Treatment with ramipril improves systolic function even in patients with mild systolic dysfunction and symptoms of heart failure after acute myocardial infarction

Background: Clinical signs of heart failure such as pulmonary rales and dyspnea, ventricular dysfunction, and ventricular arrhythmia are independent predictors of a poor prognosis after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Hypothesis: The study aimed to assess the effect of ramipril treatment on mildly depressed left ventricular (LV) systolic function, assessed by atrioventricular (AV) plane displacement in patients with congestive heart failure after AMI. Methods:The study was a substudy in the Acute Infarction Ramipril Efficacy Study, a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of ramipril versus placebo in patients with symptoms of heart failure after AMI. In all, 56 patients were included in the main study, 4 refused to participate in the substudy, and 4 were excluded for logistical reasons. Echocardiography was performed at entry and after 6 months. Patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting during the follow-up period were excluded. Results: At baseline, the patients had modest LV dysfunction, and mean AV plane displacement of 9.7 mm. During follow-up, AV plane displacement increased in ramipril-treated patients from 9.5 to 10.9 mm (p < 0.01). No statistically significant changes were seen in the placebo group. Conclusions: Ramipril improves LV systolic function in patients with clinical signs of heart failure and only modest systolic dysfunction after AMI. Measurement of AV plane displacement is a simple and reproducible method for detection of small changes in systolic function and may be used instead of ejection fraction in patients with poor image quality.     

The advantage of global strain compared to left ventricular ejection fraction to predict outcome after acute myocardial infarction

The aim of the study was to compare the ability of global strain and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) to predict outcome after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Left ventricular (LV) function was measured using strain by Doppler and LVEF in 77 patients. Measurements were performed at admission and after 10 ± 5 days. Outcome was measured as the combined end point of cardiac death, reinfarction and hospitalization for heart failure, unstable angina or life threatening arrhythmia. The patients were followed for 3.29 ± 1.59 years (range 0-5.22 years) and 17 cardiac events were registered. The cutoff value of LVEF was 44% for optimal prediction of outcome. We used LVEF ≤ 44% vs. > 44% and the corresponding global strain value ≥ -15.6% vs. < -15.6% to predict cumulative event-free survival. Both methods significantly predicted cardiac combined events at admittance and after 10 days with no difference. After 10 days, however, global strain remained the only significant predictor of outcome in a multivariate logistic regression model (P < 0.0001, odds ratio 1.79). Interobserver reproducibility measured as intraclass correlation was better for global strain than for LVEF (0.92 vs. 0.71). In conclusion, the measurement of global strain in patients with AMI may predict cardiac combined events to the same extent as LVEF in the acute phase and superior to LVEF after 10 days. In addition, global strain demonstrates better interobserver reproducibility and may become an improved bedside tool to evaluate LV function as a prognostic marker after AMI.     

Autonomic Dysfunction and New‐Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction After Acute Myocardial Infarction: A CARISMA Substudy

Predicting New‐Onset AF. Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases morbidity and mortality in patients with previous myocardial infarction and left ventricular systolic dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to identify patients with a high risk for new‐onset AF in this population using invasive and noninvasive electrophysiological tests. Methods: The study included 271 patients from the Cardiac Arrhythmias and RIsk Stratification after Myocardial InfArction (CARISMA) study with an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% without previous AF at enrollment. Within 21 days after the AMI, an implantable loop recorder was inserted and used to diagnose AF over the 2‐year study duration. The following tests were performed: heart rate variability (HRV) and turbulence (HRT) analyses from repeated 24‐hour Holter recordings, 2‐dimensional (2D)‐echocardiograms, exercise test, and programmed electrophysiologic stimulation. Results: A total of 101 patients (37%) developed AF during the study. Predictive measures included several indexes of HRV including reduced low‐frequency (LF) power from spectral HRV analysis (adjusted HR = 1.6, P = 0.034), HRT slope ≤2.5 (HR = 1.6, P = 0.032) and Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA1) from HRV analysis (HR = 1.8, P = 0.011); all are measures of cardiac autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Combined with age >60 years, low values for LF, HRT slope, and DFA1 provided a powerful risk score for prediction of new‐onset AF (1–2 points: HR = 4.3, P = 0.001, 3–4 points: HR = 7.0, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Abnormal HRV and HRT parameters, which are associated with disturbances in the cardiac autonomic regulation, are associated with increased risk of new‐onset AF independently of conventional clinical risk variables. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 983‐990, September 2010)     

Risk Stratification for Serious Arrhythmic Events Using Nonsustained Ventricular Tachycardia and Heart Rate Turbulence Detected by 24‐Hour Holter Electrocardiograms in Patients with Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Background: Previous studies have described the clinical usefulness of the presence of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) and defined heart rate turbulence (HRT) in stratifying patients at risk. We prospectively assessed whether HRT can facilitate the predictive accuracy of NSVT for identifying patients at risk for serious arrhythmic events in patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Methods: We enrolled 299 consecutive patients with LV dysfunction (ejection fraction ≤ 40%) including ischemic (n = 184) and nonischemic causes (n = 115). The presence of NSVT was assessed on Holter electrocardiograms (ECGs). HRT was simultaneously measured from Holter ECGs, assessing two parameters: turbulence onset (TO) and turbulence slope (TS). HRT was considered positive when both TO and TS were abnormal. The end point was defined as of sudden cardiac death (SCD) and sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTs). Results: NSVT was documented in 93 patients (32.7%). For HRT assessment, 17 patients (5.6%) were not utilized. Of 282 patients, 68 (24.1%) were HRT positive. During follow‐up of 960 ± 444 days, 14 patients (5.0%) reached the end point. NSVT, HRT, and diabetes were significantly associated with the end point. On multivariate analysis, NSVT had the strongest value for the end point, with an HR of 4.4 (95%CI, 1.4–14.3; P = 0.0138). When NSVT combined with HRT, the predictive accuracy is more increased, with an HR of 8.2 (95%CI, 2.9–23.3; P < 0.0001). The predictive values of the combination were higher than single use of NSVT or HRT. Conclusions: HRT can facilitate the predictive accuracy of NSVT for identifying patients at risk for serious arrhythmic events in patients with LV dysfunction.     

Temporal changes and prognostic significance of measures of heart rate dynamics after acute myocardial infarction in the beta-blocking era

Previous studies have shown that indexes describing heart rate (HR) dynamics may predict subsequent deaths of patients after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Because beta-blocking (BB) drugs affect both mortality and HR dynamics, the prognostic power of measurements of HR dynamics may have changed in the current era of BB therapy. This study assessed the temporal changes and prognostic significance of time-domain, spectral, and fractal indexes of HR variability along with HR turbulence after an AMI among patients with optimized BB medication. SD of NN intervals, spectral indexes, the short-term fractal scaling exponent (alpha(1)), power-law slope (beta), and turbulence onset and slope were measured in 600 patients at 5 to 7 days after AMI and in 416 patients at 12 months after AMI. In the multivariate analysis, after adjusting for clinical variables, only reduced fractal HR indexes, alpha1 and beta (p <0.01 for both), turbulence onset, and slope (p <0.05 for both), measured at the convalescent phase after AMI, predicted subsequent cardiac death. All time-domain and spectral HR variability indexes and turbulence onset increased significantly during the 12-month period after AMI (p <0.001 for all), whereas the fractal indexes and turbulence slope remained unchanged. Late after AMI, reduced beta (p <0.05) and turbulence slope (p <0.01) were the only independent predictors of cardiac mortality. Traditional time-domain and spectral measurements of HR variability and turbulence onset improved significantly after AMI, whereas the fractal HR dynamics and turbulence slope remained stable. Fractal HR variability and HR turbulence retain their prognostic power in the BB era, when measured either at the convalescent or late phase after AMI.     

Heart Rate Turbulence

Heart rate turbulence (HRT) is a baroreflex-mediated biphasic reaction of heart rate in response to premature ventricular beats. Heart rate turbulence is quantified by: turbulence onset (TO) reflecting the initial acceleration of heart rate following premature beat and turbulence slope (TS) describing subsequent deceleration of heart rate. Abnormal HRT identifies patients with autonomic dysfunction or impaired baroreflex sensitivity due to variety of disorders, but also may reflect changes in autonomic nervous system induced by different therapeutic modalities such as drugs, revascularization, or cardiac resynchronization therapy. More importantly, impaired HRT has been shown to identify patients at high risk of all-cause mortality and sudden death, particularly in postinfarction and congestive heart failure patients. It should be emphasized that abnormal HRT has a well-established role in stratification of postinfarction and heart failure patients with relatively preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. The ongoing clinical trials will document whether HRT can be used to guide implantation of cardioverter-defibrillators in this subset of patients, not covered yet by ICD guidelines. This review focuses on the current state-of-the-art knowledge regarding clinical significance of HRT in detection of autonomic dysfunction and regarding the prognostic significance of this parameter in predicting all-cause mortality and sudden death.     

Clinical significance of brain natriuretic peptide in patients with postmyocardial infarction

BACKGROUND: Risk stratification after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) includes the evaluation of left ventricular (LV) function. Natriuretic peptides, and particularly brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), emerged as a potential marker of ventricular function and prognosis after AMI. HYPOTHESIS: Brain natriuretic peptide levels are related to ventricular function, either systolic or isolated diastolic, and can give prognostic information in patients surviving AMI. METHODS: In all, 101 patients were enrolled. An echocardiographic (M-mode, two-dimensional, and pulsed Doppler) evaluation was performed and blood samples for BNP measurement were obtained. Clinical events were recorded during 12 months of follow-up. RESULTS: A negative correlation between BNP and LV ejection fraction was observed (r = -0.38; p < 0.001). The BNP levels were higher among patients with LV systolic dysfunction than in patients with isolated diastolic dysfunction (339.1 +/- 249.9 vs. 168.0 +/- 110.5 pg/ml, p = 0.001). The latter had higher levels of BNP than those with normal LV function (68.3 +/- 72.6 pg/ml, p < 0.001). The BNP accuracy to detect LV systolic dysfunction was good (area under the ROC curve [AUC] = 0.83) and increased when isolated diastolic dysfunction was also considered (AUC = 0.87). Brain natriuretic peptide had a very good accuracy in the prediction of death (AUC = 0.95) and the development of heart failure (AUC = 0.90). CONCLUSION: These results extend previous evidence relating BNP to systolic function after AMI. Furthermore, a relationship between BNP levels and diastolic function was found. Brain natriuretic peptide had a very good performance in detecting the occurrence of an adverse event. We conclude that BNP can detect high-risk patients and help select patients for more aggressive approaches.     

Abciximab and left ventricular thrombus formation in early period of acute myocardial infarction treated with successful primary stenting

Background Left ventricular (LV) thrombus related to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been rarely diagnosed since primary stenting has become the routine treatment. The salvage of myocardium at risk is considered as a reason for low frequency of this complication. The impact of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors on LV thrombus formation remains unknown. This study investigated the relationship between abciximab treatment and presence of LV thrombus in the first few days after primary stenting. Methods and results A total of 3,078 patients with AMI, who underwent successful primary stenting, were retrospectively analyzed. There were 1,614 patients, who received abciximab and 1,414 treated without it. All patients received aspirin and clopidogrel. LV thrombus was diagnosed by two-dimensional echocardiography within 3–5 days after invasive treatment. This complication appeared equally frequently in both the abciximab and no-abciximab group (2.9% vs. 2.1%, respectively). According to results of multiple log-regression analysis, both groups did not differ in predictors of thrombus formation, such as infarct size and degree of LV dysfunction. Treatment with abciximab was not proved to be an independent predictor of LV thrombus absence. Conclusion Abciximab does not have a direct influence on LV thrombus formation in the early period of AMI.     

急性心肌梗死介入治疗后临床预后与白细胞介素-6的关系

目的观察急性心肌梗死(AMI)介入治疗后,白细胞介素6(IL-6)水平、白细胞计数和单核细胞比及高敏C反应蛋白(hs-CRP)与心脏收缩功能及心脏事件的关系。方法32例首次前壁AMI行急诊介入治疗患者,记录患者AMI介入治疗后24 h白细胞计数、单核细胞比及hs-CRP水平,AMI后第3天测定患者血浆IL-6水平,随访6个月。25例无冠心病病史,且超声心动图检查正常者为对照组。结果AMI组IL-6水平高于对照组(P<0.05);IL-6水平与心功能Killip分级呈正相关(r=0.64,P<0.01);与AMI后3个月及6个月时左室射血分数呈负相关,r值分别为-0.59及-0.47(均P<0.01);Killip分级≥2级、严重心律失常、心包积液患者的IL-6水平明显高于无心脏事件的患者,P<0.05;Killip分级≥2级的患者hs-CRP水平明显高于Killip分级1级的患者。结论IL-6是AMI左室收缩功能严重受损以及发生心脏事件的预测因子。     

急性心肌梗死后左心室游离壁破裂患者临床特点分析

目的探讨急性心肌梗死(acute myocardial infarction,AMI)后发生左心室游离壁破裂(free wall rupture,FWR)患者的临床特点及危险因素。方法入选2010年12月至2018年12月南京医科大学附属南京医院明确诊断为AMI的患者4221例,其中发生FWR的患者81例(FWR组),按照1:5匹配原则,随机选取未发生心脏破裂(且未发生室间隔穿孔)的患者405例作为非FWR组,比较两组患者临床基线资料及预后。结果(1)AMI患者中出现FWR的风险为1.9%。(2)与非FWR组相比,FWR组患者年龄偏大,前壁心肌梗死较多,心功能更差,接受手术治疗(包括经皮支架植入和冠状动脉旁路移植术)的患者比例偏低,且所有患者均出现院内死亡。(3)91.4%的患者FWR发生在AMI起病1周之内,其中24 h内发生FWR 37例(45.7%)。(4)COX回归分析发现,年龄(HR=1.055,95%CI:1.032~1.078,P<0.001)、急性前壁心肌梗死(HR=1.907,95%CI:1.211~3.002,P=0.005)和手术治疗(HR=0.126,95%CI:0.072~0.220,P<0.001)是AMI患者出现FWR的独立预测因子。结论AMI患者发生FWR的风险约为1.9%,而且通常发生在心肌梗死1周内,高龄和急性前壁心肌梗死患者容易发生FWR,而手术治疗能明显降低FWR风险。     

Dofetilide in patients with left ventricular dysfunction and either heart failure or acute myocardial infarction: Rationale,design, and patient characteristics of the DIAMOND studies

Background: Attempts to prolong life with antiarrhythmic drugs in patients at increased risk of sudden cardiac death have so far been disappointing or inconclusive. Hypothesis: The Danish Investigations of Arrhythmia and Mortality ON Dofetilide (DIAMOND) encompass two survival studies testing the prophylactic use of the selective potassium-channel blocker, dofetilide, in patients at high risk of sudden death. Methods: The first study includes patients admitted to hospital with congestive heart failure (CHF), the other includes patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) within the previous 7 days. In both studies patients must have left ventricular systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction 35%) determined by echocardiography. Each of the two studies are planned to enroll 1500 patients. Consecutive hospitalized patients with MI or CHF are screened in 37 Danish hospitals. Eligible patients are randomized to receive dofetilide or matching placebo. All patients are continuously monitored by telemetry for the first 3 days of the study to detect possible arrhythmic events and to ensure resuscitation in case of serious arrhythmias. Minimum duration of follow-up is 12 months. Results: Between November 1993 and July 1996, a total of 5812 consecutive patients with CHF and 8688 consecutive patients with MI was screened for entry. Of these, 1518 patients were included in the CHF study and 1510 patients in the MI study. Overall 1-year mortality of randomized patients were 28 and 22%, respectively. Conclusion: DIAMOND will provide important data on the safety and efficacy of dofetilide in high-risk patients with left ventricular dysfunction and either CHF or MI, as well as evaluate tolerability in these populations.     

Measurement of heart rate variability: a clinical tool or a research toy?

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this review are to discuss the diversity of mechanisms that may explain the association between heart rate (HR) variability and mortality, to appraise the clinical applicability of traditional and new measures of HR variability and to propose future directions in this field of research. There is a large body of data demonstrating that abnormal HR variability measured over a 24-h period provides information on the risk of subsequent death in subjects with and without structural heart disease. However, the mechanisms responsible for this association are not completely established. Therefore, no specific therapy is currently available to improve the prognosis for patients with abnormal HR variability. Reduced HR variability has been most commonly associated with a risk of arrhythmic death, but recent data suggest that abnormal variability also predicts vascular causes of death, progression of coronary atherosclerosis and death due to heart failure. A consensus is also lacking on the best HR variability measure for clinical purposes. Time and frequency domain measures of HR variability have been most commonly used, but recent studies show that new analysis methods based on nonlinear dynamics may be more powerful in terms of risk stratification. Before the measurement of HR variability can be applied to clinical practice and used to direct therapy, more precise insight into the pathophysiological link between HR variability and mortality are needed. Further studies should also address the issue of which of the HR variability indexes, including the new nonlinear measures, is best for clinical purposes in various patient populations.     

PREAMI: Perindopril and Remodelling in Elderly with Acute Myocardial Infarction: Study Rationale and Design

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors reduce mortality, the development of remodeling, left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, and ischemic events, both when administered alone as long-term treatment in patients with impaired LV function and/or heart failure (HF) and as short-term treatment, early after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and/or HF. The few data available on the use of ACE inhibitors in the elderly after AMI are conflicting. Nothing is known about the effects of ACE inhibitors in elderly postinfarction patients with preserved LV function: these patients have a remarkable medium- to long-term mortality and HF incidence after infarction. The aim of this study is to evaluate, in patients with AMI aged 65 years, the effects of Perindopril on the combined outcome of death, hospitalization for HF, and heart remodeling, considered to be a 8% increase in LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV). Secondary objectives include the same factors listed in the primary end points but considered separately. In addition, safety of the drug, ventricular remodeling, and adaptation are being evaluated. A total of 1100 patients with AMI (first episode or reinfarction), aged 65 years, and preserved or only moderately depressed LV (LV ejection fraction 40%), are to be enrolled and randomly assigned to treatment (8 mg for 12 months of Perindopril or placebo, in double-blind conditions). Clinical assessment is performed at fixed times, and periodic evaluations of (1) ventricular shape, dimensions, and function by quantitative 2-D echocardiography, and (2) heart rate variability and arrhythmias by ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring are anticipated. The results and conclusions will be available by 2002 year.     

脑钠素与急性心肌梗死预后关系的临床研究

目的探讨血浆脑钠素（BNP）浓度与急性心肌梗死（AMI）预后的关系。方法选取55例急性心肌梗死患者为试验组,20名健康者为对照组,统计住院期间及平均12个月随访中患者的年龄、BNP、高敏C反应蛋白、血常规等及心血管事件的发生率,观察心血管事件发生组与未发生组患者血浆BNP浓度差异。结果与对照组相比,AMI患者血浆BNP浓度显著升高,发生心血管事件的患者血浆BNP浓度明显高于未发生者。在控制其他因素后,多因素分析显示BNP是心血管事件发生的独立危险因素。结论AMI急性期血浆BNP浓度显著升高,提示心血管事件发生率高。BNP可作为AMI后心血管事件的预测因子。     

The duration of beta‐blocker therapy and outcomes in patients without heart failure or left ventricular systolic dysfunction after acute myocardial infarction: A multicenter prospective cohort study

BackgroundThe duration of beta‐blocker therapy in patients without heart failure (HF) or left ventricular systolic dysfunction after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is unclear.HypothesisContinuous beta‐blocker therapy is associated with an improved prognosis.MethodsThis is a prospective, multicenter, cohort study. One thousand four hundred and eighty‐three patients eventually met the inclusion criteria. The study groups included the continuous beta‐blocker therapy group (lasted ≥6 months) and the discontinuous beta‐blocker therapy group (consisting of the no‐beta‐blocker therapy group and the beta‐blocker therapy <6 months group). The inverse probability treatment weighting was used to control confounding factors. The study tried to learn the role of continuous beta‐blocker therapy on outcomes. The median duration of follow‐up was 13.0 months. The primary outcomes were cardiac death and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The secondary outcomes were all‐cause death, stroke, unstable angina, rehospitalization for HF, and recurrent myocardial infarction (MI).ResultsCompared with discontinuous beta‐blocker therapy, continuous beta‐blocker therapy was associated with a reduced risk of unstable angina, recurrent MI, and MACE (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.32–0.82; p = 0.006); but this association was not available for cardiac death (HR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.24–1.36; p = 0.206). When compared to the subgroups of no‐beta‐blocker therapy and beta‐blocker therapy <6 months, respectively, continuous beta‐blocker therapy was still observed to be associated with a reduced risk of unstable angina, recurrent MI, and MACE.ConclusionsContinuous beta‐blocker therapy was associated with a reduced risk of unstable angina or recurrent MI or MACE in patients without HF or left ventricular systolic dysfunction after AMI.     

Does Longitudinal Strain Predict Left Ventricular Remodeling after Myocardial Infarction?

Background: One of the most prognostically significant consequences of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the development of an adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling. Objectives: The purpose of our study was to evaluate a feasibility of speckle tracking imaging (STI), in particular, global longitudinal strain (Ls) in predicting LV remodeling after AMI. Methods: A total of 82 AMI patients (mean age 57.6 ± 9.4) were included in the study. Within 48–72 hours of the onset of AMI and at a 4‐month follow‐up, two‐dimensional echocardiography was performed. The apical two‐ and four‐chamber views of the heart were analyzed offline using Echo Pac software for the assessment of strain by the STI method. LV remodeling was defined as a 15% increase from the baseline in LV end‐diastolic volume. Results: Twenty‐eight patients (34.1%) with LV remodeling at 4‐month follow‐up had comparable baseline clinical and echocardiographic characteristics with 54 patients (without LV remodeling), except for a predominance of the anterior wall MI (P < 0.01), higher leukocyte count value at admission (P < 0.01), lower ejection fraction (P < 0.05), increased end‐systolic volume (P < 0.05), and reduced global systolic Ls (P < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed the systolic Ls as an independent determinant of LV remodeling after AMI. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that a cutoff value of ?11.6% for the systolic Ls yielded a 78% sensitivity and a 73% specificity to predict LV remodeling in 4 months. Conclusions. Our study has shown that LV longitudinal strain assessed by STI is an independent predictor of LV remodeling after AMI. (Echocardiography 2012;29:419‐427)     

Echocardiographic Abnormalities in the Assessment of Cardiac Organ Damage in Never-Treated Hypertensive Patients

Hypertension-related cardiac organ damage, other than left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy (LVH), has been described: in particular, concentric remodeling, LV diastolic dysfunction (DD), and left atrial (LA) enlargement are significantly associated with cardiovascular morbility and mortality in different populations. This study evaluated the prevalence of these latter morphofunctional abnormalities, in never-treated essential hypertensive patients and the role of such a serial assessment of hypertensive cardiac damage in improving cardiovascular risk stratification in these patients. A total of 100 never-treated essential hypertensive subjects underwent a complete clinical and echocardiographic evaluation. Left ventricular morphology, systolic and diastolic function, and LA dimension (linear and volume) were evaluated by echocardiography. Left ventricular hypertrophy was present in 14% of the patients, whereas concentric remodeling was present in 25% of the subjects. Among patients free from LV morphology abnormalities, the most frequent abnormality was LA enlargement (global prevalence 57%); the percentage of patients with at least one parameter consistent with DD was 22% in the entire population, but DD was present as the only cardiac abnormality in 1% of our patient. Left atrial volume indexed for body surface area was the most sensitive parameter in identifying hypertension-related cardiac modification. The global prevalence of cardiac alteration reached 73% in never-treated hypertensive patients. Left ventricular remodeling and LA enlargement evaluation may grant a better assessment of cardiac organ damage and cardiovascular risk stratification of hypertensive patients without evidence of LVH after routine examination.     

心肌缺血预适应对急性心肌梗死影响的观察

目的:探讨心肌缺血预适应对急性心肌梗死(AMI)临床表现及其预后的影响。方法:根据AMI前有无心绞痛发作分为预缺血组和无预缺血组,分组观察AMI患者血清肌酸磷酸激酶(CPK)峰值,住院期间并发症(心衰、心源性休克、严重心律失常),以及住院期间心性病死率。结果:预缺血组血清CPK峰值明显低于无预缺血组(P<0.05),住院期间心源性休克及严重心律失常发生率明显低于无预缺血组(P<0.05)。结论:心肌缺血预适应可减轻心肌坏死程度,缩小梗死面积,并减少AMI并发症的产生。     

脑钠素与急性心肌梗死预后关系的临床研究

目的 探讨血浆脑钠素(BNP)浓度与急性心肌梗死(AMI)预后的关系。方法血样在心肌梗死急性期由110例AMI患获得,经在住院期间及经平均12个月的随访,观察心血管事件发生组与未发生组患的血浆BNP浓度差异。结果AMI后血浆BNP浓度呈显升高,发生心血管事件的患血浆BNP浓度明显高于未发生;急性期血浆BNP与心血管事件发生相关。结论AMI急性期血浆BNP浓度显升高,提示心血管事件发生率高;BNP可作为AMI后心血管事件的预测因子。     

C-Reactive protein as a risk factor for left ventricular thrombus in patients with acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND: Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) has been found to correlate with higher risk for cardiac events in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). It has been suggested that CRP may be involved in initiation process of coagulation; however, the role of CRP level in the formation of left ventricular (LV) thrombus has not been studied. HYPOTHESIS: This study investigated whether CRP is a risk factor for LV thrombus in patients with AMI. METHODS: Clinical, echocardiographic, and biochemical data were analyzed in 141 consecutive patients (aged 57 +/- 13 years; 33 women) with first anterior AMI. Two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiographic examinations were performed on Days 1, 3, 7, 15, and 30. Blood samples were obtained every day during hospitalization. Serum CRP concentrations were measured by an ultrasensitive immunonephelometry method. RESULTS: Left ventricular thrombus was detected in 33 (23.4%) patients. Univariate analysis showed that patients with LV thrombus had a higher peak creatine kinase (CK) level (2,879 +/- 742 vs. 1,693 +/- 1,210 I/U, p = 0.001), higher peak CRP level (14.9 +/- 7.1 vs. 9.2 +/- 6.8 mg/dl, p = 0.001), higher wall motion score index (1.8 +/- 0.2 vs. 1.5 +/- 0.3, p = 0.002), higher apical wall motion score index (2.35 +/- 0.72 vs. 2.07 +/- 0.70, p = 0.001), larger end-diastolic volume (145.2 +/- 43.7 vs. 116.5 +/- 44.2 ml, p = 0.002), larger end-systolic volume (85.4 +/- 37.2 vs. 62.9 +/- 31.6 ml, p = 0.003), and lower ejection fraction (42.1 +/- 12 vs. 47.3 +/- 13, p = 0.04). In multivariate analyses, only peak CK level (p = 0.0001), LV apical wall motion score index (p = 0.001), and CRP levels (p = 0.001) were independent predictors of LV thrombus formation. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that CRP is a risk factor for LV thrombus in patients with AMI.