Heart Rate Recovery Is Impaired in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

OBJECTIVE: In this study we aimed to investigate heart rate recovery (HRR) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 40 patients with IBD and 30 healthy controls were included in this study. A treadmill stress test was performed in all the patients to calculate the HRR index based on the age-specific maximum heart rate. The HRR indices were calculated as follows: HRR1, 2, 3, 4, 5 = heart rate at peak exercise - heart rate at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 min. The independent samples t test was used to compare HRR indices between the patient and control groups. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to examine the association between the duration of IBD and the HRR indices. Multivariate regression analysis was carried out to identify predictors of impaired HRR in patients with IBD. RESULTS: HRR indices at various time intervals were significantly lower in the patients with IBD than in the controls: HRR1 (1.18 ± 8 vs. 31 ± 7, p < 0.001), HRR2 (36 ± 12 vs. 51 ± 8, p < 0.001), HRR3 (46 ± 12 vs. 62 ± 11, p < 0.001), HRR4 (54 ± 7 vs. 65 ± 8, p < 0.001), and HRR5 (55 ± 13 vs. 71 ± 15, p < 0.001). Mean duration of IBD was 7.8 ± 3.6 years. In addition, there was a significant negative correlation between disease duration and HRR at the first minute (r = -0.704, p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that symptom duration (OR: 1.742, 95% CI: 1.148-2.636, p = 0.009) was an independent predictor of impaired HRR in patients with IBD. CONCLUSION: In this study, the data showed that the HRR was impaired in patients with IBDs. Hence, given the prognostic value of the test, patients with IBD should be monitored for future cardiovascular events.

Association of Left Atrial Spontaneous Echo Contrast to Uric Acid in Patients with Mitral Stenosis.

OBJECTIVES: Spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) is the presence of smoke-like echoes with a characteristic swirling motion of the blood in echocardiography. Previous clinical studies have shown that SEC is a risk factor for left atrial thrombus formation and a predictor of potential systemic embolism originating from the heart. There is an association between uric acid and prothrombotic state. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the role of uric acid in SEC in patients with mitral stenosis (MS). METHODS: A total of 85 consecutive patients with MS were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether SEC was present in the left atrium. RESULTS: There were 41 patients (mean age 46.4 ± 11.4 and 68% female) in the SEC(-) group and 44 patients (mean age 45.7 ± 7.2 and 64% female) in the SEC(+) group. High sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were significantly higher in the SEC(+) group than in the SEC(-) group (9.5 ± 4.2 vs. 4.7 ± 2.2 mg/L, P < 0.001). Uric acid was also significantly higher in the SEC (+) group (6.3 ± 1.4 vs. 4.5 ± 1.3 mg/dL, P < 0.001). In receiver operating characteristics curve analysis, uric acid >5.2 mg/dL had a 73% sensitivity and 76% specificity in predicting SEC in patients with MS. At multivariate analysis, uric acid (OR 3.919, 95% CI 1.911-8.035; P < 0.002) was an independent risk factor for SEC in patients with MS. CONCLUSION: Uric acid is independently associated with SEC in patients with MS. Our findings suggest that this inexpensive, universally available marker may be a useful biomarker for the stratification of risk in patients with MS.

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio predicts SYNTAX score in patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction.

In this study we aimed to investigate whether there is an association between the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) using the SYNTAX score (SXscore). A total of 414 patients with NSTEMI who underwent coronary angiography were enrolled in the study. NLR was measured for all patients at presentation. The study population was then divided into 3 tertiles based on the SYNTAX trial results.(1)) The low syntax group (n = 329) was defined as those with an SXscore ≤ 22, the intermediate syntax group (n = 58) was defined as an SXscore ≥ 23 and < 33, and the high syntax group (n = 27) as those with an SXscore ≥ 33. NLR was significantly lower in patients with a low SXscore compared to patients with an intermediate SXscore or high SXscore (3.7 ± 4 to 4.6 ± 2 and 7.9 ± 4, P < 0.001). Linear regression analysis revealed that NLR (coefficientß = 0.380, 95%CI: 1.165-1.917, P < 0.001) was significantly associated with the SXscore in patients with NSTEMI. Our results indicate that NLR is independently associated with the severity of CAD in patients with NSTEMI.

Atrial electromechanical delay is impaired in patients with psoriasis.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to investigate atrial electromechanical delay (EMD) in patients with psoriasis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 43 patients with psoriasis (26 mild-moderate, 17 severe) and 17 healthy control subjects were enrolled. Patients with psoriasis were divided into two groups: the mild-moderate group and the severe group according to their psoriasis area severity index (PASI) scores. Atrial EMD was measured from the lateral mitral annulus and called 'PA lateral', from the septal mitral annulus, called 'PA septal', and from the right ventricle tricuspid annulus, called 'PA tricuspid'. Atrial EMD was defined as the time interval from the onset of atrial electrical activity (P wave on surface ECG) to the beginning of mechanical atrial contraction (late diastolic A wave). All three groups were compared with each other, and correlation analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between the PASI score and interatrial EMD. RESULTS: PA lateral was significantly higher in both the mild-moderate psoriasis group and the severe psoriasis group compared to controls (69 ± 12 and 78 ± 13 vs. 60 ± 6 ms; p = 0.001). Also, PA septal (63 ± 11 vs. 53 ± 6 ms; p = 0.005, post hoc analysis) and PA tricuspid (49 ± 7 vs. 41 ± 5 ms; p = 0.009, post hoc analysis) were significantly higher in the severe psoriasis group than in the control group. Correlation analysis revealed that the PASI score was well correlated with PA lateral (r = 0.520, p < 0.001), PA septum (r = 0.460, p = 0.002), interatrial EMD (r = 0.371, p = 0.014) and intra-atrial EMD (r = 0.393, p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: Atrial EMD was prolonged in patients with psoriasis. The measurement of atrial EMD might be used to determine the risk of development of AF in patients with psoriasis.

Association of red blood cell distribution width levels with severity of coronary artery disease in patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of the levels of red blood cell distribution width (RDW) with the severity of atherosclerosis and to determine whether or not the RDW level on admission is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 335 consecutive patients with NSTEMI were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into high (n = 105) and low (n = 230) SYNTAX groups. The high SYNTAX group was defined as patients with a value in the third tertile (SYNTAX score, SXscore ≥12), while the low SYNTAX group was defined as those with a value in the lower 2 tertiles (SXscore <12). The high RDW group (n = 152) was defined as patients with RDW >14.25% and the low RDW group (n = 183) as those with RDW ≤14.25%. All-cause mortality was followed up to 38 months. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 18 ± 11 months. The RDW levels of patients were significantly higher in the high SYNTAX group than in the low SYNTAX group (15.2 ± 1.8 vs. 14.2 ± 1.2, p < 0.001). Pearson's coefficients were used to determine the degree of association between RDW levels and SXscore and also between RDW levels and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. There was a significant correlation between RDW levels and SXscore (r = 0.460, p < 0.001). Also, there was a significant correlation between RDW levels and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (r = 0.180, p = 0.001). All-cause mortality rate was not significantly different between the high and low RDW groups (log-rank, p = 0.621). CONCLUSION: RDW levels were independently associated with high SXscore but were not associated with long-term mortality in NSTEMI patients.

Heart rate recovery is impaired in patients with psoriasis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between psoriasis and heart rate recovery (HRR) index. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 50 patients with a diagnosis of psoriasis and 32 healthy volunteers were included in the study. In all patients, a stress test was performed to calculate the HRR index in a manner which aimed to reach the age-specific maximum heart rate. HRR indices were calculated in all patients and controls. RESULTS: HRR (beats/minute) indices after the 1st (HRR1, 26 ± 10 vs. 33 ± 8, p = 0.002), 2nd (44 ± 11 vs. 50 ± 6, p = 0.002), 3rd (51 ± 7 vs. 63 ± 8, p < 0.001), 4th (54 ± 7 vs. 65 ± 8, p < 0.001) and 5th (57 ± 8 vs. 70 ± 10, p < 0.001) minutes of the recovery period were significantly lower in the psoriasis group compared to healthy controls. In addition, HRR1 was significantly correlated with duration of psoriasis (r = 0.541, p < 0.001) and psoriasis area and severity index score (r = 0.511, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: HRR was lower in patients with psoriasis. Given the prognostic value of this test, patients with psoriasis might be at risk for future cardiovascular events and cardiovascular mortality.

No relevant association between coronary artery ectasia and mean platelet volume, gamma-glutamyltransferase and uric acid levels.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to investigate whether there is an association between mean platelet volume (MPV), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and uric acid and coronary artery ectasia (CAE) in a large patient population. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 406 patients (245 male, 161 female; mean age: 55±9 years) were selected retrospectively as the study population from among 3265 individuals who underwent coronary angiography between August 2011 and December 2012. Information regarding blood tests of the patients obtained during hospitalization was extracted from the institute electronic database. RESULTS: MPV, GGT and uric acid levels were significantly higher in subjects with stenotic coronary artery disease (CAD) and in subjects with both CAD and CAE compared with subjects with isolated CAE and subjects with normal coronary arteries (NCA). There were no significant differences between the isolated CAE and NCA groups in terms of MPV (8.6±1.2 fL vs. 8.6±1.1, respectively, p=0.993), serum GGT (33±15 U/L vs. 30±15 U/L, respectively, p=0.723) and uric acid levels (5.4±1.6 mg/dl vs. 5.2±1.7 mg/dl, respectively, p=0.845). CONCLUSION: Unlike previous studies, our study failed to demonstrate any association between CAE and MPV, uric acid and GGT levels.

Serum gamma-glutamyltransferase and the burden of atherosclerosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the relationship between serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels and the burden of atherosclerosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). STUDY DESIGN: This study involved 180 patients (139 male, 41 female; mean age 63±11 years) with the diagnosis of ACS (non-ST elevation myocardial infarction and unstable angina) who underwent coronary angiography on the first day after hospital admission. The burden of atherosclerosis was assessed by the number of involved vessels, and the Gensini and Syntax scores. Serum GGT levels were measured by enzymatic caloric test. RESULTS: Patients with high Syntax scores (>=33) were more frequently diabetic, hypertensive, and had higher GGT and creatinine levels compared to the patients with low Syntax scores (<=23). Similarly, patients with >=3 diseased vessels were more frequently diabetic, hypertensive, and smokers. In addition, these patients were older and had higher serum glucose, urea and GGT levels. Correlation analysis revealed that the level of GGT was significantly associated with Gensini and Syntax scores, number of diseased vessels, and the number of critical lesions (r=0.378 p<0.001, r=0.301 p<0.001, r=0.159 p=0.036, r=0.355 p<0.001, respectively). Multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that increased GGT level was an independent risk factor for high Gensini and Syntax scores (p=0.029 and p=0.035, respectively), together with age (p=0.001 and p=0.002, respectively) and serum glucose levels (p=0.017 and p=0.012, respectively). CONCLUSION: Serum GGT levels on admission are associated with increased burden of atherosclerosis in patients with ACS. This may account for the cardiovascular outcomes associated with increased GGT levels.

Dissection of the ascending thoracic aorta as a complication of percutaneous coronary intervention.

Acute aortic dissection is a medical emergency with high morbidity and mortality requiring emergent diagnosis and therapy. A 79-year-old woman with acute aortic dissection due to percutaneous coronary intervention was presented. Aortic dissection is an uncommon but potentially lethal illness that can present in an occult manner making the initial diagnosis difficult. Aggressive medical management is mandatory, as well as urgent diagnostic testing and cardiothoracic consultation.

Immediate and six months clinical and angiographic results of intracoronary paclitaxel-coated stent implantation - the Meo:DrugStar-1 study.

The study was conducted to evaluate the clinical and angiographic results of the implantation of the paclitaxel-eluting stent Meo:DrugStar ST in patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease. The Meo:DrugStar ST stent has a stainless steel stent platform with a homogenous non-biodegradable coating of paclitaxel mixed with a polyether-based biostable, monophase, and hemocompatible coating. Sixty patients with native coronary artery disease were included in the study. The Meo:DrugStar ST stents were implanted in 60 de novo lesions detected in these patients. Immediate and long-term clinical and angiographic follow-up results were evaluated. There was a high proportion of patients with hypertension (55%) according to JNC-VII. Mean stenosis ratio was 78 +/- 13 %, mean implanted stent diameter was 3.0 +/- 0.4 mm and mean length was 22 +/- 5 mm. Restenosis was detected in 4 (10%) of those patients and 11 (27.5%) of 40 patients had insignificant amount of restenosis. The results of this study indicate a potential benefit of the Meo:DrugStar ST stent for the prevention of stent thrombosis and restenosis in these relatively high-risk patients.

Is lipid lowering treatment aiming for very low LDL levels safe in terms of the synthesis of steroid hormones?

Today atherosclerotic diseases are among the most important causes of death in the world. Epidemiological, clinical, genetic, experimental and pathological studies have clearly shown the role of lipoproteins in atherosclerosis. LDL is the major atherogenic lipoprotein and has been defined as the primary target of lipid lowering treatment by NCEP. Although the level of LDL, the primary target in the treatment of dyslipidemia, has been set as below 100 mg/dl in coronary heart diseases (CHD) and CHD risk equivalents, this level has been pulled down to below 70 mg/dl for the group defined as very high risk group by the ATP (Adult Treatment Panel) guide that has been updated following the new clinical studies. As we already know, cholesterol is the precursor of glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids and sex steroids, besides being a structural component of the cell membrane. Both adrenal and non-adrenal (ovarian+testicular) all steroid hormones are primarily synthesized using the LDL-cholesterol in the circulation. In addition to this, there is 'de novo' cholesterol synthesis in both the adrenals and gonads controlled by the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme. A third pathway, which under normal circumstances has little contribution as compared to the first two, is the use of circulatory HDL-cholesterol by the adrenal and gonadal tissues for the synthesis of steroids. Our knowledge on extremely lowered LDL levels is quite limited. However, since statins both decrease circulatory LDL and inhibit de novo cholesterol synthesis, they are likely to affect the synthesis of steroid hormones.

Myocardial blush grade: to evaluate myocardial viability in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Myocardial blush grade (MBG) is used to assess myocardial perfusion in the infarcted myocardium. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the analysis of myocardial blush grade after resolution of the acute phase of myocardial infarction is useful for assessing myocardial viability. The present study is consisted of 64 patients (55 men, mean age 55 +/-11 years) who had acute myocardial infarction and nonoccluded stenosis (>50%) in an infarct-related artery. All the patients had thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI)-3 flow in the infarct-related artery on coronary angiograms. Myocardial viability was determined by single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) within the same week after coronary angiograms. MBG 0 in 5 (8%) patients, grade 1 in 10 (16%) patients, grade 2 in 23 (36%) patients, and grade 3 in 26 (40%) patients were present. Fifty-four (84%) of 64 patients showed myocardial viability by SPECT. Myocardial viability was demonstrated in 11 of 15 patients (74%) with MBG 0/1 and 43 of 49 patients (88%) with MBG 2/3. There was a weak relation between MBG and myocardial viability by correlation analysis (r = 0.28, p = 0.025). If MBG 0 and 1 are regarded as a sign of nonviable myocardium, and if MBG 2 and 3 are regarded as a sign of viable myocardium, the sensitivity of MBG for the prediction of myocardial viability was 79%, specificity was 40%, positive predictive value was 88%, and negative predictive value was 27%. MBG has a weak correlation with myocardial viability. Although sensitivity is fairly good, specificity is very low. We concluded that the diagnostic value of MBG is limited to detect myocardial viability in the infarcted region.

Does the prevalence of nasal polyps increase in patients using statins?

Several statins inhibit T-helper 1 development and induce T-helper 2 polarization and production of T-helper 2 cytokines that promote the activation and chemotaxis of eosinophils. Whether statins promote the development of nasal polyps has so far been uncertain. No studies have evaluated the frequency of the development of nasal polyps in patients using statins. To better define the relationship of statin use to the presence of nasal polyps, the investigators explored the frequency of the development of nasal polyps in patients who were using statins. A total of 200 patients who were using statins and 200 who were not using statins (400 cases) were investigated. All patients were examined for nasal polyps by anterior rhinoscopy or investigation with a fiberoptic endoscope. In addition, immunoglobulin E levels were measured, a skin prick test was performed, and the results from the 2 groups were compared. Nasal polyps were detected in 4 subjects who were using statins, whereas 5 nasal polyps were found in the control group; differences between the 2 groups were statistically insignificant (P>.05). When the atopy status of the 2 groups was compared, prick test positivity and serum immunoglobulin E levels were found to be 15% and 44+/-31 IU/mL in the statin group and 19% and 68+/-23 IU/mL in the control group (P>.05). These results show that nasal polyposis is a multifactorial disease with several different causes; however, the frequency of the development of nasal polyps does not increase in patients who use statins.

Relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and the SYNTAX score in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The extent of severity and complexity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-STEMI (NSTEMI) and possible correlations between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) have not yet been adequately studied. We evaluated the relationship between 25(OH)D levels and the burden of CAD as assessed by the SYNTAX score (SXscore) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) including STEMI and NSTEMI. METHODS: After exclusion, a total of 113 patients who were admitted to our hospital due to ACS and who were referred for undergoing coronary angiography were prospectively included. Their mean age was 63.3±18.5 years, and 80.5% of them were men. In total, 44.2% of the patients had NSTEMI and the remaining had STEMI. Blood samples were drawn at admission to evaluate serum 25(OH)D levels. CAD severity was assessed using the SXscore. Patients were classified as having low (SXscore ≤22) or high (SXscore >22) SXscores. Pearson's and Spearman's correlation coefficients were used to examine the relationship between serum 25(OH)D levels and the SXscore. RESULTS: 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in the group with a high SXscore than in the group with a low SXscore (21.0±8.0 vs. 16.7±6.8, p=0.005). Correlation analysis showed a significant correlation between 25(OH)D levels and the SXscore. Multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis was used to determine the significance of the relationship between the SXscore and 25(OH)D, parathyroid hormone, and C-reactive protein levels and eGFR. MLR analysis revealed that only 25(OH)D levels (coefficient beta, -0.217, p=0.029) was significantly associated with the severity of CAD. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in patients with STEMI/NSTEMI and that low serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly correlated with CAD severity and extent.

A new effect of acetylsalicylic acid? Significantly lower prevalence of nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus among patients receiving orally administered acetylsalicylic acid.

We aimed to evaluate effect of acetylsalicylic acid on the prevalence of nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus. Patients were orally administered a prophylactic dose of acetylsalicylic acid and then were compared with control subjects. The prevalence of nasal carriage of S. aureus was significantly lower among patients who received acetylsalicylic acid than among the control subjects (P<.001).

Holter analyses in children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy.

OBJECTIVE: The cardiac complications of adenotonsillar hypertrophy (ATH) have been investigated by many scientists by using supplemental diagnostic modalities such as echocardiography. But, arrhythmia analysis has not been studied adequately in patients with ATH. This study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of arrhythmias, heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate turbulence (HRT) analyses by means of 24 h Holter ECG monitoring in pre- and post-operative periods in children with ATH. METHODS: Twenty-five children with ATH consisting of 12 female and 13 male patients (mean age 66+/-15 months, range 24-108 months) included in this study. All children were assessed pre-operatively and at 1 month post-operatively with 24-h Holter monitoring and ECG analysis. The prevalence analysis of arrhythmias, heart rate variability and heart rate turbulence analysis was assessed. These data were compared. RESULTS: Although some ECG and holter findings such as sinusal tachycardia, Mobitz type 1 second-degree AV block improved after the operation, the prevalence of arrhythmias, HRV and HRT values were not changed significantly in post-operative period (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Measurement of HRT and HRV are attractive and easily applicable ways of non-invasive risk prediction of cardiac complications. But, these parameters have not changed significantly in post-operative period. However, ECG and 24-h Holter monitoring of electrocardiography may be useful at evaluating the prevalence of arrhythmias and determining cardiac complications in pre-operative period.

Iatrogenic left main coronary artery thrombosis during percutaneous coronary intervention.

During diagnostic angiographic procedures or percutaneous coronary angioplasty-stenting of the other coronary arteries, the overall risk for a complication related to the left main coronary artery (LMCA) is low; however, if such complications occur, they tend to be life-threatening and contribute to a large part of the total catheter-related mortality. We encountered a case of iatrogenic significant subtotal left main coronary artery thrombotic stenosis in a patient who had undergone prior percutaneous transluminal coronary artery angioplasty-stenting of the left circumflex artery. In light of the literature, an extremely rare clinical presentation of iatrogenic left main coronary artery thrombosis is discussed.

Immediate and six months clinical and angiographic results of intracoronary Ephesos stent implantation: the "Ephesos-1" study.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical and angiographic results of the Ephesos stent implantation in patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease. The Ephesos stent is a new balloon-expandable, stainless steel, tubular stent with multicellular design. METHODS: One hundred ten patients with native coronary artery disease were included in the study. The Ephesos stents were implanted in 163 de novo lesions detected in these patients. Immediate and long-term clinical and angiographic follow-up results were evaluated. RESULTS: Most of the patients had unstable angina 63.6%, and 36.7% of the lesions were type B and C. Mean lesion length was 12.7 +/- 4.7. In 62% of the patients the reference lumen diameter was < 3 mm. One Q-wave and one non-Q-wave myocardial infarction (MI) occurred due to acute thrombotic occlusion during hospital stay. The 6-month event-free survival rate was 77.3%. No patients died in the six-month follow-up period, but 2 patients had non-Q wave MI and 1 patient experienced Q-wave MI within this period. Control angiographic data was collected from 110 patients (100% of patients and a total of 163 lesions). Angiographic restenosis rate was 18.1%. Twenty-two patients with restenosis had repeated target lesion balloon dilatation. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study showed that the Ephesos stent is a safe and effective choice with a low incidence of major adverse cardiac events and restenosis rate within six months of follow-up.

The relationship between P wave dispersion and diastolic dysfunction.

We investigated the relationship between P wave dispersion, which is easily measured on the surface electrocardiogram and may be used in evaluating the risk of atrial fibrillation, and left ventricular diastolic function. There were 133 patients: 73 with diastolic dysfunction and 60 without. P wave dispersions were calculated by measuring minimum and maximum P wave duration values on the surface electrocardiogram. The relationships between P wave dispersion and the presence, cause, severity, and echocardiographic measurements of diastolic dysfunction were investigated. P wave dispersion was 53 +/- 9 ms in patients with diastolic dysfunction and 43 +/- 9 ms in the control group (P < 0.01). When patients were grouped according to stage of diastolic dysfunction, P wave dispersion was 48 +/- 7 ms in stage 1, 54 +/- 8 ms in stage 2, and 58 +/- 9 ms in stage 3. As the severity of diastolic dysfunction increased, P wave dispersion increased but the difference did not reach statistical significance (P < 0.05). When the cause of diastolic dysfunction was considered, P wave dispersion was 53 +/- 8 ms in patients with ischemic heart disease and 52 +/- 9 ms in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (P > 0.05). We conclude that P wave dispersion increases in diastolic dysfunction, but that this increase is not related to the severity or cause of diastolic dysfunction. When clinical and echocardiographic variables are taken into account, there is a weak but significant correlation only between P wave dispersion and left ventricular ejection fraction.