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Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction of left ventricle (heart failure with normal ejection fraction, HFPEF, HFNEF) is frequent disease with serious consequences. Incidence of HFPEF in population is still growing. The exact pathophysiological mechanism of HFPEF remain unclear .Recent evidence suggests a relationship between inflammation associated with obesity or Diabetes mellitus and progression of HFPEF. Consistently, it has been reported that serum concentration of some pro-inflammatory markers such as adiponectin is positively related to HFPEF. By HFPEF is attended diastolic dysfunction. Diastolic dysfunction is linked to many other cardiac and non-cardiac diseases. Despite the great effort and new therapeutic approaches the prognosis of HFPEF does not improve. The gold standard in HFPEF diagnosis remains heart catheterization. Electrocardiography, chest X-ray, blood examination including diagnostic markers of heart failure and mainly echocardiography with Doppler imaging are used diagnose the underlying disease leading to heart failure.

The new Czech and European recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of heart failure were published in 2012. The American guidelines ACCF/AHA were published in 2013. Main difference between them is presentation of acute and chronic heart failure in the European guidelines while the American and the Czech guidelines include only chronic heart failure. The American recommendations distinguish heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and with remained ejection fraction. In the beginning, the American guidelines introduce A-D classification which doesn´t figure in the European neither Czech guidelines. Class A patients are ill with risk factors, but without heart failure. In contrast, class D patients are decompensated with symptoms in the rest. Epidemiologic data shows interesting results with prevalence about 0.2% in 60-69 years old subjects and 80% in subjects older than 85 years. 5 year mortality is 50%. The American guidelines start to treat class A which is in fact prevention and treatment of risk factors. There is mentioned inevitably treatment of hypertension, both systolic and diastolic which decrease risk of heart failure up to 50%. There is almost no difference in pharmacotherapy. Noteworthy, the American guidelines introduce also ACE inhibitors - fosinopril and quinapril, on the other hand beta-blockers don´t involve nebivolol. Wide range of diuretics are mentioned, some of them aren´t registered in the Czech Republic. European and Czech guidelines involve ivabradin. Neither nesiritid nor levosimendan for inpatients aren´t involved. There is briefly mentioned surgery and cardiac mechanical support, moreover there are references for guidelines for heart transplantation.

Heart failure is a very common clinical syndrome in cardiology which reduces life expectancy and has a significant impact on the quality of life. The treatment of heart failure improves survival thus the number of patients who reach the terminal state increases with this diagnosis. Major symptoms and psychosocial difficulties begin to appear during therapy which aims to prolong life or cure the life limiting illnesses. The World Health Organization (WHO) changed its definition in 2002 and concluded that palliative care should be provided "in the early stages of disease, together with another treatment that prolongs life." Palliative care involves multiple disciplines in order to solve problems caused by the symptoms of the disease and other related aspects of the patient and family who are considered as a one subject, because a feeling of well-being has an impact on others.Key words: heart failure - non-pharmacological treatment - palliative care.

Cardiac failure has a negative impact on the function of all parenchymatous organs, based both on the low organ perfusion in the left-sided forward failure and on the venous congestion in the right-sided backward failure. Current studies dealing with the cardiac hepatopathy focus not only on the liver enzyme changes, but also analyse its clinical and prognostic relevance. The aim of the article is to provide the comprehensive and contemporary view on liver dysfunction in heart failure patients.

Cardiorenal (CR) syndrome is defined for the purposes of the following text mainly as primary cardiac dysfunction with a consequent failure of renal haemodynamics. Heart failure leads to a decrease in cardiac output and to the activation of vasoconstrictors; this gradually precipitates a decrease in the level of renal perfusion, the vasoconstriction of renal vessels and a decrease in glomerular filtration with a gradual development of renal failure. The following paper analyses the pathophysiological mechanisms, the characteristics of the patients, the role of medication during CR syndrome, the relationship between proteinuria and anaemia during CR syndrome and the application of bio-markers and pulmonary hypertension in the prognosis of patients with CR syndrome.

Arterial hypertension is a worldwide serious clinical problem. It affects 30- 40% of the adult population. Resistant hypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure that remains 140mmHg while in the doctors surgery and/ or as average systolic blood pressure during a 24- hour monitoring of an outpatient 130mmHg after a combination of three antihypertensive agents (including a diuretic) has been administered in the maximum tolerated dose amounts. Renal denervation is an invasive method of catheter radio frequency ablation of sympathetic nerves located in the walls of renal arteries. The results of the Symplicity HTN 1 and HTN 2 trials proved that renal denervation can safely decrease blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension. Further research is necessary in order to verify these data, to clarify the questions which remained unanswered and to evaluate future applications of renal denervation. Current experience and recommendations are included, as well as an overview of existing denervation devices and devices which are in development.

Diuretics belong to the basic group of medicines for the treatment of hypertension and heart failure. In the case of hypertension treatment, their main indication is higher age and isolated systolic hypertension. In the case of heart failure they are used for the treatment of swellings and shortness of breath. The most frequently prescribed group of diuretics is thiazides and similar products. In patients with renal insufficiency, loop diuretics are administered. In the case of hypertension, diuretics are mainly used in the combination treatment. The most frequently used diuretic in combination is again hydrochlorothiazide, which is combined with reninangiotensin system blockers. It is mainly the combination of an ACE inhibitor + indapamide that seems to be modern and promising, and it is, on the basis of large clinical trials, recommended also for diabetics (ADVANCE) or for secondary prevention following a cerebrovascular accident (PROGRESS) or for the elderly (HYVET). Also a combination of two diuretics is popular -  mainly hydrochlorothiazide + amiloride. A combination of a betablocker and diuretic is less suitable.

Objective: Even though several studies described a positive influence of elevated initial blood pressure on the outcome in acute heart failure (AHF), data specifically addressed to a population with severe AHF associated with antecedent hypertension, regardless of admission blood pressure values, are missing., Methods and Results: From the 4153 consecutive patients enrolled in the Czech AHF registry we selected 1343 patients who suffered from pulmonary oedema or cardiogenic shock and compared them according to the presence of antecedent hypertension. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, treatment profiles and mortality rates were assessed and predictors of short- and long-term outcome were identified. Patients with antecedent hypertension (n = 1053, 78%) were older (P < 0.001), more often women (P = 0.001), having more co-morbidities and a worse laboratory profile. A trend for worse survival of hypertensive patients was observed when compared to a non-hypertensive cohort (1-, 2-, 3-year survival 70.0, 61.5, 55.5% vs. 72.6, 68.2, 64.0%, P = 0.062). Age and creatinine levels were independently associated with mortality during the whole follow-up period (P < 0.001). Low left ventricular ejection fraction, need of mechanical ventilation, inotropic and vasopressor support, were adversely related to in-hospital mortality (P < 0.001). On the other hand, presence of initial tachycardia improved short-term outcome (P = 0.007). Long-term survival was worsened by initial atrial fibrillation (P = 0.036) and anaemia (P < 0.001) while the presence of de-novo AHF improved it (P = 0.009)., Conclusions: Long-term antecedent hypertension is not significantly correlated with mortality after an episode of severe AHF, but probably still participates in vascular and end-organ damage. Survival of these patients is determined by other associated co-morbidities.

We present an overview of current opinions on combination therapy and the role of fixed combinations in the treatment of hypertension as per the ESH/ESC and CSH guidelines of 2007 and the revised European guidelines of 2009. A renin-angiotensin system blocker (ACE-I or sartan) combined with a calcium channel blocker is the most frequently recommended combination, followed by renin-angiotensin system blocker and a diuretic and a calcium channel blocker and a diuretic. A fixed combination of a calcium channel blocker and a beta-blocker has now been also recommended. Higher patient compliance and thus better control of hypertension is the main advantage of fixed combinations. We present an overview of fixed combinations registered in the Czech Republic until May 2012.

Heart transplantation is now used for the treatment of severe heart failure. In a long-term patient follow-up, hypertension has been identified as a complication. Incidence of hypertension in patients treated with cyclosporine and prednisone is between 70-90%. Besides the traditional mechanisms (renin-angiotensin system, fluid volume and peripheral resistance), aetiology of hypertension includes negative effect of cardiac denervation, cyclosporine immunosuppression, administration of corticosteroids and nephropathy. There is no night drop in the blood pressure and heart rate. Treatment aims to maintain cyclosporine level as low as possible and, if feasible, to discontinue steroids during the first year. Hypertension is usually treated with a combination therapy. Our own observations suggest that the majority of post-transplantation patients have a dual therapy. Calcium channel blockers should be the treatment of choice as they also have an effect on graft vasculopathy. Angiotenzin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB), beta-blockers and diuretics are also recommended. Long-acting products should be preferred.

The SHIFT study showed a positive effect of ivabradine in patients with chronic heart failure, sinus rhythm and heart rate at rest above 70 beats per minute. The aim of the first sub-study was to ascertain the effect of ivabradine on changes to the left ventricle function using echocardiography; ivabradine significantly increased ejection fraction of the left ventricle and reduced terminal left ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes. The second sub-study explored changes to the quality of life in patients treated with ivabradine or placebo. This study also showed statistically significantly improved quality of life after treatment with ivabradine. Both sub-studies confirmed the positive effect of ivabradine on patients with optimal treatment of heart failure, including maximum tolerated dose of beta-blockers and sinus heart rate above 70/min.

We provide an overview of the main principles of pharmacological treatment of chronic heart failure. Chronic heart failure is considered to be an epidemic of the 21th century; in the Czech Republic, around 200,000 persons suffer from this condition. Over the last decade, pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of heart failure has undergone significant progress and new knowledge arises every year. Generally accepted pharmacological treatment steps include administration of ACE inhibitors, All antagonists (ARB) or beta-blockers, discussions exists on an indication for digoxin, diuretics and lipid-lowering drugs as well as on the importance of ACE-I and ARB. The role of antiarrhythmics is unclear and 2009-2011 have brought about some completely new drug groups-If, channel blockers, factor Xa blockers, thrombin blockers and other agents.

Early reperfusion is the treatment of choice for acute coronary syndrome. In the Czech Republic, reperfusion therapy is well accessible thanks to the network of 22 catheterization centres. Every year, 28,000 patients are treated using this technique. Successful reperfusion should be followed by life style changes--smoking cessation, maintenance of appropriate body weight etc. These steps than has to be accompanied by effective pharmacotherapy to prevent remodelling of the left ventricle, re-stenosis of the coronary artery, re-thrombosis and arrhythmias. Four drug groups provide the desired effects--renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers, beta-blockers, antiplatelet agents and statins.

A total of 2,500 patients with an anamnesis of myocardial infarction at least 1 month prior to inclusion in the study who visited a general practitioner or an internal medicine or cardiology specialist were examined. Through an internet-based portal, physicians entered patient data, their complaints, treatment, blood pressure, heart rate and main biochemical parameters. There were more men (1 787 vs. 713) and patients under 70 years of age (1 491 vs. 1 009) in the cohort. Eighteen percent of patients had more than one MI. Mean age at the first infarction was 59.2 years in men and 64.9 in women (p < 0.001). NYHA breathlessness category higher than II was reported by 13.0% of patients only, 57.2% of patients reported they never had chest pain following an MI. Hypertension was the most frequent co-morbidity (84%). The mean blood pressure was 132/79 mmHg with no difference between men and women, the mean heart rate was 68/min, the mean cholesterol level was 4.55 mmol/l. 66% of patients had been prescribed all recommended pharmacotherapeutic groups according to guidelines (RAAS blockers, beta-blockers, statins, antiaggregation agents) and each group individually was used in > 90% of patients. There were no differences between men and women and older and younger patients. ACE inhibitors and statins were not always prescribed in recommended (high) doses. Ramipril and perindopril were the most frequently prescribed ACE inhibitors and atorvastatin the most frequently prescribed statin. There was a high level of compliance when it came to achieving the target blood pressure and heart rate values as well as to prescribing of the recommended drug groups. However, renin-angiotensin system-blocking agents and statins are not being prescribed in sufficiently high doses and this should be improved.

Introduction: The prognosis of patients hospitalized with acute heart failure (AHF) is poor and risk stratification may help clinicians guide care. The objectives of the Acute Heart Failure Database (AHEAD) registry are to assess patient characteristics, etiology, treatment and outcome of AHF., Methods: The AHEAD main registry includes patients hospitalized for AHF in seven centers with a Catheterization Laboratory Service in the Czech Republic. The data were collected from September 2006 to October 2009. The inclusion criteria for the database adhere to the European guidelines for AHF (2005) and patients were systematically classified according to the basic syndromes, type and etiology of AHF., Results: Of 4,153 patients, 12.7% died during hospitalization. The median length of hospitalization was 7.1 days. Mean age of patients was 71.5 ± 12.4 years; men were younger (68.6 ± 12.4 years) compared to women (75.5 ± 11.5 years) (P < 0.001). De-novo heart failure was seen in 58.3% of the patients. According to the classification of heart failure syndromes, acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) was reported in 55.3%, hypertensive AHF in 4.4%, pulmonary edema in 18.4%, cardiogenic shock in 14.7%, high output failure in 3.3%, and right heart failure in 3.8%. The mortality of cardiogenic shock was 62.7%, of right AHF 16.7%, of pulmonary edema 7.1%, of high output HF 6.1%, whereas the mortality of hypertensive AHF or ADHF was < 2.5%. According to multivariate analyses, low systolic blood pressure, low cholesterol level, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, the use of inotropic agents and norepinephrine were predictive parameters for in-hospital mortality in patients without cardiogenic shock. Severe left ventricular dysfunction and renal insufficiency were predictive parameters for mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock. Invasive ventilation and age over 70 years were the most important predictive factors for mortality in both genders with or without cardiogenic shock., Conclusions: The AHEAD Main registry provides up-to-date information on the etiology, treatment and hospital outcomes of patients hospitalized with AHF. The results highlight the highest risk patients.

Numerous association studies have been involved in studying the angiotensinogen (AGT) variants, AGT plasma levels and relations to cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease. To investigate a role of AGT G(-6)A and M235T genetic variants for chronic heart failure (CHF) and advanced atherosclerosis (AA), a total of 240 patients with CHF and 200 patients with AA of the Czech origin were evaluated for the study. The study shows the role of polymorphism AGT G(-6)A in genetic background among advanced atherosclerosis patients and chronic heart failure patients (Pg=0.001). This difference was also observed in comparison of AA patients with subgroup of CHF with dilated cardiomyopathy (Pg=0.02; Pa=0.009), and ischemic heart disease (Pg=0.007). The greatest difference between triple-vessel disease and chronic heart failure groups was observed in frequency of GT haplotype (P<0.001) and GGMT associated genotype (P<0.001). Retrospectively, we found the same trend when the subgroups of CHF were compared to AA group (AA vs. IHD with CHF P<0.001; AA vs. DCM P<0.001). These results suggest AGT genetic variants as a risk factor for chronic heart failure compared to advanced atherosclerosis disease without heart failure, with a strong difference between IHD patients and chronic heart failure patients with ischemic heart disease, especially in haplotypes and associated genotypes.

We provide an overview of the history, current status and future perspectives of heart transplantations. We describe indication criteria and possible post-transplantation complications. Finally, we list the options that could, as an alternative, complement transplantations in the future. This is mainly the use of mechanical heart support devices.

Introduction: Circadian rhytmus have long been recognized to occur in many biologic phenomena, including secretion of hormones as well as autonomic nervous system. There is increasing evidence that circadian rhythms have been also found in cardiovascular events, for example, myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac death as well as stroke have shown a circadian pattern of the distribution. The pathophysiology and the mechanism underlying these variations are the focus of much investigation, while i tis not full understood up to date. Heart rate, blood pressure, neurohumoral vasoactive factors, such as plasma norepinephrine levels and renin activity, and probably also contractility are increased in the morning hours., The Aim of Our Study: To evaluate the circadian variability of plasma big endothelin and NT-proBNP level in patients with severe heart failure., Patients: 13 patients with severe heart failure, stable for at least one month, male/female--8/5, NYHA III/IV--11/2, mean left ventricle ejection fraction 23 +/- 5%, mean cardiothoracic ratio 59 +/- 7%, all treated with RAAS blocade (11 x ACE-I, 2x ARB), all treated with diuretics, 12 patients treated with beta-blockers, 7 with digoxin. The cause of heart failure was ischemic heart disease (9) or dilated cardiomyopathy (4)., Methods: Blood samples for big endothelin and NT-proBNP were taken every two hours during a standartised daily regime., Results: Mean plasma level of big endothelin (ranging from 1.25 to 1.71 pmol/l) had significant diurnal variability (upper limit of normal values 0.7 pmol/l). Mean plasma level of NT-proBNP (ranging from 782 to 934 pmol/l) had no diurnal variability (upper limit of normal values of 350 pmo/l)., Summary: Plasma level of NT-proBNP is stable during 24 hours and shows no circadian variability. Plasma big endothelin showed a morning peak after a systematic increase during bed rest. NT-proBNP could be evaluated any time during the day, big endothelin sample should be taken during standartised condition.

Cholesterol levels were measured at public places (mostly department stores) from 2005 to 2008. Sampling was conducted at random, from volunteers, without any prior dietary restrictions. In total, 14,539 persons were assessed. We did not find any significant differences between sexes in cholesterol levels (overall median was 5 mmol/l; 4.9 mmol/l in men and 5.1 mmol/l in women). Smaller proportion of women than men had cholesterol levels lower than 5.0 mmol/l (53.0% of men and 45.2% of women). Cholesterol levels raise with age in both sexes, stagnate at a certain point and subsequently decline; we identified a significant difference in this between men and women--the levels start to stagnate at the age of 50 in men and beyond the age of 65-70 years in women. The levels fall with increasing age in both sexes after the age 65 years. Cholesterol levels rise with age in both sexes before the age of 50 years; this trend is the same in both sexes (i.e. there is no significant difference between sexes, p = 0.687). Nevertheless, cholesterol levels are statistically significantly higher in women than in men in the over 55 years age group (the difference in the cholesterol level values median is up to 0.8-0.9 mmol/l). This difference is retained to advanced age of > 75 years.

The first heart transplantation (SHT) was performed by Professor Ch. Barnard in 1967 but it was not until 1980s that this method became an established approach to treatment of patients with end-stage heart failure. Considering the limited number of donor organs and the number of potential post-transplantation complications, the decision to perform heart transplantation at the right time in an indicated patient is difficult and complex. Subsequent pharmacological management with immunosuppressive agents and other medication becomes everyday life reality. Knowledge of drug interactions and collaboration with cardiologists are necessary in order to maintain long-term treatment success. Despite the current developments in surgical methods, examination methods and immunosuppressant therapy, a range of complications has to be dealt with. The future of care for patients with transplants will rely on the development of new immunosuppressive drugs with a minimum of adverse effects and discovery of a non-invasive technique for graft rejection diagnosis.

Patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) express enhanced catabolic metabolism finally resulting in overall weight loss, whereas adipokines might play a crucial role in signaling among tissues. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible associations of defined variability in leptin (dbSNP ID rs7799039), proopiomelanocortin (dbSNP ID rs3754860 and dbSNP ID rs1009388), and leptin receptor gene (dbSNP rs1137101) with CHF and evaluate their potential as the CHF susceptibility genes. The case-control study comprised a total of 372 patients of Caucasian origin with chronic heart failure (New York Heart Association [NYHA] functional classes II-IV, ejection fraction (EF) <40%) and 407 healthy controls. They were genotyped for the leptin (LEP) -2548 G/A, leptin receptor (LEPR) Gln223Arg, and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) RsaI (5'-untranslated region) and C1032G variants (intron 1) using PCR-based methodology. No case-control differences in genotype as well as allele frequencies were observed between CHF patients and controls. We constructed POMC RsaI/C1032G haplotypes, having found no significant association with body mass index (BMI), left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricle hypertrophy (LVH) and diabetes mellitus (DM). Multivariate regression analyses revealed an approximately 2-fold risk for NYHA class IV associated with the LEPR Gln223Arg (P = 0.0000001, odds ratio [OR] = 2.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.56-2.84); it also displayed an independent prediction role for LVEF in heart failure cases of all etiologies (P = 0.002, OR = 4.05, 95% CI = 1.36-10.06). In subanalyses according to CHF etiology the LEPR Gln223Arg showed an independent prediction role for NYHA IV in IHD patients (P = 0.0001, OR = 2.50, 95% CI = 1.69-3.82) and both for NYHA IV(P = 0.007, OR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.20-3.84) and LVEF (P = 0.004, OR = 11.87, 95% CI = 2.08-55.6) in DCMP patients. The role of the polymorphic variants in the genes encoding for adipokines as potential CHF susceptibility genes is unclear. Based on our findings, the LEPR Gln223Arg polymorphism could be considered a disease susceptibility modulating factor both in ischemic heart disease or dilated cardiomyopathy patients.

Inter-dialysis variability in levels of big endothelin and NT-proBNP in plasma were studied in 22 patients with established systolic and/or diastolic dysfunction of the left cardiac ventricle assigned to a chronic haemodialysis programme. The plasmatic level of NT-proBNP in all patients was practically unchanged. There was a falling trended between haemodialysis treatments but this was not statistically significant and in absolute values clinically insignificant. Fluctuations were found between individuals but on average all values were stable and high in the pathological range. No significant changes in the plasmatic level of big endothelin were found either. The average levels were again stable and insignificant and the indicated trend did not achieve clinical or statistical significance. The values were once again high in the pathological range. Plasmatic levels of NT-proBNP and big endothelin do not vary according to the phase of the dialysis cycle and mainly reflect the long-term condition of endothelium failure and long-term stress in the left ventricle. Concentrations are not affected by changes in volume or uraemia between dialysis treatments and the suggested trend towards a fall in NT-proBNP and a rise in big endothelin does not have a clear explanation. In any case, this trend remained within the pathological range and is probably not clinically significant.

We have followed 99 patients with end stage renal failure, treated by regular haemodialysis. Chronic renal failure is frequently accompanied by chronic heart failure (over 50%), especially by heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Patients treated by regular haemodialysis had a tendency to cardiomegaly (51%), mild systolic dysfunction of the left ventricle (mean LVEF 53%) and diastolic dysfunction (88%) of the hypertrophic left ventricle. They had also activated endothelin and neurohumoral system. Only 3% of the patients had normal values of Nt-proBNP and big endothelin. The plasma level of Nt-proBNP in haemodialysed patients correlated with cardiothoracic ratio and with ejection fraction. The plasma level of big endothelin correlated only with cardiothoracic ratio.

The publisher regrets that this was an accidental duplication of an article that has already been published in Eur. J. Echocardiogr., 4 (2003) 262-271, . The duplicate article has therefore been withdrawn.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether electrical stimulation of skeletal muscles could represent a rehabilitation alternative for patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Thirty patients with CHF and NYHA class II-III were randomly assigned to a rehabilitation program using either electrical stimulation of skeletal muscles or bicycle training. Patients in the first group (n = 15) had 8 weeks of home-based low-frequency electrical stimulation (LFES) applied simultaneously to the quadriceps and calf muscles of both legs (1 h/day for 7 days/week); patients in the second group (n = 15) underwent 8 weeks of 40 minute aerobic exercise (3 times a week). After the 8-week period significant increases in several functional parameters were observed in both groups: maximal VO2 uptake (LFES group: from 17.5 +/- 4.4 mL/kg/min to 18.3 +/- 4.2 mL/kg/min, P < 0.05; bicycle group: from 18.1 +/- 3.9 mL/kg/min to 19.3 +/- 4.1 mL/kg/min, P < 0.01), maximal workload (LFES group: from 84.3 +/- 15.2 W to 95.9 +/- 9.8 W, P < 0.05; bicycle group: from 91.2 +/- 13.4 W to 112.9 +/- 10.8 W, P < 0.01), distance walked in 6 minutes (LFES group: from 398 +/- 105 m to 435 +/- 112 m, P < 0.05; bicycle group: from 425 +/- 118 m to 483 +/- 120 m, P < 0.03), and exercise duration (LFES group: from 488 +/- 45 seconds to 568 +/- 120 seconds, P < 0.05; bicycle group: from 510 +/- 90 seconds to 611 +/- 112 seconds, P < 0.03). These results demonstrate that an improvement of exercise capacities can be achieved either by classical exercise training or by home-based electrical stimulation. LFES should be considered as a valuable alternative to classical exercise training in patients with CHF.

Background: Activation of the renin-angiotensin (RAS) cascade and sympathetic nervous systems adversely affect heart failure progression. ACE deletion allele (ACE D) of insertion/deletion polymorphism in the gene coding for angiotensin-1 converting enzyme is associated with increased renin-angiotensin activation. The aim of the study was to test pharmacogenetic associations of I/D ACE genotype with beta blockers therapy in patients with chronic heart failure., Methods and Results: A total of 241 patients were included in the study, 63% with betablocker therapy and 37% without it. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, I/D genotype was detected in 2% agarose electrophoretic gel in UV light. Patients with chronic heart failure and with the II genotype of polymorphism I/D ACE were younger, with more frequent administration of betablockers and diuretics, with less regular administration of aspirin and with lower glycemia and plasma TNFalpha level. A significant difference in genotype distribution and allele frequency between patients with recommended dose and patients without betablockers therapy was proved, when a decrease of the D allele in patients with betablockers had been observed. Contemporary evaluating of AC inhibitor and betablocker therapy, a decrease of ID+DD genotypes in patients with lower than 50% recommended dose compared with the others was found., Conclusions: In this study, we proved statistically significant interactions between genotypes in I/D ACE polymorphism, betablocker administration, its dosing and pharmacogenetic interaction with ACE inhibitors in patients with chronic heart failure.

Unlabelled: Objective of the work is to determine the relation of G8002 polymorhism in endothelin 1 gene to the incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM), ischemic disease of lower limbs (ID LL) and myocardial infarction (MI) at the patients with heart failure. METHODICS: There were observed 224 patients, 176 males, 48 females, average age 55 +/- 12 years, NYHA II/III/IV 82/131/11, average EF LK 25 +/- 7 %, diagnosis ischemic heart disease (IHD) 133, dilatation cardiomyopathy (DCMP) 91., Results: Patients with IHD had higher incidence of hypertension (p < 0.0007), diabetes mellitus (p < 0.00007) and hyperlipoproteinemy (p < 0.0006) than patients with DCMP. Patients with IHD who experienced MI had a difference in the distribution of G8002A genotypes for endothelin 1 gene: G 0.718 and A 0.282 alleles vs ischemic patients without MI G 0.882 and A 0.118 (p < 0.05) alleles. Ischemic patients with DM had G allele in 0.67 and A 0.33 unlike ischemic patients without DM G allele 0.791 and A 0.209 (p < 0.03). Ischemic patients with synchronous ID LL had G allele in 0.718 and A 0.282 vs ischemic patients without ID LL G allele 0.882 and A 0.118 (p < 0.0004). At the patients with DCMP there was not found a difference in G8002A genotype and the presence of DM or ID LL., Results: At the patients with heart failure on the basis of ischemic heart disease there was found a difference in endothelin G8002A genotype distribution depending on other accessory diseases. There was more frequently present an A allele and less present G allele in the ischemic patients with DM, who had experienced MI or ID LL than in the ischemic patients without these diseases. Genotype with A allele is connected with higher risk of all accessory diseases.

Background: The presence of right ventricular systolic dysfunction is known to significantly worsen prognosis of patients with heart failure. However, the prognostic impact of right ventricular diastolic dysfunction and of its combination with right ventricular systolic dysfunction and with other prognostic markers has not yet been systematically studied. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic impact of combined right ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction in patients with symptomatic heart failure due to ischemic or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy., Methods: The study included 177 consecutive patients with symptomatic heart failure (mean left ventricular ejection fraction of 23%). All patients underwent clinical and laboratory examination, standard echocardiography completed by Doppler tissue imaging of the tricuspid annular motion, and right-sided heart catheterization. They were followed up for a mean period of 16 months (range, 1-48 months)., Results: During the follow-up, there were 28 cardiac-related deaths and 35 non-fatal cardiac events (31 hospitalizations for heart failure decompensation and 4 hospitalizations for malignant arrhythmias requiring the implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator). The multivariate stepwise Cox regression modeling revealed the right ventricular systolic (represented by the peak systolic tricuspid annular velocity-Sa) and diastolic (represented by the peak early diastolic tricuspid annular velocity-Ea) function to be the independent predictors of event-free survival or survival (p<0.01). The Sa separated better between patients with and without the risk of cardiac events (p<0.05), while the Ea appeared to further distinguish patients with increased risk (those at risk of late event from those at risk of early non-fatal event and early death). The strongest predictive information was obtained by the combination of Sa and Ea creating the Sa/Ea categories. The Sa/Ea I category of patients (Sa>or=10.8 cm s(-1) and Ea>or=8.9 cm s(-1)) had excellent prognosis. On the other hand, the Sa/Ea IV category (Sa<10.8 cm s(-1) and Ea<8.9 cm s(-1)) was found to be at a very high risk of cardiac events (p<0.001 vs. Sa/Ea I). Imbalanced categories of patients (Sa/Ea II and III) with only one component (Sa or Ea) pathologically decreased were at medium risk when assessing event-free survival. However, a significantly better survival (p<0.05) was found in patients with Ea>or=8.9 cm s(-1) (Sa/Ea I and III categories) as compared with those having Ea<8.9 cm s(-1) (Sa/Ea II and IV categories). Thus, in contrast to event-free survival, the survival pattern was determined mainly by the Ea value with only little additional contribution of Sa., Conclusions: The assessment of right ventricular systolic and diastolic function provides complementary information with a very high power to stratify prognosis of patients with heart failure. The combination of right ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction identifies those with a very poor prognosis.

Aim: To evaluate any differences in haemodynamic and echocardiographic parameters in patients with both left (LV) and right ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction and in patients with isolated LV systolic dysfunction., Study Group: One hundred patients with RV systolic dysfunction defined as peak velocity of tricuspid annular motion in systole (Sa)<11.5 cm/s, and 55 patients without RV systolic dysfunction Sa>11.5 cm/s. All patients had LV systolic dysfunction, LV ejection fraction (EF) below 40%, NYHA II-IV., Methods: LV diameters, volumes and EF were measured by echocardiography. Patients underwent tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) of tricuspid annular motion with measurement of peak systolic velocity (Sa), peak early (Ea) and peak late (Aa) diastolic velocities. Right heart catheterization was also performed., Results: Patients with RV systolic dysfunction did not differ from those without RV systolic dysfunction in terms of LV function. Patients with RV systolic dysfunction had larger RV dimension 30.6+/-5.8 vs. 33.9+/-6.7 mm, p<0.002. The patients with RV systolic dysfunction had higher values on right heart catheterization: MPAP 29.6+/-12.1 vs. 24.9+/-11.4 mm Hg, p<0.02, PCWP 20.8+/-10.0 vs. 17.3+/-9.3 mm Hg, p<0.03, PVR 189.9+/-123.3 vs. 137.7+/-94.9 dyn s cm(-5), p<0.008, CVP 7.7+/-5.6 vs. 5.1+/-3.9 mm Hg, p<0.002. The patients with RV systolic dysfunction had more pronounced diastolic dysfunction measured by TDI: Ea 9.9+/-2.3 vs. 11.4+/-2.5 cm/s, p<0.0001 and Aa 13.1+/-4.0 vs. 16.5+/-4.7 cm/s, p<0.000007., Conclusion: Patients with heart failure and both left and right ventricular systolic dysfunction showed more serious findings on central haemodynamics as well as more pronounced right ventricular diastolic dysfunction than those with isolated left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Little is known about the prognostic importance of right ventricular (RV) systolic and diastolic function. The purpose of this study was to determine the prognostic power of systolic and diastolic RV functional parameters derived from Doppler tissue imaging of tricuspid annular motion and to assess whether their combination might improve the risk stratification of patients with heart failure. In all, 140 patients with symptomatic heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction of 40% or less underwent standard echocardiography, Doppler tissue imaging of tricuspid annular motion, and right heart catheterization. They were followed up for a mean period of 17 months for cardiac-related death and nonfatal cardiac events including the implantation of cardioverter-defibrillator and hospitalization for heart failure decompensation. A total of 48 cardiac events occurred; 19 patients died, 26 were hospitalized for heart failure decompensation, and 3 because of the need for implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator. The peak tricuspid annular velocity during systolic ejection of 10.8 cm/s or less, peak early diastolic tricuspid annular velocity of 8.9 cm/s or less, tricuspid annular acceleration during isovolumic contraction of 2.52 m/s 2 or less, and Doppler RV index (Tei index) of 1.20 or more were found to significantly worsen survival or event-free survival. However, their combination significantly exceeded the predictive potential of individual parameters. The worst survival was predicted by the combination of peak tricuspid annular velocity during systolic ejection of 10.8 cm/s or less plus peak early diastolic tricuspid annular velocity of 8.9 cm/s or less plus tricuspid annular acceleration during isovolumic contraction of 2.52 m/s 2 or less (relative risk 6.17, P < .001), whereas the worst event-free survival was identified by the combination of peak tricuspid annular velocity during systolic ejection of 10.8 cm/s or less plus peak early diastolic tricuspid annular velocity of 8.9 cm/s or less plus Doppler RV index (Tei index) of 1.20 or more (relative risk 3.62, P < .001). In conclusion, the combination of RV systolic and diastolic functional parameters represents a very powerful tool for risk stratification of patients with symptomatic heart failure.

Since its beginning in 1967 heart transplantations have become in 80s of the 20th century a routine treatment method of an advanced heart failure. In spite of the successes in transplantations a range of possible topics and research goals still has to be disclosed to improve quality of life and survival of patients. New horizons in heart transplantations can be summarised in following points: 1 Search of new more efficient immunosuppressives with less adverse effects. Classically a combination of Cyclosporin, Azathioprin, and corticoids have been used. Mycophenolate mofetil starts to be used in treatment instead of Azathioprin, Tacrolimus has been introduced as a drug for resistant rejections and also Rapamycin or Baziliximab are planned to be used in future. Use of Rapamycin seems desirable in patients suffering from nephropathy because it makes possible to lower doses of Cyclosporin or Tacrolimus or to stop taking them. 2 Diagnostics of rejection episodes without endomyocardial biopsy. From noninvasive methods echocardiography methods are looked for--tissue doppler imaging, densitometry, contrast echocardiography, strain and strain rate or assessing levels of some of the humoral agents: interleukin, cerebral natriuretic peptide or troponin T or direct assessment of donor DNA release in receptor's blood. 3 Earlier diagnostics of vasculopathy (here intravascular ultrasound is possible to use), particularly its pharmacology prevention. Statin treatment has been preventively introduced. 4 Xenotransplantation as a possible way of a heart replacement with an animal heart. Progresses in gene engineering lead to a development of transgenic animals, particularly pigs, with human proteins inserted in their genome and regulating activation of immune system. This way hyperacute rejection could be prevented. A range of unclear questions still remains in this area, particularly ethical ones and a risk of animal diseases transfer onto a human together with transplanted tissue. 5 Transplantation of cells from skeletal muscles (myoblasts) or marrow stem cells. 6 Development of apparatuses able to substitute heart function--total artificial heart. However, a range of questions is still unanswered in this area: a suitable material or source for long-term operation is needed to be found. Heart transplantation has become in last two decades a well-established treatment method of a serious heart failure. In spite of numerous difficulties it extends life of patients and improves its quality. Future will show whether we are able to replace it with other procedures.