Heart rate variability analysis to investigate autonomic nervous system activity among the three premature ventricular complex circadian types: An observational study

Background and Objective@#Premature ventricular complex (PVC) burden exhibits one of three circadian types, classified as fast-type, slow-type, and independent-type PVC. It is unknown whether PVC circadian types have different heart rate variability (HRV) parameter values. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate differences in HRV circadian rhythm among fast-, slow-, and independent-type PVC. @*Methods@#This cross-sectional observational study consecutively recruited 65 idiopathic PVC subjects (23 fast-, 20 slow-, and 22 independent-type) as well as five control subjects. Each subject underwent a 24-hour Holter to examine PVC burden and HRV. HRV analysis included components that primarily reflect global, parasympathetic, and sympathetic activities. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to compare differences in HRV circadian rhythm by PVC type. Results. The average PVC burden was 15.7%, 8.4%, and 13.6% in fast-, slow-, and independent-type idiopathic PVC subjects, respectively. Global, parasympathetic nervous system, and sympathetic nervous system HRV parameters were significantly lower in independenttype PVC versus fast- and slow-type PVC throughout the day and night. Furthermore, we unexpectedly found that tendency towards sympathetic activity dominance during nighttime was only in independent-type PVC.@*Conclusion@#The HRV parameters are reduced in patients with independent-type PVC compared to fast- and slowtype PVC. Future research is warranted to determine possible differences in the prognosis between the three PVC types.

Cuantificación de la extrasistolía supraventricular y ventricular en el holter de 24 horas: significación pronóstica en estudios actuales / Quantification and clinical significance of supraventricular and ventricular extrasystoles in holter recordings: a review

En la actualidad existen diferencias en la interpretación y cuantificación de los extrasístoles supraventriculares y ventriculares en el Holter de ritmo cardíaco y no existe siempre una misma definición e interpretación de lo que se denomina como "escaso", "ocasional", "frecuente" o "muy frecuente". El objetivo del presente trabajo ha sido revisar las evidencias actuales y sus fundamentos en relación a la cuantificación o carga de la extrasistolía supraventricular y ventricular en un Holter de ritmo cardíaco, lo que debiera contribuir a una mayor precisión y mejor interpretación de la información cuantitativa en la práctica clínica diaria con este examen. Se revisa en la literatura el concepto de carga de extrasístoles supraventriculares y ventriculares y su relación con eventos clínicos: fibrilación auricular y accidente cerebrovascular en el caso de la extrasistolía supraventricular y mortalidad post infarto y deterioro de la función ventricular en el caso de la extrasistolía ventricular. De esta manera se cuantifica en base a la evidencia la extrasistolía supraventricular y ventricular.

Considerable differences exist in the quantification and clinical significance of both supraventricular and ventricular extrasystoles found in Holter recordings. Usually extrasystoles were classified as rare, occasional, frequent and very frequent. Current publications were analyzed regarding the frequency and clinical significance or these arrhythmias, especially in in relation to prior myocardial infarction, ventricular dysfunction, atrial fibrillation and cerebro vascular events. Tables showing limits to define the severity of supraventricular and ventricular extrasystoles are included.

Clinical comprehensive evaluation of Wenxin Granules in treatment of arrhythmia with deficiency of Qi and Yin / 中国中药杂志

This study evaluated the safety, effectiveness, economy, innovation, suitability, accessibility, and characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine of Wenxin Granules in the treatment of arrhythmia(ventricular premature beat and atrial premature beat) with deficiency of Qi and Yin. The multi-criteria decision analysis(MCDA) model was adopted, and the criterion layer and index layer were weighted by experts. CSC v2.0 was used for clinical comprehensive evaluation. This study embodies the clinical value of Wenxin Granules, promotes its safe, effective and rational use, and provides a basis for national medical decision-making. The multi-source evidence shows that the major adverse reaction of Wenxin Granules is gastrointestinal damage. According to the available studies, Wenxin Granules has controllable risk and thus is rated as grade B in terms of safety. The systematic evaluation of effectiveness shows that compared with antiarrhythmic western medicine, Wenxin Granules demonstrates improved clinical efficacy and electrocardiogram efficacy, which is supported by high-quality evidence, and thus the effectiveness of Wenxin Granules is evaluated as grade A. Economic research shows that Wenxin Granules is more economical than antiarrhythmic western medicine, which is supported by sufficient evidence and clear results, and thus the economy of this preparation is rated as grade B. The indications and contraindications of Wenxin Granules are clear and detailed to different types of arrhythmia, which, together with the precise positioning and prominent clinical innovation and industrial innovation, rates it as grade A in terms of innovation. The suitability of drug storage, prescription circulation, dosage form and course of treatment basically meet the clinical medication needs of doctors and patients, and thus the suitability of Wenxin Granules is evaluated as grade B. Because of the few restrictions and the sustainable resources of medicinal materials, the accessibility of Wenxin Granules is evaluated as grade A. The prescription compatibility focuses on the pathogenesis characteristics of deficiency of Qi and Yin, and there are more than 3 000 cases studied. Therefore, the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine of Wenxin Granules are evaluated as grade B. Based on the evidence from all the above dimensions, Wenxin Granules has the clinical comprehensive value of class A and prominent characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine. It is suggested to include Wenxin Granules into the policy results related to basic clinical medication management according to the procedure.

Ablação de fibrilação ventricular desencadeada por extrassístole ventricular da cúspide coronariana esquerda: relato de caso / Ablation of ventricular fibrillation triggered by ventricular extrasystole of the left coronary cusp: case report

INTRODUÇÃO: A ablação por cateter para FV surgiu como uma estratégia nos pacientes nos quais um batimento ectópico é identificado como gatilho. Descrevemos um caso de ablação de FV com sucesso, desencadeada por EV's com origem na cúspide coronariana esquerda (CCE). Relato de caso: Uma mulher de 73 anos com MCP dilatada não isquêmica (FEVE de 20%) e CDI implantado há 9 anos devido a FV induzida em EEF, foi admitida em nosso serviço por choque apropriado. ECG demonstrou EV's frequentes com morfologia de BRE e eixo inferior. Holter 24h revelou EV's monomórficas frequentes (19%) e 68 episódios de TVNS. A interrogação do dispositivo mostrou um episódio de EV desencadeando TV rápida que logo degenerou em FV. Realizada telemetria do CDI concomitante à gravação de ECG, confirmando que as ectopias espontâneas e as que desencadeavam os episódios de TV/FV eram exatamente da mesma morfologia. A paciente foi encaminhada para ablação por cateter. O mapeamento do VE foi realizado por via de acesso retroaórtica. A ativação mais precoce foi registrada na CCE com potenciais precedendo o QRS da extrassístole em 50ms. A energia de RF (potência 50W, temperatura 60°C) foi aplicada no VE em posição subcúspide (Fig.1), com eliminação imediata dos batimentos ectópicos. O Holter 24h foi repetido 2 meses após o procedimento e não mostrou arritmias ventriculares. A paciente evoluiu bem, com resolução dos sintomas e melhora da classe funcional. Discussão: O ECG desempenha um papel importante na identificação da origem das EV's. No presente caso, foram observadas EV's com morfologia de BRE e achados sugestivos de local de origem em VSVE / cúspide coronariana. As cúspides coronarianas esquerdas representam 5-8% do total de sítios focais de extrassístoles ventriculares. Este é o primeiro caso relatado de FV desencadeada por extrassístoles decorrentes da cúspide coronariana esquerda e com resolução completa dos sintomas e densidade da arritmia durante o acompanhamento. Conclusões: Descrevemos um caso de FV desencadeada por EV tratada com sucesso com ablação por RF. A raridade da FV relacionada à cúspide coronariana esquerda é o principal destaque deste caso.

Effect of Renal Denervation on Suppression of PVC and QT Prolongation in a Porcine Model of Acute Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Antiarrhythmic effect of renal denervation (RDN) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains unclear. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of RDN on ventricular arrhythmia (VA) after AMI in a porcine model.METHODS: Twenty pigs were randomly divided into 2 groups based on RDN (RDN, n=10; Sham, n=10). After implanting a loop recorder, AMI was induced by occlusion of the middle left anterior descending coronary artery. Catheter-based RDN was performed for each renal artery immediately after creating AMI. Sham procedure used the same method, but a radiofrequency current was not delivered. Electrocardiography was monitored for 1 hour to observe VA. One week later, the animals were euthanized and the loop recorder data were analyzed.RESULTS: Ventricular fibrillation event rate and the interval from AMI creation to first VA in acute phase were not different between the 2 groups. However, the incidence of premature ventricular complex (PVC) was lower in the RDN than in the Sham. Additionally, RDN inhibited prolongation of the corrected QT (QTc) interval after AMI. The frequency of non-sustained or sustained ventricular tachycardia, arrhythmic death was lower in the RDN group in the early period.CONCLUSIONS: RDN reduced the incidence of PVC, inhibited prolongation of the QTc interval, and reduced VA in the early period following an AMI. These results suggest that RDN might be a therapeutic option in patients with electrical instability after AMI.

Catheter Ablation for Brugada Syndrome

Brugada syndrome (BrS) is an arrhythmogenic disease associated with an increased risk of ventricular fibrillation (VF) and sudden cardiac death (SCD). To date, the standard therapy for the prevention of SCD in BrS is the use of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) especially in patients who have experienced a prior cardiac arrest or syncopal events secondary to VF. However, ICDs do not prevent the occurrence of VF but react to defibrillate the VF episode, thereby preventing SCD. Often patients with recurrent VF have to be maintained on antiarrhythmic drugs that are effective but have remarkable adverse effects. An alternative therapy for BrS with recurrent VF is catheter ablation which emerged as an effective therapy in eliminating VF-triggering premature ventricular complexes in limited case series; however, there has been a remarkable progress in effectiveness of catheter ablation since epicardial substrate ablation was first applied in 2011 and such approach is now widely applicable.

Arritmias y muerte súbita en la falla cardíaca: estratificación eléctrica de grupos de riesgo / Arrhythmias and sudden death in heart failure: electrical stratification of risk groups

RESUMEN Se presenta una panorámica de la falla cardíaca ligada a las arritmias y a la muerte súbita, que pueden coexistir, agravarse, o ser causa o consecuencia una de otra. Se discuten los signos eléctricos premonitorios que permiten estratificar riesgo en pacientes con eventos previos, con posible acercamiento a la realidad, y en quienes no los han presentado (la mayoría, los no protegidos), y resulta muy difícil o imposible establecer un pronóstico. Estos signos son numerosos, esquivos, de baja especificidad y sensibilidad, ninguno es absoluto ni despreciable, para interpretarlos se requiere una visión integral. Se discuten las extrasístoles ventriculares como predictoras y desencadenantes de arritmias, de muerte súbita y de miocardiopatía, y la utilidad de los procedimientos ablativos frente a los medicamentosos. Los signos eléctricos son buenos para identificar grandes grupos de riesgo pero no lo son tanto para, dentro del gran grupo de bajo riesgo (la mayoría), identificar los individuos de alto riesgo.

ABSTRACT In this research is presented an overview of heart failure related to arrhythmias and sudden death, which can coexist, worsen, or be cause or consequence of one another. Here are discussed the premonitory electrical signs that allow to stratify risk in patients with previous events, with a possible approach to reality, and in those who have not presented them (most of them, the unprotected ones) and where a prognosis is very difficult, or impossible, to be established. These signs are numerous, elusive, with low specificity and sensitivity, none is absolute or negligible, in order to interpret them, a comprehensive vision is required. Premature ventricular contractions are discussed as predictors and triggers of arrhythmias, sudden death and cardiomyopathy, as well as the usefulness of ablative procedures versus medications. Electrical signs are good for identifying large risk groups but not for identifying high risk individuals inside the large low risk group (the majority).

Heartbeat-based end-to-end classification of arrhythmias / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#We propose a heartbeat-based end-to-end classification of arrhythmias to improve the classification performance for supraventricular ectopic beat (SVEB) and ventricular ectopic beat (VEB).@*METHODS@#The ECG signals were preprocessed by heartbeat segmentation and heartbeat alignment. An arrhythmia classifier was constructed based on convolutional neural network, and the proposed loss function was used to train the classifier.@*RESULTS@#The proposed algorithm was verified on MIT-BIH arrhythmia database. The AUC of the proposed loss function for SVEB and VEB reached 0.77 and 0.98, respectively. With the first 5 min segment as the local data, the diagnostic sensitivities for SVEB and VEB were 78.28% and 98.88%, respectively; when 0, 50, 100, and 150 samples were used as the local data, the diagnostic sensitivities for SVEB and VEB reached 82.25% and 93.23%, respectively.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The proposed method effectively reduces the negative impact of class-imbalance and improves the diagnostic sensitivities for SVEB and VEB, and thus provides a new solution for automatic arrhythmia classification.

Is There any Relationship Between Myocardial Repolarization Parameters and the Frequency of Ventricular Premature Contractions? / Há Alguma Relação entre os Parâmetros de Repolarização do Miocárdio e a Frequência de Contrações Ventriculares Prematuras?

Abstract Background: Ventricular premature contractions (VPCs) may trigger lethal ventricular arrhythmias in patients with structural heart disease. However, this role of VPCs in healthy people remains controversial once that not enough clinical trials are available. Recently, some myocardial repolarization markers, such as Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT, and Tp-e/QTc ratios, have been reported to be useful for predicting lethal ventricular arrhythmias in various clinical disorders without structural heart disease. Objective: In this study, we aimed to investigate the relation between VPC frequent and myocardial repolarization markers in individuals without structural heart disease. Methods: This study included 100 patients who had complaints of dizziness and palpitations. Twelve-lead electrocardiography and 24-hour ambulatory Holter recordings were obtained from all patients. VPC burden was calculated as the total number of VPCs divided by the number of all QRS complexes in the total recording time. P-values < 0.05 were considered significant. Results: Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QTc ratio were significantly higher in patients with higher VPC burden than in patients with lower VPC burden, and a positive correlation was found between these markers and VPC burden. Tp-e (β = 1.318, p = 0.043) and Tp-e/QTc (β = -405.136, p = 0.024) in the lead V5 were identified as independent predictors of increased VPC burden. Conclusions: Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QTc ratio increased in patients with high VPC number. Our study showed that VPCs may have a negative effect on myocardial repolarization. This interaction may lead to an increased risk of malignant arrhythmias.

Resumo Fundamento: As contrações ventriculares prematuras (CVPs) podem provocar arritmias ventriculares letais em pacientes com doença cardíaca estrutural, no entanto o papel das CVPs em indivíduos saudáveis permanece controverso, já que não há muitos estudos clínicos disponíveis. Recentemente, alguns marcadores de repolarização do miocárdio, tais como o intervalo Tp-e e as relações Tp-e/QT e Tp-e/QTc, foram relatados como úteis para prognosticar arritmias ventriculares letais em diversos transtornos clínicos sem doença cardíaca estrutural. Objetivo: Neste estudo, o objetivo foi investigar a relação entre os marcadores de repolarização do miocárdio e as CVPs frequentes em indivíduos sem doença cardíaca estrutural. Métodos: Este estudo incluiu 100 pacientes com queixas de tonturas e palpitações. Eletrocardiografia de 12 derivações e registros de Holter ambulatorial de 24 horas foram obtidos de todos os pacientes. A carga de CVP foi calculada como o número total de CVPs dividido pelo número de todos os complexos de QRS no tempo de registro total. Foram considerados significativos valores p < 0,05. Resultados: O intervalo Tp-e e a relação Tp-e/QTc foram significativamente mais altos em pacientes com carga de CVP mais alta do que nos pacientes com carga de CVP inferior, e encontrou-se correlação positiva entre esses marcadores e a carga de CVP. Tp-e (β = 1,318, p = 0,043) e Tp-e/QTc (β = -405,136, p = 0,024) na derivação V5 foram identificados como preditores independentes da carga de CVP aumentada. Conclusões: O intervalo Tp-e e a razão Tp-e/QTc foram mais altos em pacientes com um valor mais alto de CVP. Nosso estudo mostrou que CVPs podem ter um efeito negativo na repolarização do miocárdio. Essa interação pode resultar em risco aumentado de arritmias malignas.

Reversal of Left Ventricular Function by PVC Ablation in Dilated Cardiomyopathy Patient

Premature ventricular complex (PVC) usually follows a benign course and shows good response to medical therapy. However, high burden of PVC deteriorates cardiac function and is often associated with progression into dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP). We report a case of a young patient who recovered from DCMP after PVC ablation. The patient complained of palpitations and dyspnea on exertion. Holter examination revealed an isolated PVC burden of 29%. Despite intensive medical therapy for more than a year, symptoms aggravated and PVC burden was not diminished on follow-up Holter examination. Furthermore, the echocardiogram revealed deteriorated systolic function as well as left ventricular enlargement, indicating progression into DCMP. Surface electrocardiogram indicated PVC origin in the left ventricular outflow tract. Detailed mapping at the right ventricle and left ventricle outflow tract with the aid of 3-dimensional mapping system, demonstrated PVC origin from the left ventricular outflow tract area, between the right and left coronary cusps. Radiofrequency ablation successfully abolished all ventricular premature beats. Follow-up Holter examination revealed no PVC, and the echocardiogram showed recovery to normal systolic function and chamber size. In conclusion, ablation of PVC should be considered when it does not respond to medical therapy and is associated with deterioration of cardiac function.

Management of Common Arrhythmia in the Neurological Intensive Care Unit

Cardiac arrhythmias are a common problem in the neurological intensive care unit and represent a major cause of ischemic stroke. Significant arrhythmias are most likely to occur in elderly patients. In this review, we focus on three arrhythmias: premature beats, atrial fibrillation, and QT prolongation. The goal of this review is to provide a current concept of diagnosis and acute management of arrhythmias in the neurological intensive care unit.

The change of QRS duration after pulmonary valve replacement in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary regurgitation / 소아과

PURPOSE: This study aimed to analyze changes in QRS duration and cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) following pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) in patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). METHODS: Children and adolescents who had previously undergone total repair for TOF (n=67; median age, 16 years) who required elective PVR for pulmonary regurgitation and/or right ventricular out tract obstruction were included in this study. The QRS duration and CTR were measured pre- and postoperatively and postoperative changes were evaluated. RESULTS: Following PVR, the CTR significantly decreased (pre-PVR 57.2%±6.2%, post-PVR 53.8%±5.5%, P=0.002). The postoperative QRS duration showed a tendency to decrease (pre-PVR 162.7±26.4 msec, post-PVR 156.4±24.4 msec, P=0.124). QRS duration was greater than 180 msec in 6 patients prior to PVR. Of these, 5 patients showed a decrease in QRS duration following PVR; QRS duration was less than 180 msec in 2 patients, and QRS duration remained greater than 180 msec in 3 patients, including 2 patients with diffuse postoperative right ventricular outflow tract hypokinesis. Six patients had coexisting arrhythmias before PVR; 2 patients, atrial tachycardia; 3 patients, premature ventricular contraction; and 1 patient, premature atrial contraction. None of the patients presented with arrhythmia following PVR. CONCLUSION: The CTR and QRS duration reduced following PVR. However, QRS duration may not decrease below 180 msec after PVR, particularly in patients with right ventricular outflow tract hypokinesis. The CTR and ECG may provide additional clinical information on changes in right ventricular volume and/or pressure in these patients.

Conventional Acupuncture for Cardiac Arrhythmia: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To exam the effect and safety of conventional acupuncture (CA) on cardiac arrhythmia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Nine medical databases were searched until February 2016 for randomized controlled trials. Heterogeneity was measured by Cochran Q test. Meta-analysis was conducted if I was less than 85% and the characteristics of included trials were similar.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Nine qualified studies involving 638 patients were included. Only 1 study had definitely low risk of bias, while 7 trials were rated as unclear and 1 as high. Meta-analysis of CA alone did not have a significant benefit on response rate compared to amiodarone in patients with atrial fibrillation (Af) and atrial flutter (AF) [relative risk (RR): 1.09; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.79-1.49; P=0.61; I=61%, P=0.11]. However, 1 study with higher methodological quality detected a lower recurrence rate of Af in CA alone as compared with sham acupuncture plus no treatment, and benefits on ventricular rate and time of conversion to normal sinus rhythm were found in CA alone group by 1 study, as well as the response rate in CA plus deslanoside group by another study. Meta-analysis of CA plus anti-arrhythmia drug (AAD) was associated with a significant benefit on the response rate when compared with AAD alone in ventricular premature beat (VPB) patients (RR, 1.19, 95% CI: 1.05-1.34; P=0.005; I=13%, P=0.32), and an improvement in quality-of-life score (QOLS) of VPB also showed in 1 individual study. Besides, a lower heart rate was detected in the CA alone group by 1 individual study when compared with no treatment in sinus tachycardia patients (MD-21.84 [-27.21,-16.47]) and lower adverse events of CA alone were reported than amiodarone.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>CA may be a useful and safe alternative or additive approach to AADs for cardiac arrhythmia, especially in VPB and Af patients, which mainly based on a pooled estimate and result from 1 study with higher methodological quality. However, we could not reach a robust conclusion due to low quality of overall evidence.</p>

Extrasístoles ventriculares: relación deflexión intrinsecoide / QRS para discriminar el origen / Ventricular extrasystoles: QRS intrinsiccoid deflection relationship to discriminate the origin

Introducción: las taquicardias ventriculares (TV) y complejos ventriculares prematuros (CVP) de los tractos de salida (TS) son arritmias ventriculares más frecuentes que se producen en el corazón estructuralmente sano. El manejo intervencionista con ablación es el tratamiento que en casos seleccionados ha demostrado tener mayor efectividad terapéutica; para optimizar el lugar de ablación sobre el foco de origen se han conformado ayudas complementarias a los estudios de extensión. Objetivo: proponer una herramienta para discriminar tempranamente el origen de las extrasístoles ventriculares provenientes de los tractos de salida a partir del cálculo del valor de la relación deflexión intrinsecoide/QRS medida en extrasístoles ventriculares en V6. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio de corte transversal, en pacientes con diagnóstico de CVP llevados a estudio electrofisiológico más ablación exitosa. Se midió la deflexión intrinsecoide y se relacionó con el tiempo total del QRS en V6. Resultados: a partir de los análisis de los puntos del corte se estableció un valor de la relación deflexión intrisecoide/qrs menor o igual a 0.67 para el ventrículo derecho y mayor o igual a 0.68 para el ventrículo izquierdo. El análisis de los datos registró una correcta clasificación de los pacientes en el 80% de los casos. Conclusiones: este estudio propone una herramienta corta y sencilla de aplicar, que intenta predecir el origen de estas arritmias a partir de unas mediciones realizadas en un electrocardiograma en que se muestre dicha extrasístole ventricular en V6, en donde es obtener posible origen del foco arritmogénico antes del procedimiento intervencionista.

ntroduction: outflow tract ventricular tachycardia (VT) and premature ventricular complexes (PVC) are common ventricular arrhythmias that occur in the structurally normal heart. Interventional management using ablation procedures in selected cases has demonstrated good therapeutic efficacy; diagnostic aids supplementary to extensión studies have been designed to optimize the target ablation site based on the site of origin. Objective: to propose a tool for early diagnosis of ventricular extrasystoles originating at the outflow tracts by calculating the time to intrinsicoid deflection / QRS measured in lead V6. Materials and Methods: a cross sectional study conducted in patients diagnosed with PVC who underwent an electrophysiological evaluation and a successful ablation procedure. We measured the time to intrinsicoid deflection or onset of the QRS complex to the peak of the R wave in V6. Results: the value of the intrinsicoid deflection /QRS time resulting from the cut off points analysis was less than or equal to 0.67 for the right ventricle and greater than or equal to 0.68 for the left ventricle. Data analysis provided a correct classification of patients in 80% of cases. Conclusions: this study proposes a short and simple predictive tool of the site of origin of these arrhythmias by measuring some electrocardiographic features showing said ventricular extrasystoles in V6, where it is possible to identify the site of origin of arrhythmias prior to an interventional procedure.

Association between premature ventricular complexes during exercise, long-term occurrence of life-threatening arrhythmia and mortality / Asociación entre ectopia ventricular en ejercicio, la ocurrencia de arritmias potencialmente mortales y mortalidad a largo plazo

Abstract Objective: Exercise-induced premature ventricular complexes (EiPVCs) are often considered as benign arrhythmias, although they are associated with a high risk of all-cause death in the general healthy population. However, an intermediate pathophysiological process remains unclear, particularly in patients with known cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to find an association between EiPVCs, the occurrence of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias (LACO), and all-cause mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease. Methods: This was an observational study of a cohort of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) or idiopathic cardiomyopathy (ICM). Stress testing was performed as a part of the routine cardiovascular evaluation. The occurrence of EiPVCs was evaluated during exercise testing (ET). At follow-up, long-term occurrence of LACO was evaluated. A bivariate and multivariate analysis was performed. Results: Out of the total of 1442 patients analysed, 700 (49%) had EiPVCs. During 14 years of following-up after ET, 106 LACO outcomes were observed. Long-term all-cause mortality was 4% (n = 61). A bivariate analysis showed that patients with EiPVCs had an increased risk for LACO (RR = 2.81, 95% CI; 1.9---4.3, P < .001), and for mortality (RR = 2.1, CI95% 1.2---3.4, P < .01). Occurrence of LACO was also associated with a higher mortality risk (RR = 5.7, 95% CI; 3.4---9.4, P < .001). After a post hoc analysis, LACO remained as a highly predictive variable for mortality. Conclusion: Patients with EiPVCs have a high risk of LACO and all-cause mortality. The presence of LACO could be an intermediate stage between EiPVCs and mortality in subjects with cardiovascular disease.

Resumen Objetivo: La extrasistolia ventricular inducida por ejercicio (EVIE) suele considerarse una arritmia benigna, sin embargo, ha sido asociada a mayor mortalidad en población general. Hasta hoy no se ha encontrado el proceso fisiopatológico involucrado, particularmente en pacientes con enfermedad cardiovascular. El objetivo del estudio fue establecer una asociación entre EVIE con la ocurrencia de arritmias ventriculares potencialmente malignas (APM) y letalidad a largo plazo, en sujetos con enfermedad cardiovascular. Método: Estudiamos una cohorte de pacientes con enfermedad coronaria o miocardiopatía dilatada, que realizaron una prueba de ejercicio al inicio del estudio. Inicialmente evaluamos la ocurrencia de EVIE, APM y letalidad a largo plazo y posteriormente se realizó un estudio bivariable y multivariable. Resultados: Se incluyeron 1,442 pacientes de los cuales 700 presentaron EVIE (49%). Durante 14 an˜os de seguimiento, 106 sujetos presentaron APM y la mortalidad total fue de 61 casos (4%). El estudio bivariable mostró que aquellos pacientes con EVIE tuvieron un riesgo de presentar APM de 2.81 (IC95% de 1.9 a 4.3, p < 0.001) y de mortalidad de 2.1 (IC95% de 1.2 a 3.4, p < 0.01). Los individuos con APM tuvieron mayor riesgo de mortalidad (RR= 5.7, IC95% de 3.4 a 9.4, p < 0.001). Después de un análisis multivariable, la APM continuó siendo una variable altamente predictiva de mortalidad. Conclusión: Los pacientes con EVIE tienen un riesgo elevado de presentar APM y de mortalidad a largo plazo. Los resultados sugieren que las APM podrían representar un estado intermedio entre la presencia de EVIE y la mortalidad en pacientes con enfermedad cardiovascular.

Arritmias Cardíacas en Corazón Estructuralmente Sano Diagnosticadas por Monitoreo Holter Electrocardiográfico y la Correlación Clínica en Pacientes Ambulatorios / Cardiac Arrhythmias in Structurally Healthy Heart Diagnosed by Holter Electrocardiographic Monitoring and Clinical

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las enfermedades cardiovasculares constituyen el 31 % de mortalidad en todo el mundo con relación a las diferentes causas de mortalidad. Estudios realizados señalan que una de las causas más frecuente de ingreso hospitalario por enfermedad cardiovascular son las arritmias. Sea utilizado para su diagnóstico la monitorización ambulatoria dinámica o Electrocardiográfica de Holter. Debida a la alta incidencia de arritmias en pacientes con corazón estructuralmente sano, es importante asociar la clínica con el tipo de arritmia más frecuente en los diversos grupos etarios y así poder intervenir de manera oportuna ante esta patología. El objetivo fue determinar la frecuencia, tipo de arritmias y su asociación clínica en pacientes con corazón estructuralmente sano a través del HOLTER electrocardiográfico. MÉTODO: Es un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo, en 67 pacientes que acudieron ambulatoriamente a monitorización Holter electrocardiográfica en el período noviembre 2011 a 2012 en el Hospital de Especialidades José Carrasco Arteaga, Cuenca - Ecuador. RESULTADOS: En relación a la caracterización sociodemográfica, la edad media de los pacientes fue de 43 años, (sexo femenino 64.17 %, sexo masculino 35.83 %), con mayor número de casos en el grupo etario de 18 a 64 años, la ocupación más frecuente fue de empleado privado 35.82 %, seguido de estudiantes 22.39 % y empleado público 20.89 %. Las arritmias más frecuentes fueron las extrasístoles ventriculares y supraventriculares con un 70.15 %, seguidas de las taquiarritmias (paroxismos de taquicardia supraventriculares) con 8.95 % y los trastornos de la conducción (BAV de I grado) con 7.46 %. El motivo de consulta más común fueron las palpitaciones en el 74.42 %, de los cuales el 60.47 % presentaron extrasístoles ventriculares y supraventriculares. Los que acudieron por precordialgia (4.65 %) se encontró que el 100 % presentaron taquiarritmias (paroxismos de taquicardia supraventricular). CONCLUSIONES: Se concluyó que la arritmia más frecuente registrada en pacientes con corazón estructuralmente sano son las extrasístoles ventriculares y supraventriculares, las cuales se asociaron con palpitaciones como síntoma principal. No se encontró un tipo específico de arritmia para cada grupo etario, pero coincidieron en mayor frecuencia con la presencia de extrasístole ventricular y extrasístole supraventricular. En mayor porcentaje los pacientes fueron de sexo femenino, adultos y con ocupación de empleado privado. (AU)

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases represent the 31 % of worldwide mortality if compared to other diseases. Studies indicate thatthemostfrequent cause of hospital admission for cardiovascular diseasewas arrhythmia,whichwas diagnosed by dynamic ambulatorymonitoring or ECGHolter monitor. Due to the high incidence of arrhythmia in patients with structurally normal hearts, it is importanttoassociate the clinicwith themostfrequenttype ofarrhythmiain the variousage groups so as to be able to act on time when dealing with this pathology. The aim was to determine the frequency, type of arrhythmia and it was clinical association in adults with structurally normal hearts through the ECGHolter. METHODS: It was a retrospective descriptive study carried out in outpatients who underwent ECG Holter monitoring during November 2011 to 2012 at Jose Carrasco Arteaga Specialties Hospital, Cuenca ­ Ecuador. RESULTS: In regard to the socio demographic information,theaverageage of patientswas 43 years (64.17 % female, 35.83 % male), with the highest number of cases in the 18-64 age group. The most frequent occupation was private employment (35.82 %) followed by 22.39 % students and 20.89 % public employees. The most common arrhythmias were ventricular and supraventricular extra systoles with 70.15 %, followed by tachyarrhythmia (paroxysms of supraventricular tachycardia) with 8.95 % and conduction disorders (BAV grade I) with 7.46 %. The most common reason for consultationwas palpitations (74.42%) ofwhich 60.47%had ventricular and supraventricular extra systoles. In those who were attended for chest pain (4.65 %) it was found that 100 % had tachyarrhythmia (paroxysmal supraventriculartachycardia). Conclusions : It was concluded that the most common arrhythmia registered in patients with structurally normal hearts was ventricular and supraventricular extrasystoles, which were associated with palpitations as the main symptom. No specific type of arrhythmia for each age group was found, butthey frequently coincide with the presence of premature ventricular and supraventricular extrasystoles. The highest percentage of patients was female adults who were private employees as theirlabor occupatio (AU)

Idiopathic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia: a “Benign Disease” with a Touch of Bad Luck?

Ventricular extrasystole originating from the right ventricular outflow tract or the left ventricular outflow tract are the most commonly encountered ventricular arrhythmias recorded in ostensibly healthy individuals with no evidence of heart disease. These ventricular arrhythmias have a distinctive electrocardiographic morphology. The morphology is so distinctive that it is common practice to accept the diagnosis of “idiopathic benign ventricular arrhythmias from the outflow tract” based on this unique morphology when the electrocardiogram during sinus rhythm and the echocardiogram are normal, sometimes removing the need to perform invasive tests in patients. Even if the outflow ventricular extrasystole ultimately triggers sustained ventricular arrhythmia, the resulting ventricular tachycardia (VT) will be a monomorphic VT originating from the outflow tract, which is known to be hemodynamically well tolerated. Thus, idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias originating from outflow tracts are universally considered benign. In 2005, we described a rare form of malignant polymorphic VT resulting in syncope or cardiac arrest. Here, we review the literature on this topic since the emergence of initial descriptions of this intriguing phenomenon.

Detailed Electrode Catheter Positioning is Important for the Ablation of Outflow Tract Origin Ventricular Arrhythmias

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Electroanatomical mapping using a three-dimensional (3D) system has high accuracy and improves the results of the ablation of outflow tract (OT) premature ventricular contraction (PVC) or ventricular tachycardia (VT) but imposes a considerable economic burden. Here, we compared detailed diagnostic catheterization and 3D mapping system for the ablation of OT PVC/VT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 2012 and February 2017, patients with symptomatic OT PVC/VT underwent radiofrequency ablation. Group 1 underwent detailed diagnostic catheterization (using circular and linear multielectrodes) without a 3D mapping system, while group 2 underwent diagnostic catheterization using a conventional 3D mapping system. Procedural success of PVC reduction, remaining symptoms, need for post-operative medications, and procedural time were evaluated. RESULTS: Ninety-eight OT PVC/VT cases were consecutively enrolled. The mean follow-up period was 17.7±14.5 months. Neither acute success rate (95% vs. 82%, p=0.06) nor a PVC reduction > 80% (84% vs. 87%, p=0.74) differed significantly between the two groups. The recurrence rates of PVC-related symptoms were similar (12% vs. 7%, p=0.06) between the groups, but the medication requirement for symptomatic PVC differed (12% vs. 29%, p < 0.01). The total procedure time of group 1 was shorter than that of group 2 (132±42 min vs. 157±47 min, p=0.01) and fluoroscopy time (24±15 min vs. 38±22 min, p < 0.01) and ablation time (528±538 sec vs. 899±598 sec, p < 0.01) were also significantly shortened. CONCLUSION: Detailed electrode catheter positioning is a safe and cost-effective method for the ablation of OT PVC/VT.