Atrial antitachycardia pacing and managed ventricular pacing in bradycardia patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial tachyarrhythmias: the MINERVA randomized multicentre international trial.

AIMS: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common comorbidity in bradycardia patients. Advanced pacemakers feature atrial preventive pacing and atrial antitachycardia pacing (DDDRP) and managed ventricular pacing (MVP), which minimizes unnecessary right ventricular pacing. We evaluated whether DDDRP and MVP might reduce mortality, morbidity, or progression to permanent AF when compared with standard dual-chamber pacing (Control DDDR). METHODS AND RESULTS: In a randomized, parallel, single-blind, multi-centre trial we enrolled 1300 patients with bradycardia and previous atrial tachyarrhythmias, in whom a DDDRP pacemaker had recently been implanted. History of permanent AF and third-degree atrioventricular block were exclusion criteria. After a 1-month run-in period, 1166 eligible patients, aged 74 ± 9 years, 50% females, were randomized to Control DDDR, DDDRP + MVP, or MVP. Analysis was intention-to-treat. The primary outcome, i.e. the 2-year incidence of a combined endpoint composed of death, cardiovascular hospitalizations, or permanent AF, occurred in 102/385 (26.5%) Control DDDR patients, in 76/383 (19.8%) DDDRP + MVP patients [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.74, 95% confidence interval 0.55-0.99, P = 0.04 vs. Control DDDR] and in 85/398 (21.4%) MVP patients (HR = 0.89, 95% confidence interval 0.77-1.03, P = 0.125 vs. Control DDDR). When compared with Control DDDR, DDDRP + MVP reduced the risk for AF longer than 1 day (HR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.52-0.85, P < 0.001), AF longer than 7 days (HR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.36-0.73, P < 0.001), and permanent AF (HR = 0.39, 95% CI 0.21-0.75, P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: In patients with bradycardia and atrial tachyarrhythmias, DDDRP + MVP is superior to standard dual-chamber pacing. The primary endpoint was significantly lowered through the reduction of the progression of atrial tachyarrhythmias to permanent AF. CLINICALTRIALSGOV IDENTIFIER: NCT00262119.

The atrial fibrillation ablation pilot study: a European Survey on Methodology and results of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation conducted by the European Heart Rhythm Association.

AIMS: The Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Pilot Study is a prospective registry designed to describe the clinical epidemiology of patients undergoing an atrial fibrillation (AFib) ablation, and the diagnostic/therapeutic processes applied across Europe. The aims of the 1-year follow-up were to analyse how centres assess in routine clinical practice the success of the procedure and to evaluate the success rate and long-term safety/complications. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seventy-two centres in 10 European countries were asked to enrol 20 consecutive patients undergoing a first AFib ablation procedure. A web-based case report form captured information on pre-procedural, procedural, and 1-year follow-up data. Between October 2010 and May 2011, 1410 patients were included and 1391 underwent an AFib ablation (98.7%). A total of 1300 patients (93.5%) completed a follow-up control 367 ± 42 days after the procedure. Arrhythmia documentation was done by an electrocardiogram in 76%, Holter-monitoring in 52%, transtelephonic monitoring in 8%, and/or implanted systems in 4.5%. Over 50% became asymptomatic. Twenty-one per cent were re-admitted due to post-ablation arrhythmias. Success without antiarrhythmic drugs was achieved in 40.7% of patients (43.7% in paroxysmal AF; 30.2% in persistent AF; 36.7% in long-lasting persistent AF). A second ablation was required in 18% of the cases and 43.4% were under antiarrhythmic treatment. Thirty-three patients (2.5%) suffered an adverse event, 272 (21%) experienced a left atrial tachycardia, and 4 patients died (1 haemorrhagic stroke, 1 ventricular fibrillation in a patient with ischaemic heart disease, 1 cancer, and 1 of unknown cause). CONCLUSION: The AFib Ablation Pilot Study provided crucial information on the epidemiology, management, and outcomes of catheter ablation of AFib in a real-world setting. The methods used to assess the success of the procedure appeared at least suboptimal. Even in this context, the 12-month success rate appears to be somewhat lower to the one reported clinical trials.

ESC-EURObservational Research Programme: the Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Pilot Study, conducted by the European Heart Rhythm Association.

AIMS: The Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Pilot Study is a prospective, multinational registry conducted by the European Heart Rhythm Association of the European Society of Cardiology that has been designed to describe the clinical epidemiology of patients undergoing an atrial fibrillation (AFib) ablation procedure, and the diagnostic/therapeutic processes applied in these patients across Europe. We present the results of the short-term (in-hospital) analysis. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 72 centres in 10 European countries were asked to enrol 20 consecutive patients scheduled for a first AFib ablation procedure. Between October 2010 and May 2011, 1410 patients were included, of which 1391 underwent an AFib ablation (98.7%). The median age was 60 years [inter-quartile range (IQR) 52-66], and 28% were females. Two-thirds presented paroxysmal AFib and 38% lone AFib. Symptoms were present in 86%. The indications for ablation were mostly symptomatic AFib, but in over a third of patients there was also a desire for a drug-free lifestyle and the maintenance of sinus rhythm. Pulmonary vein isolation was attempted in 98.4% of patients, the roof line in 21.3% and the mitral isthmus line in 12.8%. Complex-fractionated atrial electrograms were targeted in 17.9% and the ganglionated plexi in 3.3%. Complications occurred in 7.7%, of which 1.7% was major (i.e. cardiac perforation, myocardial infraction, endocarditis, cardiac arrest, stroke, hemothorax, pneumothorax, and sepsis). The median duration of hospitalization was 3 days (IQR 2-4). At discharge, 91.4% of patients were in sinus rhythm, 88.3% of patients were given vitamin K antagonists, and 67% antiarrhythmic medication. There was one death after the ablation procedure. CONCLUSION: The AFib Ablation Pilot Study provides crucial information on AF ablation in clinical practice across Europe. These data are relevant for further improvement of the management strategies of patients suffering from atrial fibrillation.

Natural history and outcome of hepatic vascular malformations in a large cohort of patients with hereditary hemorrhagic teleangiectasia.

BACKGROUND: Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia is a genetic disease characterized by teleangiectasias involving virtually every organ. There are limited data in the literature regarding the natural history of liver vascular malformations in hemorrhagic telangiectasia and their associated morbidity and mortality. AIM: This prospective cohort study sought to assess the outcome of liver involvement in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia patients. METHODS: We analyzed 16 years of surveillance data from a tertiary hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia referral center in Italy. We considered for inclusion in this study 502 consecutive Italian patients at risk of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia who presented at the hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia referral center and underwent a multidisciplinary screening protocol for the diagnosis of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Of the 502 individuals assessed in the center, 154 had hepatic vascular malformations and were the subject of the study; 198 patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia and without hepatic vascular malformations were the controls. Additionally, we report the response to treatment of patients with complicated hepatic vascular malformations. RESULTS: The 154 patients were included and followed for a median period of 44 months (range 12-181); of these, eight (5.2%) died from VM-related complications and 39 (25.3%) experienced complications. The average incidence rates of death and complications were 1.1 and 3.6 per 100 person-years, respectively. The median overall survival and event-free survival after diagnosis were 175 and 90 months, respectively. The rate of complete response to therapy was 63%. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that substantial morbidity and mortality are associated with liver vascular malformations in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia patients.

Italian Cardiological Guidelines (COCIS) for Competitive Sport Eligibility in athletes with heart disease: update 2020.

Since 1989, SIC Sport and a FMSI, in partnership with leading Italian Cardiological Scientific Associations (ANCE, ANMCO and SIC) have produced Cardiological Guidelines for Completive Sports Eligibility for athletes with heart disease (COCIS -- 1989, 1995, 2003, 2009 and 2017). The English version of the Italian Cardiological Guidelines for Competitive Sports Eligibility for athletes with heart disease was published in 2013 in this Journal. This publication is an update with respect to the document previously published in English in 2013. It includes the principal innovations that have emerged over recent years, and is divided into five main chapters: arrhythmias, ion channel disorders, congenital heart diseases, acquired valve diseases, cardiomyopathies, myocarditis and pericarditis and ischemic heart disease. Wherever no new data have been introduced with respect to the 2013 publication, please refer to the previous version. This document is intended to complement recent European and American guidelines but an important difference should be noted. The European and American guidelines indicate good practice for people engaging in physical activity at various levels, not only at the competitive level. In contrast, the COCIS guidelines refer specifically to competitive athletes in various sports including those with high cardiovascular stress. This explains why Italian guidelines are more restrictive than European and USA ones. COCIS guidelines address 'sports doctors' who, in Italy, must certify fitness to participate in competitive sports. In Italy, this certificate is essential for participating in any competition.

Sports and arrhythmias: a report of the International Workshop Venice Arrhythmias 2009.

This article is a report of an international symposium, endorsed by the Section on Sports Cardiology of the European Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation, the Italian Society of Sports Cardiology, and the Italian Federation of Sports Medicine, which was held within the 11th International Workshop on Cardiac Arrhythmias (Venice Arrhythmias 2009, Venice, Italy, October 2009). The following main topics were discussed during the symposium: the role of novel diagnostic examinations to assess the risk of sudden death in athletes, controversies on arrhythmic risk evaluation in athletes, controversies on the relationship between sports and arrhythmias, and controversies on antiarrhythmic treatment in athletes.

Coronavirus disease 2019 infection in patients with recent cardiac surgery: does chronic anticoagulant therapy have a protective effect?

AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical course of COVID-19 in patients who had recently undergone a cardiac procedure and were inpatients in a cardiac rehabilitation department. METHODS: All patients hospitalized from 1 February to 15 March 2020 were included in the study (n = 35; 16 men; mean age 78 years). The overall population was divided into two groups: group 1 included 10 patients who presented with a clinical picture of COVID-19 infection and were isolated, and group 2 included 25 patients who were COVID-19-negative. In group 1, nine patients were on chronic oral anticoagulant therapy and one patient was on acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and clopidogrel. A chest computed tomography scan revealed interstitial pneumonia in all 10 patients. RESULTS: During hospitalization, COVID-19 patients received azithromycin and hydroxychloroquine in addition to their ongoing therapy. Only the patient on ASA with clopidogrel therapy was transferred to the ICU for mechanical ventilation because of worsening respiratory failure, and subsequently died from cardiorespiratory arrest. All other patients on chronic anticoagulant therapy recovered and were discharged. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that COVID-19 patients on chronic anticoagulant therapy may have a more favorable and less complicated clinical course. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm this preliminary observation.

Five years of catheter ablation procedures in South-Western Europe: meta-analysis of National Registries.

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency catheter ablation is a well-established approach to treating several types of cardiac arrhythmias. The aim of our study was to provide data on the diffusion of catheter ablation procedures in clinical practice through a meta-analysis of National Registries of electrophysiological procedures performed over a 5-year period, from 2000 to 2005. METHODS: We found only two national registries of catheter ablation procedures published in the journals indexed in PubMed: The Spanish Catheter Ablation Registry and the Portuguese National Registry on Cardiac Electrophysiology. In addition, we included in our analysis the data from the Italian Registry of Electrophysiological Procedures. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis revealed a steady increase in the total number of catheter ablation procedures, particularly for the ablation of atrial flutter, of tachycardia due to double nodal pathways, and of the left atrial substrate in atrial fibrillation. However, the progress of catheter ablation and the impetus for additional research and development of new approaches and technologic advances requires further data on clinical indications, methodologic approach, complications, and long-term success rate in the real world.

Radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in athletes referred for disabling symptoms preventing usual training schedule and sport competition.

INTRODUCTION: Atrial fibrillation (AF) may occasionally affect athletes by impairing their ability to compete, and leading to noneligibility at prequalification screening. The impact of catheter ablation (CA) in restoring full competitive activity of athletes affected by AF is not known. The aim of our study was to investigate the effectiveness of CA of idiopathic AF in athletes with palpitations impairing physical performance and compromising eligibility for competitive activities. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty consecutive competitive athletes (all males; 44.4 +/- 13.0 years) with disabling palpitations on the basis of idiopathic drug-refractory AF underwent 46 procedures (2.3 +/- 0.4 per patient) according to a prospectively designed multiprocedural CA approach that consolidates pulmonary veins (PV) isolation through subsequent steps. Preablation, effort-induced AF could be documented in 13 patients (65%) during stress ECG and significantly reduced maximal effort capacity (176 +/- 21 W), as compared with patients with no AF during effort (207 +/- 43 W, P < 0.05). At the end of CA protocol, which also included ablation of atrial flutter (AFL) in 7 patients, 18 (90.0%) patients were free of AF and two (10.0%) reported short-lasting (minutes) episodes of palpitations during 36.1 +/- 12.7 months follow-up. Compared with preablation, postablation maximal exercise capacity significantly improved (from 183 +/- 32 to 218 +/- 20 W, P < 0.02). All baseline quality of life (QoL) parameters pertinent to physical activity significantly improved (P < 0.05) at the end of CA protocol. All athletes obtained reeligibility and could effectively reinitiate sport activity. CONCLUSIONS: AF, alone or in combination with AFL, may significantly impair maximal effort capacity thereby limiting competitive performance. Multiple PV isolation proved very effective in these patients to restore full competitive activity and allow reeligibility.

Usefulness of nonlinear analysis of ECG signals for prediction of inducibility of sustained ventricular tachycardia by programmed ventricular stimulation in patients with complex spontaneous ventricular arrhythmias.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study was to assess the effectiveness of the nonlinear analysis (NLA) of ECG in predicting the results of invasive electrophysiologic study (EPS) in patients with ventricular arrhythmias. METHODS: We evaluated 25 patients with history of cardiac arrest, syncope, sustained, or nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (VT). All patients underwent electrophysiologic study (EPS) and nonlinear analysis (NLA) of ECG. The study group was compared with a control group of 25 healthy subjects, in order to define the normal range of NLA. ECG was processed in order to obtain numerical values, which were analyzed by nonlinear mathematical functions. Patients were classified through the application of a clustering procedure to the whole set of functions, and the correlation between the results of nonlinear analysis of ECG and EPS was tested. RESULTS: NLA assigned all patients with negative EPS to the same class of healthy subjects, whereas the patients in whom VT was inducible had been correctly and clearly isolated into a separate cluster. In our study, the result of NLA with application of the clustering technique was significantly correlated to that of EPS (P < 0.001), and was able to predict the result of EPS, with a negative predictive value of 100% and a positive predictive value of 100%. CONCLUSIONS: NLA can predict the results of EPS with good negative and positive predictive value. However, further studies are needed in order to verify the usefulness of this noninvasive tool for sudden death risk stratification in patients with ventricular arrhythmias.

Efficacy and safety of radiofrequency catheter ablation in the elderly.

INTRODUCTION: Radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation has not been widely undertaken in elderly patients. The aim of our study was to compare the success rate of radiofrequency ablation and the incidence of severe procedural complications in young-adult and elderly patients. METHODS: We enrolled all patients undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation procedures for supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias at our Cardiology Department from January 2000 to December 2005. The patients were divided into two groups according to age: patients aged <70 years (group A) and those aged >or=70 years (group B). Group B was then divided into two subgroups: B1 (age 70-79 years) and B2 (age >or=80 years). We recorded the incidence of procedural complications and the long-term efficacy (mean follow-up 46 +/- 20 months). RESULTS: We studied 605 patients, 69% in group A and 31% in group B (24% in subgroup B1 and 7% in B2). The prevalence of structural heart disease was higher in elderly patients than in young adults (83 vs 37%, p < 0.01). The rate of procedural complications was 1.3%; no differences emerged between groups A and B (1.2 vs 1.5%, p = NS) or among groups A, B1 and B2 (1.2 vs 1.4 vs 2%, p = NS). The success rate of catheter ablation was 91%, with no differences between the age-groups (92 vs 88%, p = NS) or among groups A, B1 and B2 (92 vs 88 vs 88%, p = NS). CONCLUSION: Catheter ablation in elderly and very elderly patients is as effective and safe as in young-adult subjects, at least in cases which do not require left heart catheterization.

New-generation atrial antitachycardia pacing (Reactive ATP) is associated with reduced risk of persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation in patients with bradycardia: Results from the MINERVA randomized multicenter international trial.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a frequent comorbidity in patients with pacemaker and is a recognized cause of mortality, morbidity, and quality-of-life impairment. The international MINimizE Right Ventricular pacing to prevent Atrial fibrillation and heart failure trial established that atrial preventive pacing and atrial antitachycardia pacing (DDDRP) in combination with managed ventricular pacing (MVP) reduce permanent AF occurrence in comparison with standard dual-chamber pacing (DDDR). OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the role of new-generation atrial antitachycardia pacing (Reactive ATP) in preventing AF disease progression. METHODS: Patients with dual-chamber pacemaker and with previous atrial tachyarrhythmias were randomly assigned to DDDR (n = 385 (33%)), MVP (n = 398 (34%)), or DDDRP+MVP (n = 383 (33%)) group. The incidence of permanent AF, as defined by the study investigator, or persistent AF, defined as ≥7 consecutive days with AF, was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, while its association with patients' characteristics was evaluated via multivariable Cox regression. RESULTS: At 2 years, the incidence of permanent or persistent AF was 26% (95% confidence interval [CI] 22%-31%) in the DDDR group, 25% (95% CI 21%-30%) in the MVP group, and 15% (95% CI 12%-20%) in the DDDRP+MVP group (P < .001 vs. DDDR; P = .002 vs. MVP). Generalized estimating equation-adjusted Reactive ATP efficacy was 44.4% (95% CI 41.3%-47.6%). Multivariate modeling identified high Reactive ATP efficacy (>44.4%) as a significant predictor of reduced permanent or persistent AF risk (hazard ratio 0.32; 95% CI 0.13-0.781; P = .012) and episodes' characteristics, such as long atrial arrhythmia cycle length, regularity, and the number of rhythm transitions, as predictors of high ATP efficacy. CONCLUSION: In patients with bradycardia, DDDRP+MVP delays AF disease progression, with Reactive ATP efficacy being an independent predictor of permanent or persistent AF reduction.

Effects of enhanced pacing modalities on health care resource utilization and costs in bradycardia patients: An analysis of the randomized MINERVA trial.

BACKGROUND: Many patients who suffer from bradycardia and need cardiac pacing also have atrial fibrillation (AF). New pacemaker algorithms, such as atrial preventive pacing and atrial antitachycardia pacing (DDDRP) and managed ventricular pacing (MVP), have been specifically designed to reduce AF occurrence and duration and to minimize the detrimental effects of right ventricular pacing. The randomized MINimizE Right Ventricular pacing to prevent Atrial fibrillation and heart failure trial established that DDDRP + MVP pacing modality reduced permanent AF in bradycardia patients as compared with standard dual-chamber pacing (DDDR). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to estimate the cost savings due to lower AF-related health care utilization events based on health care costs from the United States and the European Union. METHODS: Dual-chamber pacemaker patients with a history of paroxysmal or persistent AF were randomly assigned to receive DDDR (n = 385) or the advanced features (DDDRP + MVP; n = 383). We used published health care costs from the United States and the European Union (Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom) to estimate the costs associated with AF-related hospitalizations and emergency visits. RESULTS: The rate of AF-related hospitalizations was significantly lower in the DDDRP + MVP group than in the conventional pacemaker group (DDDR group; 42% reduction; incidence rate ratio 0.58). Similarly, a significant reduction of 68% was observed for AF-related emergency department visits (incidence rate ratio 0.32; P < .001). As a consequence, DDDRP + MVP could potentially reduce health care costs by 40%-44%. Over a ten-year period, the cost savings per 100 patients ranged from $35,702 in the United Kingdom to $121,831 in the United States. CONCLUSION: New pacing algorithms such as DDDRP + MVP used in the MINimizE Right Ventricular pacing to prevent Atrial fibrillation and heart failure trial successfully reduced AF-related health care utilization, resulting in significant cost savings to payers.

Prevention of syncope through permanent cardiac pacing in patients with bifascicular block and syncope of unexplained origin: the PRESS study.

BACKGROUND: Syncope in patients with bifascicular block (BFB) is a common event whose causes might be difficult to assess. METHODS AND RESULTS: Prevention of syncope through permanent cardiac pacing in patients with bifascicular block (PRESS) is a multicenter, prospective, randomized, single-blinded study designed to demonstrate a reduction in symptomatic events in patients with bifascicular block and syncope of undetermined origin implanted with permanent pacemaker. Device programming mode (NASPE/BPEG code) at DDD with a lower rate of 60 ppm is compared with backup pacing at DDI with a lower rate of 30 ppm. The end point consisted of (1) syncope, (2) symptomatic presyncopal episodes associated with a device intervention (ventricular pacing), and (3) symptomatic episodes associated with intermittent or permanent atrioventricular block (any degree). One hundred one patients were enrolled and randomized. Primary end point events at 2 years were observed in 23 patients, with a significant lower incidence in the study group (hazard ratio, 0.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.10-0.96; P=0.042). Reduction of any symptoms, associated or not with device intervention, was superior in DDD60 compared with DDI30 (hazard ratio, 0.4; 95% confidence interval, 0.25-0.78; P=0.0053). Fourteen patients developed other rhythm diseases and met class I indication for pacing. The annual incidence of rhythm disease development was 7.4%. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with bifascicular block and syncope of undetermined origin, the use of a dual chamber pacemaker programmed to DDD60 led to a significant reduction of syncope or symptomatic events associated with a cardioinhibitory origin, compared with DDI30 programming. Symptoms associated with a new onset of rhythm disease were found in 15% of the population at 2 years.

Italian cardiological guidelines for sports eligibility in athletes with heart disease: part 1.

In Italy the existence of a law on health protection of competitive sports since 1982 has favored the creation and the revision of these cardiological guidelines (called COCIS), which have reached their fourth edition (1989-2009). The present article is the second English version, which has summarized the larger version in Italian. The experience of the experts consulted in the course of these past 20 years has facilitated the application and the compatibility of issues related to clinical cardiology to the sports medicine field. Such prolonged experience has allowed the clinical cardiologist to acquire knowledge of the applied physiology of exercise and, on the other hand, has improved the ability of sports physicians in cardiological diagnostics. All this work has produced these guidelines related to the judgment of eligibility for competitive sports in the individual clinical situations and in the different cardiovascular abnormalities and/or heart disease. Numerous arguments are debated, such as interpretation of the athlete's ECG, the utility of a preparticipation screening, arrhythmias, congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathies, arterial hypertension, ischemic heart disease and other particular issues.

Italian cardiological guidelines for sports eligibility in athletes with heart disease: part 2.

In Italy the existence of a law on health protection of competitive sports since 1982 has favored the creation and the revision of these cardiological guidelines (called COCIS), which have reached their fourth edition (1989-2009). The present article is the second English version, which has summarized the larger version in Italian. The experience of the experts consulted in the course of these past 20 years has facilitated the application and the compatibility of issues related to clinical cardiology to the sports medicine field. Such prolonged experience has allowed the clinical cardiologist to acquire knowledge of the applied physiology of exercise and, on the other hand, has improved the ability of sports physicians in cardiological diagnostics. All this work has produced these guidelines related to the judgment of eligibility for competitive sports in the individual clinical situations and in the different cardiovascular abnormalities and/or heart disease. Numerous arguments are debated, such as interpretation of the athlete's ECG, the utility of a preparticipation screening, arrhythmias, congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathies, arterial hypertension, ischemic heart disease and other particular issues.

[Remarks on the guideline recommendations for cardioverter-defibrillator implantation for primary prevention of sudden cardiac Death in patients with severe ventricular dysfunction. Consensus Document of the Italian Association of Hospital Cardiologists (ANMCO)/Italian Society of Cardiology (SIC)/Italian Association of Arrhythmology and Cardiac Pacing (AIAC)]. / Considerazioni sulle raccomandazioni delle linee guida all'impianto del cardioverter-defibrillatore per la prevenzione primaria della morte cardiaca improvvisa nei pazienti con grave disfunzione ventricolare. Documento di Consenso dell'Associazione Nazionale Medici Cardiologi Ospedalieri (ANMCO)/Società Italiana di Cardiologia (SIC)/Associazione Italiana di Aritmologia e Cardiostimolazione (AIAC).

The indications for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy for the prevention of sudden cardiac death in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction have rapidly expanded over the last 10 years on the basis of the very satisfying results of the numerous randomized clinical trials that have provided the framework for guidelines. However, the analysis of clinical practice in the real world has highlighted some important criticisms in the complex process of selection-management of those patients candidates for ICD therapy: 1) approximately one fourth of all ICD implantations is not justified by clinical evidence, 2) approximately one half of patients with an indication for ICD therapy do not undergo implantation, 3) the benefits from ICD therapy do not apply uniformly to all patients, 4) the relationship between the lifesaving benefit and the potential for harm of ICD therapy is still scarcely known. The main reason for this clinical scenario can be ascribed to the guideline recommendations that are based only on few standard cut-off criteria and therefore too generic and insufficiently detailed. This does not help cardiologists in their decision-making process, and results in fear, uncertainty, and sometimes emotional choices. The aim of this consensus document is to discuss current guideline recommendations and to provide the Italian cardiologists with the most updated information to optimize the selection of patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction who should receive ICD therapy.

[Competitive sports and leisure-time physical activity in patients with coronary heart disease]. / Il cardiopatico ischemico: approccio all'attività fisica e sportiva.

During recent years, the central role of exercise in the prevention of cardiovascular disease has gradually been demonstrated, and in 2003 the consensus document of the Council on Clinical Cardiology and Council on Nutrition, Physical Activity and Metabolism on the role of physical exercise in the prevention and treatment of coronary artery disease defined sedentary lifestyle as a modifiable independent cardiovascular risk factor, responsible for 12% of total mortality in the United States and for a 1.9-fold increase in the risk of ischemic heart disease. The reduction in cardiovascular mortality and cardiac ischemic events in subjects who perform regular physical activity is mainly due to the action that exercise plays on the control of cardiovascular risk factors. In particular, physical training has proved capable of improving lipid profile, reducing blood pressure and body weight, and improving glycemic control in diabetic subjects. In patients with coronary artery disease, combined exercise training, including both aerobic activities and strength training, is currently recommended. However, physical training in patients suffering from ischemic heart disease should be carefully prescribed, in order to maximize the positive effects and minimize the risks. It is also important that physical training programs are conducted in suitable facilities, with appropriately trained staff and with technical equipment suitable to deal with any emergency situations.

[Antithrombotic prevention in atrial fibrillation: the new anticoagulant drugs]. / I nuovi anticoagulanti nella profilassi antitrombotica della fibrillazione atriale.

Thromboembolic events are the most dangerous complications in patients with atrial fibrillation, affecting the central nervous system in 93% of cases. Vitamin K antagonists have been in clinical use since the '50s for the prevention of thromboembolism. Although effective, vitamin K antagonists have several limitations that render them difficult to administer, which have prompted the need for new antithrombotic strategies. The new class of oral anti-IIa and anti-Xa agents appears to be a promising alternative to overcome these limitations.