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Acromegaly is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. 49 acromegaly patients were evaluated for presence of cardiovascular risk factors and manifestations using 2D-Echocardiography, strain, strain-rate, carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and flow mediated dilatation (FMD) and correlated with disease activity. 32 patients with growth hormone (GH) level >1 ng/ml were considered active. Patients with active disease have more LV dysfunction as assessed by strain(p-0.031) and strain rate(p-0.001); trend towards lower ejection fraction(p-0.11) with significant correlation to GH(cc −0.252,p-0.05). Patient with active disease have reduced FMD(p- 0.042); with no difference in prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and CIMT inrelation to disease activity.

Background: Achievement of sinus rhythm (SR) is an important goal in rheumatic atrial fibrillation (AF). Studies in rheumatic AF have often used amiodarone for rhythm control. Flecainide has not been studied in these patients due to concerns of underlying structural heart disease. Methods: Pharmacological cardioversion by oral single loading dose (SLD) of Flecainide (4 mg/kg, ≤300 mg) was tested in 50 patients with rheumatic AF (MVA 1.51 ± 0.19 mm2, age 46.2 ± 10.28 yrs, AF duration 3.10 ± 1.7 yrs, LA size: 44.42 ± 7.48 mm). Non-converters underwent DC cardioversion (DCC) at 24 h. All patients received oral flecainide and ββ/diltiazem at discharge. Results: At 24 h, 38/50 (76%) achieved SR (2 with SLD; 36 after DCC). At 30 days (mean Flecainide dose 116.5 ± 10.5 mg) successful maintenance of SR was noted in 31/38 (89%). At 1 year, 30/38 (79%) of the initial converters and 60% of the overall population maintained SR. Those in SR had significantly better NYHA Class (1.1 ± 0.12 vs 1.3 ± 0.10, p = 0.03) and mean PCS8 score (50.11 ± 5.337 vs 46.84 ± 5.379, p = 0.02). AF duration (OR 0.594 CI 0.375–0.940, p = 0.02) and LA size (OR 0.840, CI 0.757–0.933, p = 0.001) were found to be the only significant predictors of successful outcomes. Patients with AF duration

Background Isolated aortic valve disease (IAVD) has traditionally been a disease of elderly, etiology being either senile degeneration of a tricuspid aortic valve or calcification of a bicuspid aortic valve. However, there is scarcity of Indian data regarding demographic distribution and etiological patterns of IAVD in context of emerging therapies like transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVR). Methods & results A retrospective observational analysis of 60,560 echocardiograms over three years revealed 3728 newly diagnosed cases of valvular heart disease (VHD). Isolated mitral valve disease (IMVD) constituted 48.7% (n = 1815) of all VHD, including 1104 (29.6%) cases of pure mitral stenosis (MS) which was the commonest single lesion followed by combined mitral and aortic valve disease (CMAVD) (n = 1320, 34.5%), mixed aortic valve disease (MAVD) (n = 349, 9.4%), isolated aortic stenosis (IAS) (n = 179, 4.8%) and isolated aortic regurgitation (IAR) (n = 75, 2.0%). IAS patients had bimodal age distribution with peaks in first and sixth decade, contributed by congenital and acquired IAS respectively. Acquired IAS comprised of degenerative tricuspid aortic valve (n = 79, 58.1%; mean age: 63.2 ± 8.8 years), bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) (n = 34, 25.0%; mean age: 36.0 ± 8.3 years), rheumatic (n = 4, 2.9%; mean age: 55.3 ± 3.4 years) and non-rheumatic IAS with unclear morphology (n = 19, 14%; mean age: 48.5 ± 9.3 years). 65.6% patients with acquired non-rheumatic isolated aortic stenosis were less than 60 years of age. Conclusion In Indian population, senile valvular degeneration is the commonest cause of acquired IAS with majority of them presenting before 60 years of age, thereby bereaving them with the option of TAVR as a treatment modality., Highlights • Study predicts and deliberates over limited penetration of TAVR in Indian population. • Among acquired IAS, senile degeneration and bicuspid valve calcification is common. • Lower age of patients with acquired IAS becomes major hindrance to advocate TAVI.

Objectives: To study the immediate maternal and fetal outcomes and long term maternal outcomes in pregnant women undergoing balloon mitral valvotomy. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed balloon mitral valvotomy during pregnancy performed between January 2008 and July 2018. Results: BMV was carried out in 97 pregnant women with mean age of 26.1 ± 4.5 years, at mean gestational age of 23.1 ± 4.6 weeks. The procedure was successful in 95 patients (97.9%). There was one maternal death post procedure due to intra-uterine death and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Adverse immediate fetal outcome was seen in 2 cases with one intra-uterine fetal demise and one preterm labour. Mitral valve area increased from mean of 0.82 ± 0.12 cm to 1.66 ± 0.14 cm (p

Objectives: Statins confer protection from ischemia/reperfusion through various pathways including pleiotropic mechanisms. Following chronic administration, activation of intrinsic cellular mechanisms causes attenuation of these pleiotropic effects. Methods: Since coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) represents a reversible ischemia-reperfusion sequence, we assessed if statin reload is effective in patients undergoing off-pump CABG (n = 100) in limiting myocardial injury. Patients received loading dose of rosuvastatin (40 mg initiated 7 days before surgery) while nonloaded patients continued whatever statin dose they were receiving and served as controls. Cardiac biomarkers (Troponin-I, creatine kinase muscle/brain [CK-MB], and B-type natriuretic peptide [BNP]) were measured at 8, 24, and 48 h postoperatively. The primary end-point was the extent of perioperative myocardial injury (area under the curve [AUC]: AUC of each biomarker). Results: Despite similar baseline levels, all biomarkers at 8, 24, and 48 h were significantly lower in the loaded group. The AUC for each biomarker was also significantly lower in the loaded group (cTnI 37.96 vs. 70.12 ng. hr/ml, CK-MB 229.64 vs. 347.04 ng. hr/ml, and BNP 5257.56 vs. 15606.68 pg. hr/ml, all P < 0.001). Delta cTnI (change from baseline to peak level) (1.00 ± 1.34 vs. 2.25 ± 2.59), delta CK-MB (4.54 ± 5.89 vs. 10.68 ± 9.95), and delta BNP (120.41 ± 172.48 vs. 449.23 ± 790.95) all P < 0.001 were also significantly lower in the loaded group. Those loaded with rosuvastatin had lower inotrope duration (22.9 ± 23.33 vs. 31.26 ± 25.39 h, P = 0.04) and ventilator support time (16.94 ± 6.78 vs. 23.8 ± 20.53 h, P = 0.03). Conclusion: In patients undergoing off-pump CABG, statin reload can “recapture” cardioprotection in patients already on statins with favorable effect on release kinetics of biomarkers and postoperative outcomes.

Background Statins have known pleiotropic effects that confer protection from ischemia-reperfusion injury. Because cardiopulmonary bypass is a potentially reversible ischemia-reperfusion sequence, we aimed to assess whether statin loading could help to limit myocardial injury in patients undergoing isolated heart valve replacement under cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods One hundred patients with rheumatic valvular heart disease undergoing valve replacement received either a loading dose of rosuvastatin (40 mg initiated 7 days before surgery; loaded group) or no statins (non-loaded group). Cardiac troponin I, creatine kinase MB, and brain natriuretic peptide were measured at 8, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively. The primary endpoint was the extent of perioperative myocardial injury measured by the area under the curve for each biomarker. Results Despite similar baseline levels, all biomarkers at 8, 24, and 48 h were significantly lower in the loaded group. The area under the curve of each biomarker was significantly lower in the loaded group than in the non-loaded group (troponin I: 31.43 vs. 77.21 ng·h·mL−1, creatine kinase MB 309.31 vs. 429.12 ng·h·mL−1, brain natriuretic peptide 5176.11 vs. 16119.31 pg·h·mL−1, all p Conclusion In patients undergoing valve replacement, high-dose statin loading before surgery had a favorable impact on the release kinetics of various cardiac biomarkers.

Background Cardiac diseases are seen in 1–3% of pregnancies. In developing countries rheumatic heart disease (RHD) contributes a major cause of cardiac disorders. Objective To study the maternal and fetal outcome in women with valvular heart disease or prosthetic heart valve replacement secondary to RHD in a tertiary care center. Method The consecutive pregnant women with RHD attending our institute from May 2018 to August 2019 were included. A maternal adverse outcome was defined as cardiac death, new onset arrhythmia, heart failure, thromboembolic event, hospitalization for other cardiac reasons or cardiac intervention, aortic dissection, infective endocarditis and acute coronary syndrome. Fetal adverse outcome defined as fetal death, preterm birth, and low birth weight. Result Total 80 patients were included in this study, native RHD in 60(75%) and 20(25%) had mechanical prosthetic valve replacement. Maternal adverse event occurred in 34(42.5%), comprising of death in 1(1.2%), new onset AF 2(2.5%), 20(25%) underwent balloon mitral valvotomy, 3(3.7%) underwent mitral valve replacement, heart failure hospitalization in 7(8.7%). 1(1.2%) patient developed mitral valve infective endocarditis. Preterm delivery occurred in 19(23.7%), 7(8.7%) abortions and 1(1.2%) intrauterine death. Fetuses with low birth weight were 43(53.7%). Pregnancy with live birth occurred in 57(95%) women with valvular heart disease but no prosthesis and 16(80%) women with prosthetic valve disease. Conclusion Women with rheumatic heart disease carry a high risk both for mother and fetus. Early diagnosis, close follow-up during pregnancy, early recognition of deterioration in symptoms and timely cardiac intervention can lead to good maternal or fetal outcome.

Background COVID-19 pandemic has affected around 20million patients worldwide and 2.0 million cases from India. The lockdown was employed to delay the pandemic. However, it had an unintentional impact on acute cardiovascular care, especially acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Observational studies have shown a decrease in hospital admissions for AMI in several developed countries during the pandemic period. We aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the AMI admissions patterns across India. Methods In this multicentric, retrospective, cross-sectional study, we included all AMI cases admitted to participating hospitals during the study period 15th March to 15th June 2020 and compared them using a historical control of all cases of AMI admitted during the corresponding period in the year 2019. Major objective of the study is to analyze the changes inthe number of hospital admissions for AMI in hospitals across India. In addition, we intend to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the weekly AMI admission rates, and other performance measures like rates of thrombolysis/primary percutaneous interventions (PCI), window period, door to balloon time, and door to needle time. Other objectives include evaluation of changes in the major complications and mortality rates of AMI and its predictors during COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions This CSI-AMI study will provide scientific evidence about the impact of COVID-19 on AMI care in India. Based on this study, we may be able to suggest appropriate changes to the existing MI guidelines and to educate the public regarding emergency care for AMI during COVID-19 pandemic.

Funding Acknowledgements self Background Arterial stiffness is an important cardiovascular risk factor. Carotid femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) is simple noninvasive method to determine aortic stiffness. Arterial stiffness measures, cfPWV in particular, have been found to be correlate with stroke and peripheral artery disease. Usually SphygmoCor or Complior are used to calculate cfPWV. Doppler ultrasound can serve as an alternative to these methods. Purpose To assess cfPWV using doppler ultrasound and study its correlation with coronary artery disease and its severity. Methods cfPWV was assessed by ultrasound Doppler in patient aged 20-70 years undergoing coronary angiography. cfPWV was measured by sequential recordings of arterial pressure waveform at the carotid and femoral arteries with a Doppler ultrasound with ECG gating and calculated as the distance between the carotid and the femoral sampling site divided by the time interval. Result Of the 358 subjects studied, 243 had coronary artery disease(CAD) (>50% diameter stenosis) and were further divided into single, double or triple vessel disease groups. 115 patients had mild CAD (< 50% stenosis) or no CAD and served as controls. Baseline characteristics were similar except diabetes (more common in CAD group)(39.09% v/s 27.82%). cfPWV was found to increase with age in all groups. cfPWV was not significantly affected by sex, diabetes, dyslipidemia, BMI, smoking or hypothyroidism. Mean cfPWV was significantly higher in patients with CAD (8.99 v/s 6.51 m/s, p 7.25 m/s predicted CAD with sensitivity 78.6 % and specificity 74.8% (AUC =0.848, P Conclusion Carotid femoral pulse wave velocity can be measured noninvasively by ultrasound Doppler. cfPWV increases with age and hypertension and has strong correlation with coronary artery disease and its severity. The cfPWV can be an independent risk factor and may be utilized for cardiovascular risk prediction. Abstract P41 Figure. cfPWV in various subgroups.

Regular transfusion leads to cardiac siderosis resulting in cardiac complications that account for more than 71% of the total mortality in thalassemia patients. We aimed to study the variants of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9), matrix Gla protein (MGP), and estrogen receptor α(ERα), which might be contributing to atherosclerosis, leading to heart failure in thalassemia major. One hundred and five thalassemia patients on regular transfusion and iron chelation therapy were enrolled for the study. Carotid artery intimal medial thickness (CIMT) measurement was done to check for atherosclerosis. MMP9 (C1562T), MGP (T138C), and ERα gene (PvuII (rs2234693T > C) and XbaI (rs9340799A > G) polymorphism were analyzed using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. CIMT values were within the normal range (

Background: Heart rate (HR) reduction is of benefit in chronic heart failure (HF). The effect of heart rate reduction using Ivabradine on various echocardiographic parameters in dilated cardiomyopathy has been less investigated. Methods: Of 187 patients with HF (DCM, NYHA II–IV, baseline HR > 70/min), 125 patients were randomized to standard therapy (beta blockers, ACEI, diuretics, n = 62) or add-on Ivabradine (titrated to maximum 7.5 mg BD, n = 63). Beta-blockers were titrated in both the groups. Results: At 3 months both groups had improvement in NYHA class, 6 min walk test, Minnesota Living With Heart Failure (MLWHF) scores and fall in BNP, however the magnitude of change was greater in Ivabradine group. Those on Ivabradine also had lower LV volumes, higher LVEF (28.8 ± 3.6 vs 27.2 ± 0.5, p = 0.01) and more favorable LV global strain (11 ± 1.7vs 12.2 ± 1.1, p =

OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to investigate the role of osteoprotegerin (OPG)/RANK/RANKL variants in left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and diastolic dysfunction in thalassemia major patients MATERIALS AND METHOD: One hundred and five beta-thalassemia patients who were older than 10 years of age were enrolled for the study. Two-dimensional and M-mode echocardiography analysis was done in all patients. Genotyping for OPG [rs2073617 (950 T>C), rs2073618 (1181G>C)], RANK [(rs1805034(+34694 C>T), rs12458117 (+34901 G>A) and rs75404003 (+35966insdelC)], and RANKL (rs2277438, rs9594782) variants was done using the PCR-RFLP method. Serum OPG levels were estimated by ELISA. RESULTS Mean age of patients was 16.36 ± 5.08 years. LVH and diastolic dysfunction was present in 33 (31.4%) and 24 (22.8%) patients, respectively. Thalassemia patients having minor allele of OPG rs2073618, RANK rs75404003 and RANKL rs9594782 SNPs were at high risk for LVH as suggested by high odds ratio of 2.470, 3.783, and 2.148, respectively; however, none of the SNPs tested were statistically significantly associated after applying Bonferroni corrections for multiple testing adjustment. No significant association of any SNP with diastolic dysfunction was observed. Serum OPG levels were found significantly higher in thalassemia patients with diastolic dysfunction (P = 0.006). CONCLUSION OPG rs2073618, RANK rs75404003, and RANKL rs9594782 SNPs may predispose LVH in thalassemia patients. Patients with diastolic dysfunction showed increased levels of serum OPG.

Background: Global ventricular function often remains normal in patients with beta-thalassemia major. (&#946-TM) until late. Tissue Doppler and strain imaging may be useful to assess regional myocardial function abnormalities in these patients. Methods: Systolic (Sm), early diastolic (Em), and late diastolic (Am) (Em/Am) myocardial velocities at basal lateral and septal left ventricular (LV) segments, strain (S), and strain rate (SR) in basal and mid LV, right ventricular (RV) and septum were measured in 30 patients (&#946-TM, 12.4 ± 5.2 years, serum ferritin 2603.1 μg/L) and twenty controls (12.5 ± 5.2 years). Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) vasodilatation as a measure of endothelial function was also assessed. Results: Patients had significantly higher LV mass index (169.45 ± 61.14 vs. 104.66 ± 24.42; P = 0.009) while global LV Sm and diastolic function was similar to controls. Patients had significantly lower lateral Em velocity, Em (10.12 ± 1.16 vs. 17.9 ± 2.11; P = 0.002), Em/Am ratio (0.811 ± 0.192 vs. 2.06 ± 0.62; P = 0.001) at the basal lateral LV, lower strain values at the basal lateral LV (19.5 ± 4.17 vs. 24.196 ± 1.81; P = 0.002), mid lateral LV (19.07 ± 3.98 vs. 25.56 ± 2.62; P = 0.042), basal septum (17.04 ± 3.44 vs. 25.43 ± 2.53; P = 0.001), and mid septum (20.49 ± 5.34 vs. 24.45 ± 2.20; P = 0.001) as compared to controls. SR at the basal and mid segment of the lateral LV wall and at the basal and mid septum was also significantly lower in patients. SR in basal and mid RV although lower was not significantly different from controls. Patients also had significantly lower FMD (7.57 ± 3.16 vs. 18.08 ± 1.9, P = 0.018) implying endothelial dysfunction. Conclusions: Tissue Doppler, strain and SR imaging are useful to quantify regional myocardial function in asymptomatic α-TM patients with preserved global Sm and diastolic function.

Background & objectives: Prescription patterns of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) after coronary artery bypass surgery [coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)] and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at hospital discharge are often not optimal. In view of scarce data from the developing world, a retrospective analysis of medication advice to patients following CABG and PCI was conducted. Methods: Records of 5948 patients (post-PCI: 5152, post-CABG: 796) who underwent revascularization from 2010 to 2014 at a single tertiary care centre in north India were analyzed. >Results: While age and gender distributions were similar, diabetes and stable angina were more frequent in CABG group. Prescription rates for aspirin 100 per cent versus 98.2 per cent were similar, while beta-blockers (BBs, 95.2 vs 90%), statins (98.2 vs 91.6%), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (89.4 vs 41.4%), nitrates (51.2 vs 1.1%) and calcium channel blockers (6.6 vs 1.6%) were more frequently prescribed following PCI. Despite similar baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (48.1 vs 51.1%), diuretics were prescribed almost universally post-CABG (98.2 vs 10.9%, PInterpretation & conclusions: Significant differences in prescription of GDMT between PCI and CABG patients existed at hospital discharge. A substantial proportion of post-CABG patients did not receive BB and/or statins. These patients were also less likely to receive high-dose statin or optimal BB dose and more likely to routinely receive clopidogrel and diuretics. Such deviations from GDMT need to be rectified to improve quality of cardiac care after coronary revascularization.

Background: Subtle structural and functional changes may precede the onset of overt global left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Data pertaining to tissue velocity imaging (TVI)and strain imaging to assess regional myocardial function and flow mediated vasodilatation are limited in young patients with diabetes. Materials: Conventional echocardiography, TVI parameters along with strain (S), and strain rate (SR) were measured in 50 young diabetics (15.16 ± 2.95 years, mean HBA1c 8.15 ± 1.37 g %) and 25 controls (15.60 ± 2.51 years). Flow-mediated dilation (FMD), nitrate--mediated dilatation (NMD), and carotid intima–media thickness were also assessed. Results: Conventional echocardiography parameters were similar in patients and controls; however, deceleration time of the mitral inflow velocity (early deceleration time) was significantly shorter in patients when compared with controls (149.06 ± 31.66 vs. 184.56 ± 19.27 ms, P =0.001). Patients had lower strain values at the basal lateral LV (21.39 ± 4.12 vs. 23.78 ± 2.02; P =0.001), mid-lateral LV (21.43 ± 4.27 vs. 23.17 ± 1.92 P =0.02), basal septum (20.59 ± 5.28 vs. 22.91 ± 2.00; P = 0.01), and midseptum (22.06 ± 4.75 vs. 24.10 ± 1.99; P = 0.01) as compared to controls. SR at the basal and midsegments of the lateral LV wall and at the basal septum was also significantly lower in diabetic patients. Diabetic children also had endothelial dysfunction with significantly lower FMD (8.36 ± 4.27 vs. 10.57 ± 4.12, P = 0.04). Conclusions: LV strain indices and flow--mediated dilatation are impaired in asymptomatic children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus despite absence of overt heart failure and normal ejection fraction. Early detection of subclinical regional myocardial dysfunction by deformation analysis including strain and strain rate may be useful in the asymptomatic diabetic population.

Background Subtle structural and functional changes may precede the onset of overt global left ventricular dysfunction and obvious reduction of ejection fraction (EF), especially in young diabetics. Data pertaining to tissue velocity indices (TVI) and strain imaging to assess regional myocardial function and flow mediated vasodilatation is limited in young patients with diabetes. Purpose To evaluate conventional echocardiography parameters, tissue doppler indices, global and regional strain, carotid intimal medial thickness (CIMT), endothelial dependent (FMD) and independent function (NMD) of brachial artery in young patients (age Methods Conventional echocardiography parameters, tissue velocity indices (TVI) parameters along with strain (S), and strain rate (SR) in basal and mid left ventricular (LV) lateral wall, right ventricular (RV) lateral wall and septum were measured in 50 young diabetics (age 15.16±2.95 years, mean HBA1c 8.15±1.37 gm %) and 25 controls (age 15.60±2.51 years). Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), nitrate mediated dilatation and carotid intimal media thickness (CIMT) were also estimated. Results Conventional echocardiography parameters were similar in patients and controls however deceleration time of the mitral inflow velocity (EDT) was significantly shorter in patients when compared with controls (149.06±31.66 vs. 184.56±19.27 ms, p Strain rate in diabetic patient Conclusion Left ventricular strain indices are impaired in asymptomatic children and adolescents with type 1 DM despite absence of overt heart failure and normal ejection fraction. Early detection of subclinical regional myocardial dysfunction by deformation analysis including strain and strain rate may be useful in the asymptomatic diabetic population. In addition, evidence of endothelial dysfunction in the form of impaired flow mediated vasodilatation was observed in the diabetic children. Acknowledgement/Funding None

Objectives To study the role of metabolic modulator (trimetazidine: TMZ) in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Optimizing altered substrate metabolism in heart failure (HF) with metabolic modulators allows more efficacious energy production from glucose than from free fatty acids. Methods 100 patients of DCM (47.7 years, NYHA class 2.17, LVEF 27.3%) were randomized to TMZ (20 mg tid, n = 50) vs conventional therapy (n = 50). Functional status, BNP and various echocardiographic parameters were assessed at 3–6 months. Results At 3 months, TMZ group had significantly improved NYHA class (2.25 vs 1.85), 6 min walk test (349.7 vs 402 m), LVD-36 score (25.5 vs 21) and BNP (744.7 vs 248.3 pg/ml), all p 0.001. Significant improvement was also seen in LV end-systolic (LVESV, 87.1 ± 27.5 vs 78.5 ± 24.9 ml/m2, p 0.001), LV end-diastolic volumes (LVEDV, 117.6 ± 29.3 vs 110.9 ± 27.4 ml/m2, p 0.001), LVEF (27 vs 30.9%, p 0.001) and LV wall stress (90.2 ± 18.9 vs 71.1 ± 13.2 dyn/cm2, p 0.0001). The % change in LVESV, LVEDV, LVEF and LV wall stress was −9.5%, −5.4%, +8.4% and −21.8%. Other echo parameters also improved after 3 months of TMZ (E/A ratio 1.9 vs 1.2, p = 0.001, E/A VTI 2.7 vs 1.6, p = 0.001, myocardial performance index, MPI 0.8 vs 0.7, p = 0.0001), Tissue Doppler parameters (E/E′ septal (19.7 vs 12.5, p = 0.001) and E/E′ lateral (13.3 vs 9.4, p = 0.0001)). Patients in control group had no change in NYHA class, LVD-36 scores, LV volumes or LVEF at 3 months although BNP and LV wall stress reduced to a slight extent. Patients on TMZ had further improvement in NYHA class, walk test, BNP levels and echocardiographic parameters at 6 months. Conclusions Metabolic modulators (TMZ) may help in improving LV function in DCM. In this study, benefit was noted by 3 months with further improvement at 6 months.

INTRODUCTION Chronic mitral regurgitation (MR) is characterized by adverse ventricular remodeling and progressive LV dysfunction leading to heart failure (HF). Beta-blockers (BB) improve LV remodeling and prognosis in patients with HF. As chronic severe MR results in neuroendocrine activation similar to HF, it is likely that BB may also exert favorable effects in these patients. No study has assessed the role of oral BB therapy in chronic rheumatic MR. AIMS A total of 100 patients of chronic rheumatic MR (mean age 30±13.48 years, NYHA 2.2±0.5) were randomized to BB (Metoprolol, 37±13.5 mg, n=48) vs no BB (n=52) in addition to standard therapy. RESULTS Baseline BNP and echocardiographic parameters were comparable in the two groups. At 3 months, BB therapy resulted in significantly lower NYHA class (1.97 vs 2.35), BNP (141 vs 207 pg/mL), LV end-systolic (35.89 vs 51.30) and LV end-diastolic volumes (101 vs 128 mL/m(2) ), LV end-systolic stress (81.1 vs 93.3 dyn/cm(2) ), LV mass (122 vs 154 gm/m(2) ), and LV work (737.02 vs 952.82 mm Hg L/min, all P significant). Therapy with BB resulted in a -15.6%, -10.4%,-12.1%, and -7.3% reduction in LV end-systolic and end-diastolic dimensions and LVESVi and LVEDVi, respectively. Following BB therapy, BNP levels, end-systolic stress, indexed LV mass, and LV work also reduced significantly by 27.3%, 15.6%, 8.7%, and 28%, respectively. The control group had no significant change. The MR grade reduced from severe to moderate in 11% of those on BB (controls: no change). At 6 months, the BB group had further improvement in all echocardiographic parameters ranging from +9.1 to -18.2%. CONCLUSION In this first study of BB in rheumatic MR, targeting the sympatho-adrenergic axis exerted favorable effects on NYHA class, LV volumes, LV end-systolic stress, and LV work. Further studies are required to elucidate the role of BB in rheumatic MR.

Objectives Both the ventricles work in synergy creating interdependence. Effect of severe left ventricle dysfunction on right ventricle has not been evaluated. This study is planned to observe incidence and its effect in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods Patients undergoing CABG between July 2009 and July 2010 with LV ejection fraction 40% or less for 6 months were included in this study. Echocardiography parameter of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE in mm) was used to define right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. TAPSE n =9 and TAPSE>15mm Group II, n =31. Results RV free wall dysfunction (TAPSE 0.40 in 42.5% patients preoperatively to 50% cases postoperatively, p =0.1). Patients in group I have reduced ejection fraction of LV (25% in group I vs 35% in group II, p =0.03) and higher RV dysfunction (MPI 0.40 in group I vs. 0.19 in group II). Postoperatively, there is worsening of RV and inter-ventricular septum (IVS) function. However, patients with better IVS function preoperatively maintained function postoperatively ( r =0.742, p =0.001) with better RV function ( r =0.592, p =0.003). Conclusion RV dysfunction is present in high percentage of patients with severe LV dysfunction. Preserved function of IVS preoperatively is maintained postoperatively and it predicted better postoperative free wall and comprehensive RV function. Proximal block in right coronary artery is associated with free wall RV dysfunction.

Background & objectives: Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is one of the causes of morbidity and mortality in valvular heart disease. The phenomenon of apoptosis, though rare in cardiac muscle may contribute to loss of its function. Role of apoptosis in RV in patients with rheumatic valvular heart disease is investigated in this study. Methods: Patients with rheumatic mitral valve stenosis formed two groups based on RV systolic pressure (RVSP) as RVSP

Gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) is emerging as a promising marker for assessing cardiovascular risk. GGT predicts cardiovascular mortality in the population and is positively associated with traditional risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD). This study was undertaken on 200 north Indian CAD patients diagnosed with coronary angiography to study relation of GGT with risk factors for CAD and severity of CAD. GGT values ranged from 5 to 69U/L and were divided in 4 quartiles. GGT was positively associated with triglyceride (p = 0.008) and VLDL cholesterol (p = 0.002) in our subjects. Also an increase in total cholesterol from GGT quartile I to quartile IV (p = 0.28) was noted.

Background: Angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) reduces morbidity and mortality in patients of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, the use of ARNI in real-world practice is limited by safety issues, especially in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) patients. Methods and Results: Forty-seven hospitalized ADHF inpatients and 53 chronic compensated heart failure (CCHF) outpatients were enrolled in the study. ARNI was initiated and aimed to be up-titrated to a target dose of 97 mg of sacubitril with 103 mg of valsartan twice daily. Efficacy endpoints were New York Heart Association functional class, 6-min walk distance (6MWD), change in N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) levels and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) from baseline with follow-up at 1 month, 6 months, and 2 years. Safety endpoints were the rates of worsening serum creatinine, hyperkalemia, symptomatic hypotension, angioedema, and need for drug discontinuation. Cumulative adverse drug effect was observed in 42.6% and 13.2% patients of ADHF and CCHF groups, respectively. The most common side-effect was symptomatic hypotension that occurred in 10 (21.3%) patients of ADHF group and 3 (5.7%) patients of CCHF group. Drug discontinuation rate was 19.1% in ADHF group and 3.8% in CCHF group. Significant improvement was seen in both the groups with respect to 6 MWD, functional class, change in NT-pro BNP levels and LVEF. At 2-year follow-up, 3 (6.4%) deaths occurred in ADHF group while none was reported from CCHF group. Conclusion: ARNI results in a significant clinical, biochemical, and functional improvement in HFrEF patients but at the cost of worsening renal function and hypotension especially in ADHF setting.

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a connective tissue disorder with cardiovascular involvement associated with high morbidity and mortality. Routine echocardiography often misses early myocardial involvement. We intend to use tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), strain and strain rate imaging to reveal subclinical myocardial dysfunction in asymptomatic females with SLE; and its correlation with disease activity and anticardiolipin antibodies. Materials and Methods: Forty-three female SLE patients without cardiac symptoms or signs and matched healthy control group (n = 20) underwent standard echocardiography, TDI, strain and strain rate imaging. Disease activity of SLE was assessed using the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI); ≥6 points were considered active. Results: Mean age of SLE patients was 29.86 years with a mean SLEDAI score of 4.36 ± 4.5. Standard two dimensional-Echocardiogram parameters were similar to healthy controls. SLE was associated with significantly impaired systolic myocardial velocities of left ventricle measured by TDI; medial S': 8.5 ± 1.2 versus 9.6 ± 1.0 cm/s, P = 0.007; lateral S': 9.2 ± 1.7 versus 11.4 ± 1.6 cm/s, P = 0.012); and decrease in strain (−17.2% ± 2.2% vs. −20.95% ± 2.1%; P < 0.001) and strain rate (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference with the presence of anti-cardiolipin antibodies. Patients with higher disease activity had decreased systolic myocardial velocity on TDI and strain imaging as compared to low activity patients. Conclusion: Asymptomatic SLE patients showed impairment of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function compared to healthy controls. TDI and strain imaging detects early subclinical myocardial involvement that correlates with disease activity. Such evidence of early myocardial involvement needs further evaluation to reclassify SLE disease activity and guide management.

Cardiomyocytes are particularly susceptible to complications from iron loading. The blood transfusions in thalassaemia major create loading of iron that cannot be naturally excreted. Apolipoprotein E and Glutathione S-transferase act as the scavenger of free radicals, which are generated due to excess iron. The variants of Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and Glutathione S-transferase (GST) may play a role in oxidative damage-induced cardiomyopathy, so we aimed to study the association of genetic variants of these genes on diastolic dysfunction in our patients.One hundred and five β-thalassaemia patients older than 10 years were enrolled for the study. Two-dimensional and M-mode echocardiography analysis was done in all patients. Genotyping of the genetic variants of aforementioned genes was done using the PCR-RFLP method. Serum Glutathione S-transferase levels were estimated by ELISA.Diastolic dysfunction was observed in 24 (22.8%) patients, whereas left ventricular hypertrophy was present in 37(35.2%) patients. There was a significant association of GSTM1 null allele with diastolic dysfunction only. Serum GST levels were also positively correlated with e/a and e/e' ratio. Positive association of ApoE E2 allele with the diastolic dysfunction was also seen.Patients having Glutathione S-transferase M1 allele and Apolipoprotein E E2 allele are predisposed to oxidative stress-induced cardiac injury.

BACKGROUND Right ventricular (RV) function has prognostic value in terms of survival and symptoms in patients with mitral stenosis (MS). The aim of the study was to assess RV function by strain analysis in the patients of mitral stenosis and the effect of percutaneous transvenous mitral commisurotomy (PTMC) on it. METHODS Eighty patients of severe mitral stenosis without overt right heart failure and normal sinus rhythm undergoing PTMC were included. Conventional echocardiography and RV function by TDI-derived longitudinal strain and strain rate were assessed prior and 24 hours post PTMC and compared with 40 healthy age-matched controls. RESULTS Eighty subjects (mean age 31 + 10 years, 70% females) were included. Patients with MS had significantly lower RV strain of basal and mid-free wall, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), and RV fractional area change (FAC) as compared to controls. There was a significant increase in pre- and post-PTMC in TAPSE (19.5 ± 2.7 mm vs 21.4 ± 3.3 mm; P

Background: Trimetazidine (TMZ) is a metabolic modulator that shifts substrate utilization from fatty acid to carbohydrates, thereby, increasing myocardial glucose oxidation and improving myocardial ischemia. We evaluated whether TMZ is effective in reducing myocardial injury after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: Patients with stable angina undergoing elective PCI were divided into two groups, one who received oral TMZ (35 mg BD) started 7 days before PCI (n = 48) and second who did not receive any TMZ (in addition to the standard therapy (n = 52)). Troponin-I (cTnI) and creatine kinase–MB (CK-MB) were measured before, 8, and 24 h after PCI. The primary end point was a difference in post-PCI cTnI and CK-MB levels (vs baseline). Frequency of cTnI release in the two groups, total amount of cTnI release, and difference in TIMI flow grade before and after the procedure were also assessed. Results: Baseline demographics in the groups were comparable. Despite similar baseline levels, post-procedural cTnI was lower at 8 h (0.13 vs 0.56 ng/ml, p = 0.03) and 24 h (0.2 vs 1.13 ng/ml, p = 0.004) in the TMZ group. Decline or no change in cTnI was significantly more common in the TMZ group (26% vs 2%, p

Even though, the incidence of Mitral Stenosis (MS) has reduced grossly, it still remains a health problem in developing countries and is the most common rheumatic valvular lesion encountered in pregnant patients. The already compromised cardiac status of a pregnant female deteriorates further by the presence of MS. So, pregnancy is a common situation during which untreated and frequently poorly tolerated MS are first diagnosed. Percutaneous Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty (BMV) may be life saving in such a setting and a multidisciplinary approach in the management reduces the mortality and morbidity during the procedure. Anaesthetic management of such a procedure has hardly ever been reported. We report a case of a 23-year-old woman presenting at 28 weeks gestation with severe MS and severe pulmonary hypertension (52 mmHg) who underwent successful percutaneous BMV under monitored anaesthesia Care. The anaesthetic considerations in such situations are being discussed.

Beta thalassemia is an autosomal, recessive disorder, characterized by ineffective erythropoiesis. Chronic transfusions and inability of body to eliminate iron lead to an iron overload, thereby causing damage to heart. Natriuretic peptides (NPs) are produced within the heart, which are then released into the circulation in response to ventricular wall stress. We, therefore, aimed to study the relation between ventricular dysfunction and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptides (NT-proBNPs). We enrolled 105 patients with increased serum ferritin levels and echocardiography was performed. We collected blood samples and NT-proBNP levels were measured in them. Though we found that the studied group had no significant difference in the mean serum NT-proBNP levels, in patients with or without hypertrophy (n = 37, p = 0.992), the NT-proBNP levels were found to be significantly increased in patients with diastolic dysfunction (n = 24, p

Objective The accuracy of various 10-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk calculators in Indians may not be the same as in other populations. Present study was conducted to compare the various calculators for CVD risk assessment and statin eligibility according to different guidelines. Methods Consecutive 1110 patients who presented after their first myocardial infarction were included. Their CVD risk was calculated using Framingham Risk score- Coronary heart disease (FRS-CHD), Framingham Risk Score- Cardiovascular Disease (FRS-CVD), QRISK2, Joint British Society risk calculator 3 (JBS3), American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA), atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and WHO risk charts, assuming that they had presented one day before cardiac event for risk assessment. Eligibility for statin uses was also looked into using ACC/AHA, NICE and Canadian guidelines. Results FRS-CVD risk assessment model has performed the best as it could identify the highest number of patients (51.9%) to be at high CVD risk while WHO and ASCVD calculators have performed the worst (only 16.2% and 28.3% patients respectively were stratified into high CVD risk) considering 20% as cut off for high risk definition. QRISK2, JBS3 and FRS-CHD have performed intermediately. Using NICE, ACC/AHA and Canadian guidelines; 76%, 69% and 44.6% patients respectively were found to be eligible for statin use. Conclusion FRS-CVD appears to be the most useful for CVD risk assessment in Indians, but the difference may be because FRS-CVD estimates risk for several additional outcomes as compared with other risk scores. For statin eligibility, however, NICE guideline use is the most appropriate.

Background Endothelial dysfunction may explain increased cardiovascular risk in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods Brachial artery was imaged during reactive hyperemia (endothelium-dependent, flow-mediated dilatation, FMD) and during glyceryl trinitrate-mediated dilatation (nitroglycerine-mediated dilatation, NMD, endothelium-independent) in 108 patients with CKD and three months following renal transplantation (RT) in 60 of them. Results Patients with CKD had significantly lower FMD vs. controls (9.1% vs. 18.3%, p

Objective To examine the association between hemoglobin A 1c (HbA 1c ) and the presence, severity, and complexity of angiographically proven coronary artery disease (CAD) in nondiabetic patients. Patients and Methods We performed a single-center, observational, cross-sectional study of 1141 consecutive nondiabetic patients who underwent coronary angiography from January 1, 2011, through December 31, 2011. The study population was divided into 4 interquartiles according to HbA 1c levels ( 6.1%). Results Patients with higher HbA 1c levels tended to be older, overweight, and hypertensive, had higher blood glucose levels, and had lower glomerular filtration rates. Higher HbA 1c levels were associated in a graded fashion with the presence of CAD, disease severity (higher number of diseased vessels and presence of left main and/or triple vessel disease), and disease complexity (higher SYNTAX score, higher number of patients in intermediate or high SYNTAX tertiles, coronary calcium, and chronic total occlusions). After adjustment for major conventional cardiovascular risk factors, compared with patients with HbA 1c levels less than 5.5%, the odds ratios of occurrence of CAD in the HbA 1c quartiles of 5.5% to 5.7%, 5.8% to 6.1%, and greater than 6.1% were 1.8 (95% CI, 1.2-2.7), 3.5 (95% CI, 2.3-5.3), and 4.9 (95% CI, 3.0-8.1), respectively. Conclusion The HbA 1c level has a linear incremental association with CAD in nondiabetic individuals. The HbA 1c level is also independently correlated with disease severity and higher SYNTAX scores. Thus, HbA 1c measurement could be used to improve cardiovascular risk assessment in nondiabetic individuals.

Introduction: Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (MICABG) is a less invasive method of performing surgical revascularization. This technique coupled with use of off pump technique of surgical revascularization makes it truly less invasive. This method is highly effective even in high-risk patients. Results of this procedure are comparable to standard off pump technique and are better than percutaneous coronary intervention utilizing drug-eluting stent. We present an early and mid-term result of the use of this technique. Method: We enrolled 33 patients for analysis operated between 2008 and 2012. Operation was performed utilizing off-pump technique of coronary artery bypass grafting through a minimal invasive incision. Left internal mammary artery graft was done for single vessel disease and radial artery was utilized for other grafts if required. Median follow up of 2.5 years (6 months–4 years) is available. Results: Median age was 58.5 years (41–77) and all were male. Single vessel disease was present in 7, double vessel in 14 and triple vessel disease in 12 patients. All the patients had normal left ventricular size and function. There was no operative and 30-day mortality. Conversion to median sternotomy to complete the operation was done in 6.6% (2 out of 33 patients). One patient had acute myocardial infarction and there were no deaths during follow up. Conclusion: MICABG is a safe and effective method of revascularization in low risk candidates for coronary artery bypass grafting.

Background: With the increasing prevalence of coronary artery disease, percutaneous coronary artery procedures have become even more important. Our study has compared transradial to transfemoral artery approach for coronary procedures in Indian population. Aims and objective: Comparison of transradial and transfemoral artery approach for percutaneous coronary procedures. Material & methods: 26,238 patients, who underwent percutaneous coronary artery procedures, were divided into two groups depending upon transradial and transfemoral artery approach and compared for the various demographic and clinical characteristics, risk factors profile, vascular access and procedural details. Results: 26,238 patients underwent percutaneous coronary procedures at our center. 81% were male and 19% were female. 55.65% and 44.35% procedures were done through transfemoral and transradial approach, respectively. 17,417 (66.38%) coronary angiographies were done, out of which 53.92% were transradial and 46.08% were transfemoral procedures. 8821 (33.62%) Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) were done, out of which 25.46% and 74.54% were done through transradial and transfemoral approach, respectively. Mean fluoroscopy time was 4.40 ± 3.55 min for transradial and 3.30 ± 3.66 min for transfemoral CAG (p

Introduction Erectile dysfunction (ED) and coronary artery disease (CAD) often share common risk factors, and there is growing evidence that ED might serve as a clinical marker for cardiovascular disease. Despite rising trends of CAD in Asian Indians, limited data are available on the prevalence of ED and its correlation with CAD severity in such patients. Aim To study the prevalence of ED in Asian Indian patients undergoing coronary angiography and to assess if the severity of ED correlates with angiographic severity of CAD. Methods In all patients undergoing coronary angiography, ED was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function‐5 questionnaire. Main Outcome Measures and Results Among 175 male patients, ED was present in 70%; patients with ED had a higher incidence of multivessel CAD (80% vs. 36%, P 0.001), diffuse CAD (81% vs. 34%, P 0.001), and higher number of mean coronary vessels involved compared with those without ED. Those with severe ED had higher prevalence of multivessel CAD and higher number of mean coronary vessels involved compared with those with milder grades of ED. Onset of symptoms of ED preceded symptoms of CAD by a mean of 24.6 months in 84% of patients. The presence of severe ED was associated with a 21‐fold higher risk of having triple‐vessel disease (odds ratio [OR] 21.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.41–141.09, P = 0.001) and an 18‐fold higher risk of having diffuse angiographic CAD (OR 17.91, 95% CI 3.11–111.09, P = 0.001). Conclusion Asian Indians with angiographic CAD frequently have ED; symptoms of ED precede that of CAD in most patients. Incidence of multivessel and diffuse CAD is significantly more common in patients with ED. It is important for physicians to be aware of the close relationship between the two conditions so that patients with ED can have optimal risk stratification for concomitant CAD whenever required.

Right atrial myxomas are rare. Its occurrence in a previously operated patient of rheumatic mitral stenosis posed clinical diagnostic challenge. We herein report a case of right atrial myxoma who had undergone mitral valve repair 20 years ago and now presented in congestive heart failure. The tumor was arising from the ostium of the coronary sinus and prolapsed into the right ventricle causing significant right ventricular inflow and outflow obstruction. Urgent repeat cardiac surgery was successfully performed to remove the tumor along with mitral valve replacement. We review the diagnostic and therapeutic problems resulting from this unusual association.

Aims: The aims of the study were to ascertain difference in lipid levels of ‘Young’ onset of coronary artery disease (CAD) (≤ 45 years) vs. ‘Not so Young’ onset of CAD (≥ 55 years) among north Indians and also to investigate determinants of ‘dyslipidaemia’ in CAD patients. Methods: This was a prospective, multicentric, randomised, observational study carried in eight centres of UP, India. All blood investigations were performed employing a central laboratory. Results: Out of a total 435 patients studied, 218 were in the ‘young group’ (YG) and 235 were in the ‘Not so Young Group’ (NSYG). Dyslipidaemia was more common in YG as evident by significantly higher levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low- and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol as compared to NSYG. Diabetes, hypertension, urban lifestyle, and family history of CAD were found to be important determinants of dyslipidaemia in YG. Conclusion: We conclude that lipid levels among north Indians are significantly higher in younger patients with CAD when compared with elderly.

To assess the medico social demographics of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in our community we studied 609 patients presenting between January 2008 to December 2008 with a detailed questionnaire in four centres of UP. Medical attention was sought late (> 6 hours) in 316 (51.6%), thrombolysis was obtained in 45.2% (275) and presentation was atypical in 16.3% (99). 36.2% (221) had pre-monitory symptoms of which 68% (150) ignored the same while of 32% (71) who did seek medical attention 47.9% (37) were brushed away as non-cardiac in origin. 20.3% (46/226) of hypertension, 23.2% (43/185) of diabetes and 83.4% (91/109) of hyperlipidaemia was diagnosed post event. We conclude that at least half of patients with AMI do not get definitive therapy, at least one in 10 patients do not have the classical symptoms, reasonable proportion are unaware of their risk factors, and a good majority have pre-monitory symptoms which get overlooked.

Summary Background Renal impairment in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) is common and increases morbidity and mortality. Estimation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by measuring serum creatinine (Cr) or Cr clearance has limitations. Cystatin C is a novel marker for renal function that is very sensitive and specific for GFR estimation. The utility of plasma cystatin C (PCyC) in patients with CAD needs further study, especially in the developing world, where CAD is rising exponentially. Methods and results In a prospective study of 150 patients undergoing coronary angiography, median PCyC was 1.45 mg/L; patients with levels ≥1.45 mg/L were older, had higher mean number of diseased coronary vessels, more frequently had triple vessel disease (TVD), and diffuse CAD on angiography. This association of higher PCyC levels with CAD remained robust even after excluding patients with eGFR 2 . The relative risk (RR) of having TVD or diffuse CAD in the overall cohort was 1.7 and 1.9, while it was 1.91 and 2.3 respectively in those with eGFR ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m 2 , with PCyC levels more than median. Categorization of the entire cohort and those with eGFR ≥ 60, into tertiles based on 33rd and 66th percentiles of PCyC maintained the association of cystatin C with more severe CAD. Conclusion In Indian patients with CAD, higher PCyC levels are associated with more severe CAD. The association of PCyC with severe CAD remains robust even in patients with normal or mildly impaired renal function. Cystatin C may have potential clinical usefulness as a marker for identification of high risk CAD patients.

Altered substrate metabolism plays an important role in pathophysiology of heart failure (HF). Optimization of myocardial energy metabolism with metabolic modulators like trimetazidine (TMZ) allows more efficacious energy production.

Trimetazidine (TMZ) is a metabolic manipulator that shifts substrate utilization from fatty acid to carbohydrates thereby increasing myocardial glucose oxidation and improving myocardial ischemia. We evaluated the effect of TMZ on percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)-induced myocardial injury