Conclusion: Saline irrigated radiofrequency modified maze procedure was performed safely and efficiently. Both the left and bi-atrial procedures were successful in terms of restoring sinus rhythm. Our current policy is to adopt the bi-atrial approach in patients with a history of atrial flutter and where the right atrium has to be opened. Otherwise the procedure is restricted to the left atrial side.

This paper investigates the relative role of the impairment of insulin secretion and action in the pathogenesis of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The parameters indicating insulin secretion and action were calculated from the data obtained during oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), in 156 age- and sex-matched T2DM patients divided in 4 groups according to their body mass index (BMI, I = 20.0-24.9, II = 25.0-29.9, III = 30.0-39.9 and IV > 40.0 kg/m2). After obtaining baseline biomedical parameters (plasma glucose, serum insulin, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, BMI, and amount of fat tissue), the rates of insulin secretory capacity and insulin action were obtained from OGTT and compared between the T2DM patients with normal body weight and different grades of obesity. Beta-cell secretory capacity of the participants was found to be proportionally and significantly higher in graded obese than that of the normal body weight patients. The rates of hepatic as well as peripheral insulin resistance in obese groups proportionally and significantly rise in comparison with that of non-obese diabetics. In addition, these parameters are shown to be related to the body fat, presumably visceral in origin. In conclusion, hyperglycemia-hyperinsulinemia observed in obese and T2DM patients might be due, in part, to increased capacity of insulin secretion, and to exaggerated hepatic glucose production because of hepatic insulin resistance, respectively.

Background: Hypertension is one of the most important causes of cardiovascular disease, and treatment of hypertension leads to a significant reduction in cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Although calcium channel blockers are regarded as an important part of the therapeutic armamentarium against cardiovascular diseases, and are among the most frequently prescribed antihypertensive medications, concern has been aroused about these drugs, particularly the short-acting dihydropyrldine derivatives. However, the value of nifedipine GITS(Adalat-Crono), the long-acting dihydropyrldine, is in need of being re-established., Objective: To compare the effectiveness, safety and tolerability of once-daily nifedipine and amlodipine treatment in patients with mild-to-moderate essential hypertension., Design: Randomised multicentre trial with an open comparison of treatments for 12 weeks, with a preceding placebo run-in period of 2 weeks (patients on beta-blockers at the time of enrollment entered a mandatory 2-week wash-out period before being allowed In the placebo run-in period;this wash-out period was one week for patients using any antihypertensive medication other than beta-blockers)., Setting: Nine centres (all university hospitals) in Turkey., Patients: 155 patients with essential hypertension(diastolic blood pressure 95-109 mmHg)., Interventions: Initial treatment (step 1) consisted of 30 mg nifedipine GlTS (n = 76; (Adalat-Crono tablets), or 5 mg amlodipine (n = 79; Norvasct5-mg tablets), either administered once daily, as a morning dose, or f the blood pressure was not below 140/90 mmHg, or the reduction In diastolic blood pressure was lower than 10 mmHg after a treatment period of 6 weeks, the dose was increased (Step 2) to 60 mg once daily in the nifedipine group, or 10 mg once daily in the amlodipine group. MAIN EFFICACY PARAMETER: Diastolic blood pressure at trough after 12 weeks of active compound therapy adjusted to baseline., Results: After 12 weeks of treatment, the mean diastolic blood pressure was 83.1 and 81.9 mmHg,in the nifedipine and amlodipine groups, respectively (p = 0.436). The mean decrease in systolic blood pressure (28.5 +/- 11.9 and 28.2 +/- 11.2 mmHg in the nifadipine and amlodipine groups, respectively) and the mean decrease in diastolic blood pressure (16.4A +/- 7.0 and 17.5 +/- 6.9 mmHg in the nifedipine and amlodipine groups, respectively), as well as the responder rates (88.1%and 92.1%, in the nifediplne and amlodipine groups, respectively) were comparable at the end of the study. No significant differences between groups were detected In the efficacy parameters assessed in this study. Both drugs were well tolerated. The overall incidence of adverse events was 7.9% in the nifadipine group and 10.1% In the amlodipine group. However, more patients discontinued treatment prematurely in the amlodipine group (13 patients; 19.7%), than in the nifedipine group (four patients; 5.6%)., Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrated that once-daily nifedipine in GITS formation and amlodipine are comparably safe and effective treatment options in patients with mild-to-moderate essential hypertension.

The aim of this study was to determine whether successful reperfusion may alter substrate that is responsible for late potentials in the presence or absence of reciprocal ST segment changes (RC). The study population consisted of 50 patients (27 with RC and 23 without RC) with anterior acute myocardial infarction (AMI) undergoing successful thrombolytic therapy (TT). The presence of reciprocal changes was defined as ST-segment depression >1 mm, measured 80 ms after the J point in at least 2 leads other than those reflecting the infarct on admission ECG. All patients were evaluated with coronary angiography at predischarge. Signal averaged ECG (SAECG) recordings were obtained before and 10 days after TT. Baseline characteristics, SAECG findings, and angiographic data were similar between the groups. The only different baseline finding was the time from symptom onset to TT (204 +/- 150 minutes for patients with RC vs 312 +/- 174 minutes for patients without RC. P = 0.021). After TT, RMS values improved in patients with RC (from 35 +/- 17 microV to 43 +/- 14 microV, P = 0.038) and LAS and RMS were significantly better in this group. However, patients without RC did not show any changes in SAECG parameters after TT. LV ejection fraction (10th day) was better in patients with RC (45 +/- 11% vs 39 +/- 6%, P = 0.014). The frequency of ventricular arrhythmias during the hospitalization period was also similar between the groups. Reciprocal ST depression that regresses simultaneously with the infarction related ECG changes after TT in anterior AMI seems to be related to the time that has elapsed since the symptom onset. The improvement in SAECG parameters after TT in these patients is probably the result of earlier reperfusion leading to less myocardial damage.

Spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) may be detected by ultrasonography in environments favoring blood stasis. It is most commonly seen through the use of transesophageal echocardiography in the left atrium of patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease especially in the presence of atrial fibrillation. We studied the predictors of SEC, such as cardiac rhythm, left atrium and left atrial appendage functions, and mitral and pulmonary vein flow parameters, in patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease. The relationship between these parameters and the severity of SEC and appearance of thrombus was evaluated.