Search

This review summarizes current knowledge about echocardiographic modalities used to assess microvascular function and left ventricular (LV) systolic function in women with ischemia and no obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA). Although the entire pathophysiological background of this clinical entity still remains elusive, it is primarily linked to microvascular dysfunction which can be assessed by coronary flow velocity reserve. Subtle impairments of LV systolic function in women with INOCA are difficult to assess by interpretation of wall motion abnormalities. LV longitudinal function impairment is considered to be an early marker of subclinical systolic dysfunction and can be assessed by global longitudinal strain quantification.

Advanced cardiac imaging (ACI), including myocardial deformation imaging, 3D echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance, overcomes the limitations of conventional echocardiography in the assessment of patients with primary mitral regurgitation (MR). They enable a more precise MR quantification and reveal early changes before advanced and irreversible remodeling with depressed heart function occurs. ACI permits a thorough analysis of mitral valvular anatomy and MR mechanisms (important for planning and guiding percutaneous and surgical procedures) and helps to identify structural and functional changes coupled with a high arrhythmogenic potential, especially the occurrence of atrial fibrillation and heart failure development. The key question is how the data provided by ACI can improve the current management of primary MR.

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a new class of medications used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM). It has been shown that, in addition to a favorable metabolic effect, they significantly reduce atherosclerotic events, cardiovascular and total mortality, hospitalization duration in patients with heart failure and have a significant effect on reducing the progression of chronic kidney disease. It has been observed that in patients with diabetes mellitus, they lead to a reduction of blood pressure (BP). The aim of this article is to evaluate current knowledge about mechanisms of antihypertensive action and clinical benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors in reducing arterial blood pressure in patients with diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension.

Infective endocarditis (IE) poses a large diagnostic and therapeutical challenge. An early diagnosis is necessary for a positive outcome. Echocardiography is initial diagnostic method when there is a possibility of IE presence. TTE and TEE are useful in detection, accurate localisation and estimation of vegetation size, and also in detection of paravalvular spreading of infection. In certain situations, there is a need for usage of complementary methods like CCT and nuclear techniques. This article will outline advantages and limitations of certain diagnostic methods in diagnosis of IE.

Background Chronic total coronary occlusion (CTO) is frequent finding in patients with ischaemic heart disease, but it is not clear yet how it affects myocardial function, especially electrical stability. Myocardial strain by echocardiography can objectively quantify extent and timing of myocardial deformation. Echocardiographically derived dyssynchrony, mechanical dispersion, is good predictive tool for patients at risk of ventricular arrhythmias. Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention (CTO PCI) on myocardial contractility and arrhythmogenicity. Methods We analysed total of 35 CTO patients (age 56±9, 86% male). Convectional echocardiographic exam with two dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D STE) was performed before CTO PCI and after 24 months of follow-up. Peak longitudinal strain was assessed in 17 left ventricular segments. 2D STE computed global longitudinal strain (GLS). Time intervals from start of Q/R on electrocardiogram to peak negative strain during the cardiac cycle were assessed. Mechanical dispersion was defined as the standard deviation of this time interval from 17 left ventricular segments, reflecting myocardial contraction heterogeneity. Results 24 months after CTO PCI patients showed no change in ejection fraction (EF) (55.75±7.56% vs. 56.03±6.29%, p=0.622). There was slight improvement in GLS (−14.89±2.81% vs. −15.93±2.64%, p Conclusion CTO recanalization improved GLS without changes in left ventricular EF after 24 months. Mechanical dispersion as a surrogate for arrhythmogenic substrate was reduced by CTO PCI. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Background Previous studies showed higher unadjusted mortality rates in female patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, after adjusting for differences in baseline characteristics, including age, female gender was not consistently associated with higher mortality. Purpose Our aim was to investigate the impact of gender on short- and long-term mortality in patients aged 18 to 55 years with AMI undergoing primary PCI. Methods We included 11 288 patients admitted for primary PCI during 2009–2019, from a prospectively kept, electronic registry of a high-volume tertiary center. Adjusted Cox regression models were used to assess 30-day and 5-year mortality hazard. Median follow up was 1 507 days. Results 3 505 patients were younger than 55 years (31%). In this age group, 18.9% were female patients (n=661). Baseline characteristics were similar for females vs. males below the age of 55 years, including similar reperfusion times (338 min. vs. 341 min., p=0.8), with only exceptions being a higher rate of previous hypertension (64% vs. 58%, p=0.002) and stroke (3.6% vs. 2.2%, p=0.049), as well as lower ejection fraction (48% vs. 51%, p55 years, crude mortality was higher in female patients at both 30 days (11.3% vs. 7.9%, p Conclusion Differences in crude mortality rates between sexes in patients with AMI admitted for primary PCI appear to be mainly dependent on age, with similar rates of both short- and long-term mortality in younger patients (≤55 years). The observed excess in mortality in older (>55 years) female vs. male patients could be explained by the differences in baseline clinical characteristics. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

OBJECTIVE We sought to investigate the predictive value of right ventricular (RV) remodeling and 24-h blood pressure (BP) patterns on long-term cardiovascular prognosis in the initially untreated hypertensive patients. METHODS The current study included 505 initially untreated hypertensive patients who were consequently included in this study from 2007 to 2012. All the patients underwent laboratory analysis, 24-h BP monitoring and echocardiographic examination at baseline. The patients were followed for a median period of 9 years. The adverse outcome was defined as the hospitalization due to cardiovascular events (atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, myocardial revascularization, heart failure, stroke, or cardiovascular death). RESULTS During the 9-year follow-up period adverse cardiovascular events occurred in 82 hypertensive patients. Night-time SBP, the nondipping BP pattern, left ventricle hypertrophy, RV hypertrophy, right atrial enlargement, RV diastolic dysfunction, and RV systolic dysfunction were associated with adverse cardiovascular events. Nevertheless, night-time SBP, the nondipping BP pattern, mitral E/e', left ventricle hypertrophy, and RV hypertrophy were the only independent predictors of cardiovascular events. When all four BP patterns were included in the model, only the reverse dipping BP pattern was an independent predictor of cardiovascular events. CONCLUSION The present investigation showed that RV hypertrophy and the reverse dipping BP pattern were independent long-term predictors of the cardiovascular outcome. Detailed echocardiographic evaluation and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring should be performed even in low-risk hypertensive patients.

Background Percutaneous coronary intervention for chronic total occlusion (PCI CTO) is still high risk procedure and it is doubtful will it become standard of care. There is evidence that it can reduce angina but even silent ischemia represent ischemic burden that ultimately lead to left ventricle remodeling and electrical instability. Purpose Our aim was to access effectiveness of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) when added to optimal medical therapy (OMT) on myocardial function. Methods We compared two groups of pts. First patients with percutaneous coronary intervention of chronic total occlusion with optimal medical therapy and second group - patients with only optimal medical therapy (control group). Echocardiographic exam was performed before randomization and after 6 months of follow-up. Doppler intervals- isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT), isovolumetric contraction time (IVCT) and ejection time (ET) were measured. MPI (Myocardial performance index) is equal to the sum of the IVRT and IVCT divided by the ET. Velocity of early mitral wave (E) was divided by average peak early diastolic annular velocity (e"). Peak longitudinal strain was assessed in 17 left ventricular segments. Time intervals from start Q/R on electrocardiogram to peak negative strain during the cardiac cycle were assessed. Mechanical dispersion was defined as the standard deviation of this time intervals from 17 segments, reflecting myocardial contraction heterogeneity. Results A total of 94 age matched CTO patients (48 in PCI + OMT group and 46 in OMT) were analyzed. Changes in ejection fraction (EF), diastolic function represented by E/e", global cardiac function represented by MPI, global longitudinal strain (GLS) and myocardial dispersion changes were compared between groups. At follow up between groups in there was no significant change in ejection fraction (EF), diastolic function, GLS and mechanical dispersion, but there was improvement in MPI. Conclusion Myocardial performance index is sensitive marker which can detect subtle improvement in global myocardial function after recanalization of chronic total occlusion.. Variable PCI + OMT (n = 46) OMT (n = 48) ΔOMT vs. ΔPCI + OMT p value baseline At 6month follow up P value baseline At 6month follow up P value EF (%) 55.69 ± 8.56 54.83 ± 8.44 0.10 50.22 ± 11.71 51.42 ± 10.45 0.06 0.71 MPI 0.676 ± 0.99 0.632 ± 0.96

Current ESC guidelines recommends left ventricular (LV) end-systolic diameter (ESD), LV ejection fraction (LV EF), systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (SPAP) as key parameters in a multifactorial treatment algorithm for chronic severe primary MR. However, LV hypertrophy (LVH) and LV remodelling during the process of adaptation to chronic MR can influence further clinical course. Aim of this study was to test whether LVH and distinctive LV geometry are coupled with increased risk for heart failure (HF) development and occurrence of major adverse cardiac event (MACE) among patients with MVP and can they improve power of statistical models for HF and MACE prediction based on parameters supported by the current guidelines. Methods 376 pts diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) between 1. January 2014. and 31. December 2017 and with complete medical chart and follow-up data from central echo laboratory in the tertiary health center were enrolled in the study. Four types of LV geometry were identified: Type 1 (normal LV mass with normal geometry), Type 2 (normal LV mass with concentric remodeling), Type 3 (eccentric hypertrophy) and Type 4 (concentric hypertrophy). The primary outcome was HF and secondary outcome was MACE (HF development, myocardial infarction, myocardial revascularisation (both PCI and/or ACBG) and cardiac death). Results The distribution of patients was as follow: 51.2% (Group 1) vs 3.3% (Group 2) vs 41.4 % (Group 3) vs 4.1% (Group 4). In multivariable model the highest OR for HF development after adjustment for age, ESD and LVH, had concentric LVH (OR= 5.361, p= 0.004, 95% CI 1.696-16.648), then EF 40 mmHg (OR = 2.274, p = 0.039, 95% 1.43-4.958). Adding LVH significantly increased model’s power to predict HF above traditional parameters (Chi-square from 19.386 to 23.640, p Conclusion LVH and especially concentric LVH are independent predictors of heart failure development and MACE in mitral valve prolapse and significantly improves predictive powers of the models based on traditional parameters.

Introduction. Coronary artery aneurysms are rare disorders, especially left main coronary artery aneurysm. In literature there are number of reported cases with coronary artery aneurysms, various localization, size, clinical presentation and way of treatment. There is no unique consensus about the most adequate treatment in these patients; surgery is still preferable, although there are some new experiences of percutaneous treatment. The decision is made for each patient individually. We report a case of giant left main coronary artery aneurysm, with acute coronary syndrome and heart failure presentation, surgically treated. Case report. A 66-year-old female patient was admitted to the Emergency Department of our Clinic due to chest pain and dyspnea. Acute non-STEMI myocardial infarction of anterolateral localization was diagnosed (CK max 1,111, troponin T 3.754) complicated with acute heart failure. Heart catheterization and coronary angiography revealed a giant saccular, 3.5 x 3.5 mm left main coronary artery aneurysm full with thrombi, compressing the proximal segments of left anterior descending (LAD) and circumflex artery (Cx). Conclusion. Giant left main coronary artery aneurysms are rare pathologic finding and there are no established principles for treatment. Although, percutaneous way of treatment is now available in selected cases, surgical approach is still preferred for these patients.

Beta-blockers showed better results in lowering elevated blood pressure in the younger age group of patients with higher renin plasma levels. Actual recommendations from the European Society of Cardiology for treatment of arterial hypertension from 2013 insist that heart rate should always be measured along with blood pressure. These recommendations point out the significance of resting heart rate as an independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with arterial hypertension. Beta-blockers have a compelling indication for treatment of arterial hypertension in patients with coexistence of coronary artery disease, especially post myocardial infarction, as well as in patients with systolic heart failure. Bisoprolol, a highly selective beta-blocker with a long half-life and a prolonged antihypertensive effect, has shown consistent blood pressure control over a period of 24 hours. It has been demonstrated in placebo-controlled studies that administration of thiazide diuretics, in addition to lowering blood pressure levels, had also been associated with a reduction of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality rates. It is evident that effectiveness of thiazide diuretics is dose-dependent; however, undesirable effects of drugs are also dose-dependent. Depending on the dose, they aggravate glucose intolerance, increase lipid levels, cause hypokalemia, hyponatremia, and hypomagnesemia, and increase levels of uric acid. Administration of very low doses of a thiazide diuretic is acceptable in combination with other antihypertensive drugs, because it potentiates the action of other drugs without causing undesirable metabolic effects. The effectiveness and safety of the combination of bisoprolol (in various doses) and a thiazide diuretic in a small dose has been proven in clinical trials.

Intraoperative bradycardia (IOB) is one of the most common cardiac arrhythmias observed in clinical anaesthetic practice. Controlled hypotension, as a strategy of lowering patient's blood pressure during anesthesia has been practiced for decades in head and neck surgery. The aim of our study was to determine the incidence and the risk factors for intraoperative bradycardia in maxillofacial, ear, nose and throat surgery, as well as to determine whether controlled hypotension affects the occurrence of IOB. The retrospective study included 2304 patients who underwent maxillofacial, ear, nose or throat surgery. We studied the influence of: sex, age, comorbidity, type of surgery, duration of anesthesia and controlled hypotension on the occurrence of IOB. IOB was registered in 473 patients (20.5%). Patients with controlled hypotension had IOB significantly more often than patients without controlled hypotension (33.9 vs 15.1%) (p = 0.000). The significant predictors of IOB were: age (OR = 1.158; 95% CI = 1.068-1.256; p = 0.000), sex (OR = 0.786; 95% CI = 0.623-0.993; p = 0.043), ischemic heart disease (OR = 2.016; 95% CI = 1.182-3.441; p = 0.010); ear surgery (OR = 1.593; 95% CI = 1.232-2.060; p = 0.000), anesthesia duration, (OR = 1.006; 95% CI = 1.004-1.007; p = 0.000) and controlled hypotension (OR = 2.204; 95% CI = 1.761-2.758; p = 0.000). IOB is common in maxillofacial, ear, nose and throat surgery, particularly in male, older age and patients with ishemic heart disease. The ear surgery, longer anesthesia duration and controlled hypotension raise the risk for occurrence of IOB.

Echocardiography is essential for the diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE), treatment choice and follow-up. Prognosis in IE is multifactorial and includes both structural changes of the heart induced by IE and extra-cardiac IE complications. Aims Aims of the study were to analyse: 1) relation between embolic complications of IE and structural changes of the heart detected by echocardiography in IE patients; 2) association between embolic complications of IE and IE causative microorganism. Methods 335 patients with definitive IE from the single tertiary center were enrolled in the study between 2009–2018. Echocardiographic changes are defined in accordance with 2015 ESC guideline. Associations between embolic complication and structural heart changes, as well as between IE causative microorganism and embolic complications were tested by Chi square test. Results Observed embolic complication were: ischemic stroke (in 12.5% of patients), haemorrhagic stroke (2.1%), neuroinfection (9.6%), brain abscess (1.8%), discitis (3%), pulmonary embolism (1.5%), spleen abscess (7.8%) and peripheral arterial embolization (1.5%). There were several significance associations: vegetations larger than 15 mm were associated with ischemic stroke (p=0.041) and peripheral arterial embolization (p=0.05); perivalvular abscess was associated with brain abscess (p=0.037) and peripheral arterial embolization (p=0.019). Staphylococcus aureus isolated from blood cultures was associated with discitis (p Conclusion Results point that large vegetations, but also perivalvular abscesses are coupled with higher rate of embolic complications in patients with IE. Staphylococcus aureus, HACEK group and non-HACEK bacteria are, more than other causative IE microorganisms, associated with embolism. These results might be clinically important for treatment chose and prognosis of the patients with IE.

Objective The influence of arterial hypertension on aortic stenosis severity is still controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of hypertension on LV strain in patients with moderate and severe aortic stenosis. Methods This cross-sectional study included 115 patients with moderate and severe aortic stenosis and preserved LV ejection fraction (>50%) and 89 age-matched normotensive and hypertensive controls who underwent comprehensive echocardiographic examination. Aortic stenosis patients were divided into normotensive and hypertensive groups. Results There was no significant difference in LV ejection fraction between hypertensive and normotensive aortic stenosis patients. LV mass index gradually increased with the grade of aortic stenosis. LV global longitudinal strain, as well as endocardial and epicardial longitudinal strains, was significantly lower in hypertensive patients with severe aortic stenosis than in their normotensive counterparts. There was no significant difference in LV global circumferential strain between normotensive and hypertensive patients with severe aortic stenosis. Among patients with moderate aortic stenosis, there was no difference in global longitudinal strain between normotensives and hypertensive patients, whereas circumferential was significantly lower in hypertensive patients. LV radial strain was reduced in patients with severe aortic stenosis than in control subjects. SBP and mean aortic valve gradient were associated with LV global longitudinal and circumferential strains in aortic stenosis patients independently of LV mass index, LVEF, age and BMI. Conclusion Hypertension had additional significant negative influence on LV mechanics in patients with significant aortic stenosis. Blood pressure was associated with LV global longitudinal and circumferential strains in aortic stenosis patients independently of main clinical and demographic characteristics.

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the influence of aortic stenosis (AS) on right ventricular (RV) strain and particularly the importance of arterial hypertension on this association. This cross-sectional study included 107 patients with moderate and severe AS (with and without hypertension) and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (>50%) and 82 age-matched normotensive and hypertensive controls who underwent comprehensive echocardiographic examination. AS patients were divided into normotensive and hypertensive groups. Left ventricle (LV) mass index gradually increased from the controls, across the moderate AS to the severe AS. There was a trend of reduction of RV global and layer-specific longitudinal strain of the whole ventricle and RV free wall from the controls, across the moderate AS to the severe AS. RV global longitudinal strain, as well as layer-specific RV longitudinal strains, was significantly lower in the patients with severe AS than the controls and the normotensive patients with moderate AS. Endocardial and epicardial RV strains were lower in hypertensive than in normotensive patients with moderate AS. In patients with severe AS, there was no difference between normotensive and hypertensive patients. LV mass index and mean aortic valve gradient were associated with RV global longitudinal strain in AS patients independently of systolic blood pressure, LV ejection fraction (EF), age, and body mass index (BMI). In conclusion, RV mechanics was deteriorated in the patients with moderate and severe AS. There was a trend of RV longitudinal strain worsening in the hypertensive patients with AS in comparison with their normotensive counterparts. Severity of AS, expressed by the mean AV gradient, was related with RV longitudinal strain

We aimed to determine left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) structure, function and mechanics, as well as heart rate variability (HRV), and their relationship, in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). The study included 41 SSc patients and 30 age-matched healthy volunteers. All the patients underwent clinical examination, serological tests, pulmonary function testing, 24-h Holter monitoring and complete two-dimensional echocardiography including strain analysis. The parameters of LV structure (interventricular septum thickness and LV mass index) and RV structure (RV wall thickness) were significantly higher in SSc patients. LV and RV diastolic function (estimated by mitral and tricuspid E/e' ratio) was significantly impaired in SSc group comparing with the healthy controls. LV and RV longitudinal function was significantly deteriorated in SSc patients. LV circumferential strain was also significantly lower in SSc group, whereas LV radial strain was similar between the observed groups. All parameters of time and frequency domain of HRV were decreased in SSc patients. LV and RV cardiac remodeling parameters, particularly diastolic function and longitudinal strain, were associated with HRV indices without regard to the main demographic or the clinical and echocardiographic characteristics. Rodnan Skin Score was also independently associated with biventricular cardiac remodeling in SSc patients. LV and RV structure, function and mechanics, as well as autonomic nervous function, were significantly impaired in SSc patients. There is the significant association between biventricular cardiac remodeling and autonomic function in these patients, which could be useful for their everyday clinical assessment.

Hypertension was thought to be more important cardiovascular risk factor in men than in women. However, studies showed that overall incidence of hypertension-related cardiovascular diseases is higher in women comparing with men and this is particularly valid in menopause when prevalence of hypertension and its complications sharply and suddenly rises. It was also noticed that the effect of various antihypertensive groups was different in women and men. Some medications are prescribed more often in women, but it does not necessary mean that these drugs are more effective in this gender. There are several important reasons that could explain gender-induced differences in blood pressure levels, blood pressure control and antihypertensive treatment. They involve sex hormones, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone and sympathetic nervous system, and arterial stiffness. However, taking into account many observational studies and trials, there are no consistent data regarding the impact of gender on effect of antihypertensive medications. Longitudinal study focused on gender and current antihypertensive groups would significantly help to understand the impact of gender. This might change therapeutic approach and improve cost-effectiveness in antihypertensive therapy in both genders. A full understanding of the pathophysiological characteristics of variations between genders demands additional research. This review article summarized the current knowledge regarding differences in the prevalence and awareness of arterial hypertension in women and men; alterations in pathophysiological mechanisms of hypertension between sexes; as well as the impact of sex on the effects of main antihypertensive groups of medications.

Prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) represents a rare and serious complication of valve replacement associated with high morbidity and mortality, which significantly differs from native valve endocarditis (NVE). There are two major problems: establishing diagnosis and treatment of PVE. Diagnosis in PVE is challenging and often requires several imaging methods besides standard microbiological analyzes. Transesophageal echocardiographic examination remains the widely used imaging technique in PVE diagnosis, but additional techniques such as computed tomography (CT) and 18F-fluodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT are often necessary. Persistent fever, embolic complications, valve dehiscence, intracardial abscess, heart failure, as well as staphylococcal and fungal PVE require surgical treatment to avoid lethal outcome. The introduction of transcatheter valve implantations and devices significantly complicated the approach - diagnostic and therapeutic to PVE patients. Despite constantly increasing knowledge regarding pathogenesis and treatment of PVE, the optimal therapy remains a matter of debate. Additional studies are necessary to define therapeutic strategies for this potentially fatal complication.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of sex on left ventricular mechanics in hypertensive individuals. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 171 untreated hypertensive patients and 112 normotensive controls who underwent a 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and comprehensive echocardiographic examination including strain assessment. RESULTS: Hypertensive women and men had significantly lower left ventricular global longitudinal and circumferential strains than their normotensive counterparts. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain was lower in hypertensive men than in women (-19.8 ± 2.2 vs. -17.9 ± 2.1%; P

The importance of right ventricular (RV) structure and function in cardiovascular and total morbidity and mortality has been confirmed previously. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of gender on RV structure and function in untreated hypertensive patients. This cross-sectional study included 243 subjects who underwent 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring and comprehensive echocardiographic examination including strain evaluation. There was no difference in RV diameter between hypertensive and normotensive women and men. RV wall thickness, right atrial volume index (RAVI), and tricuspid E/e' ratio were significantly higher in hypertensive women and men than in their normotensive counterparts. RV global longitudinal and RV free wall longitudinal strains were significantly lower in hypertensive women and men than in their normotensive counterparts. Arterial hypertension affected RV wall thickness, RAVI, tricuspid E/e', and RV longitudinal strain. Gender affected RV diameter, RAVI, tricuspid E/e', and RV longitudinal strain, whereas hypertension-gender interaction affected RAVI, E/e', and RV longitudinal strain. The 24-hour systolic BP and LV mass index were independently associated with RV free wall longitudinal strain. RV wall thickness was independently associated with RV free wall longitudinal strain only in women, and tricuspid E/e' was independently associated only in men. In conclusion, RV longitudinal strain was significantly decreased in hypertensive patients in both sexes. Hypertensive men suffered more evident RV mechanical changes than hypertensive women. Gender, arterial hypertension, and their interaction had the important role in RV structural and mechanical remodeling.

Previous studies compared clinical outcomes of early versus delayed invasive strategy in patients with non–ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome up to 1-year follow-up, but long-term data remain scarce. Our aim was to evaluate the long-term effects of immediate invasive intervention in patients with Non–ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI). The Randomized Study of Immediate Versus Delayed Invasive Intervention in Patients With Non–ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (RIDDLE-NSTEMI) was a randomized, investigator-initiated, parallel-group trial that assigned 323 patients with NSTEMI (1:1) to either immediate (median time to intervention 1.4 hours) or delayed invasive strategy (61.0 hours). The primary end point was the composite of death or new myocardial infarction (MI). At 3 years, immediate invasive intervention was associated with a lower rate of death or new MI, compared with a delayed invasive strategy (12.3% vs 22.5%, hazard ratio 0.50, 95% confidence interval 0.29 to 0.87, p = 0.014). The observed benefit of immediate intervention was mainly driven by an increased early reinfarction risk in delayed strategy, with similar new MI rates beyond 30 days (4.4% in the immediate and 5.6% in the delayed group, p = 0.61). Three-year mortality was 9.3% in the immediate invasive strategy, and 10.0% in the delayed strategy (p = 0.83). High baseline Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events score (>140) was associated with a significant increase in long-term mortality, regardless of the timing of invasive intervention. In conclusion, whereas immediate invasive intervention significantly reduced the early risk of new MI, the timing of invasive intervention appears to have no significant impact on clinical outcomes beyond 30 days, which seem to mostly be related to the baseline clinical risk profile.

The aim of this review article is to summarize the current knowledge about mechanisms that connect blood pressure regulation and hypercholesterolemia, the mutual interaction between hypertension and hypercholesterolemia, and their influence on atherosclerosis development. Our research shows that at least one-third of the population of Western Europe has hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. Several biohumoral mechanisms could explain the relationship between hypertension and hypercholesterolemia and the association between these risk factors and accelerated atherosclerosis. The most investigated mechanisms are the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and increased production of endothelin-1. Arterial hypertension is frequently observed in combination with hypercholesterolemia, and this is related to accelerated atherosclerosis. Understanding the mechanisms behind this relationship could help explain the benefits of therapy that simultaneously reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

The etiology of infective endocarditis (IE) is changing. More aggressive forms with multiple IE cardiac lesions have become more frequent. This study sought to explore the relationship between contemporary causative microorganisms and IE cardiac lesions and to analyze the impact of multiple lesions on treatment choice.In 246 patients hospitalized for IE between 2008 and 2015, cardiac lesions caused by IE were analyzed by echocardiography, classified according to the 2015 European Society of Cardiology guidelines and correlated with microbiological data. We defined a new parameter, the Echo IE Sum, to summarize all IE cardiac lesions in a single patient, enabling comprehensive comparisons between different etiologies and treatment strategies.Staphylococcus aureus was associated with the development of large vegetation (OR 2.442; 95% CI 1.220-4.889; p=0.012), non-HACEK bacteria with large vegetation (OR 13.662; 95% CI 2.801-66.639; p=0.001), perivalvular abscess or perivalvular pseudoaneurysm (OR 5.283; 95% CI 1.069-26.096; p=0.041), and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) with leaflet abscess or aneurysm (OR 3.451; 95% CI 1.285-9.266, p=0.014), and perivalvular abscess or perivalvular pseudoaneurysm (OR 4.290; 95% CI 1.583-11.627; p=0.004). The Echo IE Sum significantly differed between different etiologies (p0.001), with the highest value in non-HACEK and the lowest in streptococcal endocarditis. Patients operated for IE had a significantly higher Echo IE Sum vs those who were medically treated (p0.001).None of the IE cardiac lesions is microorganism-specific. However, more severe lesions were caused by S. aureus, CoNS, and non-HACEK bacteria. The highest propensity to develop multiple lesions was shown by the non-HACEK group. Higher Echo IE Sum in patients sent to surgery emphasized the importance of multiple IE cardiac lesions on treatment choice and potential usage of Echo IE Sum in patient management.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between increasing blood pressure (BP) and right ventricular (RV) and right atrial (RA) mechanics using two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) strain analysis and three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE). METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional study included 58 individuals with optimal BP, 57 individuals with high-normal BP, and 59 recently diagnosed untreated hypertensive patients of similar age and sex distribution. Data were analyzed according to 24-h systolic blood pressure values (cutoff values were 120 and 130 mmHg). All individuals underwent complete 2DE and 3DE examination. RESULTS: The global longitudinal RV strain decreased gradually from controls, to high-normal BP individuals, to hypertensive patients, whereas systolic and early diastolic strain rates were similar between high-normal BP and hypertensive patients, but decreased in comparison with optimal BP individuals. The same trend was observed for the global longitudinal RA strain and systolic and early diastolic strain rates. 3DE examination revealed that RV volumes were increased in hypertensive patients in comparison with optimal BP individuals, which resulted in a lower 3DE RV ejection fraction in hypertensive patients. Multivariate analysis showed that the RV wall thickness was the only echocardiographic parameter that was, in the same time, independently associated with global RV and RA strain, and RV diastolic function. CONCLUSION: The right heart deformation is significantly impaired in individuals with high-normal BP. This subclinical impairment of RV and RA mechanics and function in high-normal BP individuals seems to be similar to the impairment found in recently diagnosed hypertensive patients. © 2014 Wolters Kluwer Health Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Background We sought to investigate the influence of the metabolic syndrome (MS) on new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF), and occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in a period of 3 years after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. Methodology The study included 460 patients who underwent the first CABG operation without baseline atrial fibrillation. The MS was defined by the presence of three or more Adult Treatment Panel (ATP)–American Heart Association (AHA)– National Heart, Lung, and Blood (NHLB) Institute criteria. POAF was diagnosed by continuous electrocardiographic monitoring during the first 48 to 72 hours after CABG. All the patients were followed up for at least 3 years after surgery. Results The MS and its criteria were significantly associated with POAF and MACCE occurrence in the 3-year period after isolated CABG surgery. Among the MS risk factors, hypertension, abdominal obesity, and the increased fasting glucose level were independently associated with both POAF and MACCE onset in the observed patients. Individuals with four or five MS criteria have similar risk of POAF or MACCE as individuals with three MS criteria. In the 3-year period of follow-up, the MS was proven to be associated with MACCE occurrence, independently of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity defined by body mass index. Conclusions The MS and its criteria significantly increased risk of POAF and MACCE in a 3-year period. The MS, irrespective of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, was associated with POAF and MACCE in the patients who underwent CABG.

BACKGROUND:: We sought to assess right-ventricular and right atrial deformation in patients with arterial hypertension by two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging and three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE), and define the relationship between right-ventricular mechanics and exercise capacity in the study population. METHODS:: This cross-sectional study included recently diagnosed untreated hypertensive patients, well controlled hypertensive patients, treated patients with unsatisfactory controlled blood pressure and control individuals adjusted by sex and age. All the patients underwent complete two-dimensional echocardiography and 3DE examination, as well as cardiopulmonary exercise testing. RESULTS:: Right-ventricular strain, and systolic and early diastolic strain rates were significantly decreased in the untreated and the uncontrolled hypertensive patients in comparison with the controls and the well controlled participants. Similar results were obtained for right atrial strain and strain rates. 3DE right-ventricular volumes were increased, whereas 3DE right-ventricular ejection fraction was decreased in the uncontrolled hypertensive patients in comparison with the controls and the well treated patients. Differences in 3DE right-ventricular volumes disappeared after adjustment for body surface area. Considering the whole study population, global right-ventricular strain (β=0.29, P=0.018) and 3D right-ventricular stroke volume (β=0.22, P=0.041) were independently associated with peak oxygen uptake (VO2 max) which was significantly decreased in the untreated and the uncontrolled hypertensive patients in comparison with the remaining two groups. CONCLUSION:: Our study showed that right-ventricular and right atrial mechanics, as well as exercise capacity, are significantly deteriorated in the hypertensive patients who are untreated or ineffectively treated. Global right-ventricular strain and 3DE right-ventricular stroke volume are independently associated with functional capacity in the whole study population. Copyright © Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

The J-shaped relationship between blood pressure lowering and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has been the topic of debates in the last three decades, especially because it has been shown that this relationship is not the same in different populations of hypertensive patients. This phenomenon is very important from a clinical point of view because it determines blood pressure cut-off values in patients with different comorbidities (diabetes, coronary artery disease, kidney disease, previous stroke). There is still no consensus about the J-shaped relationship. However, the number of studies supporting the existence of the inverse relationship between blood pressure reduction, especially diastolic pressure lowering, and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, is increasing each year. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge about the J curve in a different population of hypertensive patients.

Background: We sought to investigate right ventricular (RV) and right atrial (RA) deformation obtained using 3-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) and 2-dimensional (2DE) strain in subjects with the metabolic syndrome (MS). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 108 untreated subjects with the MS and 75 control subjects similar according to sex and age. The MS was defined by the presence ® 3 American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute criteria. All the subjects underwent adequate laboratory analyses and complete 2DE and 3DE examination. Results: 2DE global longitudinal strain of the RV was significantly decreased in the MS group compared with the control subjects (-24 ± 5 vs-27 ± 5%; P < 0.001). Similar results were obtained for the RA longitudinal strain (40 ± 5 vs 44 ± 7%; P < 0.001). Systolic and early diastolic RV and RA strain rates were decreased, whereas late diastolic strain rates were increased among the MS participants compared with the control subjects. 3DE RV ejection fraction was significantly decreased in the MS subjects (55 ± 4 vs 58 ± 4%; P < 0.001). The multivariate analysis of MS criteria showed that systolic blood pressure, waist circumference, and fasting glucose were independently associated with RV and/or RA myocardial function and deformation. Conclusions: RV mechanics and RA mechanics, assessed using 3DE and 2DE strain, were significantly deteriorated in the MS subjects. Among all MS risk factors, systolic blood pressure, abdominal circumference, and fasting glucose were the most responsible for the right heart remodelling. © 2014 Canadian Cardiovascular Society.

Objective We sought to investigate left ventricular (LV) function and deformation, as well as heart rate variability (HRV), and their relationship, in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Methods The study included 49 SSc patients and 38 age-matched healthy subjects. All patients underwent clinical examination, serological tests, 24-h Holter monitoring, and comprehensive two- and three-dimensional echocardiography (2DE and 3DE). Results 2DE and 3DE LV global longitudinal and circumferential strain, as well as 3DE area strains are significantly reduced in SSc patients comparing with controls. 2DE and 3DE LV radial strains are similar between the observed groups. 2DE LV layer-specific longitudinal and circumferential strains are also significantly affected by SSc. Parameters of cardiac autonomic nervous system, assessed by HRV indices, SDNN, SDANN, rMMSD, p50NN, 24-h HF, LF and TP are significantly lower in SSc group. HRV indices (24-h HF and LF) are associated with 2DE LV global, 2DE LV layer-specific and 3DE LV mechanics independently of main demographic, clinical and echocardiographic parameters of the study population. Additionally, Modified Rodnan Skin Score, clinical parameter of skin involvement in SSc, is significantly associated with HRV (24-h HF and LF), 2DE and 3DE LV deformation. Conclusion SSc significantly impacts LV deformation, all myocardial layers, and cardiac autonomic nervous function. A significant association between cardiac autonomic nervous system function, skin involvement and LV mechanics is revealed in SSc patients. These findings should encourage detailed cardiac assessment and further cardiac follow-up of the SSc patients with higher skin involvement, even when traditional echocardiographic parameters are within normal range.

OBJECTIVE:: The aim of this study was to determine left ventricular and left atrial function in untreated hypertensive patients with different blood pressure (BP) patterns by using two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) and three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) speckle tracking analyses. METHODS:: This cross-sectional study included 147 recently diagnosed hypertensive patients (86 dippers and 61 nondippers). All patients underwent a 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring and complete 2DE and 3DE examination including speckle tracking analysis. RESULTS:: The analysis of our results showed that 3DE left ventricular global longitudinal strain was significantly lower in the nondippers (-17.8⊱âŠ2.6 vs.-16. 2⊱âŠ2.4%, PâŠ

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to define the relationship between the metabolic syndrome (MS), nondipping pattern, and their interaction on right ventricular (RV) structural and functional changes in untreated hypertensive patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 318 recently diagnosed hypertensive patients. MS was defined by the presence of at least 3 National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. All patients underwent 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and a complete two-dimensional echocardiography examination. RESULTS: MS was found in 144 (45%) hypertensive patients and the nondipping pattern was detected in 147 (46%) patients. Hypertensive patients with MS had higher 24-h and night-time blood pressure levels in comparison with non-MS patients with the same nocturnal blood pressure pattern. RV wall thickness was significantly increased and RV diastolic function was significantly deteriorated in nondippers (with and without MS), but still more impaired in MS patients. MS, nondipping pattern, and their interaction had a huge impact on RV wall thickness, parameters of RV diastolic function (E/At, E/e′t, e′/a′t), as well as RV global function estimated by the myocardial performance index. Among the MS criteria, only fasting glucose level and abdominal obesity were associated independently with RV hypertrophy, diastolic, and global dysfunction. CONCLUSION: MS, nondipping pattern, and their interaction significantly impact RV structure, diastolic, and global function. Fasting glucose level and abdominal obesity are the most important MS criteria for RV remodeling in arterial hypertension. Copyright © Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Risk factors are rarely seen individually, and the 2 most common and most frequently associated risk factors are hypertension and dyslipidemia (DL). Studies conducted in different parts of the world uniquely point out insufficient efficacy of hypertension and DL treatment, which is reflected in blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein levels higher than target values. A reason of this therapeutic failure is the reduced adherence, which is mainly caused by multidrug therapy. A possible solution for this problem is the use of fixed combinations. The main advantages of amlodipine/atorvastatin fixed combination are synergistic effect of these 2 components, a single-dose treatment, high safety profile, and good tolerance.

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of metabolic syndrome (MS) on left ventricular (LV) structure and function depending on gender. Methods The study included 235 never-treated MS subjects and 138 controls. MS was defined as the presence of three or more National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. All the subjects underwent laboratory blood tests and complete two-dimensional, pulsed, and tissue Doppler echocardiography. Results LV structure, diastolic function, and global function were significantly impaired in all MS subjects. Multivariate analysis of individual MS factors showed that increased blood pressure (BP) and impaired fasting glucose were independently associated with LV hypertrophy in women, whereas the only independent predictor in men was increased BP. The same analysis revealed that the combination of impaired glucose level, abdominal obesity, and dyslipidemia was associated with LV hypertrophy only in women. Higher BP, impaired fasting glucose, and triglycerides level were independently associated with LV diastolic dysfunction in women, whereas higher BP was the only independent predictor in men. The combination of increased BP, fasting glucose, and dyslipidemia was independently associated with LV diastolic dysfunction only in women. Conclusions Different MS factors are responsible for LV remodeling in women and men. The metabolic sequence of MS is more important for LV remodeling in women. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 41:538–545, 2013.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) structure, function, and mechanics in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SHT), and to evaluate the effect of a 1-year levothyrox - ine treatment. Material/Methods: We compared 45 untreated women with subclinical hypothyroidism and 35 healthy control women matched by age. All the subjects underwent laboratory analyses, which included a thyroid hormone levels (free T3, free T4, and TSH) test, and a complete 2-dimensional echocardiographic study. All the SHT patients received levo- thyroxine therapy and were followed for a year after euthyroid state was achieved. Results: The LV mass index in the SHT participants before and after replacement therapy was significantly higher than in controls. In the SHT patients before the treatment, LV diastolic function and global function estimated by the Tei index were significantly impaired, whereas the LV systolic function was decreased. The results show that LV mechanics was significantly impaired in the SHT patients at baseline. Additionally, the SHT participants before levothyroxine substitution had increased RV wall thickness and significantly impaired RV diastolic and global function in comparison with the controls or the SHT subjects after the treatment. Furthermore, RV mechanics was also significantly deteriorated in the SHT patients before the treatment. Conclusions: Subclinical hypothyroidism significantly affected LV and RV structure, systolic, diastolic and global function, and LV and RV mechanics. Levothyroxine replacement therapy significantly improved cardiac structure, func - tion, and mechanics in the SHT patients.

Introduction. Infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare disease which manifests in different ways. Case Outline. We are presenting a female patient who was suspected of IE based on the presence of fever, accelerated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, increased levels of C-reactive protein and echocardiographic findings of filamentous structures on the aortic valve which were assumed to be vegetation. Because of the well-known fact that in the pre-antibiotic era IE was almost always a fatal disease, empirical antibiotic therapy was conducted despite the absence of clear criteria for IE and it resulted in a satisfactory outcome. The course of the disease and the persistence of echocardiographic findings with a completely competent aortic valve, suggested us to consider the diagnosis of Lambl?s excrescences. There was no indication for surgical treatment in our patient; so that in the absence of pathological confirmation our diagnostic dilemma was left unresolved. Conclusion. In patients with typical clinical features of IE and filamentous structures on the cardiac valves that are completely competent, Lambl?s excrescences should be kept in mind as a possible differential diagnosis.

Background Hypotension is a common adverse effect of IV anaesthetics, especially during the induction of anaesthesia. The aim of our study was to determine the incidence and risk factors for intraoperative hypotension (IOH) in thyroid surgery, as well as to determine whether and to what extent IOH affects the occurrence of postoperative hypotension. Material and methods The study included 1252 euthyroid patients, ASA 2 and ASA 3 status (American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification), who had thyroid surgery between 2007 and 2011. IOH was defined as a decrease in systolic blood pressure of >20% of baseline values. We studied the influence of demographic characteristics (sex, age, body mass index-BMI), comorbidity, type and duration of surgery, and anaesthesia on the occurrence of IOH. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine predictors of occurrence of IOH. Results IOH was registered in 6.5% of patients. The most common operation was thyroidectomy. Patients with IOH were younger, had lower BMI, and significantly less often had hypertension as a coexisting disease. The multivariate regression model identified BMI and the absence of hypertension as a coexisting disease, and as independent predictors of occurrence of IOH. Significantly more patients with IOH had postoperative hypotension (9.9% vs. 2.4%, p=0.000). Conclusions IOH is common, even during operations of short duration and with minimal bleeding. It is necessary to pay special attention to these patients, given that many of these patients remained hypotensive during the postoperative period.

Coronary artery disease is one of the risk factors for myocardial infarction and it is present in 40% of patients who are undergoing noncardiac surgery. Despite evidence of the benefit of the antiplatelet therapy in patients at risk of cardiac complications, aspirin treatment is often discontinued before surgery due to the risk of perioperative bleeding. In many studies and meta-analysis it is shown that aspirin withdrawal in perioperative period was associated with three-fold higher risk of major adverse cardiac events. Perioperative continuation of aspirin increase the rate of bleeding by 1.5, but it doesn?t increase the level of the severity of bleeding complications. In perioperative periode aspirin is discontinued only if it is estimated that the bleeding risk is higher than the risk of thrombosis. In the paper authors present a case report of patient who developed a perioperative myocardial infarction as a consequence of aspirin withdrawal before total colectomy.

We sought to compare left ventricular deformation in subjects with white-coat hypertension to normotensive and sustained hypertensive patients. This cross-sectional study included 139 untreated subjects who underwent 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and completed 2- and 3-dimensional examination. Two-dimensional left ventricular multilayer strain analysis was also performed. White-coat hypertension was diagnosed if clinical blood pressure was elevated and 24-hour blood pressure was normal. Our results showed that left ventricular longitudinal and circumferential strains gradually decreased from normotensive controls across subjects with white-coat hypertension to sustained hypertensive group. Two- and 3-dimensional left ventricular radial strain, as well as 3-dimensional area strain, was not different between groups. Two-dimensional left ventricular longitudinal and circumferential strains of subendocardial and mid-myocardial layers gradually decreased from normotensive control to sustained hypertensive group. Longitudinal and circumferential strains of subepicardial layer did not differ between the observed groups. We concluded that white-coat hypertension significantly affects left ventricular deformation assessed by 2-dimensional traditional strain, multilayer strain, and 3-dimensional strain.