Cardiol J
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Under normal conditions function of the right ventricle (RV) is determined by the heart rhythm, RV filling time, RV systolic synchrony and interdependence between both ventricles. Failure of the left ventricle (LV) can lead to RV failure. Impaired function of the RV significantly worsens the prognosis in patients after myocardial infarction and with LV failure. ⋯ Frequent coexistence of chronic heart failure (CHF) and AF causes overlapping of the arrhythmia and RV dysfunction in the setting of CHF. They may lead to hemodynamic compromise and worsen prognosis in patients with chronic RV failure of various etiologies. RV structure and function can be assessed in 2D, 3D echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imagingand computed tomography.
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Device optimization is not routinely performed in patients who underwent cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device implantation. Noninvasive optimization of CRT devices by measurement of cardiac output (CO) can be used as a simple method to assess ventricular systolic performance. The aim of this study was to assess whether optimization of atrioventricular (AV) and interventricular (VV) delay can improve hemodynamic response to CRT and whether this optimization should be performed for each patient individually. ⋯ Both AV and VV delay optimization should be performed in clinical practice. Optimal AV delay improved outcome. However, combination of optimized AV/VV delays provided the best hemodynamic response. Optimized AV/VV delays with left ventricle-preexcitation or simultaneous biventricular pacing increased hemodynamic output compared to intrinsic rhythm and VV factory setting delay.
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We investigated the predictive value of atrial electromechanical delay (AEMD) for recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) at 1-month after cardioversion. ⋯ Our results suggest that AEMD is associated with an increased risk of recurrence of AF within 1-month. These data may have implications for the identification of patients who are most likely to experience substantial benefit from cardiversion therapy for AF.
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Flecainide is a class 1C antiarrhythmic drug especially used for the management of supraventricular arrhythmia. In overdose cases, flecainide can induce life treating ventricular arrhythmias and cardiogenic shock. We report the case of a 72-year-old woman admitted to our intensive care unit for a regular monomorphic wide complex tachycardia (QRS duration 240 ms, right bundle branch block and superior axis morphology) without apparent P waves. ⋯ The diagnosis of ventricular tachycardia induced by flecainide overdose was considered. 500 mL of intravenous 84‰ sodium bicarbonate was administrated. The patient's QRS narrowed immediately and 12-lead ECG showed sinus rhythm. Blood samples confirmed the flecainide overdose and the clinical status progressively improved.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Effect of ASA dose doubling versus switching to clopidogrel on plasma inflammatory markers concentration in patients with type 2 diabetes and high platelet reactivity: the AVOCADO study.
The aim of the study was to compare the effects of 2 strategies of antiplatelet treatment (i.e., 150 mg ASA vs. 75 mg clpoidogrel) on plasma level of inflammatory markers in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with high platelet reactivity (HPR). ⋯ Increasing the dose of ASA from 75 mg to 150 mg daily or switching ASA 75 mg to clopidogrel 75 mg daily may reduce concentrations of some inflammatory markers (in particular hsCRP, IL-6 and CD40L) in T2DM patients with HPR treated previously with 75 mg of ASA.