Paraoxonase-1, a novel link between periodontitis and ischemic heart disease: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease and might be a potential risk factor for ischemic heart disease (IHD). However, the link between periodontitis and atherosclerosis is not yet fully understood. Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) is a new biomarker representing both anti-atherosclerotic and antioxidant activity, which also acts against dental biofilm formation and periodontitis. The possible contributing role of PON-1 in the relationship between periodontitis and atherosclerosis has not been studied to date. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate the serum level of PON-1 with regard to the periodontal status in IHD patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this case-control study, 67 patients with IHD underwent a periodontal examination and were accordingly allocated to one of the 2 study groups: the case group with chronic periodontitis (n = 36); or the control group with a healthy periodontium (n = 31). Serum PON-1 activity was measured by means of colorimetric analysis. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of demographic data, cardiac risk factors, initial biochemical test results, cardiac pump function, and the number of grafted vessels. The activity of PON-1 in cardiac patients suffering from periodontitis was significantly lower than in cardiac patients with a healthy periodontal status (53.01 ±7.53 U/mL and 59.11 ±9.95 U/mL, respectively; p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: This finding suggests that the combination of IHD and periodontitis is associated with lower PON-1 activity. Further studies might be required to assess the possible role of periodontal treatment in increasing PON-1 activity and reducing IHD severity.

Are women more susceptible to ischemic heart disease compared to men? A literature overview.

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is known as the leading cause of death in both genders. Moreover, significant sex differences were found in cardiac structure, function, pathophysiology, presentation, treatment, and outcome of IHD. The presence of unique risk factors such as exposure to menarche and pregnancy, more anemia, hypertension, and autoimmune disorders in women have recently received attention. Ischemic symptoms are more indefinite and vague in women compared to men as well as a delay in diagnosis, treatment, and worse outcomes compared to men. Women usually receive less evidence-based treatment and intervention, with less concern on preventive health care. Clinical trials primarily recruit male patients and women are underrepresented. Without any correct diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, these problems are accumulated and continue up to older age. Accordingly, with the belief of longer life in women and the increased prevalence of IHD with aging, it will become an important public health problem and concern in the future. This narrative review aimed to provide an overview of some of the differences between the two genders in terms of IHD with paying more attention to practical points.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Trial of High-Dose, Short-Term Vitamin D Administration in the Prevention of Acute Kidney Injury after Cardiac Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) after cardiac surgery is a relatively common complication affecting short- and long-term survival. The renoprotective effect of vitamin D (VitD) has been confirmed in several experimental models. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of high-dose VitD administration in patients with VitD insufficiency on the incidence of postoperative AKI, the urinary level of tubular biomarkers, and serum anti-inflammatory biomarker after coronary artery bypass graft. DESIGN AND METHOD: In this randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial, the patients were randomly allocated to either the VitD group (n = 50), receiving 150,000 IU VitD tablets daily for 3 consecutive days before surgery or the control group (n = 61), receiving placebo tablets. RESULTS: There was no difference in the incidence of postoperative AKI between the groups. Both of the urinary levels of interleukin-18 and kidney injury molecule-1 were significantly increased after the operation (p < 0.001, for both). Also, the serum level of interleukin-10 was increased after 3 days of VitD supplementation (p = 0.001). In comparison with the control group, it remained on a higher level after the operation (p < 0.001) and the next day (p = 0.03). The patients with AKI had more postoperative bleeding and received more blood transfusion. CONCLUSION: VitD pretreatment was unable to impose any changes in the incidence of AKI and the urinary level of renal biomarkers. However, high-dose administration of VitD may improve the anti-inflammatory state before and after the operation. Further studies are needed to assess the renoprotective effect of VitD on coronary surgery patients.

Vitamin D Treatment Attenuates Heart Apoptosis After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D plays an important role in immune system and in the regulation of inflammatory cytokines. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with an extensive inflammatory response. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of vitamin D treatment on the apoptosis and inflammatory changes developed after CABG. METHODS: This trial was conducted on 70 patients undergoing CABG with CPB. Patients were randomly administered either in placebo or in the group of orally consuming 150 000 IU vitamin D daily for 3 consecutive days before surgery. The right atrium sample was taken to assess caspases 2, 3, and 7 activity using immunohistochemistry method. The serum level of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) were compared at intervals. RESULTS: The average number of positive cells for caspases 2 and 3 were less in vitamin D group (P = .006 and P < .001, respectively). There was an increase in serum levels of IL-10 after 3 days from vitamin D treatment before surgery (vitamin D group = 4.4 ± 4.9 ng/mL and control group = 1 ± 0.5 ng/mL, P = .001). After operation, IL-10 increased in both groups, higher level in vitamin D group (P < .001). The comparison of serum IGF-1 showed significant difference after 3 days (P = .006) and remained higher in vitamin D group after CPB (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest the apoptosis rate after CPB can be reduced by vitamin D. Vitamin D treatment may improve the inflammatory status before and after surgery. Further studies are needed to confirm the antiapoptotic property of vitamin D and clinical implication.

The Effect of Erythropoietin Administration on the Serum Level of YKL-40, pro-BNP and IL-6 in Coronary Surgery Patients.

Cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic clamping evokes the obligatory global myocardial ischemia and dysfunction with a significant inflammatory response. The discrepancy about cardioprotective effects of erythropoietin still exist. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical immunomodulatory effects of Erythropoietin (EPO) on serum inflammatory biomarkers (YKL-40, IL-6) and cardiac biomarkers, (pro-BNP, CK-MB and troponin). In this randomized double blind clinical trial, 132 patients admitted for elective coronary surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB) were randomly assigned in one of three groups: 1-group EPO-A (n = 35) infusion of 300 IU/Kg EPO after anesthesia induction and before undergoing CPB; 2- group EPO-CPB (n = 31) the same intervention during CPB; 3- placebo group (n = 66) saline infusion in the same volume. Cardiac enzymes and serum biomarkers were measured at intervals. There was a sharp increase in serum YKL-40 with a 24 h delay after CPB in all groups without significant difference. The increase in serum IL-6 was significant in EPO-CPB group compared with both other groups (p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). Serum pro-BNP reached maximum level 24 h after operation in all groups; in group A significantly less than others (p = 0.008). CK-MB increased significantly in all groups (p < 0.001), less prominently in CPB-A group (p = 0.03). EPO administration before induced ischemia may be cardioprotective in terms of cardiac biomarkers in patients undergoing CABG with CPB.

Monetary Value of Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALY) among Patients with Cardiovascular Disease: a Willingness to Pay Study (WTP).

The aim of this study was to estimate the monetary value of a QALY among patients with heart disease and to identify its determinants. A cross-sectional survey was conducted through face-to-face interview on 196 patients with cardiovascular disease from two heart hospitals in Tehran, Iran, to estimate the value of QALY using disaggregated and aggregated approaches. The EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) questionnaire, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Time Trade-Off (TTO) and contingent valuation WTP techniques were employed, first to elicit patients' preferences and then, to estimate WTP for QALY. The association of patients' characteristics with WTP for QALY, was assessed through Heckman selection model. The Mean willingness to pay per QALY, estimated by the disaggregated approach ranged from 2,799 to 3599 US dollars. It is higher than the values, estimated from aggregated methods (USD 2,256 to 3,137). However, in both approaches, the values were less than one Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita of Iran. Significant variables were: Current health state, education, age, marital status, number of comorbidities, and household's cost group. Our results challenge two major issues: the first, is a policy challenge which concerns the WHO recommendation to use less than 3 GDP per capita as a cost-effectiveness threshold value. The second, is an analytical challenge related to patients with zero QALY gain. More scrutiny is suggested on the issue of how patients with full health state valuation should be dealt with and what arbitrary value could be included in the estimation value of QALY when the disaggregated approach used.

The Use of Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography in Thoracic Aortic Dissection Due to Chronic Cocaine Abuse.

INTRODUCTION: Aortic dissection is a life threatening disease and is usually accompanied by a high rate of mortality and morbidity. Here we present a case report in which intraoperative tranesophageal echocardiography was used for intraoperative assessments of thoracic aortic dissection due to cocaine abuse. CASE PRESENTATION: A 45- year- old male was admitted to a university hospital due to severe chest pain. He was suffering from severe excruciating chest pain that had started after a psychological stress, leading to heavy cocaine abuse. He was admitted to the emergency department of the hospital, and was then transferred to the cardiac care unit to control the chest pain. The patient underwent emergent surgery. After induction of anesthesia, tranesophageal echocardiography probe was introduced gently and a full exam was done. The surgeon decided to perform a classic Bentall procedure. Cardiopulmonary bypass was started. Everything was acceptable, but bleeding was uncontrolled. The surgical team could not control the bleeding, and he passed away due to bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: This case report stresses the use of IOTEE as a means for more accurate diagnosis of the lesion under general anesthesia, especially when there is not time to do preoperative TEE, or when bedside echocardiography does not give us adequate data.

Assessment of the effect of off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgery on right ventricle function using strain and strain rate imaging.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricle function significantly decreases after coronary artery bypass surgery; as one of the likely causes, such a condition is attributed to the use of cardiopulmonary pump (CPB). Because nowadays there is a tendency toward increasing use of off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgery, this study was conducted to evaluate the right ventricle function after this type of surgery using strain and strain rate imaging (SRI) echocardiography. METHODS: This study was conducted on 30 patients, candidate for elective OPCAB surgery, between 2011 and 2012. Standard echocardiography was performed before the surgery and the right ventricle function was examined using strain and SRI echocardiography. Then patient underwent surgery, 6 days and 3 months after surgery they underwent echocardiography again and the results obtained from the three stages were compared with each other. RESULTS: Participants included 30 patients (23 males and 7 females) with a mean age of 66±11 years. Compared to the prior of the surgery, 6 days and 3 months after the surgery there was a significant decrease in tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) at the lateral annulus of tricuspid valve, and strain and SRI of right ventricle. However, the values obtained 3 months after surgery were significantly higher than those obtained after 6 days. In other words, the right ventricle function 6 days after the surgery had dropped, however some of the values recovered 3 months after the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study are consistent with other studies in this field and showed that after coronary artery surgery a decline occurs in right ventricular function. However, more detailed quantitative strain and SRI parameters which were measured in our study showed that at the early days after the OPCAB surgery there is a decline in the right ventricle function which is relatively reversible at longer intervals (3 months after surgery).

Guillain-Barré Syndrome after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: a Case Report.

Guillain-Barre syndrome is a neurologic disorder that may appear after infection or major surgery. Guillain-Barré syndrome following cardiac surgery is rare and only based on case reports, and we review all of the published cases. A 52-year-old man after 5 months suffering from chest pain was referred to our hospital and underwent coronary artery bypass graft for 3 vessel disease. The patient was discharged without complication on the 5th postoperative day. He presented Guillain-Barré syndrome after 12 months. He has not completely recovered weakness of upper extremities grade 4/5 with atrophy of both upper extremities remains after 18 months. This disorder is similar to classic GBS. It is important to be alert to de novo autoimmune neurological disorders after cardiac surgery. These disorders are similar to classic autoimmune disease and treated with standard therapies.

The effect of methylprednisolone treatment on fibrinolysis, thecoagulation system, and blood loss in cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The purpose of this study was to examine steroid pretreatment in order to decrease postoperative coagulopathy disorders and bleeding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized double-blinded study, the efficacy of low versus high doses of methylprednisolone on the coagulation system and postoperative bleeding was compared in patients who were undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The platelet response to agonists, D-dimer concentration, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) antigens, and platelet receptors CD42b, CD62P, and CD41a were evaluated. RESULTS: The platelet response to agonists was reduced. The mean concentrations of D-dimer and tPA antigen increased although PAI-1 concentration did not show any significant changes following heparin neutralization. Postoperative expression of CD42b showed no changes in comparison with preoperation values in both groups. There was a significant increase in the expression of CD62P with a methylprednisolone dose of 15 mg/kg, while there was just a slight increase with a dose of 5 mg/kg. CD41a, as a fibrinogen receptor, was increased significantly after CPB in both groups. Significant data were shown in decreasing blood loss with a high dose of methylprednisolone. CONCLUSION: Methylprednisolone at a dose of 15 mg/kg reduced bleeding, probably by increasing CD62P after heparin neutralization, which can activate platelet activation in favor of better hemostasis.

The Effect of Intravenous Administration of Active Recombinant Factor VII on Postoperative Bleeding in Cardiac Valve Reoperations; A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative bleeding after cardiac reoperations is among the most complicating problems, both for the physicians and for the patients. Many modalities have been used to decrease its adverse effects and the need for blood products administration. OBJECTIVES: In a randomized double-blinded clinical trial of redo cardiac valve surgery in adult, the effect of active recombinant factor VII (rFVIIa) on postoperative bleeding was compared with placebo. Chest tube drainage was used for comparison of bleeding between the two groups. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two groups of 18 patients undergoing redo valve surgeries were treated and compared regarding chest tube drainage, need for blood products, prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), hemoglobin and hematocrit, platelet count, and international normalized ratio (INR) in first 24 hours after surgery. Bleeding was assessed at 3rd, 12th, and 24th hour after operation. In rFVIIa group, 40 µg/kg of AryoSeven was administered before end of surgery and same volume of normal saline was administered as placebo in the control group. RESULTS: Study groups showed no difference regarding baseline variables. Three patients in rFVIIa group (16.67%) and 13 in placebo group (72.23%) received blood products (P < 0.01). Chest tube blood drainage at 24th hour after operation was 315 ± 177 mL in rFVIIa group and 557 ± 168 mL in control group (P = 0.03). At third and 12th hour after operation, the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.71 and P = 0.22, respectively). Postoperative ICU stay was not different; while extubation was longer in the placebo group (352 ± 57 vs. 287 ± 46 minutes; P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated the efficacy of rFVIIa in controlling postoperative bleeding in redo cardiac valve surgeries regarding subsequent blood loss and transfusion requirement; however, outcome results remains to be defined.

Surgical treatment of primary intracardiac myxoma: 20-year experience in "Shahid Modarres Hospital"--a tertiary university hospital--Tehran, Iran.

UNLABELLED: Although cardiac tumors are not common they may vary in terms of race and surgical approach in different countries. METHOD: Patients data of 20 years was collected and evaluated in the "Shahid Modarres Hospital"--a tertiary university hospital--Tehran, Iran. RESULTS: 42 patients with cardiac myxoma (all cases in 20 years) were included in study, 17 males and 25 females, age difference: 13 to 76 years (mean 50.6). Most of patients were in functional classes I, II. 35 patients complained of dyspnea and 3 patients had embolic events. 97.6% of tumors were primary (41 patients) and one tumor was recurrent (2.4%), 85.7% of tumors (36 cases) were located in LA, and 88.1% of tumors (37 cases) were pediculated. 40 patients (95%) had one tumor. In 22 patients (52.3%) after tumor resection septal defects were repaired primarily while in 18 patients (42.8%) the defects were repaired with pericardial patch and In one patient, tumor resected without any septal defect. Mean tumor size was about 5.22 cm (range of 2.2 to 8.2 cm). Postoperatively, 33 patients discharged from hospital without any complication. DISCUSSION: The research reveals that patients' age and gender were similar to that of other studies in other countries while tumor's incidence seems to be higher. 3 patients were diagnosed after remote embolic event and one patient was diagnosed after MI reflecting relatively high tumor complications and late diagnosis. CONCLUSION: In our study mean time from diagnosis to operation was too long. The patients had more preoperative embolic events and complication. However, size of myxoma and location of that was as same as its rate in the other literature. As recommendation we suggested that in all patients with vague chest pain or remote embolic events cardiac myxomas should be ruled out.

Mitral valve surgery in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Valvular heart disease is the common cardiac manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with a tendency for mitral valve regurgitation. In this study we report a case of mitral valve replacement for mitral stenosis caused by Libman-Sacks endocarditis in the setting of SLE. In addition, we provide a systematic review of the literature on mitral valve surgery in the presence of Libman-Sacks endocarditis because its challenge on surgical options continues. Surgical decision depends on structural involvement of mitral valve and presence of active lupus nephritis and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. Review of the literature has also shown that outcome is good in most SLE patients who have undergone valvular surgery, but association of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome with SLE has negative impact on the outcome.

Cardiac Hemangioma of RVOT in a Patient with Atypical Chest Pain.

A 40-year-old man presented with atypical chest pain and fatigue from 15 days ago a suspicious mass in the right ventricle based on a bed side transthoracic echocardiography. Preoperative diagnosis of a cardiac hemangioma comes to mind in a minority of cases. In our case, a cardiac tumor was diagnosed and the vascular nature of the tumor was suggested by vascular blush on the coronary angiography. In addition, right ventriculotomy was the approach of choice in our case because of its inaccessibility and its particular location.

The association of serum parathyroid hormone and severity of coronary artery diseases.

INTRODUCTION: The serum level of parathyroid hormone (PTH) has been shown to be a predictor of cardiovascular mortality. Data on the association between PTH level and degree of atherosclerosis severity are lacking. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship of serum PTH level and number of stenotic coronary arteries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The present article is a descriptive cross-sectional study on 476 patients who had undergone coronary angiography according to documented indications and had coronary lesion more than 50% in at least one main vessel during 2010-2012. The outcome was evaluated by comparison between PTH levels and the number of stenotic coronary arteries. RESULTS: Demographic data of the patients, severity, and number of stenotic vessels were evaluated. Of the 476 patients included, 183 (38.4%) had PTH more than 40 pg/ml. There was a significant association between PTH level and severity and number of coronary lesion: 80% of three-vessel disease patients had PTH more than 40 pg/ml but only 7% of single-vessel disease patients had PTH more than 40 pg/ml (P<0.001). The mean levels of PTH serum in single-vessel, two-vessel, and three-vessel disease were 24.8, 35.8, and 49.8 pg/ml, respectively (P<0.001). Individuals with the higher PTH level had longer history of hypertension and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (P<0.01 and P<0.002, respectively). CONCLUSION: In this relatively small prospective study, serum PTH level is associated with the number of stenotic coronary arteries. There is a correlation between high PTH level with hypertension and low ejection fraction. A prospective study that evaluates the additional value added (by ROC analysis) by PTH to already known cardiac risk factors is recommended.

The effect of intravenous magnesium sulfate on serum levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT pro-BNP) in elective CABG with cardiopulmonary bypass.

INTRODUCTION: Nowadays, many patients undergo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with a cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB); while a number of therapeutic agents have been used to suppress its related inflammatory process. Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) solution has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent. Among the cardiac biomarkers, N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT Pro-BNP) is one of the most widely recognized. We performed this study to assess the effect of MgSO4 solution on NT Pro-BNP levels in patients undergoing CABG with CPB. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a double-blind clinical trial, after IRB approval for ethical considerations, during a 12-month period, 88 adult patients aged 40-70 years qualified for the study after inclusion and exclusion criteria were considered. After random allocation of the patients between the two groups, anesthesia, surgical procedure, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) methods, and postoperative care were made as similar as possible; however, one group received a MgSO4 infusion (15 mg/kg/h) and the other group saline (placebo). Pre- and post-operative levels of NT Pro-BNP were assessed using an electrochemical luminescence immunoassay in an Elecsys 2010 (Roche, Indianapolis, IN, USA). The results were compared using a Student's t-test. A P value less than 5% was considered significant. RESULTS: The MgSO4 group had shorter postoperative mechanical ventilation, lower postoperative morphine requirements and lower postoperative pain scores. Also, 24 h postoperative NT Pro-BNP levels were significantly lower in the MgSO4 group. CONCLUSION: Administration of MgSO4 in elective CABG with CPB can decrease the postoperative NT Pro-BNP levels; also, it decreases their time of postoperative mechanical ventilation.

Postoperative N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide level in coronary artery bypass surgery with ventricular dysfunction after perioperative glucose-insulin-potassium treatment.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to clarify the efficacy of perioperative glucose-insulin-potassium (GIK) infusion on preoperative and postoperative N-terminal (NT)-pro-brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentrations in patients with a low ejection fraction undergoing isolated on-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. DESIGN: A double-blind, randomized, controlled study. SETTING: Modarres Hospital, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. PATIENTS: Sixty-six patients with a low ejection fraction who required coronary artery surgery were selected. INTERVENTION: Patients were allocated to a GIK (n = 36) or a control (n = 30) group. The GIK group received GIK solution (500 mL of dextrose in water (DW) 10% + 40 U of regular insulin + 40 mEq of KCl, and 2 g of MgSO(4)) at a rate of 1 mL/kg/h for 10 hours preoperatively and until the removal of the aortic cross-clamp. The control group received half saline solution as placebo with an equivalent infusion rate during the same interval. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Serum NT-proBNP levels were measured before starting the GIK, at the time of anesthesia induction, and 24 hours after surgery. The primary outcome measures were preoperative and postoperative NT-proBNP level. The amount of elevation in postoperative NT-proBNP concentrations was less prominent in the GIK group than in the control group (2,601 ± 1,799 pg/mL v 4,732 ± 4,127 pg/mL; p = 0.02). The patients in the GIK group were extubated sooner (495 ± 92 minutes) than the control group (774 ± 224 minutes; p = 0.002). The overall extubation time was 606 ± 177 minutes. Delayed requirement for mechanical ventilation was significantly more in the controls compared with the GIK group (45.8% v 13.9%, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: GIK is of value in the reduction of post-cardiac surgery NT-proBNP elevation. Thus, its infusion should have a protective effect in patients with low ejection fraction undergoing CABG surgery. Further studies may prove GIK infusion benefits in high-risk CABG surgery patients optimize outcome.

Carvedilol compared with metoprolol on left ventricular ejection fraction after coronary artery bypass graft.

A number of elective coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery patients have impaired underlying left ventricular function (poor ejection fraction). This study was performed to compare the effect of postoperative oral carvedilol versus metoprolol on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after CABG compared with metoprolol. In a double-blind clinical trial, 60 patients with coronary artery disease, aged 35 to 65 years, who had an ejection fraction of 15% to 35% were included. Either carvedilol or metoprolol was administered the day after CABG. The patients were evaluated by the same cardiologist 14 days before and 2 and 6 months after elective CABG. The results demonstrated better improvements in LVEF in the carvedilol group. No difference regarding postoperative arrhythmias or mortality was detected. The results suggest that carvedilol may exert more of an improved myocardial effect than metoprolol for the low ejection fraction patients undergoing CABG in the early postoperative months.