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Background: The healthcare professionals involved in in-hospital treatment of myocardial infarction (MI) are also responsible to patients for their education before leaving the hospital. This education aims to modify patient behaviour in order to reduce relevant risk factors and improve self-control and adherence to medications. The aim of the study was to analyse the relationship between readiness for discharge from hospital and adherence to treatment at follow-up in MI patients. Methods: An observational, single-center, MI cohort study with 6-month follow-up was conducted between May 2015 and July 2016. The Readiness for Hospital Discharge after Myocardial Infarction Scale (RHD-MIS) and the Adherence in Chronic Diseases Scale (ACDS) were applied. Results: Two hundred and thirteen patients aged 30–91 years (62.91 ± 11.26) were enrolled in the study. The RHD-MIS general score ranged from 29 to 69 points (51.16 ± 9.87). A high level of readiness was found in 66 patients (31%), intermediate in 92 (43.2%), and low in 55 (25.8%) of patients. Adherence level assessed with the ACDS 6-months after discharge from hospital ranged from 7 to 28 points (23.34 ± 4.06). An increase in objective assessment of patient knowledge according to RHD-MIS subscale resulted in significantly higher level of adherence at the follow-up visit (p = 0.0154); R Spearman = 0.16671, p = 0.015; p for trend = 0.005. During the 6-month follow-up 3 (1.41%) patients died and 17 (7.98%) were hospitalized for a subsequent acute coronary syndrome. Conclusions: This study provided preliminary evidence of a long-term association between the results of assessment of readiness for discharge from hospital and adherence to treatment in patients after MI.

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the quality of CPR performed with real-time feedback device with CPR delivered without it by medical students and practising medical workers. Material and methods: Studied group consisted of 96 participants. Real CPR Help® technology providing real-time feedback was used. The following parameters were measured: mean depth, mean frequency, adequate depth rate, adequate frequency rate, and general compressions quality. Participants performed one-minute cycles of CPR with and without the feedback. Results: Mean compression depth lowered with the feedback (6.1 ± 1.3 cm vs. 5.3 ± 0.4 cm; p < 0.001) and the number of participants with adequate depth increased (25% vs. 78,1%; p < 0.001). Mean compression frequency lowered after the use of the device (119.8 ± 16.8 cpm vs. 111.9 ± 6.9 cpm; p < 0.001) and the number of participants performing CPR with recommended compression frequency increased (50% vs. 86.5%; p < 0.001). Overall quality increased significantly with the feedback (0.0; IQR: 0.0–13.7 vs. 55.1; IQR: 31.5–78.8; p < 0.001). Similar CPR quality was observed in the student group vs. medical workers without the feedback (0.81; IQR: 0.0–16.2 vs. 0.0; IQR: 0.0–12.7; p = 0.27) and after the device implementation (61.26; IQR: 38.16–80.0 vs. 49.54; IQR: 30.06–65.84; p = 0.21). Conclusions: The use of the Real CPR Help® device in the simulated test improved the overall quality of CPR. There were no differences concerning CPR quality between students and medical workers after the device implementation.

Introduction: Post-COVID syndrome is a common finding during the first year after SARS-CoV-2 infection affecting the daily living of many patients. The aim of this study was to assess the functioning of patients with post-COVID syndrome. Material and methods: A self-reported questionnaire — the Functioning in Chronic Illness Scale (FCIS) — was applied in 79 (30 women, 49 men) patients (mean age of 62.7 ± 13.6 years), suffering from post- COVID syndrome 5.8 ± 2.3 months after discharge from hospital. Results: The mean FCIS score was 86.2 ± 12.8 points, corresponding to medium functioning level. The mean score in the first, second and third subscale was 27.0 ± 6.4; 27.5 ± 3.7; and 31.7 ± 4.3 points respectively. Better functioning was observed in men vs women: the FCIS score 88.59 ± 10.95 vs 82.20 ± 14.71; p = 0.02 and in the youngest patients: first ( 67 years): FCIS score 92.76 ± 14.84 vs 83.15 ± 11.64 vs 83.07 ± 9.68; p = 0.01). The amount of time from COVID-19-related hospitalisation did not affect the FCIS score. Conclusion: Symptoms of post-COVID syndrome influencing patients’ functioning persist within the first year regardless of the time elapsing from the disease. Men and younger patients demonstrate better functioning abilities.

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of cardiovascular risk on the functioning of patients without a history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.Two hundred patients diagnosed with arterial hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, or diabetes were enrolled in the study. The median age was 52.0 years (interquartile range [IQR] 43.0-60.0). The following risk factors were assessed: blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, physical activity, smoking, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting plasma glucose concentration. Total cardiovascular risk was determined as the number of uncontrolled risk factors, and with the Systemic Coronary Risk Evaluation Score (SCORE). The Functioning in the Chronic Illness Scale (FCIS) was applied to assess the physical and mental functioning of patients.The median number of measures of cardiovascular risk factors was 4.0 (IQR 3.0-5.0). The median of SCORE for the whole study population was 2.0 (IQR 1.0-3.0). Patients with lower total cardiovascular risk as defined by SCORE and number of uncontrolled risk factors had better functioning as reflected by higher FCIS (R = -0.315, p0.0001; R = -0.336, p0.0001, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified abnormal blood pressure, abnormal waist circumference, tobacco smoking, and lack of regular physical activity to be negative predictors of functioning. Lack of regular physical activity was the only predictor of low FCIS total score (odds ratio 9.26, 95% confidence interval 1.19-71.77, p = 0.03).The functioning of patients worsens as the total cardiovascular risk increases. Each of the risk factors affects the functioning of subjects without coronary artery disease with different strength, with physical activity being the strongest determinant of patient functioning.

Background: Mild therapeutic hypothermia (MTH) is a recommended treatment of comatose patients after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The aim of the study was to examine determinants of clinical outcome in OHCA survivors treated with MTH and variables associated with MTH induction time. Methods: Presented herein is an analysis of combined results from a retrospective and a prospective observational study which included 90 OHCA survivors treated with MTH from January 2010 to March 2018. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine variables associated with poor neurologic outcome (Cerebral Performance Category 3–5), mortality, and prolonged induction time. Results: At hospital discharge, 59 (65.6%) patients were alive, of whom 36 (61%) had a good neurologic outcome. Older patients (odds ratio [OR] 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–1.12) with lower Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.30–0.80) were at higher risk of poor neurological outcome. The predictors of in-hospital death included: older age (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.02–1.13), lower GCS score (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.25–0.85), presence of cardiogenic shock (OR 3.43, 95% CI 1.11–10.53), and higher doses of adrenaline (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.04–1.56). Longer induction was associated with shorter cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) (unstandardized coefficient –3.95, 95% CI –7.09 to –0.81) and lower lactate level (unstandardized coefficient –18.55, 95% CI –36.10 to –1.01). Conclusions: Unfavorable neurologic outcome in OHCA patients treated with MTH is associated with age and lower GCS score. Risk factors for in-hospital mortality include age, high-dose adrenaline administration, lower GCS score and presence of cardiogenic shock. CPR duration and lactate level were predictive of prolonged MTH induction time.

The aim of the study was to assess the antiplatelet effect of ticagrelor in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and mild therapeutic hypothermia (MTH) vs. MI patients without OHCA treated with PCI.The study was designed and performed as a phase IV, single-center, investigator-initiated, prospective, observational study assessing the early pharmacodynamic effect (within first 24 h) of a ticagrelor loading dose (180 mg) in both groups of patients (MTH group vs. MI group). For assessment of ticagrelor pharmacodynamics Multiple Electrode Aggregometry (MEA) was applied.Compared with the MTH group, platelet inhibition was persistently stronger in the MI group over the entire observation period (up to 24 h), with the highest difference at 4 hours after loading with ticagrelor (25.8 ± 26.4 vs. 75.8 ± 40.9 U, p = 0.002). As a consequence, there was a higher prevalence of high platelet reactivity in the MTH group, with the most explicit difference at 6 hours after the loading dose of ticagrelor (78% vs. 7%, p0.001).In comparison with patients treated with primary PCI for uncomplicated MI, the antiplatelet effect of ticagrelor in patients with MI complicated with OHCA, undergoing MTH and primary PCI, is attenuated and delayed.

Non-adherence to prescribed medication is a serious limitation of long-term treatment in patients after myocardial infarction (MI), which can be associated with medical, social and economical consequences. Improvement of medication adherence has been shown to be a challenge for healthcare providers. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in medication adherence and variability of adherence determinants during follow-up in patients after MI. A single-center, cohort observational study was conducted in 225 post-MI patients treated with primary coronary intervention (PCI) (27% women and 73% men) aged 30–91 years. Adherence was defined as availability of evaluated drugs within 1-year after discharge from hospital, based on completed prescriptions data obtained from the National Health Fund. The analysis of therapeutic plan realization (adherence to medication prescribed at discharge from hospital) embraced only reimbursed drugs: ACEIs (ramipril, perindopril), P2Y12 receptor inhibitors (clopidogrel) and statins (atorvastatin, simvastatin, rosuvastatin). Sufficient adherence was defined as ≥ 80%. During 1-year follow-up, adherence for all three drug classes was 64 ± 25%, with 67 ± 32% for ACEIs, 62 ± 34% for P2Y12 receptor inhibitor and 64 ± 32% for statins. A gradual decline in adherence was observed from 65% ± 26% in the first quarter of follow-up to 51% ± 34% in the last quarter of follow-up (p 65 years and having a history of prior CABG more often had an insufficient adherence to drugs, married and hypertensive patients, city inhabitants and patients with higher education tended to have a sufficient drug adherence. Adherence to pharmacotherapy after myocardial infarction decreases over time in a similar manner for all pivotal groups of drugs prescribed after MI. A number of socioeconomic and clinical factors have been identified to affect medication adherence over time.

Objective: To assess the performance of ten electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters regarding the prediction of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) after a first ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods: We analyzed 249 patients (74.7% males) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) included into a single-center cohort study. We sought associations between baseline and post-PCI ECG parameters and the presence of LVSD (defined as left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] ≤ 40% on echocardiography) 6 months after STEMI. Results: Patients presenting with LVSD (n = 52) had significantly higher values of heart rate, number of leads with ST-segment elevation and pathological Q-waves, as well as total and maximal ST-segment elevation at baseline and directly after PCI compared with patients without LVSD. They also showed a significantly higher prevalence of anterior STEMI and considerably wider QRS complex after PCI, while QRS duration measurement at baseline showed no significant difference. Additionally, patients presenting with LVSD after 6 months showed markedly more severe ischemia on admission, as assessed with the Sclarovsky-Birnbaum ischemia score, smaller reciprocal ST-segment depression at baseline and less profound ST-segment resolution post PCI. In multivariate regression analysis adjusted for demographic, clinical, biochemical and angiographic variables, anterior location of STEMI (OR 17.78; 95% CI 6.45–48.96; p < 0.001), post-PCI QRS duration (OR 1.56; 95% CI 1.22–2.00; p < 0.001) expressed per increments of 10 ms and impaired post-PCI flow in the infarct-related artery (IRA; TIMI 3 vs. p = 0.001) were identified as independent predictors of LVSD (Nagelkerke’s pseudo R2 for the logistic regression model = 0.462). Similarly, in multiple regression analysis, anterior location of STEMI, wider post-PCI QRS, higher baseline number of pathological Q-waves and a higher baseline Sclarovsky-Birnbaum ischemia score, together with impaired post-PCI flow in the IRA, higher values of body mass index and glucose concentration on admission were independently associated with lower values of LVEF at 6 months (corrected R2 = 0.448; p < 0.00001). Conclusions: According to our study, baseline and post-PCI ECG parameters are of modest value for the prediction of LVSD occurrence 6 months after a first STEMI.

Rotational atherectomy (RA) has been proven to be efficient for the treatment of calcified and diffuse coronary artery lesions. However, the optimal burr-to-artery ratio (BtAR) remains unidentified as well as an influence of change in blood flow on long-term outcome. Aim of our study was to examine the association between long-term outcome, and both BtAR and change in coronary flow during RA.We conducted a retrospective study including patients who underwent RA. Two independent observers calculated BtAR, pre- and postprocedural corrected Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) Frame Count (cTFC) for artery treated with RA. The long-term outcome was defined as all-cause mortality.Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of BtAR determined threshold of 0.6106 for all-cause mortality detection with sensitivity 50.0%, specificity 90.8%, and area under the curve (AUC) 0.730 (p0.001). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the all-cause mortality rate in the group with the BtAR0.6106 is significantly higher compared to the patients with lower BtAR (hazard ratio [HR] 3.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.51-9.32; p0.001). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that the all-cause mortality rate in the group with impairment in coronary flow was significantly higher compared to group with cTFC difference ≤ 0 after RA (HR 3.28, 95% CI 1.56-9.31; p = 0.02).BtAR0.6106 is associated with worse prognosis of patients treated with RA. Patients showing post-RA impairment in blood flow in the target artery have worse prognosis.

We present a case of a 75-year-old man, who underwent a scheduled implantable cardioverter-defibrillator reoperation and has had a lung cancer found in a chest X-ray taken after the procedure, that was completely obscured by the previous device.

High platelet reactivity (HPR) is a risk factor for stent thrombosis, a potentially lethal complication of percutaneous coronary intervention. HPR is also associated with increased risk of myocardial infarction and death in invasively-treated patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). HPR occurs even in ACS patients treated with ticagrelor, a state-of-the-art antiplatelet agent, especially during the first hours of treatment. Patient-level pharmacodynamic data obtained from 102 ACS subjects enrolled in two prospective, pharmacodynamic trials were analysed in order to identify clinical features related with increased odds of on-ticagrelor HPR during the first two hours after ticagrelor loading dose in ACS patients. Presence of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (versus non-ST-segment elevation ACS) and morphine co-administration were the strongest predictors of HPR at 1 and 2 hours after ticagrelor loading dose according to linear regression analyses, multiple backward stepwise logistic regression analyses and generalized estimating equation model. By pinpointing simple to recognize clinical features, the results of this study facilitate identification of ACS patients who have the highest odds of HPR during the initial phase of treatment with ticagrelor, and who could potentially benefit from alternative treatment strategies.

(1) Background: The PRAETORIAN score is a tool developed for postoperative evaluation of the position of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator systems. The aim of our study was to evaluate the real-life inter-rater variability of the PRAETORIAN score, based on chest radiographs of S-ICD patients reviewed by independent clinical raters. (2) Methods: Postoperative chest X-rays of patients that underwent S-ICD implantation were evaluated by five clinical raters who gave values of the PRAETORIAN score. Ratings were then compared in a fully crossed manner to determine the inter-rater variability of the attributed scores. (3) Results: In total, 87 patients were included in the study. In the case of the most important final risk category of the PRAETORIAN score, the mean Light’s kappa was 0.804, the Fleiss’ kappa was 0.249, and the intraclass correlation was 0.38. The final risk category was identically determined by all five raters in 75.86% of patients, by four raters in 14.94%, and by three raters in 9.20% of patients. (4) Conclusions: The overall inter-rater variability of the PRAETORIAN score in a group of electrophysiologists experienced in S-ICD implantation, yet previously naive to the PRAETORIAN score, and self-trained in its utilization, was only modest in our study. Appropriate use of the score might require training of clinical raters.

The implantation of a subcutaneous cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) may be used instead of a traditional transvenous system to prevent sudden cardiac death. Our aim was to compare the characteristics of S-ICD patients from the multi-center registry of S-ICD implantations in Poland with the published results of the European Snapshot Survey on S-ICD Implantation (ESSS-SICDI). We compared data of 137 Polish S-ICD patients with 68 patients from the ESSS-SICDI registry. The groups did not differ significantly in terms of sex, prevalence of ischemic cardiomyopathy, concomitant diseases, and the rate of primary prevention indication. Polish patients had more advanced heart failure (New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III: 11.7% vs. 2.9%, NYHA II: 48.9% vs. 29.4%, NYHA I: 39.4% vs. 67.7%, p &lt, 0.05 each). Young age (75.9% vs. 50%, p &lt, 0.05) and no vascular access (7.3% vs. 0%, p &lt, 0.05) were more often indications for S-ICD. The percentage of patients after transvenous system removal due to infections was significantly higher in the Polish group (11% vs. 1.5%, p &lt, 0.05). In the European population, S-ICD was more frequently chosen because of patients’ active lifestyle and patients’ preference (both 10.3% vs. 0%, p &lt, 0.05). Our analysis shows that in Poland, compared to other European countries, subcutaneous cardioverters-defibrillators are being implanted in patients at a more advanced stage of chronic heart failure. The most frequent reason for choosing a subcutaneous system instead of a transvenous ICD is the young age of a patient.

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of selected baseline electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters as predictors of left ventricular remodeling (LVR) in patients with a first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: The study was performed as a single-center cohort study, with 249 patients (74.7% males) included in the final analysis. Nine baseline ECG parameters were evaluated, with respect to occurrence of LVR 6 months after STEMI (defined as an echocardiography-assessed relative &gt, 20% increase in end-diastolic left ventricular volume compared with the value at discharge from hospital). Results: The baseline ECG predictors of LVR, identified in univariate analysis, included the number of leads with ST-segment elevation (odds ratio (OR) 1.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–1.38, p = 0.0212), number of leads with Q-waves (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.07–1.37, p = 0.0033), sum of ST-segment elevation (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.00–1.08, p = 0.0253) and maximal ST-segment elevation (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.00–1.29, p = 0.0446). When added to demographic, clinical and angiographic data, the number of leads with ST-segment elevation (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.01–1.36, p = 0.0413), number of leads with Q-waves (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.01–1.32, p = 0.0354) and the sum of ST-segment elevation (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.00–1.08, p = 0.0331) successfully predicted development of LVR in multivariate logistic regression models. However, after inclusion of biochemical data in multivariate models, none of the electrocardiographic parameters, but increasing body weight, TIMI flow after PCI &lt, 3 and higher maximal values of myocardial necrosis biomarker, was independently associated with the occurrence of LVR 6 months after STEMI. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates modest utility of pre-reperfusion ECG for the prediction of LVR occurrence after six months of STEMI.

The discontinuation of recommended therapy after myocardial infarction predisposes patients to serious thrombotic complications. The aim of this study was a comprehensive analysis of permanent as well as short- and long-term discontinuation of pharmacotherapy, taking into consideration the basic groups of medications and nonadherence determinants in a one-year follow-up in post-myocardial infarction (MI) patients. Material and methods: The study was a single center cohort clinical trial with a one-year follow-up including 225 patients (73.3% men, 26.7% women) aged 62.9 &plusmn, 11.9 years. In eight cases (3.6%), the follow-up duration was less than one year due to premature death. The following factors were analyzed: lack of post-discharge therapy initiation, short-term therapy discontinuation (&lt, 30 days), long-term therapy discontinuation (&ge, and permanent cessation of therapy. The analysis of therapy discontinuation was performed based on prescription filling data. Results: Occupational activity (Odds Ratio (OR) 5.15, 95% Confidence interval (CI) 1.42&ndash, 18.65, p = 0.013) and prior MI (OR 5.02, 95% CI 1.45&ndash, 16.89, p = 0.009) were found to be independent predictors of a lack of post-discharge therapy initiation with P2Y12 receptor inhibitors. We found no independent predictors of lack of post-discharge therapy initiation with other medications, whether analyzed separately or together. Age above 65 years (Hazard Ratio (HR)&mdash, 1.59, 95% CI 1.15&ndash, 2.19, p = 0.0049) and prior revascularization (HR&mdash, 1.44, 95% CI 1.04&ndash, p = 0.0273) were identified as independent predictors of therapy discontinuation. Multilogistic regression analysis showed no independent predictors of the cessation of any of the medications as well as the permanent or temporary simultaneous discontinuation of all medications. Conclusions: The vast majority of post-MI patients discontinue, either temporarily or permanently, one of the essential medications within one year following myocardial infarction. The most likely medication class to be discontinued are statins. Older age and prior cardiac revascularization are independent determinants of therapy discontinuation.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate QRS duration and axis as predictors of response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in order to reduce the proportion of non-responders. METHODS: Retrospective single-center study including 42 CRT recipients, with left bundle branch block (LBBB), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 40%, in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class ≥ II. Response to CRT was declared as NYHA class improvement ≥ 1 (symptomatic) and LVEF improvement by ≥ 10% (echocardiographic) > 6 months post implantation. RESULTS: Symptomatic responders had longer pre- (172.3 ± 17.9 vs. 159.0 ± 18.3 ms; p = 0.027) and postimplantation (157.2 ± 24.1 vs. 136.7 ± 23.2 ms; p = 0.009) QRS duration. Preimplantation QRS < 150 ms predicted poor response (odds ratio [OR] for response vs. lack of response 0.04; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.001–0.74). Predictors of symptomatic response included: postimplantation QRS > 160 ms (OR 7.2; 95% CI 1.24–41.94), longer QRS duration before (OR for a 1 ms increase 1.04, 95% CI 1.00–1.08) and post implantation (OR for a 1 ms increase 1.04; 95% CI 1.01–1.07). Area under the curve (AUC) for pre- and postimplantation QRS duration was 0.672 (95% CI 0.51–0.84) and 0.727 (95% CI 0.57–0.89), respectively, with cut-off points of 178.5 ms and 157 ms. For post implantation QRS axis, AUC was 0.689 (95% CI 0.53–0.85), with cut-off points of −60.5° or −38.5°. Preimplantation QRS axis was the only predictor of echocardiographic response (OR 0.98; 95% CI 0.96–1.00), with AUC of 0.693 (95% CI 0.54–0.85) and a threshold of −36°. CONCLUSIONS: Marked pre- and postimplantation QRS prolongation and preimplantation negative QRS axis deviation are moderate predictors of response to CRT.

Objective In-hospital patient education is one of the elements affecting patient adherence to treatment regimen after myocardial infarction (MI). Its effectiveness is determined by educator and patient-dependent factors. Previous studies did not identify patient expectations as an independent determinant of successful education. The aim of this study was to assess whether patient knowledge and expectations affect adherence to treatment regimen in a 1-year follow-up. Methods This was a single-center, cohort study with a 1-year follow-up. Patient knowledge and expectations were evaluated using the Readiness for Hospital Discharge after Myocardial Infarction Scale (RHD-MIS scale). Medication adherence (including angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), P2Y12 receptor inhibitors and statins) was verified based on prescription refill data extracted from The National Health Fund database. Results The study included 225 patients aged 30–91 years (mean age 62.9 ± 11.9 years). In the 4th quarter of follow-up, patients with the highest expectations had lower adherence regarding ACEI (p = 0.01), P2Y12 receptor inhibitors (p = 0.03) and the combination of all three analysed medications (p = 0.003). Conclusions The initial results suggest presence of a relationship between patient expectations and long-term adherence to treatment. Practice Implications Post-MI patient education directed at fulfilling or modification of patient expectations could possibly improve execution of treatment regimen.

Background: In an attempt to improve low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) level control in patients ineffectively treated with statins, we evaluated the effectiveness of a fixed-dose combination (FDC) of 10 mg rosuvastatin and ezetimibe and its relation to the timing of drug administration. Methods: A randomized, open label, single center, crossover study involving 83 patients with coronary artery disease and hypercholesterolemia with baseline LDL-C ≥ 70 mg/dL. In arm I the FDC drug was administered in the morning for 6 weeks, then in the evening for the following 6 weeks and vice versa in arm II. The primary endpoint was the change in LDL-C after 6 and 12 weeks. Results: The median LDL-C concentration at baseline, after 6 and 12 weeks respectively was: 98.10 mg/dL (Q1;Q3: 85.10;116.80), 63.14 mg/dL (50.70;77.10) and 59.40 mg/dL (49.00;73.30); p < 0.001. LDL-C levels were similar regardless of the timing of drug administration (morning 62.50 mg/dL [50.70;76.00] vs. evening 59.70 mg/dL [48.20;73.80]; p = 0.259], in both time points: 6 week: 63.15 mg/dL (50.75;80.65) vs. 63.40 mg/dL (50.60;74.00), p = 0.775; and 12 week: 62.00 mg/dL (50.20;74.40) vs. 59.05 mg/dL (47.65;66.05), p = 0.362. The absolute change in LDL-C concentration for the morning vs. evening drug administration was — 6 week: –34.6 mg/dL (–56.55; –19.85) (–34.87%) vs. –31.10 mg/dL (–44.20; –16.00) (–35.87%) (p not significant); 12. week: –34.20 mg/dL (–47.8; –19.0) (–37.12%) vs. –37.20 mg/dL (–65.55; –23.85) (–40.06%) (p not significant). The therapy was safe and well tolerated. Conclusions: Fixed-dose combination of rosuvastatin and ezetimibe significantly and permanently decreases LDL-C regardless of the timing of drug administration.

Aims Currently available data indicate that reduction of ticagrelor maintenance dose (MD) 1-3 years after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) not only provides sufficient platelet inhibition but also can improve ticagrelor's safety profile. The aim of this study was to compare the antiplatelet effect of reduced and standard ticagrelor MD in stable patients beginning 1 month after AMI. Methods and results In a single-centre, randomized, open-label, active-controlled trial, on Day 30 following AMI, 52 patients (26 in each study arm) were assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either reduced (60 mg b.i.d) or standard (90 mg b.i.d) ticagrelor MD for the following 2 weeks. On Day 45 after AMI the antiplatelet effect of ticagrelor was evaluated with the VASP assay and Multiplate, and there were no significant differences in platelet inhibition between patients on reduced vs. standard MD [VASP: 10.4 (5.6-22.2) vs. 14.1 (9.4-22.1) platelet reactivity index; P = 0.30; Multiplate: 30.0 (24.0-39.0) vs. 26.5 (22.0-35.0) U; P = 0.26]. Likewise, no differences were found regarding the prevalence of on-ticagrelor high platelet reactivity between patients on ticagrelor 60 mg b.i.d vs. 90 mg b.i.d (VASP: 4% vs. 8%; P = 0.67; Multiplate: 15% vs. 8%; P = 0.54). Administration of reduced MD resulted in proportionally lower plasma concentrations of ticagrelor and its active metabolite on Day 45 after AMI. Conclusion These results suggest that lowering ticagrelor MD 1 month after AMI confers an adequate antiplatelet effect that is comparable to the standard dose. The tested strategy warrants further research to assess its clinical efficacy and safety. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT03251859.

Non-adherence to medication regimen after myocardial infarction (MI) leads to increased morbidity and mortality and generates additional cost to the healthcare system.The aim of this systematic review was to critically discuss assessment methods of adherence to medication in patients after myocardial infarction treated with percutaneous coronary intervention and the possible application of a new self-reported questionnaire.A systematic investigation of all published literature was conducted to minimize the risk of bias. A database search (PubMed, CENTRAL and Google Scholar databases) from January 1998 through December 2017.Adequate assessment of patient adherence to treatment is necessary to understand the potential for adverse outcomes. Methods developed for adherence evaluation are classified as subjective and objective or as direct and indirect. Direct, objective measures reflect pharmacokinetics and include measurement of the drug or its metabolite concentration, evaluation of the presence of biological markers given with the drug and direct observation of patients' medication-taking behavior. Several indirect, objective methods are based on evaluation of the availability of prescribed medications assuming that medication is taken exactly as prescribed. Assessment of the effectiveness of treatment, both at the pharmacodynamic and clinical level, indirectly but objectively reflects adherence to treatment. Subjective methods, including patient-kept diaries, patient interviews and self-reported questionnaires, due to their simplicity, real-time feedback and low cost, are often used for adherence evaluation in clinical practice.In spite of the availability, convenience and variety of methods, measuring adherence still remains a real challenge. Using a well designed questionnaire provides an opportunity to identify patients at increased risk of non-adherence and the obstacles impeding implementation of the treatment plan, allowing implementation of tailored interventions in order to improve patient medication-taking behavior.

Diagnosis of deficient areas in the functioning of patient with chronic disease is necessary to undertake the adequate therapeutic actions. The aim of the study was to validate a new self-reported questionnaire for patients with chronic disease assessing the impact of the disease on the patient, the patient’s impact on the disease and the impact of the disease on patient’s attitudes. Results: The internal consistency of the questionnaire expressed by a-Cronbach coefficient = 0.855, indicates its high reliability and homogeneity. The set of 24 items fulfilled the assumption of factor analysis: the determinant of correlation matrix was 0.001, Kaiser-Mayer-Olkin (K-M-O) statistic was 0.843 and the Bartlett’ test of sphericity was statistically significant. The factor analysis was conducted using the principal component analysis with Varimax rotation. The scale and subscale levels were determined based on the percentiles scale. Conclusion: The validation procedure revealed that FCIS is a reliable and homogeneous tool to measure patient’s physical and mental functioning in the chronic illness. The set of items divided into 3 subscales allows evaluation of: the impact of the disease on the patient, the patient’s impact on the disease and the impact of the disease on the patient’s attitudes.

Introduction: The aim of the study was to analyse the relationship between the Readiness for Hospital Discharge after Myocardial Infarction Scale (RHD MIS) scores and socio-demographic and clinical factors in patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) treated with percutaneous coronary angioplasty. Material and methods: The study was conducted as a single-centre, prospective, cohort, 6-month observa-tion, including 213 patients: 59 women and 154 men aged 30–91 years (average age of 62,91 ± 11.26 years). Results: Patients’ economic status was found to have a significant impact on the readiness for discharge measured by RHD-MIS general score. Among all three investigated RHD-MIS subscales, objective assessment of knowledge was influenced by gender (p = 0.012) and place of residence (p = 0.025). There was a linear trend for increase of knowledge along with increase in education level (p = 0.030). The only factor influencing patients’ expectations was their economic status (p value for heterogeneity: 0.014). A linear correlation between growing of patients’ expectations and worsening of their economic status (p = 0.008) was observed. Conclusion: Readiness to discharge should be routinely assessed in all patients hospitalized with myo-cardial infarction. The result of this assessment should be used to identify patients requiring additional education. Further research is prompted to determine the cut-off values of RHD-MIS results qualifying patients for additional educational interventions.

Introduction: The treatment of acute coronary syndromes, besides coronary interventions, includes pharmaco-therapy and lifestyle changes, which together determine a favourable prognosis. Adherence to treatment is a term describing a patient’s behaviour in respect to the patient’s maintenance of the health care provider’s recommendations. Unfortunately, according to WHO data, adherence to long-term therapies for chronic illnesses in developed countries averages only 50%. Covered areas: Our study focused on available questionnaires for adherence assessment in everyday practice. A comprehensive search of data bases was conducted using appropriate keywords. Out of an initially identified 2081 citations, 93 articles were considered eligible for further analysis. Eventually, nine adherence scales were identified and reviewed. Expert opinion: There is no so-called “gold standard survey” allowing accurate assessment of every patient for medication adherence. The use of a specific scale must be justified by its validation in a similar group of patients in well designed and properly conducted studies.

The article presents the case of a 55-year-old woman who suffered from anterior myocardial infarction and chronic complications of the underlying disease, heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, severe secondary mitral regurgitation, and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Due to the severity of symptoms, which persisted despite the optimal pharmacotherapy, after exclusion of reversible causes, the patient was qualified for different advanced percutaneous treatment methods. Within two years from the onset of the disease, three percutaneous procedures were performed: mitral valve correction with the MitraClip system, left atrial appendage occlusion using the Watchman system, and implantation of cardioverter-defibrillator.

Introduction. Notwithstanding the development of modern diagnostic-therapeutic techniques, cardiovascular diseases still pose a grave health, social, and economic issue. Patients hospitalised for acute coronary syndrome should, in addition to establishing an optimal pharmacotherapy, be made aware of how to prevent this disease and recognise it using its typical symptoms and signs. Objective. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of educational intervention based on educational brochures in patients with myocardial infarction with regard to socio-demographic factors and baseline patients’ knowledge. Material and methods. The single-centre, prospective, observational study was conducted in a cohort of 248 patients with myocardial infarction (women n = 72, men n = 176), hospitalised between May 2015 and July 2016. Consistently with the results of univariate analysis, multivariate analysis identified age (–3.73/10 years; p < 0.0006) and the level of education (10.37; p < 0.0001) as independent factors influencing patients’ prehospital knowledge. Results. According to multivariate analysis of the level of knowledge following the educational intervention, the only factors affecting the process of learning were age (–2.04/10 years; p < 0.03) and remaining in a steady relationship (9.7; p = 0.0003). Among factors influencing the increase of knowledge, only the level of education was of statistical significance (–6.09; p < 0.02). Conclusions. The educational brochure proved to be an effective tool for therapeutic education, allowing minimisation of the disparities between the examined groups and improvement of the breadth of patients’ knowledge.

Aims The degree and time course of platelet inhibition using ticagrelor can vary during the acute phase and the following stable period after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The optimal level of platelet inhibition during the various stages of AMI remains an open question. The aim of the current study is to compare the antiplatelet efficacy of two ticagrelor maintenance dose regimens (60 mg b.i.d. vs. 90 mg b.i.d.) in stable patients following an initial strategy with ticagrelor 90 mg b.i.d. during the first month after AMI. Methods and results The Effectiveness of LowEr maintenanCe dose of TicagRelor early After myocardial infarction (ELECTRA) pilot study is a phase III, single-centre, randomized, open-label, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic trial. The study population will include 50 patients with AMI treated with percutaneous coronary intervention. At Day 30 post-AMI, all trial participants will be randomly assigned in 1:1 ratio to receive either reduced (60 mg b.i.d.) or standard (90 mg b.i.d.) maintenance ticagrelor dose until Day 45 post-AMI. Platelet function testing in each patient will be performed using up to two different methods (the VASP assay and multiple electrode aggregometry). Pharmacokinetics of ticagrelor and its active metabolite (AR-C124910XX) will be assessed by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Conclusion A de-escalation strategy with reduced dose of ticagrelor (60 mg b.i.d.) following an initial standard dose (90 mg b.i.d.) during the first month after AMI may provide equally effective platelet inhibition as compared to maintenance with the standard ticagrelor dose. ClinicalTrials. gov Identifier NCT03251859.

Levosimendan has been developed for treatment of severe heart failure. The favorable hemodynamic effect of levosimendan is related to its unique dual mechanism of action - increase of the contractile force of the myocardium caused by enhanced sensitivity of myofilaments to calcium combined with vasodilatation caused by the opening of adenosine triphosphate - dependent potassium channels. Due to the structural similarities to phosphodiesterase inhibitors it may partly exert its action via inhibition of phosphodiesterase inhibitors III. Inhibition of the phosphodiesterase inhibitors III leads to an increase of intracellular concentration of cyclic adenosine monophosphate causing an anti-aggregatory effect. There are some contradictory or indirect and inconclusive reports related to the impact of levosimendan on platelet function. The aim of this systematic review was to critically discuss the impact of levosimendan on platelet function according to currently available knowledge based on the findings of experimental as well as observational and randomized clinical studies.

In summary, the available data on the antiplatelet efficacy of P2Y12 receptor inhibitors suggest their less potent and/or delayed effect in patients undergoing mild therapeutic hypothermia (MTH). However, previous studies do not explain the mechanisms of the impact of MTH on platelet function. Moreover, there is a lack of evidence of any relationship between the increased prevalence of thrombotic complications in MTH patients and the anti-platelet effect of P2Y12 receptor inhibitors. We hypothesise that MTH may interfere with the absorption of ticagrelor and consequently results in significant changes in the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of this P2Y12 receptor inhibitor. It cannot be ruled out that the high initial level of platelet activation in MTH patients may additionally modify the pharmacodynamics of ticagrelor. Malabsorption may slow down the desired antiplatelet effect, while high levels of platelet activation may reduce the antiplatelet effect of ticagrelor. The aim of this study is to verify whether the use of MTH after resuscitation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients with STEMI (ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI), affects the anti-platelet effect of ticagrelor. Moreover, we attempt to elucidate the mechanisms of impaired effect of ticagrelor in MTH patients based on pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic measurements. To achieve the aim of the study, we planned the following: 1) comparison of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic results obtained from the study population (MTH + pPCI + ticagrelor) with results obtained from a demographically and clinically comparable population of patients with STEMI treated with primary PCI and receiving ticagrelor (pPCI + ticagrelor); and 2) analysis of the pharmacodynamic results in relation to the pharmacokinetic measurements in the target population. Understanding the mechanisms standing behind the impact of MTH on the efficacy of platelet inhibition with P2Y12 inhibitors is pivotal in reducing the risk of thrombotic complications. The study is expected to provide information leading to improvement of the safety of MTH in STEMI patients with OHCA treated with pPCI and receiving ticagrelor.

The increased risk of non-cardiovascular death in patients receiving clopidogrel or prasugrel in comparison with the placebo group in the dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) trial in contrast to the decreased risk of cardiovascular death and all-cause death seen in patients treated with low-dose ticagrelor in the EU label population of the PEGASUS-TIMI 54 trial, resulted in inclusion in the 2020 ESC NSTE-ACS guidelines the recommendation for use of clopidogrel or prasugrel only if the patient is not eligible for treatment with ticagrelor. The prevalence of the primary outcome composed of cardiovascular death, stroke, or myocardial infarction was lower in the low-dose rivaroxaban and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) group than in the ASA-alone group in the COMPASS trial. Moreover, all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality rates were lower in the rivaroxaban-plus-ASA group. Comparison of the PEGASUS-TIMI 54 and COMPASS trial patient characteristics clearly shows that each of these treatment strategies should be addressed at different groups of patients. A greater benefit in post-acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with a high risk of ischemic events and without high bleeding risk may be expected with ASA and ticagrelor 60 mg b.i.d. when the therapy is continued without interruption or with short interruption only after ACS. On the other hand, ASA and rivaroxaban 2.5 mg b.i.d. seems to be a better option when indications for dual antithrombotic treatment (DATT) appear after a longer time from ACS (more than two years) and/or from cessation of DAPT (more than one year) and in patients with multiple vascular bed atherosclerosis. Thus, both options of DATTs complement each other rather than compete, as can be presumed from the recommendations. However, a direct comparison between these strategies should be tested in future clinical trials.

SummaryOral administration of crushed ticagrelor tablets turned out to be an efficacious method that improves its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. This strategy, however, is unlikely to eliminate the drug-drug interaction in patients receiving intravenous morphine, as the impairment of the P2Y12 inhibitor absorption related to decreased propulsive motility of the gastro-intestinal tract is the most likely mechanism of interaction. Thus, we designed a pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study setting the feasibility of platelet inhibition with a loading dose of ticagrelor given as crushed tablets sublingually compared with two other ticagrelor loading dose administration strategies: integral tablet given orally and crushed tablet given orally in patients with unstable angina. Ticagrelor and its metabolite AR-C124900XX plasma concentration was evaluated in nine time points (time frame of 6 hours) using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry; platelet reactivity was evaluated using multiple electrode aggregometry. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve for ticagrelor and AR-C124900XX was significantly higher in patients treated with crushed tablets given orally compared with crushed tablets given sublingually only within the first hour after loading dose (936.9 ± 898.0 vs 368.0 ± 422.4, p=0.042 and 103.4 ± 120.8 vs 31.3 ± 43.9, p=0.031, respectively). Moreover, we showed significantly stronger platelet inhibition in patients receiving crushed ticagrelor orally vs. sublingually at 30 and 45 min after the loading dose (p=0.024 and p=0.016, respectively). Therefore, the administration strategy of ticagrelor determines the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of both ticagrelor and its active metabolite AR-C124900XX.

The paper presents possible applications of entropy measures in analysis of biosignals recorded during head up tilt testing (HUTT) in patients with suspected vasovagal syndrome. The study group comprised 80 patients who developed syncope during HUTT (57 in the passive phase of the test (HUTT(+) group) and 23 who had negative result of passive phase and developed syncope after provocation with nitroglycerine (HUTT(&minus, ) group)). The paper focuses on assessment of monitored signals&rsquo, complexity (heart rate expressed as R-R intervals (RRI), blood pressure (sBP, dBP) and stroke volume (SV)) using various types of entropy measures (Sample Entropy (SE), Fuzzy Entropy (FE), Shannon Entropy (Sh), Conditional Entropy (CE), Permutation Entropy (PE)). Assessment of the complexity of signals in supine position indicated presence of significant differences between HUTT(+) versus HUTT(&minus, ) patients only for Conditional Entropy (CE(RRI)). Values of CE(RRI) higher than 0.7 indicate likelihood of a positive result of HUTT already at the passive phase. During tilting, in the pre-syncope phase, significant differences were found for: (SE(sBP), SE(dBP), FE(RRI), FE(sBP), FE(dBP), FE(SV), Sh(sBP), Sh(SV), CE(sBP), CE(dBP)). HUTT(+) patients demonstrated significant changes in signals&rsquo, complexity more frequently than HUTT(&minus, ) patients. When comparing entropy measurements done in the supine position with those during tilting, SV assessed in HUTT(+) patients was the only parameter for which all tested measures of entropy (SE(SV), FE(SV), Sh(SV), CE(SV), PE(SV)) showed significant differences.

The paper presents a comparison of vasovagal syndrome occurrence in a head up tilt table test between patients with a positive result of passive tilt test and those with a positive result after pharmacological provocation. The study group consisted of 80 patients: 57 patients who experienced syncope in the passive phase of the test (43 women (aged: 35.6 ± 16.2) and 14 men (aged: 41.7 ± 15.6) and 23 patients who experienced syncope after pharmacological provocation (17 women (age: 32.3 ± 12) and 6 men (age: 43 ± 15). The main investigation was based on the assessment of monitored signals complexity: heart rate, blood pressure and stroke volume. The analysis of complexity in chosen measurement phases was performed with Sample Entropy. The investigation showed that the reactions of autonomic nervous system during tilt test and before syncope are similar for positive result of passive tilt test and positive result of tilt test with provocation. The differences in supine position occurred only in analysis based on impedance measurement (SV: p = 0.01). Significant differences were denoted for all signals just before the syncope (RRI, sBP, dBP: p = 0,00001 and SV: p = 0.01). In analysis of signals complexity the significant differences occurred just before the syncope for Sample Entropy of blood pressure (SampEn (sBP): p = 0.0008, SampEn (dBP): p = 0,0001).

Agata Kosobucka,1 Piotr Michalski,1 Łukasz Pietrzykowski,1 Michał Kasprzak,2 Karolina Obońska,2 Tomasz Fabiszak,2 Mirosława Felsmann,3 Aldona Kubica1 1Department of Health Promotion, Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland; 2Department of Cardiology and Internal Diseases, Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland; 3Laboratory of Basic Clinical Skills and Medical Simulations, Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland Introduction: A substantial subset of patients after myocardial infarction (MI) discontinue pivotal medication early after discharge. In particular, cessation of antiplatelet treatment may lead to catastrophic ischemic events. Thus, adherence to prescribed medication in patients after MI is an issue of medical and social concern. Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate the level of adherence to treatment using a newly developed scale in patients after MI treated with percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients and methods: A single-center, prospective, observational cohort clinical study with a 6-month follow-up was performed. Patients with physical or cognitive impairment, prisoners, soldiers, and family members and coworkers of the researchers were excluded from the study. The impact of selected sociodemographic and clinical factors on adherence was evaluated in 221 patients (63 women and 158 men) aged 30 to 91 years. Results: The results obtained with the Adherence in Chronic Diseases Scale (ACDS) ranged from 7 to 28 points; with the average and median scored being 23.35 and 24, respectively. The ACDS score reflects the level of adherence to prescribed medication. The high ACDS scores (>26 points) were obtained in 59 (26.7%) patients, intermediate scores (21–26 points) in 110 (49.8%) and low scores (26 points) was found in 11.1% of patients with re-ACS vs 28.4% of the remaining ones (P=0.1). Lower scores (mean ± standard deviation) in re-ACS patients were found for items 2 and 3 of the ACDS: 3.11±0.68 vs 3.45±0.73 (P=0.02) and 3.28±0.89 vs 3.64±0.64 (P=0.04), respectively. Conclusion: Age and previous MI were found to be independent factors influencing adherence assessed with the ACDS. Keywords: adherence, myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, antiplatelet treatment

Background. Left atrial appendage (LAA) closure represents an alternative strategy to oral anticoagulants in thromboembolic prophylaxis in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The LAA closure with the WATCHMAN™ device has been proved to be non-inferior to warfarin therapy. Nevertheless, this strategy is associated with numerous periprocedural complications. This study was conducted to determine whether the experience of the operating team affects the duration of the procedure and its complication rate. Methods. This retrospective single-centre study examined LAA percutaneous closure procedures in 43 consecutive AF patients with contraindications to oral anticoagulation (13 female, 30 male; mean age 70.98 ± 10.69 years). All device implantations were performed by two operators using the WATCHMAN™ device and the result was assessed by two echocardiographers. We compared the first 22 (group A) with the subsequent 21 procedures (group B). Results. For group B, a decrease in the overall procedure time (PT) by 28% (from 83.41 min ± 36.49 to 59.76 min ± 21.70; p = 0.006) was found, with a subsequent reduction in fluoroscopy time (FT) by 33% (from 16.59 min ± 7.25 to 11.2 min ± 7.21; p = 0.019) and the volume of contrast medium (CV) by 40% (from 129.14 mL ± 79.81 to 78.05 mL ± 33.82; p = 0.004). The incidence of periprocedural adverse events and complications was 55% (12 patients) in group A and 33% (7 patients) in group B. Conclusions. The increasing operators’ and echocardiographers’ experience in LAA closure is associated with reduction in procedure time, fluoroscopy time and contrast volume.

Background. Many reports have demonstrated excessive variability in response to clopidogrel, the most commonly used P2Y12 receptor antagonist. Clopidogrel resistant patients are at increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) events. Prasugrel is a new P2Y12 inhibitor that provides greater and faster platelet inhibition and reduces CV events more effectively than clopidogrel. The aim of this study was to evaluate the variability and efficacy of prasugrel antiplatelet activity in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Materials and methods. The study was designed as a prospective, single-center, non-randomized, observational trial. Platelet reactivity (PR) was assessed with the VeryfyNow assay three times during hospitalization in forty-two patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ACS and treated with standard doses of prasugrel. Results. Platelet aggregation with prasugrel displayed relatively high variability. The platelet aggregation was lowest on the 3rd day of the treatment at 4 p.m. and was significantly different from the measurements obtained on the 3rd and 4th day in the morning (6.0 v. 8.5 U; p = 0.0005 and 6.0 v. 36.5 U; p < 0.00001, respectively), with the latter two differing significantly from each other (p = 0.002). All participants were successfully treated with prasugrel achieving PR < 208 PRU in each measurement, whereas 42.9–80.9% (depending on sampling point) of patients presented very low platelet activity. The subgroups of stable and persistent low PR included a higher percentage of active smokers (73.3 v. 40.7%; p = 0.04 and 80.0 v. 43.8%; p = 0.04, respectively). Conclusions. Prasugrel treatment is associated with high variability of PR. Nonetheless, prasugrel is a highly effective antiplatelet drug. Active smoking may predispose to strong and stable on-prasugrel platelet inhibition.

Intracoronary thrombosis triggered by ruptured or eroded atherosclerotic plaques constitutes the predominant underlying cause of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Thrombin is considered a central enzyme in hemostasis and thrombosis, and a well-established target for anticoagulant therapies. Bivalirudin was introduced in the clinical practice as a promising, reversible, direct thrombin inhibitor with a predictable anticoagulant effect. Initial randomized clinical trials demonstrated that bivalirudin compared with heparin on top of a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor was associated with a significant reduction of major bleeding and favorable net clinical outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). The HORIZON-AMI trial even indicated mortality benefit in bivalirudin-treated patients. Thereby, the 2011 and 2012 European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on the management of non-ST-segment elevation ACS and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction positioned bivalirudin as the anticoagulant of choice in the PCI setting. Further randomized studies, better reflecting routine clinical practice, revealed significantly increased rates of stent thrombosis and myocardial infarction in the bivalirudin arm. Additionally, these findings were corroborated in the subsequent meta-analyses. Speculations that excessive occurrence of stent thrombosis and myocardial infarction may be caused by too short duration of post PCI bivalirudin infusion did not find confirmation in the latest MATRIX trial. In this systematic review, we aim to assess the efficacy and safety of bivalirudin therapy in patients undergoing PCI and to formulate recommendations on the bivalirudin use for clinicians. In our opinion, the research evidence and pharmacoeconomic considerations strongly support the use of bivalirudin in PCI patients at high risk of bleeding complications, while in other situations old and inexpensive UFH or enoxaparin remain the first line antithrombotic drugs.

The poor response to clopidogrel is multifactorial and includes, amongst others, low patient adherence to medication. The aim of this study was to assess the reported patient adherence to treatment with clopidogrel and confront it with adherence assessed by drug availability. We evaluated determinants of adherence and its impact on platelet aggregation and clinical outcome. The study population comprised 184 patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction. Follow-up visits were scheduled at 3, 6 and 9 months after discharge. Patient adherence to clopidogrel was defined according to self-reported drug intake and verified based on data from the National Health Fund regarding the purchase of prescribed drugs. The patients were judged as adherent when the proportion of drug availability exceeded 80%. According to drug availability, 100 (54.3%) patients were adherent and 84 (45.7%) were nonadherent. The analysis identified the following factors as predictors of low adherence (

Background Appropriately established reference intervals for laboratory biomarkers may help the interpretation of their results and facilitate clinical utilization. Objectives i) To determine reference intervals for serum galectin-3 measured using the Architect STAT immunoassay, and ii) to identify factors affecting galectin-3 concentrations. Methods We recruited 533 questionnaire-identified apparently healthy individuals, in which laboratory biomarkers were used to detect asymptomatic myocardial injury and dysfunction, ongoing inflammation, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and renal dysfunction. A final reference group of 180 subjects was selected. Results 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles of distribution of galectin-3 concentrations in the reference group (90% confidence interval) were 5.9 (5.0–6.8) and 18.1 (17.2–19.0) μg/L, respectively. Older age contributed to higher galectin-3 concentrations, but influenced derived reference intervals to a lesser extent. Other major determinants of galectin-3 concentrations observed in the questionnaire-screened population were not linked to galectin-3 in reference individuals. In aiming to decide if reference limits should be partitioned by age, we compared galectin-3 concentrations in subjects

The paper presents an application of Transfer Entropy (TE) to the analysis of information transfer between biosignals (heart rate expressed as R-R intervals (RRI), blood pressure (sBP, dBP) and stroke volume (SV)) measured during head up tilt testing (HUTT) in patients with suspected vasovagal syndrome. The study group comprised of 80 patients who were divided into two groups: the HUTT(+) group consisting of 57 patients who developed syncope during the passive phase of the test and HUTT(&minus, ) group consisting of 23 patients who had a negative result of the passive phase and experienced syncope after provocation with nitroglycerin. In both groups the information transfer depends on the phase of the tilt test. In supine position the highest transfer occurred between driver RRI and other components. In upright position it is the driver sBP that plays the crucial role. The pre-syncope phase features the highest information transfer from driver SV to blood pressure components. In each group the comparisons of TE between different phases of HUT test showed significant differences for RRI and SV as drivers.

Contains fulltext : 135993.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) Soon after identification of the platelet membrane glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa, it has become a target of antiplatelet therapy. There are 3 intravenous GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors, namely- eptifibatide, tirofiban and abciximab, used in the contemporary clinical practice, particularly in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The aim of the current review is to summarize available knowledge concerning off-target effects of GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors. All 3 drugs have similar antithrombotic properties, but differ with respect to pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and off-target effects. Eptifibatide and tirofiban are highly specific GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors, while abciximab is unselectiveand cross-reacts with integrin avb3 - a vitronectin receptor and leukocyte-associatedi ntegrin Mac-1. As a result of these interactions, abciximab seems to reduce the development of clinical restenosis, decrease infarct size, inhibit adhesion of monocytes to medical steel and modulate the inflammatory response. Intracoronary administration of abciximab provides higher drug concentration in the target area, increasing dose-dependent interactions with other integrins. Off-target effects of small molecule GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors (i.e. eptifibatide and tirofiban) are predominantly connected with their suppressive influence on the inflammatory response. All in all, although GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors are not recommended as a routine therapy during PCI, their antiplatelet properties and potential off-target effects may bebeneficial in certain subsets of patients.

Objectives i) To assess the relationship between lipid markers and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) in the reference population, and ii) to evaluate the impact of lipid markers and hs-CRP on the 99th percentile upper reference limit (URL) for hs-cTnI. Methods 531 questionnaire-identified presumably healthy individuals were enrolled in a single-center, cross-sectional study. Surrogate biomarkers for diabetes, myocardial and renal dysfunction were used to refine the healthy cohort (n = 408). Lipid profile, total cholesterol:high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio, non-HDL-C, apolipoprotein AI (apoAI), apolipoprotein B (apoB), apoB:apoAI ratio, lipoprotein(a), small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and hs-CRP were determined. Results Individuals with detectable vs. non-detectable hs-cTnI concentrations more often showed elevated LDL-C (60% vs. 46%; p = 0.002), apoB (73% vs. 61%; p = 0.008), apoB:apoAI ratio (53% vs. 40%; p = 0.005) and lipoprotein(a) (15% vs. 7%; p = 0.015). The apoB:apoAI ratio and to a lesser extent other lipid markers, but not hs-CRP, were positively associated with hs-cTnI concentration in univariate and multivariate analyses. Exclusion of individuals with elevated apoB:apoAI ratio or apoB, but not hs-CRP, lowered the 99th percentile URL in the healthy cohort respectively by 12.9% (6.2 vs. 5.4 ng/L) and 14.5% (6.2 vs. 5.3 ng/L). The corresponding reduction for both lipid biomarkers in the presumably healthy population was 24.0% (7.5 vs. 5.7 ng/L). Conclusion Our study demonstrates that atherogenic lipid markers, particularly apoB:apoAI ratio or apoB, influence the 99th percentile URL for hs-cTnI.

SummaryAim of this study was assessment of the relationship between concentrations of ticagrelor and its active metabolite (AR-C124910XX) and results of selected platelet function tests. In a single-centre, cohort study, patients with myocardial infarction underwent blood sampling following a 180 mg ticagrelor loading dose intake (predose, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, 24 hours postdose) to perform pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic assessments. Platelet reactivity was evaluated using the VASP-assay, the VerifyNow device and the Multiplate analyzer. Analysis of 36 patients revealed high negative correlations between ticagrelor concentrations and platelet reactivity evaluated with all three platelet function tests (the VASP-assay: RS=-0.722; pStudy registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02690454.

Antiplatelet therapy is the cornerstone of treatment for patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and/or undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions. Non-adherence to medication after ACS may lead to increased morbidity, mortality, and costs to the healthcare system due to elevated risk of stent thrombosis, myocardial infarction or death. Medication adherence is an issue of growing concern regarding the improvement of health system performance. Promoting medication adherence offers a rare opportunity to simultaneously improve health outcomes while reducing costs of treatment in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of this systematic review was to critically discuss adherence to antiplatelet treatment with P2Y12 receptor inhibitors in CAD patients. After a systematic investigation of the literature in databases including PubMed, CENTRAL and Google Scholar, using appropriate keywords, and considering clinical randomized, prospective observational and retrospective studies, reporting on adherence to treatment with inhibitors of P2Y12 platelet receptors or educational interventions aimed to improve medication adherence in patients with CAD, seven articles were considered eligible for inclusion in this systematic review. Reported adherence to clopidogrel, despite catastrophic consequences of its premature discontinuation, is low. We identified several determinants of low adherence and early discontinuation of clopidogrel. We also present data on the usefulness, utilization and credibility of different methods of medication adherence assessment, and suggest and critically discuss available interventions aimed at improvement of adherence to clopidogrel, still showing the need for innovative approaches to achieve enhanced medication adherence and improve health outcomes after acute myocardial infarction.