Influence of the recurrent syncope episodes on neurocognitive functions in patients with vasovagal syncope.

The aim of study was to evaluate an influence of recurrent syncope episodes on the neurocognitive functions (NCF) in patients with suspected VVS. AIM: The aim of study was to evaluate an influence of recurrent syncope episodes on the neurocognitive functions (NCF) in patients with suspected VVS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study population: 24 pts. (16 women) aged 17-70 yrs (mean age 40 years), with suspected VVS, referred to HUTT (head-up tilt test). All pts. underwent initial evaluation regarding to the number and circumstances of the syncopal and/or presyncopal spells. All pts performed HUTT with Westminster protocol. Basing on the syncope history and HUTT results, two groups of pts were distinguished: gr. I - 18 pts with at least 2 syncopal spells and positive HUTT, and gr. II 6 pts with only presyncopal status without complete loss of consciousness and negative HUTT. All pts underwent the evaluation of NCF with computer-assisted Vienna Test System battery, consisted of the following tests: DAUF - evaluation of long-term selective attention and concentration; COG - assessment of attention and concentration; STROOP - registration of the color-word interference tendency, CORSI - estimation of visual short-term memory capacity and implicite visuo-spatial learning. Values of the measured parameters were compared between both groups of pts. RESULTS: Patients without syncope (gr. II) had higher number of correctly reproduced sequences (11,0 vs 8,38 p<0,01) and Reliable Spatial Span score (5,50 vs 4,46,p<0,02) in CORSI test, in relation to pts with syncope history (gr. I). This suggests possible influence of the recurrent syncope episodes on the short-term memory capacity in pts with VVS. There were no significant differences between groups, comparing results of the other tests. CONCLUSIONS: Repeated syncope episodes may lead to impairment of short-term memory capacity in patients with vasovagal syndrome. Syncope episodes may have potentially negative influence on neurocognitive functions in patients with vasovagal syndrome.

How does the estimated phase of menstrual cycle or menopause influence the prevalence of vasovagal syncope induced by head-up tilt test.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of syncope induced by head-up tilt test (HUTT) and the type of positive vasovagal response to the orthostatic stress in a relationship to the estimated phase of menstrual cycle (follicular phase, luteal phase) or menopause. METHODS: We observed a cohort of 500 women at age 13-89 years (median of age 37.5), referred to HUTT. Phase of the menstrual cycle was determined on the basis of the usual length of menstrual cycle and the day of the cycle at the time of the study. We assumed that the length of the luteal phase is constant and it is 14 days. RESULTS: In premenopausal patients, the occurrence of the mixed and cardioinhibitory response was significantly more frequent in comparison to postmenopausal women (48.8 vs. 35.1% and 19.7 vs. 12.4%, respectively; p < 0.00001), while the occurrence of the vasodepressive one was significantly less frequent (7.3% vs. 28.6%; p < 0.00001) in that group of patients. Women in follicular phase presented vasodepressive response during HUTT more often than woman in the luteal phase (10.0% vs. 4.1%, p < 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: Among women referred for HUTT, the prevalence of the vasovagal syndrome did not differ between those that were pre- and post-menopausal. Higher incidence of vasodepressive reaction in postmenopausal women was observed. Among the premenopausal women, the vasodepressive type of vasovagal syndrome occurred more often in follicular then in luteal phase.

Endothelial function in vasovagal syncope.

Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is a common form of fainting. The pathophysiology of VVS is complex and involves changes in the autonomic and vascular tone, resulting in reflex bradycardia with marked hypotension. Paradoxical peripheral vasodilation caused by endothelial dysfunction may also play a key role in inappropriate hypotension during VVS. Endothelial hyperactivity due to up regulation of nitric oxide synthase leads to profound vasodilation, much stronger than vasodilation caused by adrenergic stimulation in response to orthostatic stress alone. Studies have reported significantly higher flow-mediated dilation and higher plasma nitric oxide concentration in people with vasovagal syndrome. Patients with VVS showed decreased vasoconstrictive agent endothelin-1 levels during orthostatic stress. Coagulation and fibrinolysis activity also play important roles in endothelial function in syncopal patients. The response of the endothelium to orthostatic stress is similar to the reaction to haemorrhagic stress and is likely to be a remnant from the evolutionary adaptation of primates.

Myocardial dysfunction and chronic heart failure in patients with long-lasting type 1 diabetes: a 7-year prospective cohort study.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the prevalence and incidence of myocardial dysfunction (MD) and heart failure (HF) in long-lasting (≥10 years) type 1 diabetes without cardiovascular disorders or with hypertension or coronary heart disease (CHD). The study included 1,685 patients with type 1 diabetes (mean baseline age, 51 years; diabetes duration, 36 years). In all patients, echocardiography was performed, NT-proBNP levels were measured, and clinical symptoms were evaluated. A 7-year follow-up was conducted to monitor systolic and diastolic manifestations of MD and HF. At the end of the follow-up period, the prevalence of HF in the entire group was 3.7 %, and the incidence was 0.02 % per year. The prevalence of MD was 14.5 % and the incidence -0.1 % per year. MD and HF were observed only in hypertensive or CHD patients. At baseline, subjects with diastolic HF constituted 85 % of the HF population and those with systolic HF the remaining 15 %. Baseline HF predictors included age, diabetes duration, HbA1c levels, CHD, systolic blood pressure >140 mmHg, and GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2). In patients with type 1 diabetes, MD and HF occurred only when diabetes coexisted with cardiovascular disorders affecting myocardial function. The prevalence and incidence of HF in patients with hypertension and CHD were relatively low. While the cause of this observation remains uncertain, it could probably be explained, at least partially, by the cardioprotective effect of concomitant treatment.

[Evaluation of plasma renin activity in acute myocardial infarction patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary interventions]. / Ocena aktywnosci reninowej osocza u osób z ostrym zawalem miesnia sercowego leczonych pierwotna angioplastyka wiencowa.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was evaluation of plasma renin activity (PRA) in patients with acute ST-segement elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). We observed 40 patients (30 men, 10 woman) aged 29-69 yrs (mean age 53.9 SD 10.9) with first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Patients were treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with implantation of bare metal stent in the period up to 6 hours after the onset of chest pain. Plasma renin activity was evaluated on 1st, 3rd and 5th day and 1st and 3rd month after STEMI in all patients. Values of PRA were compared between men and women during a 3-month follow-up. Echocardiography examinations with left ventricular parameter measurements (included ventricular ejection fraction) were performed at 3rd day, 1st and 3rd month after STEMI. In all patients Troponin I level was measured in the first day of STEMI. In addition, the level of NTproBNP and hsCRP in plasma were measured in all patients at 1st day, 1st and 3rd month after STEMI. Changes of PRA levels within 3-months follow-up were evaluated in relation to the age, BMI, serum levels of NTproBNP, hsCRP, lipids and left ventricular function. RESULTS: Median value of the PRA was 1.4 ng/ml/h at 1st day (N:1.46 +/- 0.23 ng/ml/h); 2.3 ng/ml/h at 3rd day; 3.9 ng/ml/h at 5th day; 2.1 ng/ml/h at 1 month, and 2.7 ng/ml/h at 3 months after STEMI. Peak value of PRA was observed between 5th day and 1st month after STEMI. PRA was significantly higher in men than in women at 1st day after STEMI (1.8 vs. 0.8 ng/ml/h; p = 0.002). There were no differences of PRA between men and women during the rest of the followup (3rd day - 3.3 vs. 2.0 ng/ml/h; 5th day 7.3 vs. 3.5 ng/ml/h; 1st month 4.1 vs. 2.1 ng/ml/h, 3rd month 3.5 vs. 2.2 ng/ml/h. There was no significant correlation between PRA and age, BMI, serum levels of NTproBNP, hsCRP, lipids and left ventricular function. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Values of PRA change within early period after STEMI. The peak value was achieved between 5th day and 1st month after STEMI treated with primary PCI. 2. Plasma renin activity was significantly higher in men than in women at 1st day of STEMI treated with primary PCI.

The effects of gender and test protocol on the results of head-up tilt test in patients with vasovagal syncope.

BACKGROUND: Head-up tilt testing (HUTT) is a well-established method for the diagnosis of reflex syncope. Some controversies exist whether gender and HUTT protocol influence HUTT results. AIM: To analyse the results of HUTT in patients with syncope in relation to their gender and used protocol of HUTT. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed data of 537 consecutive patients (313 women and 224 men), aged 13-79 years with history of neurally-mediated syncope referred to HUTT. The cardiogenic and neurological aetiology of syncope was excluded in all patients based on previous examination. In 375 patients standard HUTT (STD HUTT), according to the Westminster protocol, was used. In 257 patients in whom STD HUTT was negative, HUTT was continued with pharmacological provocation using isoproterenol intravenous infusion--114 patients (ISO HUTT) or sublingual nitroglycerin--143 patients (NTG HUTT). In the remaining 162 patients HUTT was performed according to the Italian protocol (ITL HUTT). The HUTT results were classified according to the VASIS scale. RESULTS: Female gender dominated, however, syncope was induced in a similar proportion of women and men (77.3 vs. 70.5%, NS). There were also no significant differences in the type of vasovagal response (VVR) to HUTT between women and men. Mixed type of VVR was the most frequent after isoproterenol provocation (ISO HUTT), whereas cardioinhibitory type of VVR was the most frequent after nitroglycerin provocation (NTG HUTT). CONCLUSIONS: There is no significant relationship between gender and the result of HUTT. The type of VVR is related to HUTT protocol--cardioinhibitory response is more frequent following nitroglycerin administration in comparison to standard protocol and HUTT with isoproterenol provocation.

Evaluation of sinus and atrioventricular nodes function in patients with vasovagal syncope.

AIM: Evaluation of sinus and atrioventricular nodes function as a potential factor responsible for prolonged bradycardia, asystole, or both in patients with cardioinhibitory and non-cardioinhibitory vasovagal syncope (VVS). The study included 258 patients (mean age = 47.7 +/- 17.2 years; range 18-62; 147 females) with a history of VVS. They were divided among four groups, according to results of head-up tilt test (HUTT). METHODS: All patients underwent standard HUTT, carotid sinus massage (CSM), and rapid transesophageal atrial pacing for evaluation of total sinus node recovery time (SNRT), and corrected sinus node recovery time (CNRT), resting and intrinsic heart rate (IHR), and Wenckebach point (WP). Values of SNRT > 1,500 ms, CNRT > 525 ms, WP < 130 bpm, and CSM-induced pause >3 seconds were considered abnormal. RESULTS: SNRT, CNRT, and WP before and after pharmacological blockade, resting heart rate, and IHR did not differ significantly among the study groups. The prevalence of mild sinus node dysfunction (SND), decreased value of WP, and cardioinhibitory carotid sinus hypersensitivity was similar among all study groups. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of mild SND, abnormal atrioventricular conduction, and carotid sinus hypersensitivity (CSH) was similar among patients with VVS regardless of the type of vasovagal reaction. SND and CSH do not seem to play an important role in the pathogenesis of cardioinhibitory vasovagal reaction.

[Cardiac arrest in a 17-year-old boy--a case report].

Cardiac arrest (CA) refers to abrupt cessation of cardiac pump function. Most sudden deaths in young people are of cardiac origin, at the same time most patients have unrecognised prior heart disease. We report a case of a 17-year-old boy with cardiac arrest induced by ventricular fibrillation. Sinus rhythm was restored after one hour's resuscitation. Based upon elevated necrotic markers, ECG changes and echocardiographic examinations the diagnosis of anterolateral myocardial infarction was established. Coronary angiography revealed only a small myocardial bridge. The patient in a poor general and unconscious state was transferred to the Coronary Care Unit of the Department of Coronary Disease. The patient improved after treatment and without neurological deficit or circulatory insufficiency continued cardiac rehabilitation in a spa hospital. The paper reviews differential diagnosis of cardiac arrest, treatment modalities and describes the course of hospitalisation.

[The influence of nitroglycerin on sinus node chronotropic response in ischemic heart disease]. / Ocena wplywu nitrogliceryny na uszkodzony chronotropizm werzla zatokowego w chorobie niedokrwiennej.

BACKGROUND: Sick sinus syndrome (SSS) is frequently observed in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The influence of nitrates administered in CAD on sinus node function has not been established yet. It is not yet clear whether nitrates improve the sinus node blood supply or whether they directly influence the sinus node authomaticity. The second hypothesis is seems to be supported by the results of animal studies. AIM: Evaluation of sinus node chronotropic response to the stimulation by nitric oxide (NO) donors, after pharmacological blockade in patients with different types of SSS with ischemic etiology. We studied 102 patients with suspected sinus node dysfunction and clinically diagnosed ischemic heart disease. METHODS: Test of sinus node chronotropic response was performed after pharmacological blockade with atropine and propranolol. A bolus of 100 microg nitroglycerin was administered to all patients. The following parameters were assessed: heart rate before (HR(NTG 0)), and after NTG bolus; maximal (HRNTG max) and mean at 5t second (HR(NTG 5)). Based on results of stimulation patients were divided into two groups: group I--70 patients with electrophysiological signs of SSS and group II--32 patients without the above mentioned signs. One subgroup with decreased IHR alone and three subgroups with different types of SSS were assigned from group I. RESULTS: Heart rate before (HR0) and after bolus of 100 microg nitroglycerin (HR(NTG max), HR(NTG 5)) were significantly lower in patients with SSS than in subjects with normal sinus node function. There were no significant differences of absolute and relative HR increase after NTG bolus between both groups of patients. The values of HR(NTG max) and HR(NTG 5) did not vary significantly between subgroups of patients with different types of SSS. Patients with intrinsic SSS revealed positive correlation between HR0 and both: HRmax and HR(NTG 5). whereas persons with other types of SSS did not show this relation. CONCLUSIONS: (1) Significant positive chronotropic response of sinus node to the stimulation by NO donor was observed in both patients: with and without electrophysiological signs of SSS. (2) The positive chronotropic response of sinus node to NTG bolus was observed despite of type of SSS.