Cardiology Journal 2008, tom 15, nr 5

Diabetes is a recognized risk factor of increased morbidity and mortality especially in patients with ischemic heart disease and after myocardial infarction [1]. The need for early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes is well recognized, but still seems to be underappreciated...

Despite the advancements in pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of atrial fibrillation (AF) observed during last decades, available treatment modalities and predictors of their success are still far from optimal. Understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms underlying AF and assessment of atrial electrophysiological properties using easily available non-invasive diagnostic tools such as surface ECG are essential for further improvement of patient-tailored treatment strategies..

The U wave is the last, inconstant, smallest, rounded and upward deflection of the electrocardiogram. Controversial in origin, it is sometimes seen following the T wave with the TU junction along the baseline or fused with it and before P of the following cycle on the TP segment...

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant factor regarding poor outcome in patients with myocardial infarction. Recently a new prognostic factor is under consideration — a baseline glucose level on admission. We sought to assess the influence of blood glucose levels on admission on prognosis of patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)...

Both high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and spiral computed tomography coronary artery calcium score (CCS) are valid markers of cardiovascular risk. It is unknown whether hs-CRP is a marker of atherosclerotic burden or whether it reflects a process leading to acute coronary events...