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Contains fulltext : 291885.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) INTRODUCTION: We aimed to investigate the impact of the 2021 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guideline changes in left bundle branch block (LBBB) definition on cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) patient selection and outcomes. METHODS: The MUG (Maastricht, Utrecht, Groningen) registry, consisting of consecutive patients implanted with a CRT device between 2001 and 2015 was studied. For this study, patients with baseline sinus rhythm and QRS duration ≥ 130ms were eligible. Patients were classified according to ESC 2013 and 2021 guideline LBBB definitions and QRS duration. Endpoints were heart transplantation, LVAD implantation or mortality (HTx/LVAD/mortality) and echocardiographic response (LVESV reduction ≥15%). RESULTS: The analyses included 1.202, typical CRT patients. The ESC 2021 definition resulted in considerably less LBBB diagnoses compared to the 2013 definition (31.6% vs. 80.9%, respectively). Applying the 2013 definition resulted in significant separation of the Kaplan-Meier curves of HTx/LVAD/mortality (p

Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between left atrial (LA) abnormalities and ambulatory blood pressure variability (BPV) in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) patients.Material and methods In this single-center, prospective study, we included 187 patients with HFpEF. Eighteen patients with poor image quality were excluded from the study. BPV was evaluated using 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring. The standard deviation of systolic BP (SBP-SD) was calculated to assess BPV. The patients were classified into two groups according to median SBP-SD (10.5 mm Hg).Results Overall, 169 HFpEF patients (69.2% women, mean age 69.2±11 yrs) were evaluated. There were 98 patients (57.9%) with a SBP-SD greater than 10.5 mm Hg. Patients with higher SPB-SD had significantly higher left atrial stiffness (LASt) and lower LA reservoir strain (LASr) than those with low SPB-SD. LASt was correlated with 24 hr SBP-SD in both sinus rhythm (r= 0.35, p= 0.015) and atrial fibrillation patients (r= 0.32, p= 0.005). There were significant correlations between night-time SBP-SD and LASr (r=-0.23, p=0.045) in HFpEF with sinus rhythm. For all HFpEF patients, multiple regression analyses showed that 24-hr SBP-SD was correlated with LASt (coeff.=0.40, 95%CI= 0.52–5.25, P= 0.017).Conclusions High BPV is associated with impaired LA function, especially for LASt and LASr. This study may provide insight for larger multicenter studies to evaluate the effects on outcomes in HFpEF.

Background/aim It is known that the presence of fragmented QRS (fQRS) on electrocardiography (ECG) is associated with cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was the evaluation of fQRS formation and its relationship with the left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) parameters in acromegaly patients. Materials and methods In total, 47 previously diagnosed with non-hypertensive acromegaly patients and 48 control subjects were included in the study. ECG and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) were performed for each participant. Acromegaly patients were divided into two groups according to the fQRS formation on the ECG. Left ventricular wall thicknesses, and left atrial diameter (LAD), left ventricular mass (LVM), left ventricular mass index (LVMi), and relative wall thickness (RWT) were obtained. Results In control group 5 (10.4%) and in acromegaly group 17 (36.2%) patients had fQRS on ECG (p = 0.003). LAD [36.0 (34.0–38.0) vs. 38.0 (35.0–41.0) mm, p < 0.001], LVM [155.27 ± 27.00 vs. 173.0 (153.0–235.0) g, p < 0.001], LVMi [83.12 ± 13.19 vs. 92.0 (83.0–118.0) g/m², p < 0.001] and RWT [0.39 ± 0.03 vs. 0.43 (0.41–0.45), p = 0.001] were significantly higher in patients with acromegaly. Disease duration was significantly higher (11.59 ± 1.3 vs. 8.2 ± 1.8 years, p < 0.001) in the fQRS (+) group. LAD [41.0 (39.0–42.5) vs. 37.0 (34.7–38.0) mm, p < 0.001], LVM [219.0 (160.5–254.5) vs. 164.0 (153.0–188.0) g, p = 0.017], LVMi [117.0 (92.5–128.5) vs. 86.0 (82.0–100.2) g/m², p = 0.013] and RWT [0.44 (0.42–0.49) vs. 0.43 (0.40–0.44), p = 0.037] were significantly higher in fQSR (+) acromegaly patients. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, disease duration (odds ratio: 10.05, 95% CI: 1.099–92.012, p = 0.041) and LAD (odds ratio: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.030–4.660, p = 0.042) were found to be the independent predictors of fQRS formation. Conclusion The results of our study revealed that fQRS (+) acromegaly patients had increased LVH parameters compared to fQRS (-) patients.

Contains fulltext : 245658.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) PURPOSE: Effectiveness of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in patients without left bundle branch block (non-LBBB) QRS morphology is limited. Additional selection criteria are needed to identify these patients. METHODS: Seven hundred ninety consecutive patients with non-LBBB morphology, who received a CRT-device in 3 university centers in the Netherlands, were selected. Pre-implantation 12-lead ECGs were evaluated on morphology, duration, and area of the QRS complex, as well as on PR interval, left ventricular activation time (LVAT), and the presence of fragmented QRS (fQRS). Association of these ECG features with the primary endpoint: a combination of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation, cardiac transplantation and all-cause mortality, and secondary endpoint-echocardiographic reduction of left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV)-were evaluated. RESULTS: The primary endpoint occurred more often in non-LBBB patients with with PR interval ≥ 230ms, QRS area < 109μVs, and with fQRS. Multivariable regression analysis showed independent associations of QRS area (HR 2.33 [1.44, 3.77], p = 0.001) and PR interval (HR 2.03 [1.51, 2.74], p < 0.001) only. Mean LVESV reduction was significantly lower in patients with baseline RBBB, QRS duration < 150 ms, PR interval ≥ 230 ms, and in QRS area < 109 μVs. Multivariable regression analyses only showed significant associations between QRS area ≥ 109 μVs (OR 2.00 [1.09, 3.66] p = 0.025) and probability of echocardiographic response to CRT. CONCLUSIONS: In the heterogeneous non-LBBB patient population, QRS area and PR prolongation rather than traditional QRS duration and morphology are associated to both clinical and echocardiographic outcomes of CRT.

We aimed to present the long-term prognostic role of coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) in a cohort of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and noncritical stenosis. A total of 1138 patients who underwent coronary CTA for suspected CAD were included in the study. For the categorization of the coronary atherosclerotic plaque (CAP), the coronary system was divided into 16 segments. For each segment, CAPs were categorized as calcified, noncalcified, and mixed. All-cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality data were collected for prognostic evaluation. Coronary CTA analyses showed that 34.5% of patients had noncalcified CAP, 14.5% of patients had calcified CAP, and 11% of patients had mixed CAP. During a median of 141.5 months follow-up, CV and all-cause mortality was observed in 57 (5%) and 149 (13.1%) patients, respectively. In multivariable Cox regression analysis, calcified CAP morphology and the extent of involved segments were significant predictors of both CV and all-cause mortality. The presence of calcified CAP morphology and the higher number of diseased coronary segments via coronary CTA might help stratify patients at risk for adverse CV outcomes during long-term follow-up. Patients with these features at index coronary CTA may be evaluated more closely with aggressive preventive measures.

BACKGROUND There were gaps between guidelines and practice when surgery was the only treatment for aortic stenosis (AS). OBJECTIVES This study analyzed the decision to intervene in patients with severe AS in the EORP VHD (EURObservational Research Programme Valvular Heart Disease) II survey. METHODS Among 2,152 patients with severe AS, 1,271 patients with high-gradient AS who were symptomatic fulfilled a Class I recommendation for intervention according to the 2012 European Society of Cardiology guidelines; the primary end point was the decision for intervention. RESULTS A decision not to intervene was taken in 262 patients (20.6%). In multivariate analysis, the decision not to intervene was associated with older age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.34 per 10-year increase; 95% CI: 1.11 to 1.61; P = 0.002), New York Heart Association functional classes I and II versus III (OR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.16 to 2.30; P = 0.005), higher age adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (OR: 1.09 per 1-point increase; 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.17; P = 0.03), and a lower transaortic mean gradient (OR: 0.81 per 10-mm Hg decrease; 95% CI: 0.71 to 0.92; P < 0.001). During the study period, 346 patients (40.2%, median age 84 years, median EuroSCORE II [European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II] 3.1%) underwent transcatheter intervention and 515 (59.8%, median age 69 years, median EuroSCORE II 1.5%) underwent surgery. A decision not to intervene versus intervention was associated with lower 6-month survival (87.4%; 95% CI: 82.0 to 91.3 vs 94.6%; 95% CI: 92.8 to 95.9; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS A decision not to intervene was taken in 1 in 5 patients with severe symptomatic AS despite a Class I recommendation for intervention and the decision was particularly associated with older age and combined comorbidities. Transcatheter intervention was extensively used in octogenarians. (J Am Coll Cardiol 2021;78:2131-2143) (c) 2021 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation.

Aim: In the present study, the relationship between D-dimer/fibrinogen ratio (DFR) and in-hospital outcomes was evaluated in patients with COVID-19 and a diagnosis of heart failure (HF). Materials & methods: In-hospital outcomes were compared in patients with high and low DFR values. Results: With regard to in-hospital outcomes, patients in the third tertile of DFR had a higher rate of mechanical ventilation, cardiogenic shock and death (p

Aim: To assess the relationship between serum bilirubin levels and fragmented QRS (fQRS), and their association with adverse events in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Methods: This study included a total of 736 patients. Laboratory results such as bilirubin levels, renal and liver function tests were obtained from the first available blood sample. Results: Left ventricular ejection fraction, end-diastolic diameter and total bilirubin level were significantly lower in fQRS (+) group than in the control group (45.0 [40.0–55.0] vs 50.0 [45.0–60.0]%; p < 0.001; 4.7 [4.6–5.1] vs 4.7 [4.5–4.9] cm; p < 0.001; 0.66 [0.49–5.1] vs 0.72 [0.53–0.97] md/dl; p = 0.017); respectively. Occurrence of adverse events was significantly higher in fQRS (+) group (32.5 vs 20.5 %; p = 0.013) during mean 1-year follow-up period. Conclusion: Total bilirubin level is an independent predictor of fQRS formation, which is associated with the presence of adverse events in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Purpose Cryoballoon (CB) and radiofrequency (RF) ablation techniques have similar outcomes for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, there is limited data about the impact of different ablation strategies in patients with left common pulmonary vein (LCPV). Our aim was to compare the safety and efficacy of RF and CB ablation in AF patients with LCPV. Methods One hundred and twenty-seven (n = 80 CB and n = 47 RF) AF patients with LCPV detected by preprocedural computerized tomography (CT) were included in the study. Ostial dimensions and trunk distance were measured in all patients. Atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATa) recurrence was defined as detection of AF, atrial flutter, or atrial tachycardia (>= 30 s) after a 3-month blanking period. Results There was no significant difference in acute procedural success rates for PVI (97.5% in CB and 97.9% in RF, respectively, P = 0.953) and complication rates were similar between the groups (6 (7.5%) in CB and 4 (8.5%) in RF, respectively, P = 1.000). During a median follow-up of 20.7 (4.8-50.2) months for CB and 20.5 (6.2-36.0) months for RF, ATa recurrence was 35.0% and 38.2%, respectively (P = 0.777). Multivariate analysis did not reveal any of the morphologic parameters of LCPV as a significant predictor of ATa recurrence. Conclusions Our findings demonstrated that both CB and RF ablation techniques have similar efficacy and safety in AF patients with LCPV during the mid-term follow-up.

Effectiveness of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in patients without left bundle branch block (non-LBBB) QRS morphology is limited. Additional selection criteria are needed to identify these patients.Seven hundred ninety consecutive patients with non-LBBB morphology, who received a CRT-device in 3 university centers in the Netherlands, were selected. Pre-implantation 12-lead ECGs were evaluated on morphology, duration, and area of the QRS complex, as well as on PR interval, left ventricular activation time (LVAT), and the presence of fragmented QRS (fQRS). Association of these ECG features with the primary endpoint: a combination of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation, cardiac transplantation and all-cause mortality, and secondary endpoint-echocardiographic reduction of left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV)-were evaluated.The primary endpoint occurred more often in non-LBBB patients with with PR interval ≥ 230ms, QRS area109μVs, and with fQRS. Multivariable regression analysis showed independent associations of QRS area (HR 2.33 [1.44, 3.77], p = 0.001) and PR interval (HR 2.03 [1.51, 2.74], p0.001) only. Mean LVESV reduction was significantly lower in patients with baseline RBBB, QRS duration150 ms, PR interval ≥ 230 ms, and in QRS area109 μVs. Multivariable regression analyses only showed significant associations between QRS area ≥ 109 μVs (OR 2.00 [1.09, 3.66] p = 0.025) and probability of echocardiographic response to CRT.In the heterogeneous non-LBBB patient population, QRS area and PR prolongation rather than traditional QRS duration and morphology are associated to both clinical and echocardiographic outcomes of CRT.

Novel interventional therapies for heart failure patients are emerging like atrial flow regulator (AFR). Our case showed that endocardial ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation could be performed safely by passing through the AFR device lumen without additional transseptal puncture in these patients.

Acromegaly is associated with increased morbidity and mortality primarily attributed to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, thus demonstrating the negative arterial impact of chronic GH and IGF-1 excess. There are limited and conflicting data regarding coronary artery disease (CAD) in acromegaly that consists mainly of heterogeneous cohorts and pathological reviews of old case series. Increased arterial stiffness is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction. Arterial stiffness may measured from pulse wave velocity(PWV). In this study we aimed to evaluate the association between pulse wave velocity and aortic augmentation index in acromegalic patients. Methods: Our study population consists of a consecutive subset of 32 acromegalic patients and 19 control. Acromegalic patients IGF 1 levels were noted. All patients BMI, age, blood pressure, gender also were noted. Also pulse pressure, central blood pressures were measured by non-invasive central blood pressure measurement device (SphygmoCor). Pulse wave velocity and aortic augmentation index were measured by the same device. Results: A total of 32 acromegalic patients and 19 control were enrolled in the study. Body mass index and gender were not significantly different between the groups. Aortic augmentation index (5 vs. 6, p =0,685) variables weren’t significantly different in the study. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly high in the acromegalic group. (130/82 vs. 120/70) PWV was significantly high in the acromegalic group. (13 vs 11,5 p=0,002)Conclusions: Our study results suggest that acromegaly patients have worse arterial stiffness due to increased pulse wave velocity. Acromegaly is associated with increased morbidity and mortality primarily attributed to cardiovascular problems. We thought that it may be a guiding method in disease management since it can be an early marker of cardiovascular risk.Keywords: acromegaly, pulse wave velocity, aortic augmentation index

Increased prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity) and age at first gestation are the important factors that increase cardiovascular diseases incidence in pregnancy. Assessment of maternal and fetal risk is very important. In World Health Organization class 1, the risk is very low and it is recommended that the cardiologic evaluation be performed once or twice in pregnancy. World Health Organization class 2 patients have low to moderate risk and cardiology consultation is recommended at every trimester. World Health Organization class 3 patients have a high risk, so cardiology consultation is recommended monthly or bi-monthly. Pregnancy is not recommended for World Health Organization class 4 patients. In cases where surgery is necessary the general approach is the same as those who are not pregnant. However, a multidisciplinary approach is needed in pregnant patients. Surgery should be performed independently of the trimester in emergent cases. If an elective intervention is needed and there is no effect on fetus, the surgical procedure should be delayed after birth. If surgery is needed and semi-elective, the optimal time period is indicated as second trimester. The type of anesthesia to be applied is determined according to the type and timing of surgery, maternal physiological changes and teratogenic effects. Keywords: Heart disease, pregnancy, preoperative evaluation.

Semptomatik mitral darligi (MD) hastalari perkutan yolla tedavi edilebilmektedir. Bu hastalarda perkutan mitral balon valvulaplasti (PMBV) ile MD ve semptomlari giderilebilmektedir. Bu calismamizda ciddi MD hastalarinda PMBV islemi sirasinda transozofajiyal ekokardiyografi (TEE) kilavuzlugunun islem basarisi ve komplikasyonlar uzerine etkisini arastirmak istedik. Calismaya ciddi MD ile basvuran ve PMBV yapilmasi planlanan 45 hasta alindi. PMBV islemi 23 hastaya TEE kilavuzlugunda (TEE(+)), 22 hastaya ise TEE kilavuzlugu olmadan (TEE(-)) gerceklestirildi. Calismada her iki grubun transseptal ponksiyon (TSP) suresi, septum gecis basarisi, kapak gecis basarisi degerlendirildi. PMBV ile tedavi edilen tum hastalara 24. saat ve 12. haftada transtorasik ekokardiyografi ile degerlendirildi. Calismaya alinan hastalarin TEE(+) grubunda yas ortalamasi 47,9±11,4, TEE(-) grubunda ise 48,5±15 (p=0,88) idi. TEE(-) grubundaki olgularin ortalama boyu 163,1±7,5 cm, TEE(+) grubunda ise 161,7±5,4 cm (p=0,47) olarak gozlendi. TEE(-) grubunda Wilkins skoru 8,5(7,0-10,0), TEE(+) grubunda ise 9,0(7,0-11,0) (p=0,111) olarak gozlendi. TSP suresi TEE(-) grubunda ve TEE(+) grubunda sirasiyla 25,24±5,1 dk. ve 21,86±3,8 dk (p=0,02) olarak tespit edildi. TEE(-) grubunda kapak gecis basarisi %100 iken, TEE(+) grubunda %85,8 olarak bulundu. TEE(+) grubunda mitral kapak gecisi daha basarisizdi ancak istatistiksel anlamli fark yoktu (p=0,072). Komplikasyonlar her iki grupta benzerdi. PBMV esnasinda kullanilan TEE’nin TSP’den dogan komplikasyonlar, TSP basarisi, kapak gecis basarisi, islem basarisi, islem komplikasyonlari uzerine ise herhangi bir etkisinin olmamasina ragmen TSP suresini kisalttigi gosterildi. Hastalarda islem suresini kisaltmak, radyasyon maruziyetini en aza indirmek icin PBMV islemi sirasinda TEE kilavuzlugu konvansiyonel yonteme eklenebilir.

Introduction and Objective: Arrhythmias are often recorded in strength training athletes without cardiovascular abnormalities but may also be a sign of an underlying cardiovascular disease which carries a risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Nowadays, bodybuilding is a popular sport among adolescents and young adults. There have been few studies of arrhythmias comparing bodybuilders with healthy controls and excluding anabolic steroid use. We aimed to assess the structural, functional and electrical characteristics of bodybuilders’ hearts compared with control subjects. Methods: In this study, we assessed 35 male competitive bodybuilders and 35 healthy control subjects matched for age, gender, and body mass index. A detailed cardiovascular and systemic examination was performed at the beginning of the study to collect demographic data and anthropometric measures. Biochemical and hematologic, echocardiographic, 24-h Holter, and ECG measurements were obtained from all participants. Results: Ventricular arrhythmias were encountered significantly more frequently in bodybuilders than in the control group. QT and QTc were not significantly different between groups. Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT ratio, and Tp-e/QTc ratio were significantly greater in bodybuilders than in the control group (p

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is associated with worse prognosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Early identification and intervention for patients with a high risk of CIN are very important to improve clinical outcomes. Inflammation plays important role in the development of CIN in the setting of ACS. The monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR) is a novel inflammatory marker. Bleeding is also associated with worse prognosis in such patients. We aimed to investigate whether the preprocedural MHR had a predictive role for CIN development in such patients. In addition, using the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction classification, we aimed to assess whether there was any relationship between bleeding and CIN. A total of 647 patients (496 males; age: 63.3 ± 12.7 years) with ACS who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were included in the study. Seventy patients (10.8%) had developed CIN. Age, diabetes mellitus, contrast volume, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and MHR were independent predictors for CIN. Preprocedural MHR may be used as a simple marker of CIN. It may help with the early identification of patients with ACS who underwent PCI who are at high risk of CIN thus allowing the planning of protective measures.

Objective: Sympathetic activity increases in patients with mitral stenosis (MS). The association between prolonged Tpeak-Tend (Tp-e) interval and increased sympathetic activity has been demonstrated. This study aimed to evaluate Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT ratio, and Tp-e/corrected QT interval (QTc) ratio in patients with MS before and after balloon valvuloplasty. Methods: Thirty patients with severe MS and 30 sex-, body mass index-, and and age-matched healthy control subjects were enrolled. The severity of MS was defined following clinical, transthoracic, and transesophageal echocardiographic examinations. All patients underwent successful mitral balloon valvuloplasty. Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT, and Tp-e/QTc ratios were measured using 12-lead electrocardiogram. First, the abovementioned parameters were compared between patients with MS and healthy control subjects. Second, these parameters were compared before and after balloon valvuloplasty in patients with MS. Results: The mean Tp-e interval was significantly prolonged in patients with MS compared with healthy control subjects (85.02±9.12 ms vs. 75.38±6.04 ms; p

Bodybuilder-type workouts may affect heart rate variability (HRV), which has considerable potential to assess the role of autonomic nervous system (ANS). A scientifically designed approach is necessary for bodybuilders to achieve better results while protecting their health. In this study, we aimed to investigate HRV parameters in bodybuilders compared to healthy control subjects and effects of creatine supplementation. A total of 48 male participants (16 controls, 16 supplement (-), 16 supplement (+)) were evaluated in our study. Bodybuilders who were taking creatine supplementation were enrolled in supplement (+) group. HRV parameters were measured from 24-hour Holter recordings of all participants. When mean heart rates were compared with control group (71.5 ± 12.6 beats/min), statistically significant difference was revealed in supplement (-) group (61.8 ± 6.8 beats/min; P = 0.022) unlike supplement (+) group (69.63 ± 14.1 beats/min; P = 0.650). HRV analyses revealed significant parasympathetic shift in supplement (-) group. No significant difference was demonstrated on HRV parameters, except high frequency (P = 0.029) in supplement (+) group. Conclusively, elevated parasympathetic modulation, which is favorable cardiovascular outcome of exercise, was demonstrated in bodybuilders. However, our study also revealed that creatine supplementation attenuates this favorable effect in ANS by limiting elevation of parasympathetic modulation. Although the sympathetic slight shift is attributed to creatine supplementation, it cannot be discriminated from the effects of over training.

Pulmonary vein (PV) stenosis is a rare but serious complication of PV isolation. It usually develops 3-6 months after the procedure, but may rarely develop in the acute phase. We present a case of symptomatic PV stenosis within 48 hours after antral PV isolation. Following the initiation of medical treatment including a glucocorticoid, acute changes in the PV wall regressed and the patient's complaint of dyspnea at rest improved rapidly. In addition, long-term renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockers were given. The complaint did not recur during follow-up and PV stenosis was mild at 6 months.

Objective Genome-wide association studies have revealed that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) and can predict AF recurrence after catheter ablation in different populations. However, there exists no such data for the Turkish population. We aimed to investigate whether 11 SNPs in the PITX2, ZFHX3, EPHX2, CAV1, TBX5, TGF-1, and SCN10A were related to AF and whether these SNPs can predict long-term atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATa) recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for AF in Turkish patients. Methods A total of 245 consecutive patients with non-valvular AF (44.9% men, mean age: 60.2±13.2 years, 65.3% paroxysmal AF) and 50 age- and sex-matched controls were included in this analysis. The clinical features and genetic variants were compared between the 2 groups. Of the 245 patients, 128 who underwent PVI with second-generation cryoballoon were further examined for long-term recurrence after the procedure. Results Four SNPs in PITX2 were significantly associated with AF (rs10033464_T: OR 3.29, 95%CI: 1.38-7.82, p=0.007; rs6838973_T: OR 3.06, 95% CI 1.36-6.87, p=0.007; rs3853445_C: OR 2.84, 95%CI: 1.27-6.36, p=0.011; rs17570669_T: OR 4.03, 95% CI: 1.71-9.51, p=0.001). Among these patients who underwent PVI, one locus in CAV1 (rs3807989_G: OR 4.50, 95% CI 1.04-19.31, p=0.043) and early recurrence (OR: 8.06, 95% CI: 2.12-30.55, p=0.002) predicted long-term AF recurrence after catheter ablation. Conclusion Significant associations exists between 4 SNPs in PITX2 and AF (rs10033464, rs6838973, rs3853445, and rs17570669) in Turkish patients. In addition, 1 genetic variant in CAV1 (rs3807989) and early recurrence can predict long-term ATa recurrence after catheter ablation.

Background The effectiveness of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in patients without left bundle branch block (non-LBBB) QRS morphology is limited, compared to those with LBBB. Still, a substantial part of these patients can benefit from therapy and additional selection criteria are needed to identify these patients. Purpose To evaluate the association of additional baseline 12-lead ECG features; with clinical and echocardiographic outcomes in CRT-treated non-LBBB patients. Methods Pre-implantation 12-lead ECGs from 790 consecutive non-LBBB CRT patients from 3 implanting centres in the Netherlands were evaluated for the presence of predefined ECG parameters. QRS morphology (right bundle branch block and intraventricular conduction delay), QRS duration (≥/ Results There was a significantly lower occurrence of the primary endpoint in non-LBBB patients with QRS area ≥109 μVs (p Figure 1 Conclusion A large QRS area and the absence of fQRS are positively associated to event free survival in non-LBBB patients treated with CRT. Whereas currently used patient selection cut-off QRS duration is not associated to outcome in these patients. These data may provide additional value for the non-LBBB patient selection for CRT and warrant prospective evaluation of these ECG features. Acknowledgement/Funding None

Background Patients without left bundle branch block (non-LBBB) generally derive little benefit from CRT. Recently, CRT has been suggested to be beneficial in patients with prolonged PR interval. However in the general HF population, the presence of prolonged PR interval is associated with worse outcome. Purpose To evaluate the association of a prolonged PR interval with clinical outcome in CRT-treated LBBB and non-LBBB patients. Methods Pre-implantation 12-lead ECGs from 1.245 consecutive CRT patients without atrial fibrillation from 3 implanting centres in the Netherlands were evaluated for the presence of LBBB QRS morphology and PR interval prolongation (≥230ms). The primary endpoint was the combination of left ventricular assist device implantation, cardiac transplantation and all-cause mortality. Results Patients with LBBB (n=620) showed a significantly shorter mean PR interval than non-LBBB patients (n=625) (187ms vs 198ms, p Figure 1 Conclusion In HF patients treated with CRT, PR prolongation is negatively associated with long term clinical outcome. The association seems to be stronger in non-LBBB patients than in LBBB patients. Acknowledgement/Funding None

Purpose Heart and brain interaction is a well-known entity in heart failure (HF) and left ventricular systolic dysfunction poses an increased risk for stroke and cognitive impairment. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) provides valuable information on cerebral blood flow and detects microembolic signals that can be used to determine the risk of cerebrovascular events. However, less is known about cerebral blood flow in HF patients with reduced EF. So, we aimed to evaluate cerebral blood flow rates by means of TCD in HF patients with reduced ejection fraction (EF). Methods This study included 46 HF patients with an EF less than 35% (mean age 65.2±11 years, mean EF 20.1±3.8%) who underwent to TCD examination. In addition, 26 healthy individuals with sinus rhythm and EF >50% (mean age 64.4±9.0 years, mean EF 63.5±2.38%) were included in the study as a control group. Minimum, maximum and mean flow velocities of the both right middle cerebral artery (RMCA) and left middle cerebral artery (LMCA) determined by TCD were analyzed. Results The average of RMCA maximum and mean flow velocities were found to be significantly lower in HF patients than those in control group (76,06±23,7 cm/s and 48,49±16,4 cm/s in HF group vs 87,84±14,5 cm/s and 56,41±10,7 cm/s in control group, p=0,025 and p=0,016, respectively). The average of LMCA maximum and mean flow velocities were also significantly lower in HF patients than those in control group (75,1±22,3 cm/s and 47,57±14.8 cm/s in HF group vs 88,73±17,7 cm/s and 57,15±12,4 cm/s in control group, p=0,009 and p=0,007, respectively). However, there was no significant difference in minimum RMCA or LMCA flow velocities between HF group and control groups (33,5±10,6 cm/s and 32,86±9,58 cm/s in HF group vs 36,34±9,2 cm/s and 36,53±10,4 cm/s in control group, p=0,226 and p=0,157, respectively). No significant microembolic signals were detected in HF and control groups. Conclusions The results of this study showed that HF patients with reduced EF have lower cerebral blood flow velocities as compared to healthy controls, which might be one of the explanations of the adverse interaction between heart and brain in HF.

Introduction: There is alack of studies focusing on the association between health related quality oflife (HRQoL) and mortality. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the associationbetween HRQoL and mortality of patients with ST-elevated myocardial infarction(STEMI) treated by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patients and Methods:Ninety-two patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI with committed 6-monthfollow-up were included to the study. In the 6-month follow-up visit, EQ5Dquestionnaire, which is valid internationally and is also valid for studiesperformed in Turkey for acute coronary syndromes, was filled by patients afterobtaining their demographical and clinical findings. Data analyzes wereperformed after 5-year follow-up. Mortality of the patients whose clinicalvisits could not be performed evaluated by contacting with their relatives. Results: Our studyis the first study which evaluates the association between HRQoL and long-termsurvival in patients with STEMI. The mean age was 56.96 ± 12.61 and 81 (88%) ofthe population were males. Mortality was observed in 12 patients after 5 years.The mean Index score was 0.903 ± 0.145 and the mean Visual Analog Scale (VAS)score was 80.58 ± 16.03. The means of the Index score and VAS score were lowerin patients with mortality (p= 0.008 and p= 0.011, respectively). Both Indexand VAS Scale scores were significantly associated with mortality (p= 0.002,ki-kare: 9.918; p= 0.008, ki-kare= 7.112, respectively). It was revealed bybackward stepwise Cox regression analysis that the presence of an Index score ≤0.9 is associated with mortality [p= 0.005; HR= 5.546 (1.668-18.443)]. Conclusion: According to our analysis,lower HRQoL scores are associated with mortality. EQ5D index score is anindependent predictor of the long-term mortality in patients with STEMI treatedby PCI., Amaç: Sağlık ile ilgili yaşam kalitesi ile mortalite ilişkisiile ilgili sınırlı sayıda çalışma mevcuttur. Çalışmamızda perkütan koronergirişim (PKG) ile tedavi edilen ST yükselmeli miyokart infarktüsü (STYMİ)hastalarının yaşam kalitelerinin mortalite ile ilişkisini değerlendirmeyiamaçladık. Hastalar ve Yöntem: Çalışmaya akut STYMİ tanısı alıpprimer PKG uygulanan ve 6. ay takipleri yapılan 92 hasta dahil edildi. Altıncıayda yapılan klinik vizitte demografik ve klinik verileri toplandıktan sonrauluslararası geçerliliği olan ve Türkiye’de de akut koroner sendromlardageçerlilik çalışması yapılmış olan EQ5D yaşam kalite ölçeği hastalar tarafındandolduruldu. Hastaların 5 yıl takiplerinin tamamlanmasını takiben veriler analizedildi. Klinik vizit yapılamayan hastalar ya da bu hastaların yakınlarımortaliteyi değerlendirmek için telefonla arandı. Bulgular: Bizim çalışmamız, STYMİ hastalarında yaşam kalitesi ileuzun dönem sağkalımın ilişkisini inceleyen ilk çalışmadır. Beş yıl takibiedilen 92 hastanın yaş ortalaması 56.96 ± 12.61 ve 81 (%88)’i erkek idi. Beşyıl sonunda 12 hastada mortalite görüldü. İndeks skor ortalaması 0.903 ± 0.145ve vizüel analog ölçek (VAS) skor ortalaması 80.58 ± 16.03’dü. İndeks skor veVAS skor ortalamaları mortalite olan hastalarda daha düşük bulundu (sırasıyla,p= 0.008, p= 0.011). Hem indeks skor hem de VAS skor anlamlı olacak şekildemortalite ile ilişkiliydi (sırasıyla, p= 0.002, ki-kare= 9.918; p= 0.008,ki-kare= 7.112). Geriye doğru kademeli Cox regresyon analizi kullanılarak indeksskor ≤ 0.9 olmasının mortalite ile ilişkili olduğu ortaya çıkarıldı [p= 0.005;HR= 5.546 (1.668-18.443)].Sonuç: Bizim analizlerimize göre,düşük sağlık ile ilgili yaşam kalitesi skorları mortalite ile ilişkilidir. EQ5Dindeks skoru PKG ile tedavi edilen STYMİ hastalarında uzun dönem mortaliteninbağımsız bir ön gördürücüsüdür.&nbsp

In endocrine diseases, hormonal changes, electrolyte abnormalities, and the deterioration of heart structure can lead to various arrhythmias. In diabetic patients, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, and hypokalemia can trigger arrhythmias, and diabetic cardiomyopathy can also cause electrical and structural remodeling to form substrates for arrhythmias. The risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) increases in hyperthyroidism; however, the prevalence of ventricular arrhythmias in hypothyroidism is higher. Besides AF and ventricular tachycardias, bradycardias and atrioventricular blocks can also be seen in pheochromocytoma due to the desensitization of adrenergic cardiovascular receptors. The correction of metabolic and electrolyte disturbances in patients with adrenal cortex disease should be the main approach in the prevention and treatment of arrhythmias. Early initiation of treatment in patients with acromegaly seems to decrease the development of cardiac remodeling and ventricular arrhythmia. Early and late after depolarizations due to hypercalcemia in hyperparathyroidism can lead to life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. This elegant position paper provides important recommendations regarding prevention and treatment of arrhythmias for specific endocrine disorders.

Objective: Chemerin is a novel adipokine that is correlated with adipocyte differentiation, glucose metabolism, and inflammation. We aimed to investigate the relation between serum chemerin level and subclinical atherosclerosis markers as exemplified by brachial artery pulse wave velocity (baPWV), carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT), epicardial fat thickness (EFT), and carotid plaque presence in diabetes and prediabetes. Methods: Age-, body mass index (BMI)-, and gender-matched patients with type 2 DM (n=30), prediabetes (n=25), and normal glucose tolerance (n=25) were included in this cross-sectional study. Serum chemerin level, lipid parameters, glucose metabolism marker, baPWV, CIMT, EFT, and anthropometric were recorded. The independent risk factors for atherosclerosis markers were determined by linear and/or multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: baPWV and carotid plaque presence were higher in the diabetes group than in prediabetes and control groups (p=0.039 and p=0.035 respectively), whereas serum chemerin levels were similar among groups (p=0.338). Chemerin levels were not correlated with PWV, CIMT, and epicardial fat thickness overall or in the subgroups. Overall and in the diabetes group, chemerin levels were positively correlated with the key components of metabolic syndrome as BMI, total body fat percentage, waist circumference, triglyceride, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP). After adjusting for age, gender, and BMI, only the association between chemerin and systolic BP remained significant. Chemerin was not found as an independent risk factor for predicting atherosclerosis in diabetes and prediabetes. Conclusion: Chemerin is not a predictive marker for atherosclerosis in diabetes and prediabetes, but correlates well with key aspects of the metabolic syndrome particularly in diabetes.

Cardiac Autoantibodies and AF Recurrence Introduction Recent evidence has suggested that autoantibodies may play an important role in the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). The predictive value of preprocedural autoantibodies against beta-1 adrenergic receptor (anti-β1-R) and M2-muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (anti-M2-R) for AF recurrence following cryoballoon-based pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is still unclear. We aimed to determine the predictive value of preprocedural anti-β1-R and anti-M2-R levels for AF recurrence. Methods Eighty patients (mean age 54.25 ± 7.70 years; 40% female) with paroxysmal AF and preserved left ventricular function who underwent cryoballoon-based PVI were included in the study. Preprocedural anti-M2-R and anti-β1-R levels were measured with ELISA. Results At 1-year follow-up after ablation, late AF recurrence was observed in 17 (21.25%) patients. In the Cox regression model, including number of antiarrhythmic drugs, early AF recurrence, anti-β1-R levels >159.88 ng/mL, anti-M2-R levels >277.65 ng/mL, AF duration, and left atrial volume index, only anti-β1-R levels >159.88 ng/mL (HR: 4.281, P = 0.039) and anti-M2-R levels >277.65 ng/mL (HR: 4.313, P = 0.030) were found to be independent predictors of late AF recurrence. Anti-β1-R level >159.88 ng/mL was shown to predict late AF recurrence with a sensitivity of 70.59% and specificity of 90.48%. A cut-off value of 277.65 ng/mL for anti-M2-R level predicted AF recurrence with a sensitivity of 70.59% and specificity of 95.24%. Conclusion Preprocedural serum anti-β1-R and anti-M2-R levels are independent predictors of late AF recurrence following cryoballoon-based PVI in paroxysmal AF patients. Detection of preprocedural anti-β1-R and anti-M2-R levels may serve as a novel method for determination of paroxysmal AF patients who may not benefit from cryoballoon-based PVI.

Sudden cardiac deaths (SCD) are most often caused by ventricular arrhythmias (VA). Among all cause mortality in the elderly, the rate of SCD due to VA is decreasing. The choice of antiarrhythmic drug in elderly patients is not different according to younger patients. Treatment goals, patient compliance, drug interaction risk, liver and kidney function should be considered in the selection of antiarrhythmic drugs. ICD implantation provides mortality reduction in the elderly when appropriate patient selection is made. In older people with minimal comorbid disease and at high risk for arrhythmic death, the ICD has a higher benefit rate.

INTRODUCTION The presence of concomitant erectile dysfunction (ED) with heart failure (HF) is not surprising, because endothelial dysfunction is pathophysiologic signature of both ED and HF. ED significantly and adversely affects quality of life in patients with HF. It was demonstrated that ivabradine treatment can improve endothelial function and ED in experimental models. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of ivabradine treatment on ED in patients with HF via International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionaire. MATERIAL AND METHODS Consequently, 29 patients, between 18 and 70 years of age, male with chronic HF known for at least 1 year, New York Heart Association functional class I-II, left ventricule ejection fraction less than 40%, in sinus rhythm with a resting HR of at least 70 beats per minute (b.p.m.), who were intended to be treated with ivabradine according to the decision of their physicians were evaluated to determine ED. We used the Turkish version of the IIEF-5 questionnaire to evaluate ED on the last 6-month period. Twenty-four of 29 patients who scored ≤21 were considered to have ED and included to the study. IIEF-5 scores for each question and domains were calculated for all responders at baseline and at 6-month follow-up visit in order to determine any effect of ivabradine treatment on ED in patients with HF. RESULTS According to the data of survey, Cronbach's alpha coeffient for all of the patients who were included into the study were 0.84 and detected highly reliable. IEFF-5 questionnaire scores increased significantly (p = .003) after the ivabradine treatment, on the contrary, significant decrease in HR was revealed as expected. HR is decreased steadily after ivabradine treatment and mean decrease in HR was 11.5 ± 9.4 in this study population. Likewise, negative correlation was demonstrated between decrease in HR (p

frQRS and Outcomes in ARVC/D Background Fragmented QRS (frQRS) complex, with various morphology, has been recently described as a diagnostic criterion of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia (ARVC/D). However, there are little data regarding the prognostic role of frQRS in these patients. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association of frQRS with arrhythmic events in patients with ARVC/D. Methods Seventy-eight patients (51 men, 65.4%; mean age: 31.25 ± 11.5 years) with the diagnosis of ARVC/D according to 2010 modified Task Force Criteria were analyzed retrospectively. Baseline ECG evaluation revealed frQRS complex in 46 patients (59%). Eleven patients with complete/incomplete right bundle branch block were excluded from the study. The phenomenon of frQRS was defined as deflections at the beginning of the QRS complex, on top of the R-wave, or in the nadir of the S-wave similar to the definition in CAD in either one right precordial lead or in more than one lead including all standard ECG leads. Results During 38 ± 14 months follow-up period, 3 patients (3.8%) died suddenly, 36 patients (46.1%) experienced arrhythmic events (32 ventricular tachycardias [VTs] and 4 ventricular fibrillation [VF], 30 in the ICD group). The frQRS was significantly associated with arrhythmic events (P < 0.001). Also, the number of ECG leads with frQRS complex was higher in patients with arrhythmic events (5.08 ± 2.5 vs 1.14 ± 1.7, P < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion The frQRS complex on standard 12-lead ECG predicts fatal and nonfatal arrhythmic events in patients with ARVC/D. Therefore, large scale and prospective studies are needed to confirm those findings.

We aim to evaluate the prognostic value of dual-source 64-slice multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in patients with coronary stents. The study included 173 patients [mean age 59.9 ± 10.1 years, 76.7 % male] with previous stent implantation who underwent MDCT for evaluation of CAD and stent patency. Coronary imaging was performed via dual-source MDCT scanner. Stented vessel segment was evaluated as patent without neointimal hyperplasia (NIH), nonobstructive NIH (50 % luminal narrowing), or obstructive NIH (50 % luminal narrowing). Patients were evaluated for major cardiovascular events (MACEs) to demonstrate association between stent patency and clinical outcome. MACEs that were originating from non-stented segments were excluded. A total of 213 coronary stents were evaluated in our study. During mean of 21.2 ± 13.6 months' follow-up, 25 patients experienced MACEs [1 (4.0 %) cardiac death, 5 (20.0 %) nonfatal MI, and 19 (76.0 %) unstable angina pectoris requiring hospitalization and target vessel revascularization] associated with stented segment of coronary arteries. One hundred of 105 patients (95.2 %) with a patent stent without NIH detected by MDCT had no cardiac event associated with stented segments during mean 2 years' follow-up period. These data indicate that patients with a patent stent without NIH as determined by MDCT have a good prognosis as opposed to an increased rate of events among patients with either nonobstructive or obstructive NIH as determined with MDCT, supporting MDCT as a reliable tool to evaluate patients after coronary stenting.

Cardiovascular complications are the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in acromegaly. However, there is little data regarding cardiac autonomic functions in these patients. Herein, we aimed to investigate several parameters of cardiac autonomic functions in patients with acromegaly compared to healthy subjects. We enrolled 20 newly diagnosed acromegalic patients (55 % female, age:45.7 ± 12.6 years) and 32 age- and gender-matched healthy subjects. All participants underwent 24 h Holter recording. Heart rate recovery (HRR) indices were calculated by subtracting 1st, 2nd and 3rd minute heart rates from maximal heart rate. All patients underwent heart rate variability (HRV) and QT dynamicity analysis. Baseline characteristics were similar except diabetes mellitus and hypertension among groups. Mean HRR1 (29.2 ± 12.3 vs 42.6 ± 6.5, p = 0.001), HRR2 (43.5 ± 15.6 vs 61.1 ± 10.8, p = 0.001) and HRR3 (46.4 ± 16.2 vs 65.8 ± 9.8, p = 0.001) values were significantly higher in control group. HRV parameters as, SDNN [standard deviation of all NN intervals] (p = 0.001), SDANN [SD of the 5 min mean RR intervals] (p = 0.001), RMSSD [root square of successive differences in RR interval] (p = 0.001), PNN50 [proportion of differences in successive NN intervals >50 ms] (p = 0.001) and high-frequency [HF] (p = 0.001) were significantly decreased in patients with acromegaly; but low frequency [LF] (p = 0.046) and LF/HF (p = 0.001) were significantly higher in acromegaly patients. QTec (p = 0.009), QTac/RR slope (p = 0.017) and QTec/RR slope (p = 0.01) were significantly higher in patients with acromegaly. Additionally, there were significant negative correlation of disease duration with HRR2, HRR3, SDNN, PNN50, RMSSD, variability index. Our study results suggest that cardiac autonomic functions are impaired in patients with acromegaly. Further large scale studies are needed to exhibit the prognostic significance of impaired autonomic functions in patients with acromegaly.