Is There a Relationship Between Metabolic Equivalence and the SYNTAX Score as Strong Prognostic Markers?

OBJECTIVE: The metabolic equivalent (MET) and Synergy between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with TAXUS and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) score are two parameters with known cardiovascular prognostic significance. In this study, we aimed to investigate the direct relationship between MET and SYNTAX score in patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS). METHOD: This retrospective study included 200 patients over 18 years of age who underwent coronary angiography and had a positive exercise electrocardiography test result. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 with a low SYNTAX score and Group 2 with a medium-high SYNTAX score. MET values were then compared between these groups. RESULTS: Baseline demographic characteristics and laboratory values were similar between the groups. The mean MET values in the low and medium-high SYNTAX score groups were 9.36 ± 2.38 and 8.78 ± 2.43, respectively. No statistical difference was observed (P = 0.086). Additionally, there was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of MET values being 10 ≤ or 10 > (P = 0.172). CONCLUSION: The main conclusion of our study is that there is no correlation between the SYNTAX score and functional MET value in CCS.

Misperceptions and management of LDL-cholesterol in secondary prevention of patients with familial hypercholesterolemia in cardiology practice: Real-life evidence from the EPHESUS registry.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common inherited disease, leading to premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) due to elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Achieving LDL-C goals is extremely important for preventing the complications of this fatal disease. We evaluated the management of FH patients with ASCVD in cardiology practice. METHODS: We analyzed patients with ASCVD from the nationwide EPHESUS registry, which was conducted in 40 cardiology outpatient clinics, and compared those with and without FH. RESULTS: Of the 1482 consecutively enrolled patients with ASCVD, 618 (41.7%) had FH, among which 455 were categorized as 'Possible FH' and 163 as 'Probable or Definite FH'. Proposed LDL-C goals were not attained in more than 90% of the patients with FH. The proportion of those on statin therapy was 77% for possible and 91% for probable or definite FH, whereas 34.2 % and 59.4% were in use of high-intensity statins, respectively. None of the patients were on PCSK-9 inhibitors, and only 2 used ezetimibe. Adverse media coverage was the most common cause of statin discontinuation (32.5% in 'possible FH' and 45.7% in 'probable/definite FH'). The negative impact of media in the decision to stop lipid lowering therapy (LLT) was increasing with education level. CONCLUSIONS: In real life most of the FH patients with ASCVD are undertreated in cardiology practice regarding statin dosing and combined LLT. Drug discontinuation rates are notably high and are mostly media-related, and side effects very rarely cause cessation of LLT. Urgent measures are needed to increase the awareness of FH among healthcare providers and patients and to develop improved treatment strategies aimed at preventing the complications of FH.

Which Biomarker(s) Augment the Diagnostic Value of the Positive Exercise Electrocardiography Test: Systemic Inflammatory Index, Plasma Atherogenic Index, or Monocyte/HDL-C Ratio?

The exercise electrocardiography test (EET) is still used before coronary angiography in the diagnosis of chronic coronary syndromes. This study aimed to demonstrate the value of the combination of a positive EET with the systemic inflammatory index (SII), the plasma atherogenic index (PAI), and the monocyte/HDL-C ratio (MHR) in the determination of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). This single-center, retrospective study included 540 patients who underwent coronary angiography after ETT. The patients were separated into Group 1, comprising 434 patients with normal coronary arteries and non-obstructive CAD, and Group 2, including 106 with obstructive CAD. In Group 2, the patients were separated into SYNTAX ≤ 22 or ≥23. Glucose, low-density lipoprotein, white blood cells, and MHR were determined to be significantly higher in Group 2 (p < 0.05). According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, age, gender, diabetes mellitus, and low-density lipoprotein were determined to be independent predictors of CAD. In the ROC curve analysis, a cut-off value of 12 for the MHR in the determination of obstructive CAD had a sensitivity of 60.4% and a specificity of 53.0%. The main result of this study was that a high MHR is an indicator of obstructive CAD in patients with positive EET and suspected CAD.

Improvement in Blood Pressure After Intermittent Fasting in Hipertension: Could Renin-Angiotensin System and Autonomic Nervous System Have a Role? / Melhora da Pressão Arterial após Jejum Intermitente na Hipertensão: O Sistema Renina-Angiotensina e o Sistema Nervoso Autônomo Podem Funcionar?

BACKGROUND: Although it has been reported that the intermittent fasting (IF) diet has positive effects on heart health and improvement in blood pressure, it has not been sufficiently clarified how it could have these positive effects yet. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the effects of IF on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and renin-angiotensin system (RAS), which are closely related to blood pressure. METHODS: Seventy-two hypertensive patients were included in the study, and the data of 58 patients were used. All the participants fasted for about 15-16 hours for 30 days. Participants were evaluated with 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and Holter electrocardiography before and after IF; also, 5 ml venous blood samples were taken for assessment of Serum angiotensin I (Ang-I) and angiotensin II (Ang-II) levels and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity. For data analysis, the p-value <0.05 was accepted as significant. RESULTS: Compared to pre-IF, a significant decrease was observed in the patients' blood pressures in post-IF. An increase in high-frequency (HF) power and the mean root square of the sum of squares of differences between adjacent NN intervals (RMSSD) were observed after the IF protocol (p=0.039, p=0.043). Ang-II and ACE activity were lower in patients after IF (p=0.034, p=0.004), and decreasing Ang-II levels were determined as predictive factors for improvement of the blood pressure, like the increase in HF power and RMSSD. CONCLUSION: The present findings of our study demonstrated an improvement in blood pressure and the relationship of blood pressure with positive outcomes, including HRV, ACE activity, and Ang-II levels after the IF protocol.

FUNDAMENTO: Embora tenha sido relatado que a dieta de jejum intermitente (JI) tem efeitos positivos na saúde do coração e na melhora da pressão arterial, ainda não foi suficientemente esclarecido como poderia ter esses efeitos positivos.Objetivo: Nosso objetivo foi avaliar os efeitos do JI no sistema nervoso autônomo (SNA) e no sistema renina-angiotensina (SRA), que estão intimamente relacionados à pressão arterial. MÉTODOS: Setenta e dois pacientes hipertensos foram incluídos no estudo, e os dados de 58 pacientes foram usados. Todos os participantes jejuaram por cerca de 15-16 horas por 30 dias. Os participantes foram avaliados com monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial de 24 horas e eletrocardiograma Holter antes e após o JI; também, amostras de sangue venoso de 5 ml foram coletadas para avaliação dos níveis séricos de angiotensina I (Ang-I) e angiotensina II (Ang-II) e da atividade da enzima conversora de angiotensina (ECA). Para análise dos dados, o valor de p < 0,05 foi aceito como significativo. RESULTADOS: Comparado ao pré-JI, observou-se queda significativa nas pressões arteriais dos pacientes no pós-JI. Um aumento na potência de alta frequência (AF) e na raiz quadrada média da soma dos quadrados das diferenças entre intervalos NN adjacentes (RMSSD) foram observados após o protocolo JI (p=0,039, p=0,043). A Ang-II e a atividade da ECA foram menores em pacientes após JI (p=0,034, p=0,004), e níveis decrescentes de Ang-II foram determinados como fatores preditivos para melhora da pressão arterial, como o aumento da potência de AF e RMSSD. CONCLUSÃO: Os presentes achados de nosso estudo demonstraram uma melhora na pressão arterial e a relação da pressão arterial com resultados positivos, incluindo VFC, atividade da ECA e níveis de Ang-II após o protocolo JI.

How Did the Updated 2019 European Society of Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society Risk Categorization for Patients with Diabetes Affect the Risk Perception and Lipid Goals? A Simulated Analysis of Real-life Data from EPHESUS Study.

BACKGROUND: The recent 2019 European Society of Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society practice guidelines introduced a new risk categorization for patients with diabetes. We aimed to compare the implications of the 2016 and 2019 European Society of Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society guidelines with regard to the lipid-lowering treatment use, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goal attainment rates, and the estimated proportion of patients who would be at goal in an ideal setting. METHODS: Patients with diabetes were classified into 4 risk categories according to 2019 European Society of Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society dyslipidemia guidelines from the database of EPHESUS (cross-sectional, observational, countrywide registry of cardiology outpatient clinics) study. The use of lipid-lowering treatment and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goal attainment rates were then compared according to previous and new guidelines. RESULTS: This analysis included a total of 873 diabetic adults. Half of the study population (53.8%) were on lipid-lowering treatment and almost one-fifth (19.1%) were on high-intensity statins. While low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goal was achieved in 19.5% and 7.5% of patients, 87.4% and 69.6% would be on target if their lipid-lowering treatment was intensified according to 2016 and 2019 European Society of Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society lipid guidelines, respectively. The new target <55 mg/dL could only be achieved in 2.2% and 8.1% of very high-risk primary prevention and secondary prevention patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: The control of dyslipidemia was extremely poor among patients with diabetes. The use of lipid-lowering treatment was not at the desired level, and high-intensity lipid-lowering treatment use was even lower. Our simulation model showed that the high-dose statin plus ezetimibe therapy would improve goal attainment; however, it would not be possible to get goals with this treatment in more than one-third of the patients.

Assessment of a New Electrocardiographic Marker for the Diagnosis of Myocardial Infarction With Non-obstructive Coronary Arteries.

Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) is clinically defined as myocardial infarction in the absence of obstructive atherosclerosis on coronary angiography. Diagnosis may require multiple diagnostic tools in addition to standard coronary angiography, including cardiac imaging or provocative tests, according to clinical suspicion. We assessed the usefulness of the DETERMINE (Defibrillators to Reduce Risk by Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation) score for distinguishing patients with MINOCA from those with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction with obstructive coronary artery disease (NSTEMI-CAD) in a single-center observational study. The patients were divided into two groups according to coronary angiography findings. The study included 277 patients: 227 with NSTEMI-CAD and 50 with MINOCA. The DETERMINE score (6.1 ± 3.7 vs 1.9 ± 2.1, P<.001) was significantly higher in the NSTEMI-CAD than MINOCA group. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the DETERMINE score (OR=0.591, P<0.001) was an independent predictor of MINOCA. The incidence of diabetes mellitus and glucose levels were significantly higher in the NSTEMI-CAD group; however, ejection fraction was significantly higher in the MINOCA group (P<0.05). Our findings suggest that the DETERMINE score constitutes a simple and inexpensive tool for the assessment of MINOCA.

Melhora da Pressão Arterial após Jejum Intermitente na Hipertensão: O Sistema Renina-Angiotensina e o Sistema Nervoso Autônomo Podem Funcionar? / Improvement in Blood Pressure After Intermittent Fasting in Hipertension: Could Renin-Angiotensin System and Autonomic Nervous System Have a Role?

Resumo Fundamento Embora tenha sido relatado que a dieta de jejum intermitente (JI) tem efeitos positivos na saúde do coração e na melhora da pressão arterial, ainda não foi suficientemente esclarecido como poderia ter esses efeitos positivos.Objetivo: Nosso objetivo foi avaliar os efeitos do JI no sistema nervoso autônomo (SNA) e no sistema renina-angiotensina (SRA), que estão intimamente relacionados à pressão arterial. Métodos Setenta e dois pacientes hipertensos foram incluídos no estudo, e os dados de 58 pacientes foram usados. Todos os participantes jejuaram por cerca de 15-16 horas por 30 dias. Os participantes foram avaliados com monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial de 24 horas e eletrocardiograma Holter antes e após o JI; também, amostras de sangue venoso de 5 ml foram coletadas para avaliação dos níveis séricos de angiotensina I (Ang-I) e angiotensina II (Ang-II) e da atividade da enzima conversora de angiotensina (ECA). Para análise dos dados, o valor de p < 0,05 foi aceito como significativo. Resultados Comparado ao pré-JI, observou-se queda significativa nas pressões arteriais dos pacientes no pós-JI. Um aumento na potência de alta frequência (AF) e na raiz quadrada média da soma dos quadrados das diferenças entre intervalos NN adjacentes (RMSSD) foram observados após o protocolo JI (p=0,039, p=0,043). A Ang-II e a atividade da ECA foram menores em pacientes após JI (p=0,034, p=0,004), e níveis decrescentes de Ang-II foram determinados como fatores preditivos para melhora da pressão arterial, como o aumento da potência de AF e RMSSD. Conclusão Os presentes achados de nosso estudo demonstraram uma melhora na pressão arterial e a relação da pressão arterial com resultados positivos, incluindo VFC, atividade da ECA e níveis de Ang-II após o protocolo JI.

Abstract Background Although it has been reported that the intermittent fasting (IF) diet has positive effects on heart health and improvement in blood pressure, it has not been sufficiently clarified how it could have these positive effects yet. Objective We aimed to evaluate the effects of IF on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and renin-angiotensin system (RAS), which are closely related to blood pressure. Methods Seventy-two hypertensive patients were included in the study, and the data of 58 patients were used. All the participants fasted for about 15-16 hours for 30 days. Participants were evaluated with 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and Holter electrocardiography before and after IF; also, 5 ml venous blood samples were taken for assessment of Serum angiotensin I (Ang-I) and angiotensin II (Ang-II) levels and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity. For data analysis, the p-value <0.05 was accepted as significant. Results Compared to pre-IF, a significant decrease was observed in the patients' blood pressures in post-IF. An increase in high-frequency (HF) power and the mean root square of the sum of squares of differences between adjacent NN intervals (RMSSD) were observed after the IF protocol (p=0.039, p=0.043). Ang-II and ACE activity were lower in patients after IF (p=0.034, p=0.004), and decreasing Ang-II levels were determined as predictive factors for improvement of the blood pressure, like the increase in HF power and RMSSD. Conclusion The present findings of our study demonstrated an improvement in blood pressure and the relationship of blood pressure with positive outcomes, including HRV, ACE activity, and Ang-II levels after the IF protocol.

Aortic propagation velocity in the prediction of coronary artery disease severity.

AIMS: To investigate the association of the aortic propagation velocity (APV) with coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP) through SYNTAX scores (SS). METHODS: The study population comprised 214 SAP subjects who received a coronary angiography. The APV and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) were examined and SS was calculated. Subjects were grouped following specific SS criteria: SS less than 22 (low) and SS greater than or equal to 22 (high). RESULTS: High SS subjects had lower APV compared to low SS [39.0 (32.0-51.7) vs. 55.0 (45.0-62.0) cm/s, respectively; P<0.001] and higher CIMT (0.86 ± 0.24 vs. 0.74 ± 0.21 mm, respectively; P<0.001). APV demonstrated a negative correlation with the CIMT (r=-0.239, P<0.001), age (r=-0.188, P=0.006) , and SS (r=-0.561, P<0.001) and showed a positive association with LV ejection fraction (r=0.163, P=0.017). APV, CIMT, diabetes, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and age were determined to be markers independently of a high SS. CONCLUSION: APV, CIMT, diabetes, LDL-C and age are independently linked to the CAD severity of SAP subjects. Decreased APV, an indicator of subclinical atherosclerosis, may independently help determine the severity of atherosclerotic CAD in SAP patients.

New onset atrial fibrilation and risk faktors in COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: There is limited data concerning the prevalence of arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation (AF), which may develop as a consequence of direct myocardial injury and the inflammatory state existing in COVID-19. METHODS: This single-center study included data concerning 658 COVID-19 patients, who were hospitalized in our institute, between April 20th, 2020 and July 30th, 2020. Demographic data, findings of the imaging studies, and laboratory test results were retrieved from the institutional digital database. RESULTS: New onset AF (NOAF) was identified in 33 patients (5%). Patients who developed AF were older (72.42 ± 6.10 vs 53.78 ± 13.80, p < 0.001) and had higher frequencies of hypertension and heart failure compared to patients without NOAF (p < 0.001, for both). The CHA2DS2-VASc score was higher in patients, who developed NOAF, compared to those who did not during hospitalization for COVID-19 (p < 0.001). Subjects, who developed NOAF during hospitalization, had a higher leukocyte count, neutrophil / lymphocyte ratio (NLR), C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and procalcitonin levels compared to those without NOAF (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Diffuse lung infiltration was also more frequent in COVID-19 patients, who developed NOAF, during hospitalization (p = 0.015). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age, CHA2DS2-VASc score, CRP, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and presence of diffuse lung infiltration on thorax CT were predictive for NOAF. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of NOAF in hospitalized COVID-19 patients is higher than the general population. Age, CHA2DS2-VASc score, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and presence of diffuse lung infiltration on thorax CT may be used to identify patients at high risk for development of NOAF. Especially among these parameters, the presence of diffuse lung infiltration on thorax CT it was the most powerful independent predictor of NOAF development.

An investigation into hemodynamically significant coronary artery lesions predictors assessed by fractional flow reserve: A propensity score matching analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Fractional flow reserve (FFR) provides more useful information regarding myocardial metabolism and demand-supply convenience as compared to anatomical measurements. In this study, we aimed to investigate FFR predictors after propensity score matching (PSM) analysis in patients with intermediate coronary lesions. METHODS: Patients who underwent coronary angiography between January 2014 and March 2015 due to suspicion of coronary artery disease were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups according to the FFR status and predictors of FFR before and after PSM analysis were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 290 patients (a total of 310 lesions) were included in this study (61±12 years, 75.5% male). In univariate analysis, after PSM analysis, Diameter stenosis (DS) and proximal LAD lesion (PLL) were associated with lower FFR values. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that the majority of traditional FFR predictors did not reach the limit of significance after PSM analysis and we suggest that DS and PLL are one step ahead of predicting lesion severity compared to other traditional risk factors.

Assessment of right ventricular dysfunction in patients with mitral stenosis: A speckle tracking study.

PURPOSE: Although it is affected at an early stage, there is a lack of studies investigating right ventricular (RV) function in patients with mitral stenosis (MS). We aimed to investigate the correlation between conventional echocardiographic variables and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), used as an indicator of RV dysfunction. METHODS: We enrolled 59 consecutive patients with MS and assigned them in group 1 if TAPSE ≤16, or group 2 if: TAPSE >16. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 42.2 ± 8 years, and 74.6% were females. In univariate analysis, maximal mitral valve gradient, mean mitral valve gradient, systolic pulmonary arterial pressure, RV strain, and RV strain rates were associated with RV dysfunction. In multivariate analysis, both strain variables were found to be independent predictors of RV dysfunction. Kaplan Maier survival analysis showed that patients with lower RV strain had more rehospitalization rate during the one-year follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: RV dysfunction is common in patients with MS and is associated with higher rehospitalization rate and morbidity. Evaluation of RV strain and strain rate for early detection of RV dysfunction and prediction of rehospitalization may be an appropriate approach in mitral stenosis.

The relationship between total atrial conduction time and left atrial global strain in patients with psoriasis vulgaris.

INTRODUCTION: Psoriasis vulgaris is a chronic, multisystem disease that results in the development of atrial fibrillation (AF) over time. In this study, our goal was to assess predictors of AF in patients with psoriasis, including total atrial conduction time (TACT) and left atrial global longitudinal strain (LAGLS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 80 individuals, including 40 psoriasis patients and 40 healthy controls, were enrolled in the study. A physical examination was performed, biochemical parameters were studied, and Holter electrocardiography was carried out. Conventional echocardiography, atrial tissue Doppler, and speckle tracking echocardiography were recorded. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed between psoriasis patients and healthy controls with regard to age, and the average duration of psoriasis was 5.7 years. High-sensitivity C reactive protein levels were higher in the patient group compared to the control group (respectively, group 1: 1 ±0.8; group 2: 0.6 ±0.3, p < 0.05). Atrial arrhythmia was not detected in the Holter ECG monitoring. A significant moderate negative correlation between TACT and LAGLS (r = -0.57, p < 0.05) was observed, and there was a significant moderate positive correlation between the duration of disease and TACT (r = 0.52, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In the current study, we determined that LAGLS decreased, TACT was prolonged, and P-wave dispersion increased in patients with psoriasis. The current results may improve predictions of AF risk in psoriasis patients in clinical practice.

Acute cardiac effects of high dose steroid treatment: A speckle tracking echocardiography study.

PURPOSE: High-dose steroid therapy (HDST) has frequent side-effects that appear at its cessation and depend on its dose. However, there is a lack of studies about the acute effects of HDST on cardiac function in adult patients. METHODS: We included in this study 30 patients who underwent HDST (intravenously at doses ranging from 250 to 1000 mg) and 30 healthy control subjects with similar demographic and clinical characteristics, between September and December 2016. Echocardiographic measurements were made before and during the first 3 hours after the end of treatment, and results were compared between patients and controls. RESULTS: There was no difference in baseline biochemical and echocardiographic characteristics between the patient and control groups. While left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) and strain rate E were higher after treatment, no significant change was observed in conventional echocardiographic variables. CONCLUSIONS: LVGLS, but not conventional echocardiographic variables, showed an increase in cardiac systolic function at the acute phase of HDST.

The association between CRP / Albumin ratio and in-stent restenosis development in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Although interventional methods are the first-line treatment options in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the incidence of stent restenosis (SR) is frequent. We investigated the relationship between CRP/albumin ratio (CAR), a novel indicator of inflammatory response, and SR in this study. METHOD: This study was carried out on the patients who underwent coronary angiography in our clinic between January 2017 and September 2017. Two groups were generated according to restenosis status (group 1: restenosis (-), group 2: restenosis (+)), and clinical biochemical and angiographical features were compared. As baseline demographic and angiographic characteristics are slightly different in two groups, propensity score matching analysis was performed to reduce bias. 45 SR patients were matched on a 1:1 basis were enrolled final cohort. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 55 ± 5.1 and 80% were male; Cox regression model was performed to demonstrate independent predictor of restenosis development; and during the one-year follow-up period, CAR (P < 0.001) was found an independent predictor of SR CONCLUSION: In this study, we demonstrate that there may be a strong relationship between SR development and CAR. We implied that inflammatory reaction may be an important diagnostic tool for prediction of SR development in STEMI patients.

Evaluation of ventricular repolarization parameters during migraine attacks.

AIMS: Migraine is a chronic neurovascular disorder characterized by intermittent episodes of severe headache. Abnormalities in the autonomic nervous system (sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems) have been detected during migraine-free periods in patients with migraine. In these patients, disrupted autonomic innervations of the heart and coronary arteries may lead to electrocardiographic changes during a migraine attack. T-wave peak-to-end interval (Tp-e interval) and Tp-e/QT ratio are relatively new markers of ventricular arrhythmogenesis and repolarization heterogeneity. In the present observational study, we investigated the changes in ventricular repolarization during migraine attacks and attack-free periods by performing 12­lead electrocardiography (ECG). METHODS: This study included 63 patients (54 [86%] women; mean age: 33.3 ±â€¯9.9 years) with migraine. The QT and corrected QT (QTc) intervals, Tp-e interval, and Tp-e/QT ratio of the patients during migraine attacks and attack-free periods were measured by performing 12­lead ECG. RESULTS: The QT and QTc intervals, Tp-e interval, and Tp-e/QT ratio were higher during migraine attacks than during attack-free periods (P < 0.001 for all). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that migraine attacks are associated with an increase in ventricular repolarization parameters compared with attack-free periods possibly because of the dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system.

Assessment of side branch patency using a jailed semi-inflated balloon technique with coronary bifurcation lesions.

OBJECTIVE: Many interventional cardiologists are concerned about the risk of side branch (SB) loss during main vessel (MV) stenting in complex bifurcation lesions. Therefore, novel techniques are required to reduce the risk of SB occlusion. The jailed semi-inflated balloon technique (JSBT) is one of these techniques. This article is a description of clinical experience with SB patency assessment using the JSBT. METHODS: A total of 64 patients with 82 distinct coronary bifurcation lesions underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) via JSBT at this institution. In the majority of patients, the SB balloon was inflated with a greater pressure (4.8±2.0 atm) than in the standard JSBT. Procedural and immediate clinical outcomes were reviewed via baseline and post-procedural quantitative coronary angiography analysis. RESULTS: The majority of the patients had acute coronary syndrome (60.9%) and almost one-third of the patients were Medina class 1.1.1. (32.8%). A jailed-balloon or wire was not entrapped during any PCI. SB ostial dissection was seen in only 2 patients. The minimal lumen diameter was improved in the MV and SB following PCI. There were no adverse cardiac events during in-hospital stay or at 1-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: JSBT provides maximum SB protection with bifurcation lesions and requires less time than a complex technique. There was no significant SB occlusion risk even though the SB balloon was inflated with a slightly higher pressure. The immediate clinical outcomes and procedural success of this study may encourage interventional cardiologists to use this technique safely with reliable preservation of SB patency.

The Relationship between Serum Apelin Levels and the Severity of Calcific Aortic Stenosis.

Background: Apelin, an endogenous peptide, has recently gained attention due to its positive inotropic effects in heart failure physiopathology. We investigated the relationship between serum apelin levels and the severity of calcific aortic stenosis (AS). Methods: A total of 68 consecutive patients diagnosed with calcific AS and a control group of 32 subjects were included in the study. The subjects were divided into three group as follows: the control group, the mild-moderate AS group and the severe AS group. Blood samples were obtained from all of the subjects, which were used for biochemical comparisons of apelin 36 and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels. Results: Plasma apelin 36 levels were significantly lower in the patients with severe AS [490 (247-1074) pg/ml] compared to both the mild-moderate AS [209 (97-453) pg/ml] and control [660 (378-1200) pg/ml] groups (p < 0.001). Correlation analysis between the left ventricular mass index and apelin concentrations revealed a significant negative correlation between the two parameters (p < 0.001, r = -0.478). Conclusions: Our study demonstrated decreased apelin levels and increased hsCRP concentrations in patients with severe calcific AS. Our findings may help to clarify the exact pathophysiologic role of apelin in cardiovascular diseases.

The Comparison of Angiographic Scoring Systems With the Predictors of Atherosclerosis.

Syntax score (SS) and Gensini score (GS) are used to determine the complexity and severity of coronary artery disease. Although there are some studies indicating the individual relationship of these scoring systems with the carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and epicardial fat tissue (EFT), there was no previous study that compared the SS and GS in that respect. We aimed to assess the relationship of SS and GS with predictors of atherosclerosis. We enrolled 522 patients. There were positive correlations between GS and SS tertiles with cIMT and EFT. According to multivariate linear regression analysis for GS, EFT (ß: 0.035, t: 2.63, and P = .49) and cIMT (ß: 0.339, t: 2.97, and P = .053) were not independently associated. For SS, EFT (ß: 0.009, t: 6.5, and P = .006) and cIMT (ß: 1.2, t: 10.1, and P = .001) were independently and significantly associated. We showed that the SS is significantly associated more with surrogate markers of atherosclerosis such as EFT and cIMT than the GS.

Evaluation of ventricular repolarization features with novel electrocardiographic parameters (Tp-e, Tp-e/QT) in patients with psoriasis.

OBJECTIVE: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disorder, which affects around 1%-3% of the human population worldwide. Cardiovascular events are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with psoriasis. Some studies have reported that psoriasis is related to increased arrhythmias. The Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio have been accepted as new markers for the assessment of myocardial repolarization and ventricular arrhythmogenesis. The aim of this study was to assess ventricular repolarization in patients with psoriasis using Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio. METHODS: The study population consisted of 74 patients with psoriasis and 74 healthy volunteers. The diagnosis of psoriasis was based on a clinical or histopathological examination of all patients. QT interval, corrected QT (QTc), QT dispersion (QTd), Tp-e interval, corrected Tp-e, and Tp-e/QT ratio were measured from the 12-lead electrocardiogram. These parameters were compared between groups. RESULTS: According to the electrocardiographic parameters, QT and QTc intervals and QTd were significantly higher in patients with psoriasis than in control subjects (p<0.001; p<0.001; p=0.014; respectively). The Tp-e interval, corrected Tp-e, and Tp-e/QT ratio were significantly higher in patients with psoriasis than in control subjects [93±13 milliseconds (ms) vs. 98±14 ms, p=0.040; 104±17 ms vs. 111±17 ms, p=0.008; 0.23±0.03 vs. 0.25±0.03, p<0.001; respectively]. Additionally, the CRP value was an independent predictor of an increased Tp-e/QT ratio (ß=0.537, p< 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that ventricular repolarization features were impaired in patients with psoriasis. Therefore, these patients should be more closely screened for ventricular arrhythmias.

The relationship of micronucleus frequency and nuclear division index with coronary artery disease SYNTAX and Gensini scores.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the relationship of micronucleus (MN) frequency and nuclear division index (NDI) with SYNTAX and Gensini scores and thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame counts of coronary arteries in patients undergoing coronary angiography. METHODS: In a single-center prospective observational study, a total of 63 individuals, 48 consecutive patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and 15 healthy people were included. Before coronary angiography (exposure to X-ray), blood samples were collected for lymphocyte cultures, MN and NDI measurements. According to the SYNTAX and Gensini scores, patients were allocated into two groups. Group 1 and 2 included the patients with SYNTAX scores <22 and ≥22 points, respectively. Similarly, groups according to Gensini scores included the ones <23 and ≥23 points. MN test was used for in vitro studies in human peripheral lymphocytes. Binucleated lymphocytes were calculated for each patient. RESULTS: MN frequency was significantly higher in group 2 than group 1 and in group 1 than control group (p<0.001). NDI was significantly higher in control group than group 1 and in group 1 than group 2 (p=0.003). MN frequency had positive but moderate correlation with SYNTAX and Gensini scores and TFCs of left anterior descending (LAD), circumflex and right coronary arteries (r=0.394, p=0.003; r=0.458, p<0.001; r=0.425, p<0.001; r=0.469, p<0.001; and r=0.475, p<0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: We can conclude that as the degree of atherosclerosis increases and coronary flow worsens, MN frequency increases and NDI decreases. Our results may help to elucidate the relationship of DNA damage in pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction in patients with stable CAD.