Cardiology Journal 2009, tom 16, nr 6

Primary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a well-defined entity characterized by spontaneous and recurrent abortion, thrombocytopenia and recurrent vascular thromboses (arterial and venous). Left ventricular thrombus mimicking primary cardiac tumor with recurrent systemic embolism has not been previously reported...

In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, functional and structural changes of the respiratory system greatly influence cardiovascular autonomic functions. Determining autonomic balance may be important in understanding the pathophysiology of COPD and useful clinically in the treatment of COPD patients. Heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate turbulence (HRT) are useful tools in assessing the autonomic neurovegetative function...

The effect of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on systemic inflammation and neurohormonal alterations associated with heart failure is not well characterized. Accordingly, we aimed to assess the long term effects of CRT on systemic inflammation and neurohormonal factors in heart failure patients...

Antiplatelet therapy has proven beneficial in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly used for gastroprotection in patients receiving antiplatelet therapy. Several trials have been carried out to establish interactions between PPIs, clopidogrel and soluble formulations of aspirin, but no studies with PPIs and enteric-coated (EC) forms of aspirin have been conducted...

Deceleration capacity (DC) is a novel electrocardiography (ECG) parameter characterizing the overall capacity of slowing down the heart rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical and ECG covariates of DC in patients with the first episode of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary angioplasty...

A prospective, randomized study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of oral propafenone and quinidine for the conversion of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Eighty one consecutive patients (female/male 46/35; mean age 64.0 ± 11.6), admitted to hospital with AF lasting no longer than 48 hours, were randomized in terms of their pharmacological therapy.

Scarce data exist concerning the long-term effect of percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA) enhanced with intravascular gamma brachytherapy (IVBT) in patients with renovascular hypertension...

The interdependence between echocardiographic parameters of left ventricle function, severity of heart failure (HF) and exercise test duration has not been thoroughly examined...

Patients with Eisenmenger syndrome form a small percentage of congenital heart disease patients. The rarity of this syndrome, combined with its complex pathophysiology, account for the insufficient understanding of the principles underlying its proper treatment. The main clinical symptoms are: cyanosis due to secondary erythrocytosis, resulting in increased blood viscosity, iron deficiency anemia (enhanced by unnecessary phlebotomies), blood clotting disturbances, heart failure and serious supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias. ..

A significant progress in the treatment of heart failure occurred during the last 20 years. These advances were associated with the introduction and subsequent widespread use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and beta blockers, but also with progress in device therapy and cardiac surgery...