Journal of cardiovascular electrophysiology
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J. Cardiovasc. Electrophysiol. · Jan 2002
Case ReportsContinuous hemodynamic monitoring in heart failure.
Chronic congestive heart failure is associated with high morbidity and mortality, frequent hospital admissions, and high treatment costs. As the prevalence and incidence of the disease are increasing, there is a clear need to improve the management of heart failure patients. Continuous hemodynamic monitoring with an implanted device is technically feasible and safe. ⋯ This article describes the technical details of the monitoring system and presents possible clinical applications, with a focus on beta-blocker therapy, diuretics, and volume management. A case is reported, illustrating how hemodynamic long-term trends might add valuable information during up-titration of beta-blockers. Future implications of hemodynamic monitoring are discussed.
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J. Cardiovasc. Electrophysiol. · Nov 2001
Case Reports Comparative StudyEvidence for a single nucleotide polymorphism in the KCNQ1 potassium channel that underlies susceptibility to life-threatening arrhythmias.
Congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a genetically heterogeneous arrhythmogenic disorder caused by mutations in at least five different genes encoding cardiac ion channels. It was suggested recently that common polymorphisms of LQTS-associated genes might modify arrhythmia susceptibility in potential gene carriers. ⋯ We demonstrate that a common polymorphism in the KCNQ1 potassium channel could be a molecular basis for mild I(Ks) dysfunction that, in the presence of appropriate precipitating factors, might predispose potential gene carriers to life-threatening arrhythmias in a specific population.
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J. Cardiovasc. Electrophysiol. · Oct 2001
Comparative StudySupraventricular arrhythmias in children and young adults with implantable cardioverter defibrillators.
Rapidly conducted supraventricular tachycardias (SVTs) can lead to inappropriate device therapy in implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patients. We sought to determine the incidence of SVTs and the occurrence of inappropriate ICD therapy due to SVT in a pediatric and young adult population. ⋯ SVT in children and young adults with ICDs is common. Inappropriate shocks due to SVT can be curtailed even without dual-chamber devices or specific SVT discrimination algorithms.
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J. Cardiovasc. Electrophysiol. · Aug 2001
Comparative StudyAcquired pulmonary vein stenosis after radiofrequency catheter ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.
Elimination of the initiating focus within the pulmonary vein (PV) using radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation is a new treatment modality for treatment of drug-refractory atrial fibrillation. However, information on the long-term safety of RF ablation within the PV is limited. ⋯ Focal PV stenosis is observed frequently after RF catheter ablation applied within the vein, but usually is without clinical significance. However, ablation within multiple PVs might cause pulmonary hypertension and should be considered a limiting factor in this procedure.
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J. Cardiovasc. Electrophysiol. · Jul 2001
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialVERDICT: the Verapamil versus Digoxin Cardioversion Trial: A randomized study on the role of calcium lowering for maintenance of sinus rhythm after cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation.
Many relapses of atrial fibrillation (AF) occur, especially during the first week(s) after electrical cardioversion (ECV). The aim of the present study was to compare in a randomized design the efficacy of verapamil (intracellular calcium lowering) versus digoxin (calcium increasing) for maintenance of sinus rhythm after ECV. ⋯ Stand-alone intracellular calcium lowering by verapamil around ECV does not enhance cardioversion outcome.