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Background: Little is known how individual time-in-therapeutic-range (TTR) impacts the effectiveness and safety of warfarin therapy compared to direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Objective: To compare the effectiveness and safety of standard dose DOACs to warfarin in patients with AF, while categorizing warfarin treated patients into quartiles based on their individual TTR. Materials and methods: We conducted a nationwide study including all patients with new-onset AF between 2011 and 2018 in Finland. Hazard ratios (HR) were calculated using Cox regression analysis with the inverse probability of treatment weighted method to assess the risks of ischaemic stroke (IS), intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) and mortality for users of apixaban (n = 12,426), dabigatran (n = 4545), rivaroxaban (n = 12,950) and warfarin (n = 43,548). Results: The median TTR for warfarin users was 72%. Compared to the second best TTR quartile (reference), the risk of IS was higher in the two poorest TTR quartiles, and lower in the best TTR quartile and on rivaroxaban [2.35 (95% confidence interval, 1.85-2.85), 1.44 (1.18-1.75), 0.60 (0.47-0.77) and 0.72 (0.56-0.92)]. These differences were non-significant for apixaban and dabigatran. HR of ICH was 6.38 (4.88-8.35) and 1.87 (1.41-2.49) in the two poorest TTR groups, 1.44 (1.02-1.93) on rivaroxaban, and 0.58 (0.40-0.85) in the best TTR group compared to the reference group. Mortality was higher in the two poorest TTR groups and lowest in the best TTR group. Conclusions: The outcome was unsatisfactory in the two lowest TTR quartiles - in half of the patients treated with warfarin. The differences between the high TTR groups and standard dose DOACs were absent or modest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Rural–urban disparities have been reported in the outcomes of cardiovascular diseases. We assessed whether rural–urban or other geographical disparities exist in the risk of ischemic stroke (IS) and death in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) in Finland. Methods: The registry-based FinACAF cohort study covers all patients with AF from all levels of care in Finland from 2007 to 2018. Patients were divided into rural–urban categories and into hospital districts (HDs) based on their municipality of residence. Results: We identified 222,051 patients (50.1% female; mean age 72.8 years; mean follow-up 3.9 years) with new-onset AF, of whom 15,567 (7.0%) patients suffered IS and 72,565 (32.7%) died during follow-up. The crude IS rate was similar between rural and urban areas, whereas the mortality rate was lower in urban areas (incidence rate ratios (IRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) 0.97 (0.93–1.00) and 0.92 (0.91–0.93), respectively). However, after adjustments, urban residence was associated with slightly higher IS and mortality rates (IRRs with 95% CIs 1.05 (1.01–1.08) and 1.06 (1.04–1.07), respectively). The highest crude IS rate was in the East Savo HD and the lowest in Åland, whereas the highest crude mortality rate was in the Länsi-Pohja HD and the lowest in the North Ostrobothnia HD (IRRs with 95% CIs compared to Helsinki and Uusimaa HD for IS 1.46 (1.28–1.67) and 0.79 (0.62–1.01), and mortality 1.24 (1.16–1.32) and 0.97 (0.93–1.00), respectively. Conclusions: Rural–urban differences in prognosis of AF in Finland appear minimal, whereas considerable disparities exist between HDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Atrial fibrillation (AF) patients frequently require active rhythm control therapy to maintain sinus rhythm and reduce symptom burden. Our study assessed whether antiarrhythmic therapies (AATs) are used disproportionately between men and women after new-onset AF. Methods and results The nationwide Finnish anticoagulation in AF registry-based linkage study covers all patients with new-onset AF in Finland during 2007–2018. Study outcomes included initiation of AATs in the form of antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs), cardioversion, or catheter ablation. The study population constituted of 229 565 patients (50% females). Women were older than men (76.6 ± 11.8 vs. 68.9 ± 13.4 years) and had higher prevalence of hypertension or hyperthyroidism, but lower prevalence of vascular disease, diabetes, renal disease, and cardiomyopathies than men. Overall, 17.6% of women and 25.1% of men were treated with any AAT. Women were treated with AADs more often than men in all age groups [adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio (aSHR) 1.223, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.187–1.261]. Cardioversions were also performed less often on women than on men aged <65 years (aSHR 0.722, 95% CI 0.695–0.749), more often in patients ≥ 75 years (aSHR 1.166, 95% CI 1.108–1.227), while no difference between the sexes existed in patients aged 65–74 years. Ablations were performed less often in women aged <65 years (aSHR 0.908, 95% CI 0.826–0.998) and ≥75 years (aSHR 0.521, 95% CI 0.354–0.766), whereas there was no difference in patients aged 65–74 years. Conclusion Women used more AAD than men in all age groups but underwent fewer cardioversion and ablation procedures when aged <65 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Elective cardioversion (ECV) is routinely used in atrial fibrillation (AF) to restore sinus rhythm. However, it includes a risk of thromboembolism even during adequate oral anticoagulation treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of thromboembolic and bleeding complications after ECV in a real-life setting utilizing data from a large AF population. Methods and results This nationwide register-based study included all (n = 9625) Finnish AF patients undergoing their first-ever ECV between 2012 and 2018. The thromboembolic and bleeding complications within 30 days after ECV were analysed. The mean age of the patients was 67.7 ± 9.9 years, 61.2% were men, and the mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 2.6 ± 1.6. Warfarin was used in 6245 (64.9%) and non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in 3380 (35.1%) cardioversions. Fifty-two (0.5%) thromboembolic complications occurred, of which 62% were ischaemic strokes, 25% transient ischaemic attacks, and 13% other systemic embolisms. Thromboembolic events occurred in 14 (0.4%) NOAC-treated patients and in 38 (0.6%) warfarin-treated patients (odds ratio 0.77; confidence interval: 0.42–1.39). The median time from ECV to the thromboembolic event was 2 days, and 78% of the events occurred within 10 days. Age and alcohol abuse were significant predictors of thromboembolic events. Among warfarin users, thromboembolic complications were more common with international normalized ratio (INR) <2.5 than INR ≥2.5 (0.9% vs. 0.4%, P = 0.026). Overall, 27 (0.3%) bleeding events occurred. Conclusion The rate of thromboembolic and bleeding complications related to ECV was low without significant difference between NOAC- and warfarin-treated patients. With warfarin, INR ≥2.5 at the time of cardioversion reduced the risk of thromboembolic complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Female sex has been linked with higher risk of ischaemic stroke (IS) in atrial fibrillation (AF), but no prior study has examined temporal trends in the IS risk associated with female sex. Methods The registry-linkage Finnish AntiCoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation (FinACAF) study included all patients with AF in Finland from 2007 to 2018. Ischaemic stroke rates and rate ratios were computed. Results Overall, 229 565 patients with new-onset AF were identified (50.0% women; mean age 72.7 years). The crude IS incidence was higher in women than in men across the entire study period (21.1 vs. 14.9 events per 1000 patient-years, P <.001), and the incidence decreased both in men and women. In 2007–08, female sex was independently associated with a 20%–30% higher IS rate in the adjusted analyses, but this association attenuated and became statistically non-significant by the end of the observation period. Similar trends were observed when time with and without oral anticoagulant (OAC) treatment was analysed, as well as when only time without OAC use was considered. The decrease in IS rate was driven by patients with high IS risk, whereas in patients with low or moderate IS risk, female sex was not associated with a higher IS rate. Conclusions The association between female sex and IS rate has decreased and become non-significant over the course of the study period from 2007 to 2018, suggesting that female sex could be omitted as a factor when estimating expected IS rates and the need for OAC therapy in patients with AF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To investigate sex‐specific temporal trends in the initiation of oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy among patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF) in Finland between 2007 and 2018. Methods: The registry‐linkage Finnish AntiCoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation (FinACAF) Study included all patients with incident AF in Finland from 2007 to 2018. The primary outcome was the initiation of any OAC therapy. Results: We identified 229,565 patients with new‐onset AF (50.0% women; mean age 72.7 years). The initiation of OAC therapy increased continuously during the observation period. While women were more likely to receive OAC therapy overall, after adjusting for age, stroke risk factors and other confounding factors, female sex was associated with a marginally lower initiation of OACs (unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios comparing women to men: 1.08 (1.07–1.10) and 0.97 (0.96–0.98), respectively). Importantly, the gender disparities in OAC use attenuated and reached parity by the end of the observation period. Furthermore, when only patients eligible for OAC therapy according to the contemporary guidelines were included in the analyses, the gender inequalities in OAC initiation appeared minimal. Implementation of direct OACs for stroke prevention was slightly slower among women. Conclusion: This nationwide retrospective cohort study covering all patients with incident AF in Finland from 2007 to 2018 observed that although female sex was initially associated with a lower initiation of OAC therapy, the sex‐related disparities resolved over the course of the study period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To compare 4D flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 2D phase contrast (PC) MRI when evaluating bicuspid (BAV) and tricuspid (TAV) aortic valves. Materials and Methods: A total of 83 subjects (35 BAV, 48 TAV) were explored with 4D flow and 2D PC MRI. Systolic peak velocity, peak flow and regurgitation fraction were analysed at two pre-defined aortic levels (aortic root, midtubular). Furthermore, the two methods of 4D flow analysis (Heart and Artery) were compared. Results: Correlation between the 2D PC MRI and 4D flow MRI derived parameters ranged from moderate (R=0.58) to high (R=0.90). 4D flow MRI yielded significantly higher peak velocities in the tubular aorta in both groups. Regarding the aortic root, peak velocities were significantly higher in the TAV group with 4D flow MRI, but in the BAV group 4D flow MRI yielded non-significantly lower values. Findings on peak flow differences between the two modalities followed the same pattern as the differences in peak velocities. 4D flow MRI derived regurgitation fraction values were lower in both locations in both groups. Interobserver agreement for different 4D flow MRI acquired parameters varied from poor (ICC=0.07) to excellent (ICC=1.0) in the aortic root, and it was excellent in the tubular aorta (ICC=0.8-1.0). Conclusion: 4D flow MRI seems to be accurate in comparison to 2D PC MRI in normal aortic valves and in BAV with mild to moderate stenosis. However, the varying interobserver reproducibility and impaired accuracy at higher flow velocities should be taken into account in clinical practice when using the 4D flow method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Socioeconomic disparities have been reported in the outcomes of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We assessed the hypothesis that AF patients with higher income or educational level are more frequently initiated with oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy for stroke prevention. Methods: The nationwide registry‐based Finnish AntiCoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation cohort covers all patients with AF from all levels of care in Finland. Patients were divided into income quartiles according to their highest annual income during 2004‐2018 and into three categories based on educational attainment. The outcome was the first redeemed OAC prescription. Results: We identified 239 222 patients (mean age 72.7 ± 13.2 years, 49.8% female) with incident AF during 2007‐2018. Higher income was associated with higher OAC initiation rate: compared to the lowest income quartile the adjusted SHRs (95% CI) for OAC initiation were 1.09 (1.07‐1.10), 1.13 (1.11‐1.14) and 1.13 (1.12‐1.15) in the second, third and fourth income quartiles, respectively. Patients in the highest educational category had a slightly lower OAC initiation rate than patients in the lowest educational category (adjusted SHR 0.92 [95% CI 0.90‐0.93]). Income‐related disparities were larger and education‐related disparities only marginal among patients at high risk of ischemic stroke. The socioeconomic disparities in OAC initiation within 1‐year follow‐up decreased from 2007 to 2018. The adoption of direct OACs as the initial anticoagulant was faster among patients with higher income or educational levels. Conclusion: These findings highlight potential missed opportunities in stroke prevention, especially among AF patients with low income, whereas the education‐related disparities in OAC initiation appear controversial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Little is known about rural-urban differences in the treatment and outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to assess whether the initiation of oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy in patients with AF differs between those with rural and urban residence. Methods: The registry-based FinACAF cohort covers all patients with AF from all levels of care in Finland. Patients were divided into rural and urban categories and into urbanization degree tertiles based on their municipality of residence at the time of AF diagnosis. The outcome was the first redeemed OAC prescription. Results: We identified 222 419 patients (50.1% female; mean age 72.8 (SD 13.2) years) with incident AF during 2007–2018. Urban residence was associated with a lower rate of OAC therapy initiation (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio (SHR) (95% CI) 0.96 (0.95–0.97)). Correspondingly, an inverse graded dose-response relationship was observed between higher urbanization degree tertile and OAC initiation rate (highest tertile compared to lowest: adjusted SHR (95% CI) 0.94 (0.93–0.95)). The adoption of direct oral anticoagulants for stroke prevention was faster among patients with urban residence. Conclusion: This nationwide cohort study documented that urban residence is associated with a slightly lower rate of OAC therapy initiation in patients with incident AF, but faster adoption of direct oral anticoagulant use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with mental health conditions (MHCs) have higher incidence of ischaemic stroke (IS) than patients without MHC, but whether this results from direct impact of MHCs or relates to higher prevalence of comorbidities and differences in the use of oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy is unclear. We assessed the hypothesis that MHCs independently increase the risk of IS in patients with incident AF. Methods: The nationwide FinACAF cohort covered all 203,154 patients diagnosed with incident AF without previous IS or transient ischaemic attack in Finland during 2007–2018. MHCs of interest were depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia and any MHC. The outcomes were first‐ever IS and all‐cause death. Results: The patients' (mean age 73.0 ± 13.5 years, 49.0% female) mean follow‐up time was 4.3 (SD 3.3) years and 16,272 (8.0%) experienced first‐ever IS and 63,420 (31.2%) died during follow‐up. After propensity score matching and adjusting for OAC use, no MHC group was associated with increased IS risk (adjusted SHRs (95% CI): depression 0.961 (0.857–1.077), bipolar disorder 1.398 (0.947–2.006), anxiety disorder 0.878 (0.718–1.034), schizophrenia 0.803 (0.594–1.085) and any MHC 1.033 (0.985–1.085)). Lower rate of OAC use partly explained the observed higher crude IS incidence in patients with any MHC. Depression, schizophrenia and any MHC were associated with higher all‐cause mortality (adjusted HRs [95% CI]: 1.208 [1.136–1.283], 1.543 [1.352–1.761] and 1.149 [1.116–1.175], respectively). Conclusions: In this nationwide retrospective cohort study, MHCs were not associated with the incidence of first‐ever IS in patients with AF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low socioeconomic status has been associated with poor outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, little is known about socioeconomic disparities in adherence to stroke prevention with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). We assessed the hypothesis that AF patients with higher income or educational levels have better adherence to DOACs in terms of treatment implementation and persistence. The used nationwide registry-based FinACAF cohort covers all patients with incident AF starting DOACs in Finland during 2011–2018. The implementation analyses included 74 222 (mean age 72.7 ± 10.5 years, 50.8% female) patients, and persistence analyses included 67 503 (mean age 75.3 ± 8.9 years, 53.6% female) patients with indication for permanent anticoagulation (CHA2DS2-VASc score >1 in men and >2 in women). Patients were divided into income quartiles and into three categories based on their educational attainment. Therapy implementation was measured using the medication possession ratio (MPR), and patients with MPR ≥0.90 were defined adherent. Persistence was measured as the incidence of therapy discontinuation, defined as the first 135-day period without DOAC purchases after drug initiation. Patients with higher income or education were consistently more likely adherent to DOACs in the implementation phase (comparing the highest income or educational category to the lowest: adjusted odds ratios 1.18 (1.12–1.25) and 1.21 (1.15–1.27), respectively). No association with income or educational levels was observed on the incidence of therapy discontinuation. In conclusion, we observed that income and educational levels both have independent positive association on the implementation of DOAC therapy but no association on therapy persistence in patients with AF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose -- Fast-track total joint replacement (TJR) has become increasingly common. Routine thromboprophylaxis for pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis prevention lasts from 2 to 5 weeks. This retrospective registry study focused on clinically relevant bleeding complications 90 days after fast-track primary TJR. Patients and methods -- All primary fast-track total hip (THA) and knee arthroplasties (TKA) performed between 2015 and 2016 were extracted from the Finnish Arthroplasty Register and Finnish Hospital Discharge Register. Type of arthroplasty and indication for the operation were combined with diagnoses of clinically relevant bleeding complications within 90 days of surgery. The incidence of these bleedings was the primary outcome measure. Results -- Of the total of 8,511 patients (mean age 67 years (SD 10); 60% female), 45% underwent unilateral THA, 52% unilateral TKA, and 3% bilateral TKA. The incidence of clinically relevant bleeding complications within 90 days was 1% (95% CI 0.8--1.3). No difference was observed in bleeding incidence between the groups. The 87 bleedings comprised 57 operative site bleedings, 17 gastrointestinal bleedings, 6 intracranial non-traumatic bleedings, 5 bleedings from the nose or another undetermined site, and 2 intraocular bleedings. 1 death due to intracranial bleeding was recorded, and hence clinically relevant bleeding-specific 90-day mortality was 0.01%. Interpretation -- The incidence of clinically relevant bleeding complications was low. However, they cause patient discomfort, increase the use of healthcare services, and can be life-threatening and even fatal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women with atrial fibrillation (AF) may be treated less actively with oral anticoagulation (OAC) than men. We assessed sex differences in the implementation of stroke risk stratification with CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores and reasons not to use OAC in 1747 AF patients suffering their first cerebrovascular event after the AF diagnosis. Women were older and had more often a high stroke risk (CHADS2/CHA2DS2-VASc ≥2) than men (p <.001). On admission, 46.4% of women and 48.2% of men were on OAC with no sex difference (p =.437). However, of patients without OAC, 74.4% of women and 49.5% of men should have been on OAC based on CHADS2/CHA2DS2-VASc ≥2 (p <.001). Conversely, 34.8% of men and 17.5% of women on OAC had a low or moderate risk (CHADS2/CHA2DS2-VASc 0–1, p <.001). A valid reason to omit OAC was reported in 38.6% of patients and less often in women (p <.001). OAC was underused in high-risk AF patients, particularly women, but prescribed often in men with low or moderate stroke risk. Reasons for omitting OAC treatment were poorly reported, particularly for women. Women were at higher stroke risk, but were less often treated with oral anticoagulation (OAC). Men were more often on OAC at low or moderate stroke risk. Reasons for omitting guideline based OAC were poorly reported, particularly for women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) in acute pulmonary embolism (APE) can be assessed with helical computerized tomography (CT) and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Signs of RVD and elevated natriuretic peptides like NT-proBNP and cardiac troponin (TnT) are associated with increased risk of mortality. However, the prognostic role of both initial diagnostic strategy and the use of NT-proBNP and TnT for screening for long-term probability of RVD remains unknown. The aim of the study was to determine the role of helical CT and NT-proBNP in detection of RVD in the acute phase. In addition, the value of NT-proBNP for ruling out RVD at long-term follow-up was assessed. Methods Sixty-three non-high risk APE patients were studied. RVD was assessed at admission in the emergency department by CT and TTE, and both NT-proBNP and TnT samples were taken. These, excepting CT, were repeated seven months later. Results At admission RVD was detected by CT in 37 (59 %) patients. RVD in CT correlated strongly with RVD in TTE (p < 0.0001). NT-proBNP was elevated (≥ 350 ng/l) in 32 (86 %) patients with RVD but in only seven (27 %) patients without RVD (p < 0.0001). All the patients survived until the 7-month follow-up. TTE showed persistent RVD in 6 of 63 (10 %) patients who all had RVD in CT at admission. All of them had elevated NT-proBNP levels in the follow-up compared with 5 (9 %) of patients without RVD (p < 0.0001). Conclusions TTE does not confer further benefit when helical CT is used for screening for RVD in non-high risk APE. All the patients who were found to have RVD in TTE at seven months follow-up had had RVD in the acute phase CT as well. Thus, patients without RVD in diagnostic CT do not seem to require further routine follow-up to screen for RVD later. On the other hand, persistent RVD and thus need for TTE control can be ruled out by assessment of NT-proBNP at follow-up. A follow-up protocol based on these findings is suggested.

Background/Aim: We aimed to analyze the diagnostic value of total tau (T- tau), S-100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) as blood-based biomarkers in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA), and their correlation with symptom severity, infarct size, etiology and outcome. Patients and Methods: A total of 102 patients with stroke and 35 with TIA were analyzed. Subacute (63.8±50.1 h) plasma T-tau was measured with the single-molecule array (Simoa) method and NSE and S100B were evaluated for comparison. We evaluated biomarkers associations with: (i) diagnosis of AIS or TIA, (ii) cerebral infarction volume in the brain computed tomography, (iii) stroke etiology, (iv) clinical stroke severity and (iv) functional outcome after three months. Results: T-tau was higher in patients with stroke [1.0 pg/ml (IQR=0.3-2.2)] than with TIA [0.5 pg/ml (IQR=0.2-1.0), p=0.02]. The levels of S100B were also increased in stroke [0.082 μg/l (IQR=0.049-0.157)] patients compared to TIA patients [0.045 μg/l (IQR=0.03-0.073), p<0.001]. However, when the results were adjusted for confounders, significance was lost. Serum levels of NSE among patients with AIS [11.85 μg/l (IQR=9.30-16.14)] compared to those with TIA [10.96 μg/l (IQR=7.98-15.33), p=0.30] were equal. T-tau and S100B concentrations significantly correlated with cerebral infarction volume (r=0.412, p<0.001) and (r=0.597, p<0.001), also after corrections (p<0.001). mRS scores at three-month follow-up correlated with T-tau (r=0.248, p=0.016) and S100B concentrations (r=0.205, p=0.045). Conclusion: For the diagnosis of TIA vs. AIS, blood T-tau and S100B concentrations discriminated only modestly. Additionally, groups were not separable after measuring of T-tau and S100B levels in the blood. T-tau and S100B concentrations correlated with the infarct size, but were not alone predictive for functional outcome at 3 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The sensitivity and specificity of the conventional 12-lead ECG to identify carriers of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) - causing mutations without left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) has been limited. We assessed the ability of novel electrocardiographic parameters to improve the detection of HCM mutation carriers.Methods: We studied 140 carriers (G+) of the TPM1-Asp175Asn or MYBPC3-Gln1061X pathogenic variants for HCM: The G+/LVH+ group (n = 98) consisted of mutation carriers with LVH and the G+/LVH- group (n = 42) without LVH. The control group consisted of 30 subjects. The standard 12-lead ECG was comprehensively analyzed and two novel ECG variables were introduced: RV1RV3 and septal remodeling. A subset of 65 individuals underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and 2D strain echocardiography.Results: Conventional major ECG criteria were sensitive (90%) and specific (97%) in identifying G+/LVH+ subjects. RV1RV3 and septal remodeling were more prevalent in the G+/LVH- subjects compared to the control group (33% vs 3%, p = 0.005 and 45% vs 3%, p < 0.001, respectively). The combination of RV1RV3 and Q waves and repolarization abnormalities (QR) differentiated between the G+/LVH- subjects and the control group with a sensitivity of 52% and specificity of 97%. The combination of septal remodeling and QR differentiated between G+/LVH- subjects and the control group with a sensitivity of 64% and specificity of 97%.Conclusions: The novel ECG-parameters RV1RV3 and septal remodeling were effective in identifying G+/LVH- subjects and could be useful in the diagnostics of new suspected HCM patients and in the screening and follow-up of HCM families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOAC) have been shown to be safe and effective alternatives to warfarin for the prevention of thromboembolic complications in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to investigate the complications and the use of NOACs in AF patients undergoing elective cardioversion.Methods and results: This nationwide multicentre study included consecutive elective cardioversions in AF patients treated with NOACs between October 2011 and May 2016. Data on patient characteristics, antithrombotic treatment and acute (<30 days) complications were collected. One thousand twenty-one patients (mean age 64 years, 70% men) underwent 1291 elective cardioversions, of which 680 (52.7%) cardioversions were performed in patients using dabigatran, 431 (33.4%) rivaroxaban, and 159 (12.3%) apixaban. Mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 1.8 (±1.5). A total of 3 thromboembolic events occurred after the cardioversion (0.2%): 1 patient receiving dabigatran experienced an ischaemic stroke on Day 2 and 1 rivaroxaban treated patient on Day 4. One patient receiving dabigatran experienced a transient ischaemic attack on Day 11. All 3 patients had used recommended doses of the NOAC. A total of 6 (0.5%) clinically relevant, but not serious bleeding events occurred. Only short duration of AF was associated with lower rate of AF recurrence.Conclusion: Thrombotic and bleeding complications related to NOACs were uncommon (<0.5%) in real life AF patients undergoing elective cardioversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: A chronically elevated level of von Willebrand factor (vWF) is a common finding in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Obesity is a well-recognized risk factor for thrombotic cardiovascular complications including ischemic stroke, and it has been linked with increased plasma vWF. We evaluated whether elevated plasma levels of vWF associate with areas of visceral (VAT), pericardial (PAT), and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) compartments in patients with acute/subacute stroke. Methods and results: A total of 69 patients with stroke of suspected cardiogenic etiology were examined. The plasma level of vWF antigen (vWF-ag) was measured both in the acute phase and in the chronic phase three months after stroke. The areas of VAT and/or PAT were assessed with computed tomography. As expected, in stroke patients, the levels of plasma vWF-ag were significantly higher than in the national reference population both in the acute and in the chronic phase. The level of vWF-ag in the chronic phase correlated with the amounts of VAT and PAT, but not with subcutaneous adipose tissue. Conclusions: These results agree with previous observations of the chronic inflammation/prothrombotic tendency in patients with cerebrovascular disease. Future studies should seek to clarify the role of visceral type adipose tissue in the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]