The relationship between mean platelet volume and resistant hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: Resistant hypertension (RH) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events.Mean platelet volume (MPV) has been shown to indicate platelet activation and is associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between mean platelet volume and resistant hypertension. METHOD: A total of 279 patientswere included in our study and divided into three groups (GroupI: seventy-eight patients with resistant hypertension, group II: seventy-nine patients with controlled hypertension and group III: one-hundred-five patients without hypertension). Routine laboratory tests and ambulatory blood pressure measurement (ABPM) were followed up in all patients. RESULTS: Of the patients in the study, 25% were female while 75% were male, and the mean age was 56.5 ± 11.8 years. The mean MPV values were found to be 9.34 ± 1.49 fL in the RHT group, 8.82 ± 0.83 fLin the controlled HT group, and 8.5 ± 0.85 fL in the normotensive individuals, and there was a significant correlation between the RHT group and the other groups (RHT versus controlled HT p1 = 0.008, RHT versus normotensive individuals p2 < 0,001). When we compared controlled HT and normotensive individuals, no significant relationship was found between MPV values (p3 = 0,157). CONCLUSION: The MPV value was found to be higher in resistant hypertensive patients compared to controlled hypertensive and normotensive patients. MPV values can be used to predict adverse cardiovascular events in RHT patients.

Masked hypertension is related to alteration of myocardial arrhythmia Parameters.

BACKGROUND: Imbalance in autonomic nervous system and impaired myocardial repolarization have been shown to increase the risk for arrhythmias in patients with arterial hypertension. This study evaluated the effects of masked hypertension on QT interval dynamicity. METHODS: The study group consisted of 108 consecutive patients with masked hypertension and 102 control subjects. Twenty-four-hour Holter monitoring was performed before anti-hypertensive treatment. CONTEC holter software was used to calculate HRV and QT dynamicity parameters. All subjects had a complete history, laboratory examination, and transthoracic echocardiography. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in age-gender distribution between patients and controls. Non-sustained VT was present in four patients (2.9%). SDNN, RMSSD, PNN50, LFnu, HFnu were significantly decreased in masked hypertension, whereas LF/HF ratio was significantly increased. QT/RR slopes over 24 hours were significantly increased in masked hypertension for QT end and QT apex (QTapex/RR: 0,15 ± 0,12 vs 0,27 ± 0,18 p < .001; QTend/RR: 0.19 ± 0.12 vs 0.35 ± 0.22, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed for the first time that masked hypertension was associated with a significant worsening of HRV and QT dynamicity parameters.

Masked hypertension is associated with end organ damage in geriatric age: Geriatric MASked Hypertension and End organ damage (G-MASH-End organ Study).

Purpose: It is a question whether masked hypertension (MH) leads to end-organ damage in the geriatric age group. The aim of this study is to evaluate the associations between MH and end-organ damage such as left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and proteinuria in geriatric population.Materials and methods: One hundred and two patients who were admitted to the outpatient clinic were included in the study. These patients were also included in the GMASH-Cog study in 2016, which examined the relationship between MH and cognitive function. All patients underwent ambulatory blood pressure measurement procedures. Cardiac functions of all patients were determined by echocardiography. Spot urine albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) was measured in all patients.Results: Forty four of 102 patients (43%) were diagnosed with MH. ACR was 9.61 mg/gr in the MH group and 7.12 mg/gr in the normal group (p = .021). In addition, left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was found to be higher in the MH group than in the normal group. Mean LVMI scores were 107.76 ± 16.37 in patients with MH and 100.39 ± 19.32 in the normotensive group (p = .046).Conclusion: MH is associated with end-organ damage in geriatric patients. Urinary albumin excretion and LVH which are the parameters of end-organ damage were significantly higher in MH patients. MH may cause end-organ damage and should not be overlooked in geriatric patients.

Increased masked hypertension prevalence in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

OBJECTIVE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disorder with important clinical consequences. Many studies have proven that hypertension is one of the most important comorbid disorders in PCOS. Masked hypertension is defined as a presence of normal office blood pressure together with abnormal results in 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). The prevalence of this condition in patients with PCOS is not well defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of masked hypertension in PCOS compared to control subjects. METHODS: Sixty patients with PCOS and 60 control subjects were enrolled in the study. All patients with PCOS and controls without a history of hypertension underwent physical examination including office blood pressure measurement, ABPM, and measurement of laboratory and anthropometric parameters. RESULTS: Mean age was 30.5 ± 6.6 in control group and 26.4 ± 7.1 year in patients with PCOS (p = .001). Twenty-four patients (40%) had masked hypertension in PCOS group whereas 11 patients (18.3%) in the control group (p = .009). Twenty-four-hour diastolic blood pressure (p = .03), daytime systolic (p < .001), and daytime diastolic blood pressure (p = .01) and nighttime systolic blood pressure (p = .01) were significantly higher in patients with PCOS compared with control group. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates increased masked hypertension prevalence in patients with PCOS. We suggest that all patients with PCOS should undergo ambulatory blood pressure monitoring for detecting masked hypertension.

Evaluation of atrial electromechanical properties in patients with masked hypertension.

PURPOSE: In this study, we evaluated the electromechanical properties of atriums in patients with masked hypertension by using tissue Doppler echocardiographic technique to predict the predisposition to atrial arrhythmias. METHODS: A total of 118 subjects were included in the study. Twenty-four-hour blood pressure monitorization (ABPM) was used to determinate the masked hypertension in the study group. Tissue Doppler imaging was used to find intra-left and -right atrial electromechanical delay (AEMD) and inter-atrial electromechanical delay. The results compared between patients with masked hypertension and without. RESULTS: There were 55 (%46.6) patients with masked hypertension and 63 (%53.4) patients without masked hypertension without any difference regarding age sex heart rate. No statistically significant difference was found in intra-right AEMD between the groups. Left ventricular end-diastolic and systolic diameters (p <0.01 vs p=0.034), left ventricular posterior and septal wall thickness (p < .01 vs p < .01), left ventricular mass index (p <0.01), left atrium volume (p = 0.02), and indexed left atrial volume (p <0 .01) were high in patients with masked hypertension Inter-AEMD (48.07 ± 11.49 ms vs 43.73 ± 8.61 p=0.02) and intra-left AEMD (24.8 ± 6.35 ms vs 21.42 ± 7.99 ms p=0.013) were significantly higher in masked hypertensive patients. CONCLUSIONS: Masked hypertension shares the same clinical outcomes like overt hypertension. Any effort must be given to prevent unwanted events in masked hypertensive patients. According to our findings we suggesting that masked hypertensive patients must be evaluated for atrial arrhythmia.

Increased rate of any retinopathy risk in patients with masked hypertension.

PURPOSE: Hypertension is a common chronic disorder with end organ damage. Hypertensive retinopathy is a response to elevated blood pressure characterized retinal arteriolar intimal thickening, hyperplasia of the intima-media end with sclerosis. There is a relationship between high blood pressure and retinopathy grade. Masked hypertension is a phenomenon of normal blood pressure in the office but high in out of office that associated with an increases risk of cardiovascular disease. In this study, we aimed to investigate retinopathy in masked hypertensive patients. METHODS: We enrolled 92 patients with masked hypertension and 87 healthy controls in to the study. We use ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) to detect the masked hypertension. Bilateral fundus examination was performed. Hypertensive retinopathy (HTRP) grading was determined according to the Keith-Wagener-Barker classification. We examined retinopathy grade in patients with masked hypertension and without. RESULTS: 55 (11.6%) participants had signs of retinopathy. Fifty (54.3%) subjects had any retinopathy in patients with masked hypertension and five (5.7%) subjects had any retinopathy in controls (p < .001). Median of KWB grade was 1 (0-4) in patients with masked hypertension and 0 (0-2) in controls (p < .001). There were a positive significant correlation between KWB grade and day-time systolic blood pressure (r = 0.460, p < .001), day-time diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.448, p < .001), presence of masked hypertension (r = 0.527, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: There was a considerable rate of any retinopathy in masked hypertension. Consequently, ophthalmoscopic examination should be as part of the care in patients who have a risk for masked hypertension.

Is tinnitus an early voice of masked hypertension? High masked hypertension rate in patients with tinnitus.

OBJECTIVES: Tinnitus is hearing a sound without any external acoustic stimulus. There are some clues of hypertension can cause tinnitus in different ways. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between tinnitus and masked hypertension including echocardiographic parameters and severity of tinnitus. METHODS: This study included 88 patients with tinnitus of at least 3 months duration and 85 age and gender-matched control subjects. Tinnitus severity index was used to classify the patients with tinnitus. After a complete medical history, all subjects underwent routine laboratory examination, office blood pressure measurement, hearing tests and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Masked hypertension is defined as normal office blood pressure measurement and high ambulatory blood pressure level. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics in patients and controls were similar. Prevalence of masked hypertension was significantly higher in patients with tinnitus than controls (18.2% vs 3.5%, p = 0.002). Office diastolic BP (76 ± 8.1 vs. 72.74 ± 8.68, p = 0.01), ambulatory 24-H diastolic BP (70.2 ± 9.6 vs. 66.9 ± 6.1, p = 0.07) and ambulatory daytime diastolic BP (73.7 ± 9.5 vs. 71.1 ± 6.2, p = 0.03) was significantly higher in patients with tinnitus than control group. Tinnitus severity index in patients without masked hypertension was 0 and tinnitus severity index in patients with masked hypertension were 2 (1-5). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that masked hypertension must be kept in mind if there is a complaint of tinnitus without any other obvious reason.

Increased masked hypertension prevalence in patients with obesity.

OBJECTIVES: Masked hypertension is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular conditions. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship obesity parameters, including body weight, waist circumference, and body mass index. METHODS: The study group consisted of 251 consecutive outpatient subjects without overt hypertension. Subjects were classified according to BMI. After a complete medical history and laboratory examination, patients' height, weight, waist circumference heart rate, and office blood pressure were recorded. All subjects underwent ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Masked hypertension is defined as normal office blood pressure measurement and high ambulatory blood pressure level. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics in patients and controls were similar. Prevalence of Masked hypertension was significantly higher in patients with obesity than controls (30.9% vs 5.7%, p < 0.001). Body mass index (33.2 ± 4.3 vs 25.1 ± 2.7 p < 0.001), waist circumference (98.5 ± 11.7 vs 86.8 ± 8.8, p < 0.001), and weight (86.5 ± 11.8 vs. 69 ± 9.1, p < 0.001) in patients with obesity were significantly higher than in patients with normal weight. Office Systolic BP (121.8 ± 4.4 vs 120.5 ± 4.78, p = 0.035), ambulatory daytime systolic BP (128.8 ± 8.9 vs 124.5 ± 7.4, p < 0.001), ambulatory daytime diastolic BP (73.9 ± 9.5 vs 71.5 ± 7.0, p = 0.019), ambulatory night-time systolic BP in patients with obesity was significantly higher than in patients with normal weight. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that masked hypertension prevalence is higher in patients with obesity than control patients. It can be suggested that predefining obesity might be helpful in early detection of masked hypertension.

Demographics, treatment and outcomes of atrial fibrillation in a developing country: the population-based TuRkish Atrial Fibrillation (TRAF) cohort.

AIMS: Although atrial fibrillation (AF) is increasingly common in developed countries, there is limited information regarding its demographics, co-morbidities, treatments and outcomes in the developing countries. We present the profile of the TuRkish Atrial Fibrillation (TRAF) cohort which provides real-life data about prevalence, incidence, co-morbidities, treatment, healthcare utilization and outcomes associated with AF. METHODS AND RESULTS: The TRAF cohort was extracted from MEDULA, a health insurance database linking hospitals, general practitioners, pharmacies and outpatient clinics for almost 100% of the inhabitants of the country. The cohort includes 507 136 individuals with AF between 2008 and 2012 aged >18 years who survived the first 30 days following diagnosis. Of 507 136 subjects, there were 423 109 (83.4%) with non-valvular AF and 84 027 (16.6%) with valvular AF. The prevalence was 0.80% in non-valvular AF and 0.28% in valvular AF; in 2012 the incidence of non-valvular AF (0.17%) was higher than valvular AF (0.04%). All-cause mortality was 19.19% (97 368) and 11.47% (58 161) at 1-year after diagnosis of AF. There were 35 707 (7.04%) ischaemic stroke/TIA/thromboembolism at baseline and 34 871 (6.87%) during follow-up; 11 472 (2.26%) major haemorrhages at baseline and 10 183 (2.01%) during follow-up, and 44 116 (8.69%) hospitalizations during the follow-up. CONCLUSION: The TRAF cohort is the first population-based, whole-country cohort of AF epidemiology, quality of care and outcomes. It provides a unique opportunity to study the patterns, causes and impact of treatments on the incidence and outcomes of AF in a developing country.

A real world data of dabigatran etexilate: multicenter registry of oral anticoagulants in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia. Dabigatran etixalate (DE) is one of the new oral anticoagulant drugs being used in nonvalvular AF (NVAF). There is no adequate real world data in different populations about DE. The aim of this registry was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DE Consecutive NVAF patients treated with warfarin or both DE doses were enrolled during 18 months study period. The patients were re-evaluated at regular 6-month intervals during the follow-up period. During the follow-up period outcomes were documented according to RELY methodology A total of 555 patients were analyzed. There was no significant difference in ischemic stroke rates (p = 0.73), death rates (p = 0.15) and MI rates (p = 0.56) between groups. The rate of major bleeding was significantly higher in warfarin and dabigatran 150 mg group than dabigatran 110 mg (p < 0.001). Intracranial bleeding rate and relative risk were significantly lower in dabigatran 110 mg group than warfarin group (p = 0.004). Dyspepsia was significantly higher in both DE doses than warfarin (p = 0.004) Both DE doses are as effective as warfarin in reducing stroke rates in NVAF patients, without increasing MI rates. Intracranial bleeding rates are significantly lower in warfarin than both doses of DE and gastrointestinal bleeding risk increases with increased DE doses.

Assessment of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I) level in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis.

OBJECTIVES: Insulin-like growth factor-1 may serve some regulatory function in the immune system. Rheumatic mitral stenosis is related to autoimmune heart valve damage after streptococcal infection. The aim of this study was to assess the level of insulin-like growth factor-1 and its correlation with the Wilkins score in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis. METHODS: A total of 65 patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis and 62 age- and sex-matched control subjects were enrolled in this study. All subjects underwent transthoracic echocardiography. The mitral valve area and Wilkins score were evaluated for all patients. Biochemical parameters and serum insulin-like growth factor-1 levels were measured. RESULTS: Demographic data were similar in the rheumatic mitral stenosis and control groups. The mean mitral valve area was 1.6±0.4 cm2 in the rheumatic mitral stenosis group. The level of insulin-like growth factor-1 was significantly higher in the rheumatic mitral stenosis group than in the control group (104 (55.6-267) versus 79.1 (23.0-244.0) ng/ml; p=0.039). There was a significant moderate positive correlation between insulin-like growth factor-1 and thickening of leaflets score of Wilkins (r=0.541, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that serum insulin-like growth factor-1 levels were significantly higher in the rheumatic mitral stenosis group compared with control subjects and that insulin-like growth factor-1 level was also correlated with the Wilkins score. It can be suggested that there may be a link between insulin-like growth factor-1 level and immune pathogenesis of rheumatic mitral stenosis.

Evaluation of correlation between aortic elastic parameters and atrial electromechanical abnormalities in hypertensive patients.

OBJECTIVES: Arterial hypertension leads to instability and heterogeneity in atrial conduction by these hemodynamic and morphological changes in heart and aorta. These changes can be evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation of aortic elastic parameters and atrial electromechanical delay (AEMD) parameters in patients with hypertension. METHODS: Eighty-one hypertensive patients and 55 control subjects were included in the study. All subjects underwent transthoracic echocardiography for detecting aortic elastic parameters and AEMD parameters. RESULTS: There was no difference between HT and control groups regarding age and gender. Aortic strain (8.1 ± 4.3% vs. 10.3 ± 5.1%, P = 0.008) and aortic distensibility (0.35 ± 0.18 cm(2) /dyn vs. 0.45 ± 0.23 cm(2) /dyn, P = 0.003) were decreased in hypertensive patients than in controls. Intra-left AEMD (25.5 ± 7.3 vs. 21.8 ± 9.2 P < 0.009) was significantly higher in hypertensive patients compared to control subjects. No statistically significant difference was found in intra-right AEMD and inter-AEMD between the groups. There was a positive significant moderate correlation between aortic strain and intra-left AEMD (r = 0.501, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that intra-left AEMD was increased in hypertensive patients and aortic elastic parameters was correlated with intra-left AEMD. These findings may be related to similar structural and functional changes in heart and aorta in hypertension.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are correlated with mitral valve calcification score in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Rheumatic mitral stenosis (RMS) is a chronic disease related to autoimmune heart valve damage after streptococcal infection. Epidemiological evidence supports an association between vitamin D and the susceptibility and severity of autoimmune disorders. The study aim was to assess the serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and their correlation with Wilkins calcification score in patients with RMS. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with RMS and 29 healthy age- and gender-matched controls were enrolled in the study. All subjects underwent transthoracic echocardiography after a complete medical evaluation and laboratory examination. The planimetric mitral valve area and Wilkins score were evaluated for all patients, and biochemical parameters and serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and calcitriol were determined. RESULTS: The mean patient age was similar in the RMS and control groups (50 +/- 10 versus 52 +/- 10 years; p = NS). The serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D was significantly lower in RMS patients than in controls (8.6 ng/ml; range: 4.9-26.3 ng/ml versus 12.3 ng/ml; range: 4-158 ng/ml; p = 0.031). A significantly moderate inverse correlation was identified between the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and the Wilkins score (r = -0.567, p < 0.001), but no correlation was identified between 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and other echocardiographic parameters of mitral stenosis. The serum level of calcitriol was also significantly lower in RMS patients than in controls (19.8 pg/ml; range: 16.0-54.6 pg/ml versus 26.1 pg/ml; range: 13.2-47.0 pg/ml; p = 0.013). CONCLUSION: The study results showed that serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D were significantly lower in RMS patients than in controls, and also correlated with the Wilkins calcification score. Thus, a link may exist between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and the calcification process in RMS.

Elevation of B-type natriuretic peptide level in asymptomatic hepatitis B virus-positive patients is not associated with abnormalities of cardiac function.

OBJECTIVES: To compare B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and echocardiographic parameters in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and healthy control subjects. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 52 consecutive patients with HBV and 47 healthy controls were examined. All subjects underwent transthoracic echocardiography after a complete medical history and laboratory examination including BNP, C-reactive protein (CRP) and high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP). RESULTS: Demographic characteristics were similar in patients with HBV and the control group. No significant difference was found in conventional Doppler and tissue Doppler parameters between the two groups. BNP levels were significantly higher in patients with HBV [6.5 ng/l (range 0.5-85.2)] than controls [4.3 ng/l (range 0.5-18.3)], p = 0.039. hsCRP [3.25 mg/l (0.02-40.2) vs. 0.5 mg/l (0.02-8.0)] levels were significantly higher in patients with HBV than control subjects (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients with HBV had higher BNP, CRP, and hsCRP levels than controls. Echocardiographic findings were similar in both groups. This slight BNP elevation in HBV patients may be related to chronic inflammation due to HBV.

The metabolic syndrome is associated with complicated gallstone disease.

BACKGROUND: Gallstone disease (GD) is a common condition worldwide. Several studies demonstrated that the presence of gallstones is strongly associated with cardiovascular disease. The metabolic syndrome is a highly prevalent cardiovascular condition. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between complicated GD (CGD) and the metabolic syndrome or its components. METHODS: Two hundred seventeen patients with gallstones were examined. All patients underwent biliary ultrasonography after a complete medical history and laboratory examination. Data collection for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome included measurements of waist circumference, blood pressure and lipids, and biochemical tests. RESULTS: Of the 217 patients examined, 115 patients (53%) had CGD and 102 patients (47%) had uncomplicated GD (UCGD). There was a significant difference between the number of patients with large gallstones in the CGD and UCGD groups (n=14 [12%] versus n=2 [2%], respectively; P=0.004). Metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus and large waist circumference were more prevalent in the CGD group than in the UCGD group. Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance scores were higher in the CGD group than in UCGD group (2.51 [95% CI 0.57 to 23.90] versus 2.20 [95% CI 0.09 to 8.87], respectively; P=0.032). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of metabolic syndrome (OR 1.434; 95% CI 1.222 to 1.846, P=0.014), diabetes mellitus (OR 1.493; 95% CI 1.255 to 1.953; P=0.035) and large gallstones (OR 1.153; 95% CI 1.033 to 1.714; P=0.017) were independent predictors of CGD. CONCLUSION: Results of the present study demonstrated that metabolic syndrome, diabetes and gallstone size were associated with CGD. Further prospective studies are needed to understand the clinical importance of this association.

Long-term effect of masked hypertension management on cognitive functions in geriatric age: geriatric MASked hypertension and cognition follow-up study (G-MASH-cog MONITOR).

OBJECTIVES: Masked hypertension, defined as nonelevated clinic blood pressure with elevated out of clinic blood pressure, has been associated with increased cardiovascular events, mortality and cognitive impairment. No evidence exists regarding the effect of treating masked hypertension. In this study, we followed-up the patients in the G-MASH-cog study for 1 year and aimed to examine the effect of the management of masked hypertension on cognitive functions. METHODS: The G-MASH-cog study participants were followed-up for 1 year. In masked hypertensive individuals, lifestyle modification and antihypertensive treatment (perindopril or amlodipine) were initiated for blood pressure control. Measurements of cognitive tests and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring at baseline and at 1-year follow-up were compared. RESULTS: A total of 61 patients (30 in masked hypertension group; 31 in normotensive group) were included. Mean age was 72.3 ± 5.1 and 59% of the participants were female. Compared with baseline ambulatory blood pressure measurement results, patients with masked hypertension had significantly lower ambulatory blood pressure measurement results after 1-year follow-up. The quick mild cognitive impairment test (Q-MCI-TR) score increased with antihypertensive treatment (Q-MCI score at baseline = 41(19-66.5), at 1 year = 45.5 (22-70), P = 0.005) in masked hypertensive patients. In the final model of the mixed-effects analysis, when adjusted for covariates, interaction effect of the masked hypertension treatment with time was only significant in influencing the changes in Q-MCI scores over time in patients aged between 65 and 74 years (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of masked hypertension in older adults was associated with improvement in cognitive functions.

Parasympathetic overactivity in patients with nasal septum deformities.

Nasal septum deformities (NSD) are one of the most frequent reasons for nasal obstruction presented with a reduction in nasal airflow and chronic mucosal irritation. Nasocardiac reflex which includes afferent stimulus with maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve and the efferent pathway of the heart via the vagus nerve is not a well-known part of autonomic nervous system (ANS). Heart rate variability (HRV) is a parameter reflecting the ANS activity on heart. The purpose of this study is to evaluate ANS functions in patients with NSD by HRV analysis. Twenty-nine patients with NSD and 26 control subjects were included in the study. The diagnosis of NSD was made with history, symptoms, anterior rhinoscopy, and nasal endoscopic examination. 24-h ambulatory electrocardiographic recording was performed by a 3-channel recorder. HRV parameters were obtained by analyzing these parameters. Baseline features were similar in patients and controls (mean age: 31 ± 8 in the patients, 32 ± 9 in control subjects; P = NS). Night-RMSSD (the square root of square of mean square differences of successive NN intervals) (47 ± 21, 34 ± 13; P = 0.008), night-PNN50 (the number of interval differences of successive NN intervals greater than 50 ms) (24 ± 16, 14 ± 10; P = 0.007), 24-h-RMSSD (39 ± 18, 27 ± 12; P = 0.004), and 24-h-PNN50 (16 ± 12, 9 ± 7; P = 0.016) were significantly higher in patients than controls. Other HRV parameters were not significantly different between two groups. Changes in these parameters demonstrated an increased parasympathetic tone and discordance in sympatho-vagal activity in NSD.

Increased levels of 25 hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D after rosuvastatin treatment: a novel pleiotropic effect of statins?

OBJECTIVES: Low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D are associated with higher risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Large trials demonstrated that statins significantly decrease cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. 7-dehydrocholesterol is the precursor of both cholesterol and vitamin D. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effect of rosuvastatin on vitamin D metabolism. METHODS: The study was performed in a prospective cohort design. The study group consisted of 91 hyperlipidemic patients who had not been treated with lipid lowering medications. Lipid parameters, 25 hydroxyvitamin-D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and bone alkaline phosphatase were obtained at baseline and after 8 weeks of rosuvastatin treatment. RESULTS: None of the subjects withdrew from the study because of the adverse effects. The mean age was 59.9 +/- 12.5 years. The majority of the patients were male (55, 60%). Seventeen patients were diabetic, and 43 patients had systemic hypertension. There was a significant increase in 25-hydroxyvitamin D, from mean 14.0 (range 3.7- 67) to mean 36.3 (range 3.8 -117) ng/ml (p < 0.001), and also an increase of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D from mean 22.9 +/- 11.2 to 26.6 +/- 9.3 pg/dl (p = 0.023). Bone alkaline phosphatase decreased after 8 weeks of rosuvastatin treatment, mean 17.7 (range 2.6-214) to mean 9.5 (range 2.3-19.1) u/l (p < 0.001) rosuvastatin treatment. CONCLUSION: This study has shown an effect of rosuvastatin on vitamin D metabolism, with an increase in both 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. This may be an important pleiotropic effect whereby rosuvastatin reduces mortality in patients with coronary artery disease. Further studies are needed to clarify the relationship between statins and vitamin D metabolism.

The relationship between updated Sydney System score and LDL cholesterol levels in patients infected with Helicobacter pylori.

OBJECTIVES: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) chronically infects the human stomach and may cause extra-gastrointestinal diseases. The role of H. pylori in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and its effect on lipids remains controversial. The aim of this study was to examine lipid levels in patients with and without H. pylori infection. METHODS: A total of 244 consecutive patients who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy were included in this study. Patients receiving statin and fibrate therapy and diabetic patients were excluded. Biopsies from each individual were taken and analyzed for H. pylori detection using ultrastructural methods. Patients were divided into two groups: H. pylori (+) (group 1) and H. pylori (-) (group 2). Total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglyceride levels were measured in all subjects. RESULTS: A total of 163 patients were included in group 1 and 81 patients were included in group 2. Frequency of H. pylori was 67% in the study population. Total cholesterol (204 +/- 39 mg/dl versus 189 +/- 42 mg/dl, respectively; P = 0.007) and LDL-C (128 +/- 30 mg/dl versus 116 +/- 32 mg/dl, respectively; P = 0.003) were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2. Updated Sydney classification score showed a positive correlation with LDL-C (r = 0.333, P < 0.001) and TC (r = 0.288, P < 0.001) levels. CONCLUSION: Increased levels of TC and LDL-C were found in patients infected with H. pylori, and updated Sydney System score showed a positive correlation with LDL-C and TC levels. These findings may explain why H. pylori infection is associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis.

Decreasing brain natriuretic peptide levels after treatment for hyperthyroidism.

BNP are produced in ventricular cardiomyocytes, and secreted in response to volume expansion or pressure overload. The purpose of this study was to assess BNP levels in patients with hyperthyroidism before specific treatment for hyperthyroidism and after euthyroidism was achieved. The study was performed in a prospective design. The study population consisted of 48 consecutive newly diagnosed untreated overt hyper-thyroid patients who had not been treated any anti-thyroid medications before. All subjects underwent transt-horacic echocardiography. Levels of fT3, fT4, TSH and BNP were measured before the onset of the treatment and after euthyroidism was achieved. A significant decrease in BNP (102.5 (6.7-1769) ng/L vs. 5.0 (0.1-87.0) ng/L p< 0.001) levels were observed, after euthyroidism was achieved. The decrease in BNP levels was posi-tively correlated with the decrease in fT3 (r=0.298; p=0.049) and fT4 (r=0.313; p=0.030). There was no cor-relation between BNP levels and TSH levels (p=NS). We conclude that hyperthyroidism may cause high BNP measurements which can lead to misdiagnosis of congestive heart failure. We suggest that thyroid hormones should be checked in patients with high levels of BNP.