Implementation of recommendations on the check of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in patients undergoing coronary re-interventions.

METHOD: The study involved 905 patients after coronary interventions, qualified for invasive diagnosis due to symptomatic coronary disease. AIM: The aim of this study was to check the implementation of recommendations on the control of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in patients undergoing re-interventions. RESULTS: Compared to elderly persons, younger people more often increased their physical activity (62 vs. 65 years, p = 0.009), stopped smoking (61 vs. 65 years, p < 0.001) and reduced alcohol consumption (62 vs. 65 years, p = 0.001). People with secondary and higher education increased their physical activity more often than those with primary education (51%, 31% vs. 23%, p = 0.006). Men more often than women decided to limit their alcohol consumption (48% vs. 37%, p = 0.007). Patients with a history of acute coronary syndrome were more likely to quit smoking and reduce their alcohol consumption than those without such a history (47% vs. 37%, p = 0.003 and 42% vs. 34%, p = 0.020, respectively). Only 2% of the subjects achieved the recommended LDL cholesterol values. Forty-eight percent were qualified for reinvasive procedures on the coronary arteries. Less than half of the patients undertook health-promoting behaviors that required modification of existing habits. CONCLUSION: Age, gender, and education level influence pro-health behaviors. The majority of patients do not achieve the levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides consistent with the ESC guidelines in the secondary prevention of coronary disease. Inadequate check of risk factors may result in faster disease progression and coronary re-interventions.

Use of transthoracic impedance cardiography and tissue Doppler echocardiography in the cardiovascular assessment of atrial fibrillation patients subjected to electroversion.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the commonest complex cardiac arrhythmia, affecting approximately 2% of the general population. AIM: To describe cardiovascular changes in tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDE) and impedance cardiography (ICG) in AF patients subjected to cardioversion. METHODS: Forty-one patients (22 males and 19 females) with acute or persistent AF were examined by means of TDE and transthoracic ICG before electroversion, and then one week following the restoration of sinus rhythm. Additionally, the preand post-cardioversion serum levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) were determined. RESULTS: The restoration of sinus rhythm was reflected by a significant increase in the following ICG parameters (average changes are presented): stroke volume (+25 mL), stroke volume index (+11.8 m/m²), contractility index (+12.6/s), end-diastolic index (+12.3 mL/m²), acceleration index (+6/s²), and left ventricular ejection time (+56 ms). These changes were accompanied by a significant increase in the TDE parameters of tricuspid annular systolic velocity and mitral annular systolic velocities. Moreover, a significant decrease in early diastolic velocities was also observed following the restoration of sinus rhythm, along with significantly lower levels of BNP. CONCLUSIONS: Both TDE and ICG are modern, valuable diagnostic methods that complementarily explain changes occurring in the cardiovascular system of AF patients subjected to electroversion.