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Pulsed field ablation (PFA) leads to cell death by irreversible electroporation. There are limited data about PFA lesion characteristics in the ventricle, particularly in the presence of myocardial scar.This study sought to evaluate the lesion characteristics of PFA and radiofrequency energy (RFA) in healthy and infarcted left ventricular (LV) myocardium in swine.Swine (n = 10) underwent either: 1) 120-minute left anterior descending coronary artery balloon occlusion myocardial infarction and survived for 6 to 8 weeks (n = 8); or 2) served as healthy control subjects (n = 2). PFA or RFA was delivered to the LV endocardium in regions of healthy myocardium or scar identified with electroanatomical mapping. Bipolar, biphasic PFA was delivered for 2.5 seconds × 4 applications/site using 2 different catheters: linear quadripolar (FOCAL) or multispline 8-pole catheter (BASKET). Gross and histologic measurements of lesion size were performed.In the PFA group, 21 lesions were delivered to healthy LV and 20 to areas of scar. Overall, there was no significant difference in lesion depth between catheter groups (FOCAL linear vs BASKET; P = 0.740), whereas lesion width was greater for BASKET (10.6 ± 2.4 mm vs 13.3 ± 3.3 mm; P = 0.007). In myocardial scar, lesion depth was not significantly different between PFA catheters (P = 0.235). However, lesion depth for PFA was greater than for RFA (PFA vs RFA; 6.1 ± 1.7 mm vs 3.8 ± 1.7 mm; P = 0.005).PFA allows rapid, safe, and effective ablation of surviving islands of myocardium within and around infarcted LV substrate. This technology holds promise for treating infarct-related ventricular tachycardia in humans.

Elevated native T1 values are independent predictors of obstructive Non-IR artery in ST elevation MI patients. These results suggest the presence of concomitant remote myocardial impairment in the non-infarct territories wit obstructive CAD. The fact that there is a correlation between the presence of obstructive coronary artery and high native T1 values might support the performance of complete revascularization early after STEMI without postponing and waiting for the results of perfusion studies. As opposed to myocardial perfusion imaging, native T1 evaluation can be performed safely early post STEMI, not exposing patients to pharmacologic or physiologic stress. Therefore, larger and more comprehensive studies are needed to clarify the usefulness of revascularization of elevated T1 areas early after MI.

INTRODUCTION Some patients have late recurrence after acutely successful radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of premature ventricular complexes (PVCs). The aim of this study was to evaluate predictors of long-term success following acutely successful PVC RFCA. METHODS We identified consecutive patients at our institution with frequent PVCs undergoing RFCA and reviewed procedural data and medical records. Acute success was defined as elimination of targeted PVCs for at least 30-min after RFCA. Long-term success was defined as absence of targeted PVCs during all follow-up visits and PVC-burden

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an immune or antigen-mediated chronic inflammatory esophageal disorder that is relatively rare in Asian countries. The main symptoms of EoE are dysphagia and food impaction. Although chest pain is a symptom of EoE, it is also a symptom of coronary heart disease. This paper reports a case of EoE with angina pectoris in a 45-year-old male who was referred to the authors’ hospital for chest pain. He was diagnosed with angina pectoris because of mild stenosis in the left coronary artery on coronary angiography. On the other hand, the symptoms did not improve with angina medication therapy. Therefore, he underwent a chest CT scan, which revealed esophageal thickening. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed. His endoscopic findings showed linear furrows with edema, and >90 eosinophils existed per high-power field on the histology findings. He was diagnosed with EoE. Through additional examinations, he was also diagnosed with asthma. The patient was treated with a proton pump inhibitor and a fluticasone inhaler. His symptoms and abnormal endoscopic findings disappeared after eight weeks of treatment. This case shows that physicians should consider the possibility of the symptoms for EoE when unexplained chest pain persists.

Background No independently validated score currently exists for risk stratification of patients with frequent premature ventricular complexes (PVCs). Objectives The purpose of this study was to develop a risk score to predict adverse events in patients with frequent PVCs. Methods We analyzed consecutive patients between 2012 and 2017 undergoing 14-day continuous monitoring with frequent PVCs (>5%) and concurrent echocardiography. We performed binary logistic regression to determine multivariate predictors of adverse left ventricular remodeling (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] 75 mL/m2). A risk score was created using the log(odds ratio (OR)) of these predictors and validated prospectively to determine the risk of future adverse events in those with baseline LVEF >45%. An adverse event was defined as LVEF decline by 10%, heart failure hospitalization, or cardiovascular mortality. Two validation cohorts were used: follow-up from the original derivation cohort (cohort 1) and an independent Korean PVC registry (cohort 2). Results The derivation cohort comprised 206 patients with a mean PVC burden of 11.6% ± 6.2% and considerable daily fluctuation (minimum burden 7.3% ± 6.2% vs maximum 17.9% ± 8.0%). Independent predictors of adverse remodeling were as follows: superiorly directed PVC axis (OR 2.7; 1 point), PVC burden 10%–20% (OR 3.5; 2 points) and >20% (OR 4.4; 3 points), PVC coupling interval >500 ms (OR 4.7; 4 points), nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (OR 5.3; 4 points), which form the ABC-VT risk score. This score predicted future adverse events in both validation cohorts: cohort 1, hazard ratio 1.43; 95% confidence interval 1.19–1.73; P Conclusion The ABC-VT score is a simple tool that predicts adverse left ventricular remodeling and future clinical deterioration in patients with frequent PVCs.

Background Frequent ventricular premature depolarizations (VPDs) can cause reversible cardiomyopathy (CMP). However, many patients maintain a normal left ventricular (LV) function with a high VPD burden. The electrocardiographic characteristics of VPD‐induced CMP have not been elucidated. Methods One hundred and eighty (91 men, age; 51 ± 15 years) patients with frequent idiopathic VPDs (>10% VPDs/day or >10 000 VPDs/day) were studied. All patients underwent successful ablation and were then divided into two groups according to the echocardiographic findings before and after the ablation procedure. Results Group A (n = 139) had a normal LV function with VPD frequencies, and Group B (n = 41) had reversible LV dysfunction after ablation. The VPD QRS duration (QRSd) was wider in patients with CMP (Group A vs Group B; 137.2 ± 12.0 milliseconds vs 159.7 ± 5.3 milliseconds, P, Figure 1 Eletrocardiographic parameters. A, CI and post‐VPD CI; B, QR and RS interval and amplitude; C, r/R transition interval; D, Initial and terminal Angle of VPD. Abbreviations: CI, coupling interval; SCL, sinus cycle length; VPD, ventricular premature depolarization

Objectives Intracoronary injection of acetylcholine (Ach) has been shown to induce significant coronary artery spasm (CAS) in patients with vasospastic angina. Clinical significance and angiographic characteristics of patients with ischemic electrocardiogram (ECG) changes during the Ach provocation test are not clarified yet. Methods A total 4,418 consecutive patients underwent coronary angiography with Ach provocation tests from 2004 to 2012 were enrolled. Ischemic ECG changes were defined as transient ST-segment depression or elevation ( > 1 mm) and T inversion with/without chest pain. Finally, a total 2,293 patients (28.5% of total subjects) proven CAS were enrolled for this study. Results A total 119 patients (5.2%) showed ECG changes during Ach provocation tests. The baseline clinical and procedural characteristics are well balanced between the two groups. Ischemic ECG change group showed more frequent chest pain, higher incidence of baseline spasm, severe vasospasm, multi-vessel involvement, and more diffuse spasm ( > 30 mm) than those without ischemic ECG changes. At 5 years, the incidences of death, major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and major adverse cardiac and cerebral events (MACCE) were higher in the ischemic ECG change group despite of optimal medical therapy. Conclusions The patients with ischemic ECG changes during Ach provocation tests were associated with more frequent chest pain, baseline spasm, diffuse, severe and multi-vessel spasm than patients without ischemic ECG changes. At 5-years, the incidences of death, MACE and MACCE were higher in the ischemic ECG change group, suggesting more intensive medical therapy with close clinical follow up will be required.

Introduction: Some patients(pts) have late recurrence after acutely successful radiofrequency catheter ablation(RFCA) of premature ventricular complexes (PVC). Hypothesis: The aim of this study was to evaluate predictors of long term success following acutely successful PVC ablation. Methods: From 2016-19, we identified consecutive pts at our institution with frequent PVCs undergoing RFCA and reviewed procedural data and medical records. Earliest local activation on the intracardiac bipolar and unipolar electrogram was measured using digital calipers. Acute success was defined as elimination of targeted PVC for at least 30 mins after RFCA. Long term success was defined as absence of PVC on 12 lead ECG during all follow up (f/u) visits and PVC burden reduction >80% or PVC burden Results: Among 241 pts, 161 (66.8%) pts had long term success with mean f/u of 17.6±5.8 months.In univariate analysis, diabetes mellitus and alcohol use were associated with PVC recurrence while age, female sex, acute success, ablation time, right ventricular PVC origin, single PVC morphology (sPVC), and earliest bipolar activation>24msec pre-QRS were associated with long-term success. In multivariate analysis, female sex, sPVC and earliest activation >24 msec preQRS were independent predictors of long term success at 1 year. The positive predictive value of earliest bipolar onset preQRS of PVC>24msec for long term success was 0.77(P Conclusions: Female gender, sPVC, and earliest onset of bipolar electrogram preQRS>24msec were predictors of long term success in patients with PVC undergoing RFCA. If local onset is

Electrocardiographic (ECG) criteria identifying right- and left-sided outflow tract origins have been established. The purpose of this study was to define the criteria for premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) originating from the right coronary cusp (RCC) adequately. We analyzed ECG and electrophysiologic study data from patients who underwent successful ablation of PVCs originating from the RCC and right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). Eighteen RCC and 28 septal RVOT PVCs were studied. Among these 18 successful RCC PVCs, a predominantly positive QRS in lead I in 18/18 (100%), longer V1–2 R-wave duration (81.4 ± 31.1 vs 44.8 ± 7.0 ms, P = .02), V1–2 R wave duration index (RWDI) (51.3 ± 22.0 vs 31.2 ± 7.5%, P = .06) were observed compared to those with posteroseptal RVOT. Local ventricular activation time preceding QRS onset was significantly earlier (−38 ± 12 ms) at the successful RCC ablation site compared to the failed ablation site of the septal RVOT (−22 ± 8 ms), even without good pace mapping at the RVOT (P

BACKGROUND Recent studies have demonstrated that angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs) can reverse the cardiac remodeling effects that occur in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). These studies have also suggested that ARNIs have favorable effects on ventricular dyssynchrony. We assessed the changes in QRS duration associated with ARNIs in patients with HFrEF. METHODS We retrospectively investigated patients with HFrEF (defined by a left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] ≤ 35%) who were treated with ARNIs for at least six months. We divided the patients into QRS shortening and non-QRS shortening groups according to their electrocardiogram (ECG) findings. We also compared changes in echocardiographic parameters between the groups. RESULTS A total of 68 patients with HFrEF were included (mean age: 62.5 years, 74.6% male). Twenty-one patients had significant ischemic heart disease (IHD). Thirty-five patients exhibited QRS-duration shortening on follow-up ECGs (mean change: -7.8 msec), and 33 patients showed no changes or increased QRS duration (mean change: 5.1 msec). The QRS shortening group exhibited significant improvement in LVEF (12.5 ± 15.3% vs. 1.7 ± 9.5%; p < 0.001) when compared with the non-QRS shortening group. The QRS shortening group also had significantly lower LV end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD), LV end-systolic dimension (LVESD) and LV mass index (LVMI) than did the non-QRS shortening group. The change in QRS duration was significantly correlated with the change in LVEF (r = -0.329, p = 0.011) and LVESD (r = 0.298, p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS Among patients with HFrEF treated with ARNIs, the QRS shortening group showed favorable LV systolic function recovery, and reversal of cardiac remodeling compared to those of the non-QRS shortening group. Change in the QRS duration, which reflects LV synchrony, may be associated with response to ARNIs in patients with HFrEF.

Background An implantable loop recorder (ILR) is an effective tool for diagnosing unexplained syncope (US). We examined the diagnostic utility of an ILR in detecting arrhythmic causes of US and determining which clinical factors are associated with pacemaker (PM) implantation. Methods This retrospective, multicenter, observational study was conducted from February 2006 to April 2018 at 11 hospitals in Korea. Eligible patients with recurrent US received an ILR to diagnose recurrent syncope and document arrhythmia. Results A total of 173 US patients (mean age, 67.6 ± 16.5 years; 107 men [61.8%]) who received an ILR after a negative conventional workup were enrolled. During a mean follow-up of 9.4 ± 11.1 months, 52 patients (30.1%) had recurrent syncope, and syncope-correlated arrhythmia was confirmed in 34 patients (19.7%). The ILR analysis showed sinus node dysfunction in 24 patients (70.6%), supraventricular tachyarrhythmia in 4 (11.8%), ventricular arrhythmia in 4 (11.8%), and sudden atrioventricular block in 2 (5.9%). Overall, ILR detected significant arrhythmia in 99 patients (57.2%) irrespective of syncope. Among patients with clinically relevant arrhythmia detected by ILR, PM implantation was performed in 60 (34.7%), an intra-cardiac defibrillator in 5 (2.9%), and catheter ablation in 4 (2.3%). In a Cox regression analysis, history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) (hazard ratio [HR], 2.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.33–4.12; P < 0.01) and any bundle branch block (BBB) (HR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.09–5.85; P = 0.03) were significantly associated with PM implantation. Conclusion ILR is useful for detecting syncope-correlated arrhythmia in patients with US. The risk of PM is high in US patients with a history of PAF and any BBB., Graphical Abstract

Inhibitors of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2i) reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure (HF). We aimed to examine the effect of empagliflozin on change of diuretics dose in outpatient HF patients.We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 612 patients who were treated using both empagliflozin and diuretics. We excluded patients who did not meet the criteria for HF. Dose and duration of empagliflozin and diuretics were measured.Of 612 patients, a total of 251 was analyzed and followed for a mean 430.0±175.4 days. The mean age was 69.3, 51.8% were female, and 93.2% had type 2 diabetes. The distribution of initial diuretics type when starting empagliflozin showed that furosemide comprised 24.7%, spironolactone 20.7%, thiazide 36.9%, and others. Total 23.1% of patients reduced diuretic dose, 13.1% increased diuretic dose, 41.4% continued at the same diuretic dose, and 22.3% switched to different diuretics. Among patients who were using furosemide, 36.0% reduced diuretics dose. There was a diuretic reduction in 22.6% of HF preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF, left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] ≥50%) and in 26.5% of HF reduced EF (HFrEF, LVEF50%). The average doses furosemide at the start of empagliflozin decreased from 16.3mg/day to 8.5mg/day at the time of follow-up.Among outpatient clinic HF patients treated with both diuretics and empagliflozin, 23.1% of patients had their diuretics reduced, and the mean dose of furosemide was reduced by about half. This suggests that empagliflozin has clinical advantages in managing outpatient HF patients.

Many patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis (HD) have reduced vascular compliance and are likely to develop heart failure (HF). This study aimed to determine the factors associated with acute decompensation events among ESRD patients undergoing HD.We retrospectively investigated ESRD patients on HD using a medical record review. We divided the patients into those admitted to hospital due to acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and those who were not. We compared the medical histories, electrocardiograms, and echocardiographic and laboratory data between the two groups.Of the 188 ESRD patients on HD, 87 were excluded, and 101 were enrolled (mean age: 63.7 years; 52.1% male). Thirty patients (29.7%) were admitted due to ADHF. These patients exhibited similar left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular (LV) mass index, and E/E' values compared to the non-ADHF group. However, the ADHF group exhibited significantly higher tricuspid regurgitation (TR) jet velocity (2.9±0.6 vs. 2.5±0.4 m/s; p=0.004) and right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) (43.5±17.2 vs. 34.2±9.9 mmHg; p=0.009) than the non-ADHF group, respectively. A multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the TR jet velocity (odds ratio, 8.356; 95% confidence interval, 1.806-38.658; p=0.007) was an independent predictor of ADHF after adjusting for age and sex, while the LVEF and E/E' were not.Our data showed that an increased TR jet velocity was an independent predictor of ADHF events in ESRD patients on HD, but the LVEF and E/E' were not.

Background Stroke and thromboembolic events may still occur in “clinically low‐risk” atrial fibrillation ( AF ) patients as categorized by CHA 2 DS 2 ‐ VAS c score. Our aim was to assess the proportion of “clinically low‐risk” patients using a nongender CHA 2 DS 2 ‐ VAS c (ie, CHA 2 DS 2 ‐ VA ) score of 0 to 1 among patients who experienced AF ‐associated stroke and to identify markers associated with stroke in “clinically low‐risk” patients. Methods and Results We retrospectively recruited nonvalvular AF patients who experienced embolic stroke between 2013 and 2016 from 9 institutes in Korea. AF patients with CHA 2 DS 2 ‐ VA score of 0 to 1 at the time of stroke were analyzed and compared with “clinically low‐risk” AF patients without stroke. A total of 3033 subjects with AF ‐associated stroke were recruited. Of these, 583 patients (19.2%) had CHA 2 DS 2 ‐ VA score of 0 to 1. On multivariate analysis, age (≥60 years), N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide (≥300 pg/mL), creatinine clearance (ABCD score) to the “clinically low‐risk” patients, the c‐index was 0.858 (95% CI 0.838–0.877; P Conclusions The present study suggests a new insight into how additional use of markers can further refine stroke risk differentiation among AF patients initially classified as “clinically low‐risk.” Clinical Trial Registration URL : http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT 03147911.

Backgrounds: Identification of precursors of atrial fibrillation (AF) may lead to early detection and prevent associated morbidity and mortality. Atrial premature complexes (APCs) are commonly seen in healthy subjects. However, there was limited data about the clinical and electrocardiographic (ECG) characteristics for prediction of new-onset AF in asymptomatic patients with APCs in the long-term follow up. Methods: The Kosin University (No. 2014-02-04) 24-h holter monitoring, echocardiography, ECG database were reviewed from 2008 to 2016 to identify new- onset AF in patients with APCs. We analyzed demographic and clinical features and the nature of the APCs by ECG according to new-onset AF in those patients. Results: Among 652 patients who underwent 24-h holter monitoring, 226 (34.4%) patients had new-onset AF. There was no difference of the baseline characteristics between new-onset AF group and non-AF group. In univariate analysis, hypertension (HTN), renal failure (CRF), high APC burdens, fastest APC running heart rate (HR), minimal HR, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left atrial volume index, peak mitral flow velocity of the early rapid filling wave and tricuspid regurgitation grade were significantly associated with new-onset AF. In multivariate analysis, higher APCs burden (P = 0.047), higher fastest APCs running HR (P = 0.034) and lower minimal HR (P = 0.025) were independent risk factors for new-onset AF in asymptomatic patients with APCs. Conclusion: Higher APCs burden, higher fastest APCs running HR and lower minimal HR were associated with new-onset AF in asymptomatic patients with APCs in the long-term follow up. Keywords: Atrial premature complex, New onset atrial fibrillation, Electrocardiographic characteristics, Clinical outcomes

Introduction: Premature ventricular complex (PVCs) detected from long-term ECG recordings have been associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke. However, there was limited data about the association between high PVCs burdens (>10%) and stroke-like symptoms without a prior diagnosis of stroke or transient ischemic attack in the long-term follow up. Methods: The Kosin University 24-hours holter monitoring, echocardiography, electrocardiogram (ECG) database were reviewed from 2013 to 2015 to identify patients with frequent PVCs (>10%). We compared the long-term clinical outcomes between the patients with frequent PVCs (>10%) and control group without PVC. Results: Among 572 patients who underwent 24-hours holter monitoring, finally, 373 consecutive patients (mean age; 59.5 ± 15.8 years, 45.2% male) were enrolled. Among them, 203(54.4%) patients had high PVCs burdens (>10%). There was no difference of the baseline characteristics. In the long term follow-up, PVCs burden was not associated with PVCs -related symptoms (P = 0.210). In univariate analysis, female, non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT), sinus QRS duration, PVC coupling interval (CI), post- PVC CI, and late precordial R-wave transition of PVCs were associated with PVCs-related symptoms. In multivariate analysis, non-sustained VT (P = 0.022) and late precordial R-wave transition of PVCs (P = 0.044) were independent risk factors for PVCs-related stroke-like symptoms with frequent idiopathic PVCs > 10%. Conclusion: High PVCs burdens (>10%) were associated with and stroke-like symptoms without a prior diagnosis of stroke or transient ischemic attack in the long-term follow up, suggesting more intensive medical therapy with close clinical follow-up will be required. Keywords: Premature ventricular complex, Stroke-like symptoms, Transient ischemic attack, Clinical outcomes

Premature ventricular contraction (PVC) QRS duration (QRSd) and high PVCs burden are known as a risk factor of PVC-induced cardiomyopathy (CMP). The aim of this study is to find useful algorithm to predict PVC-induced CMP.180 patients (99 males, 51±14years) with frequent PVCs (10%/24h), who underwent successful PVC ablation, were studied. Typical PVC-related symptoms were defined as the presence of palpitations or dropped beats during PVC. Group A (n=144) was symptomatic and Group B (n=36) was asymptomatic.The incidence of CMP was significantly higher in group B (group A=19%, group B=66%, p0.001). In group A, there were significant differences, between the patients with normal EF and CMP, in terms of sex (p=0.005), daily PVC burden (p=0.012), distribution of PVCs with a LV site (p0.009), and PVC QRSd (p0.001). In group B, the PVC QRSd was significantly wider in patients with CMP. Multivariate analysis showed that PVC QRSd (p0.001), PVC burden (p=0.022), and LV site (p=0.043) were risk factors for CMP.Using our scoring algorithm for this patient sample, we are able to predict the development of PVC-induced CMP with 80% sensitivity, 81% specificity, 64% positive predictive value, and 91% negative predictive value.

Background Functional remodeling of left atrium (LA) after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to determine the impact of RFCA on LA transport function in patients who maintained sinus rhythm (SR) after AF ablation. Methods and Results A total of 96 patients [paroxysmal AF (PAF) = 52] who maintained SR during 1 year after AF ablation were enrolled. Multi-slice computed tomography was performed to determine LA volume (LAV) and LA emptying fraction (LAEF) at pre-RFCA and 1-year post-RFCA. Creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) and troponin-T levels were analyzed one-day post-RFCA. At 1-year post-RFCA, mean LAV and LAEF decreased in overall patients. Based on LAEF change (ΔLAEF) cut off of 5.0%, LAEF reduced in 41 patients (worsened group) and improved or showed no change in 55 patients (preserved group). Compared with preserved group, worsened group had a higher proportion of PAF, higher levels of CK-MB and troponin-T, and additional LA ablation. ΔLAEF was inversely correlated with CK-MB and troponin-T levels. Subgroup analysis showed that LAEF significantly decreased in PAF patients who underwent additional LA ablation. Multivariate analysis revealed that high baseline LAEF and additional LA ablation were independent predictors for worsened LAEF. Conclusions Although SR was maintained for 1 year after AF ablation, LAEF as well as LAV decreased. The extent of LAEF deterioration was significantly associated with the amount of iatrogenic myocardial damage. Our data indicate that extensive atrial ablation may lead to LA functional deterioration, especially in patients with PAF. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

BACKGROUND In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between echocardiographic epicardial fat thickness (EFT), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR; an important inflammatory marker), and diurnal blood pressure (BP) changes in patients with recently diagnosed essential hypertension. METHODS A total of 647 patients underwent echocardiography and 24 hours of ambulatory BP monitoring. EFT was measured by echocardiography, while NLR was measured by dividing the neutrophil count by the lymphocyte count. Patients were categorized into three groups according to BP pattern: the normotensive group, the dipper group, and the non-dipper group. RESULTS The mean EFT was highest in the non-dipper group (non-dipper group, 7.3 ± 3.0 mm; dipper group, 6.1 ± 2.0 mm; control group, 5.6 ± 2.0 mm; p < 0.001). NLR was also highest in the non-dipper group (non-dipper, 2.75 ± 2.81; dipper, 2.01 ± 1.32; control, 1.92 ± 1.11; p < 0.001). EFT was significantly correlated with age (r = 0.160, p < 0.001) and NLR (r = 0.353, p < 0.001). Furthermore, an EFT ≥ 7.0 mm was associated with the non-dipper BP pattern with 51.3% sensitivity and 71.6% specificity [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.56-0.65, p < 0.001]. In a multivariate analysis, EFT [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 3.99, 95% CI = 1.22-13.10, p = 0.022] and NLR (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.05-1.71, p = 0.018) were independent parameters that distinguished a non-dipper pattern after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors. CONCLUSION EFT and NLR are independently associated with impaired diurnal BP profiles in hypertensive individuals. EFT (as measured by echocardiography) and NLR appear to be helpful in stratifying cardiometabolic risk.

Background ECG features for predicting successful ablation sites of outflow tract (OT) premature ventricular complex (PVCs) have been previously presented, but effective predictors of right coronary cusp (RCC) remain elusive. Methods 106 patients (59 males, 56±14years) who underwent successful PVC ablation were studied. Various ECG patterns and measurements were analyzed to identify the unique features of RCC PVC origins. The R-wave duration index (RWDI) was calculated as a percentage by dividing the QRS complex duration by the longest R-wave duration in lead V 1 or V 2 . Results Successful ablation sites were the RCC in 18 patients, the left coronary cusp (LCC) in 20, the RCC/LCC junction (RLJ) in 22, the AIV/GCV in 11 and the right ventricular outflow tract in 35. Forty-seven patients had dominantly positive forces in lead I. Among these 47 patients, 19 were ablated from the RCC (18/18, 100%), eighteen from the RVOT (18/35, 51%), five from the LCC (5/20, 25%), and five from the RLJ (6/22, 27%). The S-wave amplitude in lead aV L was significantly smaller in RCC than LCC or RLJ PVCs (0.1±0.3mV vs. 1.1±0.5mV, p 1–2 RWDI was significantly greater in RCC than RVOT PVCs (51.8±20.5% vs. 30.8±13.9%, p 43.6% for R-wave duration index in V 1 or V 2 (AUC: 0.83, p Conclusions The presence of a dominant positive lead I, RWDI >43.6% and S-wave amplitude in aV L

Background Angina pectoris with a normal coronary angiogram, termed microvascular angina (MVA), is an important clinical entity; however, its causes remain unclear. Autonomic dysfunction is one of the possible causes. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate parasympathetic dysfunction assessed by heart rate recovery (HRR) and increased sympathetic activity assessed by exaggerated blood pressure (BP) response (EBPR) to exercise in MVA. Methods The study participants were consecutive patients with anginal chest pain who underwent both coronary angiography with an ergonovine provocation test and a treadmill exercise test between January 2008 and February 2015. Patients with significant coronary artery disease (coronary artery stenosis ≥50%) or significant coronary artery spasm (≥90%) were excluded. Based on the treadmill exercise test, patients were categorized into the microvascular angina (MVA) group (patients with uniform ST depression ≥1 mm) and the control group. HRR was defined as peak heart rate minus heart rate after a 1 min recovery; blunted HRR was defined as ≤12 beats/min. EBPR was defined as a peak exercise systolic BP ≥210 mmHg in men and ≥ 190 mmHg in women. These parameters were compared between patients with MVA and the controls. Results Among the 970 enrolled patients (mean age 53.1 years; female 59.0%), 191 (20.0%) were diagnosed with MVA. In baseline characteristics, the MVA group had older participants, female predominance, and a higher prevalence of hypertension. The MVA group showed significantly lower HRR 1 min (24.9 ± 15.9 vs. 31.3 ± 22.7, p