Comparison of 24-Hour Electrocardiogram Parameters in Patients with Graves' Disease Before and After Anti-Thyroid Therapy.

BACKGROUND: We aimed prospectively to investigate the laboratory and electrocardiographic parameters (heart rate, QRS, QT, QTc, Tpe, Tpe/QTc, and arrhythmia prevalence) in patients with Graves' disease before and after antithyroid therapy. METHODS: Seventy-one patients (48 female, and 23 male), of age between 18-50 years (mean±SD: 36.48±12.20) with GD were included in the study. Patients were treated with antithyroid therapy (thioamides and/or surgical therapy) to maintain euthyroid status. Patients were examined in terms of electrocardiographic parameters before and after the treatment. RESULTS: Mean TSH, free thyroxin (fT4), and tri-iodothyrionine (fT3) levels of all patients were 0.005±0.21, 3.27± 1.81, 11.42±7.44, respectively. While 9 patients (group 2) underwent surgical therapy, had suspicious malignant nodule or large goiter, and unresponsiveness to medical treatment; the other patients (n=62, group 1) were treated with medical therapy. Patients with surgical therapy had more increased serum fT4 (p=0.045), anti-thyroglobulin value (p=0.018) and more severe graves orbitopathy (n=0.051) before treatment when compared to a medical therapy group. Baseline Tpe duration and baseline Tpe/QTc ratio and frequency of supraventricular ectopic beats were found to be significantly higher in group 2 when compared to group 1 (p=0.00, p=0.005). Otherwise, the baseline mean heart rate, QRS duration, QTc values of both groups were similar. Although the patients came at their euthyroid status, group 2 patients still suffered from more sustained supraventricular ectopics beats than group 1. CONCLUSION: Distinct from the medical treatment group, surgical treatment group with euthyroidism for at least 3 months still suffered from an arrhythmia (Tpe, Tpe/QTc, supraventricular and ventricular ectopic beats).

Impact of cardiac rehabilitation on ventricular repolarization indexes in patients with rheumatid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Abnormalities in ventricular repolarization (VR) parameters have been associated with sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The benefits of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in patients with RA are well recognized. We aimed to assess its impact on VR indexes in patients with RA. METHODS: This study included 45 patients with RA (36 female, age 58 ±â€¯5.5 years) and 50 age- and sex-matched otherwise healthy controls. Baseline electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings were used to compare VR parameters such as maximum and minimum QT intervals, and corrected, and dispersion (QTmax, QTmin, cQTmax, cQTmin, QTd, cQTd, respectively), JT and cJT intervals, Tp-e and cTp-e intervals, and Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/cQT ratios in patients with RA and healthy individuals. The effects of 6-week CR in patients with RA were also evaluated by comparing pre- and post-CR ECGs, exercise tolerance test (MET and VO2max) and RA characteristics (C-reactive protein (CRP), Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) and Health Assessment Questionnaire(HAQ)). RESULTS: In comparison with the healthy individuals, the patients with RA had significantly higher cQTmax and QTmin intervals, QTd, cQTd, Tp-e and cTp-e intervals, and Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/cQT ratios. At the end of CR, all VR indexes (p < 005), except QTd, were significantly decreased as did the results for CRP, DAS28, and HAQ (all p < 0.05), and MET and VO2max (p < 0.05 for both) were significantly increased in patients with RA. CONCLUSIONS: CR may provide an improvement in the majority of VR indexes which are related with ventricular arrhythmia and SCD in patients with RA. Changes in ETT parameters and RA characteristics may contribute to improvement of several VR indexes such as cQTd, cJT and Tp-e intervals at the end of CR.

Effects of Exercise on Arrhythmia (and Viceversa): Lesson from the Greek Mythology.

Exercise represents an important lifestyle factor in all human ages when felt in harmony with other psycho-physical and environmental variables that affect individual life (e. g. quality of interest, affections, environment, diet and food). Consequently, in addition to the training level, the amount, intensity and modality of exercise (ana-/aerobic, isometric/isotonic), need to be personalized, considering the underlying diseases, which may benefit from it or worsening.Greek mythology gives us good examples of the exercise concept's evolution.From Discus-thrower to Spear-carrier the idea of physical activity is more effectively expressed. The Myron Discobolus displays the enduring pattern of athletic energy translated into the dynamic force given by the exercise. In Doryphoros instead, the physical activity is oriented to the achievement of the required psyco-physical harmony, who's the concept is aimed of being expressed by the sculpture.As outlined below, even in the field of arrhythmia, scientific evidence as well as clinical experience, supports the same concept: physical activity may be important while safely managed and personalized.

Complications of Heart Rhythm Management Devices After Cardiac Rehabilitation Program.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine physical and heart rhythm management device malfunction complications after participating in a cardiac rehabilitation program intervention compared with usual care. METHOD: This study was a clinical trial of 100 patients. After randomization, intervention group patients received 8 cardiac rehabilitation program sessions for 8 weeks and follow-up phone calls. Each session consisted of exercise training, education, and psychological interventions. Data were collected at 3 points in both groups-baseline and 8 and 12 weeks after the first day of the intervention-using a researcher-designed case report form. Data were analyzed using descriptive and nonparametric tests. RESULTS: Of the participants, 59% were men, and the sample was aged 40 to 60 years. At the 8- to 12-week follow-up, there were less physical complications among the cardiac rehabilitation group (P < .001) and no between-group differences in complications related to device malfunction. By heart rhythm device type, cardiac rehabilitation had the greatest efficacy in reducing physical complications in patients with cardioverter/defibrillators. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac rehabilitation reduced physical complications in patients with cardiac rhythm management devices, especially in patients with cardioverter/defibrillators. Cardiac clinical nurse specialists should recommend rehabilitation programs as part of postimplantation rhythm device treatment to decrease the risk of physical complications.

Frailty, Physical Activity, and Mobility in Patients With Cardiac Implantable Electrical Devices.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of measuring frailty in patients with cardiac implantable electrical devices while validating the physiologic significance of device-detected physical activity by evaluating its association with frailty and mobility. METHODS AND RESULTS: Outpatients with cardiac implantable electrical devices compatible with physical activity analysis with at least 7 days of data were eligible. Office testing included frailty status (Study of Osteoporotic Fractures instrument), gait speed (m/s), mobility according to the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test (seconds), and daily physical activity (h/d) as measured by cardiac implantable electrical device. Among 219 patients, Study of Osteoporotic Fractures testing found 39.7% to be robust, 47.5% prefrail, and 12.8% frail. The mean gait speed for the cohort was 0.8±0.3 m/s, mean TUG time was 10.9±4.4 seconds, and mean activity was 2.8±1.9 h/d. Frail patients were markedly more likely to have gait speeds <0.8 m/s (OR 6.25, 95% CI 1.79-33.3). In unadjusted analyses each 1-hour increase in mean daily activity was associated with a 46% reduction of frail phenotype (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.40-0.74) versus robust and with a 27% reduction in the odds of having the prefrail phenotype (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.62-0.86). After adjustment this association per hour of activity persisted, with an adjusted OR for frailty of 0.71 (95% CI 0.51-0.99) and adjusted OR for prefrailty of 0.81 (95% CI 0.67-0.99). CONCLUSIONS: Frailty and mobility limitation are common among cardiac implantable electrical device patients and are correlated to device-detected physical activity.

Impacts of cardiac rehabilitation on ventricular repolarization indexes and ventricular arrhythmias in patients affected by coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: The benefits of cardiac rehabilitation in diabetic patients are well recognized. We aimed to assess its impact on ventricular repolarization indexes and the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and diabetes type 2. METHODS: From January 2012 to August 2013, 122 consecutive patients [diabetics (n = 59) and non diabetics (n = 63)] were prospectively enrolled in an out-patient rehabilitation program. Clinical examination, 12-lead ECG, 24-Holter ECGs and maximal exercise testing were performed at the beginning and end of the rehabilitation program in all patients. RESULTS: Diabetic patients showed significant decreases of repolarization indexes: QTc (-6.4%; p = 0.006), QTc disp (-22.6%; p = 0.050) and JTc (-9.4%; p = 0.003). At the end of the rehabilitation program diabetic patients showed a higher decrease in ventricular arrhythmias according to Lown classes' grading in comparison to non diabetics (-1.05 ± 0.84 vs -0.74 ± 0.91; p = 0.048). Insulin therapy was associated with a lower decrease in Lown classes compared to oral anti-diabetics (-0.95 ± 0.80 vs -1.61 ± 0.84; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Cardiac rehabilitation provided an improvement in the majority of ventricular repolarization indexes in patients with diabetes type 2 and CAD, decreasing the frequency of ventricular arrhythmias, particularly in those not treated by insulin.

Clinical Effects and Implications of Cardiac Rehabilitation for Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Patients: A Mixed-Methods Approach Embedding Data From the Copenhagen Outpatient ProgrammE-Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Randomized Clinical Trial With Qualitative Data.

BACKGROUND: The Copenhagen Outpatient ProgrammE-Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator trial was a randomized clinical trial that compared a complex rehabilitation intervention including exercise training and psychoeducational interventions with usual care. A significant difference between rehabilitation and usual care was found in physical capacity and general and mental health. However, the clinical effect sizes of these findings were not investigated, and the findings from the quantitative and qualitative analyses were not triangulated to address the issue of whether the qualitative results could help explain the quantitative results and bring forward additional information. OBJECTIVES: The objectives are to (a) determine the clinical effect sizes of the primary outcomes and (b) triangulate the quantitative and qualitative findings. METHODS: A total of 196 patients with first-time implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation were randomized (1:1) to comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation (12 weeks of exercise training and 1 year of psychoeducational follow-up) versus treatment as usual. Two primary outcomes, perceived health (Short Form-36) and peak oxygen uptake, were used. Cohen d was calculated. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 10 patients representing the rehabilitation group. Triangulation was carried out by integrating the findings from the quantitative and qualitative results in light of each other. RESULTS: Clinically meaningful effects were found between groups in peak oxygen uptake, general health, and mental health in favor of the rehabilitation group. Within groups, we found medium/high effect sizes on the mental component score in the rehabilitation group over time and only a small effect in the usual care group. The mechanisms of these effects were further explained by the qualitative findings. Patients with better physical health learned how to interpret body signals and adjust exercise behavior and experienced increased physical capacity. Those with better mental health received support that assisted them to cope with the possibility of shock and death and regain trust in their bodies. CONCLUSION: The program has a clinical effect and is perceived as beneficial through supportive coping.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator specific rehabilitation improves health cost outcomes: Findings from the COPE-ICD randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The Copenhagen Outpatient ProgrammE - implantable cardioverter defibrillator (COPE-ICD) trial included patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators in a randomized controlled trial of rehabilitation. After 6-12 months significant differences were found in favour of the rehabilitation group for exercise capacity, general and mental health. The aim of this paper is to explore the long-term health effects and cost implications associated with the rehabilitation programme; more specifically, (i) to compare implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy history and mortality between rehabilitation and usual care groups; (ii) to examine the difference between rehabilitation and usual care groups in terms of time to first admission; and (iii) to determine attributable direct costs. METHODS: Patients with first-time implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation (n = 196) were randomized (1:1) to comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation or usual care. Outcomes were measured by implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy history from patient records and national register follow-up on mortality, hospital admissions and costs. RESULTS: No significant differences were found after 3 years for implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy or mortality between rehabilitation and usual care. Time to first admission did not differ. The cost of rehabilitation was 335 USD/276 Euro per patient enrolled in rehabilitation. The total attributable cost of rehabilitation after 3 years was -6,789 USD/-5,593 Euro in favour of rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: No long-term health outcome benefits were found for the rehabilitation programme. However, the rehabilitation programme resulted in a reduction in total attributable direct costs.

Comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation improves outcome for patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator. Findings from the COPE-ICD randomised clinical trial.

AIMS: The aim of this randomised clinical trial was to assess a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation intervention including exercise training and psycho-education vs 'treatment as usual' in patients treated with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). METHODS: In this study 196 patients with first time ICD implantation (mean age 57.2 (standard deviation (SD)=13.2); 79% men) were randomised (1:1) to comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation vs 'treatment as usual'. Altogether 144 participants completed the 12 month follow-up. The intervention consisted of twelve weeks of exercise training and one year of psycho-educational follow-up focusing on modifiable factors associated with poor outcomes. Two primary outcomes, general health score (Short Form-36 (SF-36)) and peak oxygen uptake (VO2), were used. Post-hoc analyses included SF-36 and ICD therapy history. RESULTS: Comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation significantly increased VO2 uptake after exercise training to 23.0 (95% confidence interval (CI) 20.9-22.7) vs 20.8 (95% CI 18.9-22.7) ml/min/kg in the control group (p=0.004 (multiplicity p=0.015)). Comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation significantly increased general health; at three months (mean 62.8 (95% CI 58.1-67.5) vs 64.4 (95% CI: 59.6-69.2)) points; at six months (mean 66.7 (95% CI 61.5-72.0) vs 61.9 (95% CI 56.1-67.7) points); and 12 months (mean 63.5 (95% CI 57.7-69.3) vs 62.1 (95% CI 56.2-68.0)) points (p <0.05). Explorative analyses showed a significant difference between groups in favour of the intervention group. No significant difference was seen in ICD therapy history. CONCLUSION: Comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation combining exercise training and a psycho-educational intervention improves VO2-uptake and general health. Furthermore, mental health seems improved. No significant difference was found in the number of ICD shocks or anti-tachycardia pacing therapy.

Phantom shocks in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator: results from a randomized rehabilitation trial (COPE-ICD).

AIMS: The aim of this trial was to assess a combined rehabilitation intervention including an exercise training component and a psycho-educational component in patients treated with implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). The hypothesis was that the intervention would reduce the occurrence of phantom shocks. METHODS AND RESULTS: The design was secondary explorative analyses of data from a randomized controlled trial. One hundred and ninety-six patients with first-time ICD implantation (79% male, mean age 58 years) were randomized (1 : 1) to either combined rehabilitation or a control group receiving 'treatment as usual'. A total of 144 participants completed the 12-month follow-up. Intervention consisted of 12 weeks of exercise training and 1 year of psycho-educational follow-up focusing on modifiable factors associated with poor outcomes, e.g. phantom shocks. Outcome measures were ancillary questions regarding the experience of phantom shocks, date, time, and place. Twelve patients (9.4%) experienced a phantom shock, 7 in the intervention group and 5 in the control group (NS). Neither age, sex, quality of life nor perceived health at baseline was significantly related to the probability of occurrence of phantom shock. CONCLUSION: Phantom shocks were experienced by about one in ten ICD patients, with no interventional effect found and no significant difference found regarding receiving an actual shock therapy among phantom shock patients. : TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT00569478).

Sexual concerns and practices after ICD implantation: findings of the COPE-ICD rehabilitation trial.

BACKGROUND: Studies show that patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) frequently experience sexual dysfunction. These experiences are often linked to exercise intolerance, side-effects of medication, and psychological problems. OBJECTIVE: To describe (a) the level of information given about sexual activity, (b) the areas of patient concerns related to sexual function and the ICD, and (c) changes in sexual behavior. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial including 196 patients (1:1) was designed, including 12 weeks of exercise training and 1 year of psycho-educational follow-up focusing on modifiable factors associated with poor outcomes, including sexual functioning. The Sex After ICD Survey was administered 6 months after the randomization as part of the planned explorative outcomes. 141 patients responded. RESULTS: The analyses showed that 37 of the 69 (55.2%) patients of the intervention group and 16 of the 72 (24.6%) patients of the control group received information (p<0.001). The areas of greatest concern reported by many patients were: lack of interest in sex, erectile dysfunction, and an over-protective partner. Fewer patients were sexually active 6 months after the ICD implantation than before the ICD implant: 51.8% versus 66.7%. In the intervention group, patients had sexual intercourse a mean of 4.9 times during the previous 2 months versus 4.0 in the control group (p=0.4). CONCLUSION: Despite having received more information, no interventional effect was found between groups in terms of sexual concerns or activity.

Physical activity patterns of patients with cardiopulmonary illnesses.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this paper were (1) to describe objectively confirmed physical activity patterns across 3 chronic cardiopulmonary conditions, and (2) to examine the relationship between selected physical activity dimensions with disease severity, self-reported physical and emotional functioning, and exercise performance. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Participants' home environment. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with cardiopulmonary illnesses: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (n=63), heart failure (n=60), and patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator (n=60). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Seven ambulatory physical activity dimensions (total steps, percent time active, percent time ambulating at low, medium, and high intensity, maximum cadence for 30 continuous minutes, and peak performance) were measured with an accelerometer. RESULTS: Subjects with COPD had the lowest amount of ambulatory physical activity compared with subjects with heart failure and cardiac dysrhythmias (all 7 activity dimensions, P<.05); total step counts were: 5319 versus 7464 versus 9570, respectively. Six-minute walk distance was correlated (r=.44-.65, P<.01) with all physical activity dimensions in the COPD sample, the strongest correlations being with total steps and peak performance. In subjects with cardiac impairment, maximal oxygen consumption had only small to moderate correlations with 5 of the physical activity dimensions (r=.22-.40, P<.05). In contrast, correlations between 6-minute walk test distance and physical activity were higher (r=.48-.61, P<.01) albeit in a smaller sample of only patients with heart failure. For all 3 samples, self-reported physical and mental health functioning, age, body mass index, airflow obstruction, and ejection fraction had either relatively small or nonsignificant correlations with physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: All 7 dimensions of ambulatory physical activity discriminated between subjects with COPD, heart failure, and cardiac dysrhythmias. Depending on the research or clinical goal, use of 1 dimension, such as total steps, may be sufficient. Although physical activity had high correlations with performance on a 6-minute walk test relative to other variables, accelerometry-based physical activity monitoring provides unique, important information about real-world behavior in patients with cardiopulmonary illness not already captured with existing measures.

¿Cómo crear una unidad de arritmias en el siglo XXI ? / How to establish an arrhythmia unit in the 21st century

Los servicios de arritmias y electrofisiología cardiaca son una rama innovadora y en rápido crecimiento de la cardiología clínica. La puesta en marcha de una unidad de arritmias comporta una selección adecuada del personal, así como exigencias técnicas, estructurales y organizativas. La selección adecuada del personal especializado y bien formado incluye la de médicos, personal de enfermería y técnicos médicos en los laboratorios de electrofisiología y las salas hospitalarias. Los laboratorios de electrofisiología estándar deben hacer posible toda la gama de diagnósticos y tratamientos percutáneos de las arritmias cardiacas. Ello incluye los métodos más modernos de fluoroscopia y sistemas de determinación de mapas tridimensionales utilizados en intervenciones complejas como la ablación percutánea de la fibrilación auricular o la taquicardia ventricular. Además, las disponibilidades técnicas deben permitir la implantación de marcapasos y desfibriladores como una de las tareas clave de una unidad de arritmias especializada. Las clínicas ambulatorias deben disponer de las capacidades técnicas necesarias para realizar una amplia variedad de técnicas diagnósticas previas y posteriores a las intervenciones, para garantizar un seguimiento adecuado del paciente. Los requisitos estructurales deben centrarse en la integración física próxima de unidades funcionales que permita un flujo de trabajo efectivo y seguro. Por último, los requisitos organizativos, como la creación de redes de conexión entre los especialistas en arritmias y los médicos y los hospitales que remiten a los pacientes, son esenciales para el reclutamiento de los pacientes y para una asistencia de alta calidad tras el alta. Los programas de formación regulares para médicos, enfermeras y técnicos son esenciales en un campo de la cardiología innovador y en rápido crecimiento (AU)

Arrhythmia and cardiac electrophysiology services are an innovative and fast-growing branch of clinical cardiology. Initiating an arrhythmia unit involves proper selection of personnel, as well as technical, structural, and organizational requirements. Proper selection of personnel includes specialized and well-trained physicians, nurses, and medical technicians in the electrophysiology laboratories and on the hospital wards. Standard electrophysiology laboratories must support the full spectrum of catheter-based diagnosis and therapies of cardiac arrhythmias. This includes state-of-the-art fluoroscopy and 3-dimensional mapping systems used during complex procedures such as catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. Furthermore, technical requirements need to support pacemaker and defibrillator implantation as one of the core tasks of a specialized arrhythmia unit. Outpatient clinics should fulfill technical capabilities to perform a diverse spectrum of pre-and postinterventional diagnostics, guaranteeing proper patient follow-up. Structural requirements should focus on close physical integration of individual functional units allowing for an effective and safe workflow. Finally, organizational requirements such as networking between arrhythmia specialists and referring physicians and hospitals are essential for patient recruitment and high-quality postdischarge patient care. Regular educational programs for physicians, nurses, and technicians are essential in such an innovative and fast-growing field of cardiology (AU)

Diagnosis and management of elite young athletes undergoing arrhythmia intervention.

BACKGROUND: Sudden cardiac death is the most common cause of mortality in young athletes. In some of these, the final pathway is arrhythmia. The authors aimed to identify the incidence, diagnosis and management of athletes undergoing investigation and intervention for cardiac arrhythmias. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all patients between 10 and 17 years presenting to a supra-regional paediatric cardiac unit for investigation and intervention for a cardiac arrhythmia. Elite athletes (county and national level) were identified from the departmental clinical and arrhythmia databases (October 1997-2007). Patients with significant congenital heart disease were excluded. RESULTS: From 657 patients undergoing 680 interventions, 324 were excluded. From the remaining 333 we identified 11 elite athletes - football (n=3), martial arts (n=2), rugby (n=2), triple jump, netball, canoeing, and motor sport (n=1). Presenting symptoms included palpitations (n=8) and syncope (n=1). Two were asymptomatic and investigated following routine screening. Diagnoses included atrioventricular (AV) re-entry tachycardia (n=3), AV node re-entry tachycardia (n=4), complete heart block (n=1), sinus node dysfunction (n=1), vasovagal syncope (n=1) and pre-excited atrial fibrillation (n=1). Arrhythmia interventions included implantable loop recorder (n=2), diagnostic electrophysiology study (n=9), including radiofrequency ablation (n=5), cryoablation (n=2) and pacemaker implantation (n=2). Following intervention, 10 children returned to competitive sport. There were no deaths. No child required long-term medication post-intervention. CONCLUSION: Of the young competitive athletes identified from the authors' study, there was a high incidence of significant arrhythmias. Intervention is usually successful and most athletes return to elite sport without the need for long-term medication.

Perinatal management and long-term cardiac outcome in fetal arrhythmia.

BACKGROUND: cardiac arrhythmias are commonly observed in the fetus, however, may have major consequences for fetal development and post natal life. AIMS: to evaluate the perinatal management and cardiac outcome of fetuses with tachy- or bradyarrhythmia. STUDY DESIGN: perinatal management, outcome and long-term cardiac follow-up were evaluated retrospectively in consecutive fetuses with cardiac arrhythmias. RESULTS: forty-four fetuses were diagnosed: supraventricular tachycardia (SVT, n=28), atrial flutter (AF, n=7) and atrioventricular block (AVB, n=9). The overall incidence of cardiac anomalies was 18% mainly in the AVB group; hydrops was present in 34%. Direct or transplacental fetal anti-arrhythmic medication was given in 76%. Mortality was 6% in SVT/AF and 78% in the AVB group, respectively. AF resolved in all patients. In the SVT group, Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome was present in 21%, diagnosed at birth or later in life. After the age of one year about 90% of patients in the SVT group remained asymptomatic and free of drugs (median follow-up 76months). CONCLUSIONS: mortality rate is low in patients with fetal SVT and AF but high in patients with AVB. Related morbidity includes WPW-syndrome and congenital cardiac anomalies. Electrocardiographic screening is recommended in all fetal SVT cases before adolescence since WPW-syndrome may occur later in life.

[Rehabilitation of patients with cardiac pacemakers and implanted cardioverter-defibrillators: recommendations for training, physiotherapeutic procedures and re-employment]. / Rehabilitation von Patienten mit Herzschrittmachern und Kardioverter-Defibrillatoren: Empfehlungen zu Training, Physiotherapie und beruflicher Wiedereingliederung.

Rehabilitation of patients with cardiac pacemakers (CP) or implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) comprises secondary prevention of underlying cardiac disease, conditioning training activities and psychological education and includes furthermore the assessment of aggregate function, detection of any device malfunction as well as the return to work efforts. The extent to which the physical activities can be permitted is determined by both cardiopulmonary capacity and the primary arrhythmic indication. Under consideration of upper frequency limit, left ventricular dysfunction and the avoidance of mechanical exposure on device can and leads, an individually designed training programme is acceptable even on a high load level. Likewise, electrotherapeutic procedures due to musculoskeletal pain syndrome are not generally contraindicated, if differentiated limitations are respected. Beside the assessment of aggregate function and, if necessary, parameter optimization, psychologic intervention programs play an important role particularly in ICD-patients and can be utilized as an additive therapeutic module. Personalized recommendations for driving with an ICD are determined by the time interval since idex arrhythmia and the rhythmological risk profile as well as by the motor vehicle class. The return to work rate of CP and ICD patients is resumably influenced by the underlying cardiac disease and to a lesser extend by the implanted device. Except industrial jobs the risk of electromagnetic interference during the working process is low and can be objected by working place analysis including noise field measurement. Thus cardiac of CP and ICD patients should be used to a large extend for the recovery of individual physical and psychological integrity as well as for the organisation of reemployment.

The effects of respiratory sinus arrhythmia biofeedback on heart rate variability and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms: a pilot study.

Recent studies have found a significant association between PTSD and low heart rate variability (HRV), a biomarker of autonomic dysregulation. Research indicates that respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) biofeedback increases HRV while reducing related pathological symptoms. This controlled pilot study compared RSA biofeedback to progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) as adjunctive interventions for 38 persons with PTSD symptoms in a residential treatment facility for a substance use disorder. Both groups were assessed at pre-intervention and 4-week post-intervention. Group x time interactions revealed significantly greater reductions in depressive symptoms and increases in HRV indices for the RSA group. Both groups significantly reduced PTSD and insomnia symptoms and a statistical trend was observed for reduced substance craving for the RSA group. Increases in HRV were significantly associated with PTSD symptom reduction. Overall, these results provide preliminary support for the efficacy of RSA biofeedback in improving physiological and psychological health for individuals with PTSD.