Assessment of atrial conduction time in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is closely related to increased cardiovascular risk in women of reproductive age. Atrial conduction abnormalities in these patients have not been investigated in terms of atrial electromechanical delay measured by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) as an early predictor of atrial fibrillation development. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether TDI-derived atrial conduction time is prolonged in PCOS.

Methods

The study included 51 patients with PCOS and 48 age-matched healthy controls. P-wave dispersion (PWD) was calculated on the 12-lead surface electrocardiogram. Systolic and diastolic left ventricular (LV) functions, atrial electromechanical coupling, intraatrial and interatrial electromechanical delays were measured with conventional echocardiography and TDI.

Results

PWD was higher in PCOS women (50.45?±?3.7 vs 34.73?±?6.7 ms, p?=?0.008). Interatrial and intraatrial electromechanical delay were found longer in patients with PCOS compared to controls (41.9?±?9.0 vs 22.2?±?6.6 ms, p?p?r?=?0.54, p?C-reactive protein levels (r?=?0.68, p?r?=?0.53, p?r?=?0.31, p?=?0.04; r?=?0.37, p?=?0.021, respectively) and negatively correlated with flow propagation velocity (r?=??0.38, p?=?0.014).

Conclusion

This study shows that atrial electromechanical delay is prolonged in PCOS patients. Atrial electromechanical delay prolongation is related to low-grade inflammation, insulin resistance, and LV diastolic dysfunction in PCOS.     

Comparison of subclinical left and right ventricular systolic dysfunction in non-dipper and dipper hypertensives: impact of isovolumic acceleration

Objectives: To evaluate subclinical left ventricular and right ventricular systolic impairment in dipper and non-dipper hypertensives by using isovolumic acceleration.

Methods: About 45 normotensive healthy volunteers (20 men, mean age 43?±?9 years), 45 dipper (27 men, mean age 45?±?9 years) and 45 non-dipper (25 men, 47?±?7 years) hypertensives were enrolled. Isovolumic acceleration was measured by dividing the peak myocardial isovolumic contraction velocity by isovolumic acceleration time.

Results: Non-dippers indicated lower left ventricular (2.2?±?0.4?m/s² versus 2.8?±?1.0?m/s², p?2 versus 3.5?±?1.0?m/s², p?=?0.012) compared with dippers. Left ventricular mass index (p?=?0.001), interventricular septal thickness (p?=?0.002) and myocardial performance index (p?p?=?0.002), mass index (p?=?0.001) and right ventricular myocardial performance index (p?Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that non-dipper hypertensives have increased left and right ventricular subclinical systolic dysfunction compared with dippers. Isovolumic acceleration is the only echocardiographic parameter in predicting this subtle impairment.     

Atrial conduction time and atrial mechanical function in patients with impaired fasting glucose

Background

Prolonging atrial conduction time, as measured by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), is an independent predictor of new onset or recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF). We investigated atrial conduction time and cardiac mechanical function in patients with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) using echocardiography.

Methods

Thirty patients with IFG (19 males and 11 females; age, 46.9?±?9.5?years) and 30 control subjects (18 males and 12 females; age, 46.7?±?8.2?years) were included. Atrial conduction time was determined from the lateral mitral annulus (PA lateral), septal mitral annulus (PA septal), and lateral tricuspid annulus (PA tricuspid) by TDI. Inter- and intra-atrial electromechanical delays (EMDs) were calculated. Left atrial (LA) volumes were determined according to the biplane area?Clength method. LA mechanical function parameters were calculated.

Results

LA passive emptying volume and LA passive emptying fraction decreased significantly in patients with IFG as compared with control subjects (p?<?0.001 and p?<?0.001, respectively). PA lateral and PA septal durations were significantly higher in patients with IFG than in the control group. However, no difference in PA tricuspid duration was observed between the two groups. Inter- and intra-atrial EMDs were significantly higher in patients with IFG as compared with the control subjects (median [interquartile range], 34.0 [17.0] vs. 17.0 [4.0], p?<?0.001 and 15.0 [8.5] vs. 7.5 [2.0], p?<?0.001, respectively). Positive correlations were detected between both inter- and intra-atrial EMD and glucose levels (r?=?0.76, p?<?0.001 and r?=?0.68, p?<?0.001, respectively). Additionally, a multiple linear regression analysis revealed that glucose levels were independently associated with inter-atrial EMD (???=?0.753, p?<?0.001).

Conclusion

We showed that IFG was associated with inter- and intra-atrial EMD. Our findings suggest that IFG is an etiological factor for the development of AF.     

Neutrophil to lymphocyte and platelet to lymphocyte ratio in patients with dipper versus non-dipper hypertension

Background: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are associated with worse outcome in various diseases. Non-dipping blood pressure pattern is associated with higher cardiovascular mortality. The aim of this study was to explore the association between NLR and PLR in patients with dipper versus non-dipper hypertension.

Methods: The study included 166 patients with hypertension. Eighty-three patients (40 male, mean age: 49.1?±?10.5 years) had dipper hypertension, while 83 patients (41 male, mean age: 52.3?±?12.7 years) had non-dipper hypertension.

Results: Baseline demographic characteristics were similar in both groups. Patients with non-dipper hypertension had significantly higher NLR compared to dipper hypertension (2.3?±?0.9 versus 1.8?±?0.5, p?p?=?0.001). In univariate analysis, hyperlipidemia, smoking, presence of diabetes, PLR more than 107 and NLR more than 1.89 were among predictors of dipper and non-dipper status. In logistic regression analyses, only hyperlipidemia (odds ratio: 2.96, CI: 1.22–7.13) and PLR more than 107 (odds ratio: 2.62, CI: 1.13–6.06) were independent predictors of dipper and non-dipper status. A PLR of 107 or higher predicted non-dipper status with a sensitivity of 66.3% and specificity of 68.7%.

Conclusion: We demonstrated that patients with non-dipper hypertension had significantly higher NLR and PLR compared to dipper hypertension, which has not been reported previously. Moreover PLR more than 107 but not NLR was independent predictor of non-dipper status.     

Depression and anxiety are associated with abnormal nocturnal blood pressure fall in hypertensive patients

Background: Previous studies have shown that depression and anxiety were independent risk factors for hypertension. Non-dipper hypertension is associated with higher cardiovascular mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anxiety and depression scores in patients with dipper and non-dipper hypertension. Methods: The study sample consisted of 153 hypertensive patients. All patients underwent 24-h blood pressure monitoring. Patients were classified into two groups according to their dipper or non-dipper hypertension status. We evaluated results of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale between groups. Results: Seventy-eight patients (38 male, mean age: 51.6?±?12.5 years) had dipper hypertension while 75 patients (27 male, mean age: 55.4?±?14.1 years) had non-dipper hypertension (p?=?0.141, 0.072, respectively). Clinical characteristics were similar for both groups. Patients with non-dipper hypertension had significantly higher depression and anxiety scores compared to patients with dipper hypertension. Dipper and non-dipper status significantly correlated with anxiety (p: 0.025, r: 0.181) and depression score (p: 0.001, r: 0.255). In univariate analysis, smoking, alcohol usage, presence of diabetes, hyperlipidemia, anxiety score >8 and depression score >7 were predictors of dipper versus non-dipper status. In multivariate logistic regression analyses only depression score >7 was independent predictor of dipper versus non-dipper status (odds ratio: 2.74, confidence intervals: 1.41–5.37). A depression score of 7 or higher predicted non-dipper status with a sensitivity of 62.7% and specificity of 62.8%. Conclusion: Non-dipper patients have significantly higher anxiety and depression scores compared to dipper patients. Evaluation of anxiety and depression in patients with hypertension might help to detect non-dipper group and hence guide for better management.     

Assessment of atrial conduction time by tissue Doppler echocardiography and P-wave dispersion in smokers

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between cigarette smoking and atrial rhythm disorders with the use of noninvasive methods.

Methods

The study population consisted of 50 healthy volunteer smokers and 40 healthy volunteer non-smokers who had normal echocardiographic parameters and similar sex and age profiles. P-wave dispersion (PWD) was calculated from the 12-lead surface ECG. Left ventricle (LV) end-systolic and end-diastolic diameters, LV ejection fraction, and interatrial and intraatrial electromechanical delay were measured by tissue Doppler imaging and conventional echocardiography.

Results

Isovolumetric relaxation time and deceleration time were significantly higher (91.5?±?11 vs. 82.35?±?8.6, p?p?p?=?0.003). There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to Sm and Em values, Am value, and E/A and E/Em ratios. However, the Em/Am ratio was significantly lower in smokers (1.28?±?0.21 vs. 1.44?±?0.33, p?p?p?r?=?0.567, p?r?=?0.653, p?=?0.001).

Conclusion

We have demonstrated the relationship between inter- and intraatrial electromechanical delay and PWD. These parameters may be useful predictive markers for the development of AF in the asymptomatic period before cardiac rhythm disturbances occur. This finding may indicate that smokers have an increased risk of developing atrial rhythm disturbances.     

Assessment of Atrial Electromechanical Coupling Characteristics in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate atrial conduction abnormalities obtained by Doppler tissue imaging (DTI) and electrocardiogram analysis in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. Methods: A total of 40 patients with AS (22 males /18 females, 37.82 ± 10.22 years), and 42 controls (22 males/20 females, 35.74 ± 9.98 years) were included. Systolic and diastolic left ventricular (LV) functions were measured by using conventional echocardiography and DTI. Interatrial and intraatrial electromechanical coupling (PA) intervals were measured with DTI. P-wave dispersion (PD) was calculated from the 12-lead electrocardiogram. Results: Atrial electromechanical coupling at the left lateral mitral annulus (PA lateral) was significantly delayed in AS patients (61.65 ± 7.81 vs 53.69 ± 6.75 ms, P < 0.0001). Interatrial (PA lateral – PA tricuspid), intraatrial electromechanical coupling intervals (PA septum – PA tricuspid), maximum P-wave (Pmax) duration, and PD were significantly longer in AS patients (23.50 ± 7.08 vs 14.76 ± 5.69 ms, P < 0.0001; 5.08 ± 5.24 vs 2.12 ± 2.09 ms, P = 0.001; 103.85 ± 6.10 vs 97.52 ± 6.79 ms, P < 0.0001; and 48.65 ± 6.17 vs 40.98 ± 5.37 ms, P < 0.0001, respectively). Reflecting LV diastolic function mitral A-wave and E/A, mitral E-wave deceleration time (DT), Am and Em/Am were significantly different between the groups (P < 0.05). We found a significant correlation between interatrial electromechanical coupling interval with PD (r = 0.536, P < 0.01). Interatrial electromechanical coupling interval was positively correlated with DT (r = 0.422, P < 0.01) and inversely correlated with E/A (r =−0.263, P < 0.05) and Em/Am (r =−0.263, P < 0.05). Conclusion: This study shows that atrial electromechanical coupling intervals and PD are delayed, and LV diastolic functions are impaired in AS patients.     

Cardiac Autonomic Function Measured by Heart Rate Variability and Turbulence in Pre-hypertensive Subjects

Non-dipping blood pressure pattern was shown to be associated with increased cardiovascular events. In addition, cardiac autonomic dysfunction was found to be associated with non-dipper phenomenon. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the cardiac autonomic functions in dipper and non-dipper pre-hypertensive subjects. A total of 65 pre-hypertensive subjects were enrolled in this study. They were divided into two groups as non-dippers (40 subjects, 52% female) and dippers (25 subjects, 52.5% female). Cardiac autonomic functions of the two groups were compared with the aid of heart rate variability, heart rate turbulence (HRT), atrial premature contractions (APCs), ventricular premature contractions (VPCs), and mean heart rate (MHR). There was no significant difference between non-dippers and dippers in basal characteristics. The two parameters of HRT, turbulence onset and turbulence slope, were found to be significantly abnormal in non-dippers than in dippers (P < .011 and P < .002, respectively). Heart rate variability parameters, including SDNN, SDANN, RMSSD, and pNN50, were found to be similar in dipper and non-dipper pre-hypertensive subjects (P < .998, P < .453, P < .205, and P < .788, respectively). APCs, VPCs, and MHR were compared, and there were statistical differences between the groups (APCs 5.80 ± 4.55, 9.14 ± 7.33, P < .024; VPCs 8.48 ± 8.83, 13.23 ± 9.68, P < .044; and MHR 70.16 ± 11.08, 76.26 ± 11.31, P < .035; respectively). This study demonstrated a possible cardiac autonomic dysfunction in pre-hypertensive subjects with non-dipper pattern. This may be a basis for future studies related to pre-hypertension and non-dipping BP pattern.     

Improvement of left ventricular diastolic function and left atrial reverse remodeling after catheter ablation of premature ventricular complexes

Aims

Catheter ablation of premature ventricular complexes (PVC) improves left ventricular (LV) systolic performance in certain patients; however, the effect on diastolic function and left atrial (LA) remodeling is unclear. We assessed the effects of catheter ablation of PVCs on parameters of LV diastolic function and LA remodeling.

Methods

Forty-seven patients (age 65?±?10 years, 46 men) who underwent catheter ablation for symptomatic PVCs were evaluated using two-dimensional echocardiography before and 6?±?2 months after ablation. The measured diastolic indices included mitral inflow parameters (E wave, A wave, E/A ratio, and deceleration time (DT)), mitral lateral annulus early diastolic velocity (Ea), and E/Ea ratio. The LA volume was measured using modified biplane Simpson's method. We also compared the changes in the left atrial volumes and left atrial volume index (LAVI) after PVC ablation.

Results

After catheter ablation of PVCs, the mean LV ejection fraction (EF) increased significantly (49.9?±?10.3 vs. 42.8?±?11.8, p?<?0.01). Significant improvement was also seen in A wave velocity (71.3?±?17.1 vs. 59.5?±?15.1 cm/s, p?=?0.039), E/A ratio (1.42?±?0.6 vs. 1.07?±?0.5 ml, p?=?0.034), Ea (8.9?±?3.9 vs. 6.8?±?2.9 cm/s, p?=?0.04), and E/Ea ratio (15.4?±?5.8 vs. 10.6?±?3.4, p?=?0.027), whereas mitral E and DT did not show significant change. LAVI decreased significantly after ablation (44.4?±?14.8 vs. 36.7?±?12.5, p?<?0.001). Significant improvement in LAVI was also seen in patients with normal baseline LVEF (p?=?0.04).

Conclusion

Catheter ablation of PVCs improved LV diastolic function and resulted in left atrial reverse remodeling.     

Evaluation of Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio in patients with non-dipper hypertension

Aims: Non-dipper hypertension is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Several studies have suggested that the interval from the peak to the end of the electrocardiographic T wave (Tp-e) may correspond to the transmural dispersion of repolarization and that increased Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio are associated with malignant ventricular arrhythmias. The aim of this study was to evaluate ventricular repolarization by using Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio in patients with non-dipper hypertension.

Materials and method: This study included 80 hypertensive patients. Hypertensive patients were divided into two groups: 50 dipper patients (29 male, mean age 51.5?±?8 years) and 30 non-dipper patients (17 male, mean age 50.6?±?5.4 years). Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio were measured from the 12-lead electrocardiogram. These parameters were compared between groups.

Results: No statistically significant difference was found between two groups in terms of basic characteristics. In electrocardiographic parameters analysis, QT dispersion (QTd) and corrected QTd were significantly increased in non-dipper patients compared to the dippers (39.4?±?11.5 versus 27.3?±?7.5?ms and 37.5?±?9.5 versus 29.2?±?6.5?ms, p?=?0.001 and p?=?0.01, respectively). Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio were also significantly higher in non-dipper patients (97.5?±?11.2 versus 84.2?±?8.3?ms and 0.23?±?0.02 versus 0.17?±?0.02, all p value <0.001).

Conclusion: Our study revealed that QTd, Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio are prolonged in patients with non-dipper hypertension.     

The acute effect of percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty on atrial electromechanical delay and P-wave dispersion in patients with mitral stenosis

Background and aim of the study

The predisposition to atrial fibrillation (AF) in mitral stenosis (MS) has been demonstrated with several electrocardiographic (increased P-wave dispersion) and echocardiographic parameters (atrial electromechanical delay). Despite the improvement in P-wave dispersion after percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMBV), the changes in echocardiographic parameters related to AF risk are unknown. In this study we aimed to investigate the acute effect of PMBV on atrial electromechanical delay (EMD) assessed by tissue Doppler echocardiography in addition to electrocardiographic parameters.

Materials and methods

This single-center study consisted of 30 patients with moderate or severe MS (23 females and seven males, aged 36.5?±?8.5 years, with a mean MVA of 1.1?±?0.2 cm²) who underwent successful PMBV without complication at our clinic and 20 healthy volunteers from hospital staff as a control group (16 females and four males, aged 35.4?±?6 years). We compared the two groups in regard to clinical, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic features. The patients with MS were also evaluated after PMBV within 72 h of the procedure. The P-wave dispersion was calculated from12-lead ECG. Interatrial and intra-atrial EMDs were measured by tissue Doppler echocardiography. These ECG and echocardiographic parameters after PMBV were compared with previous values.

Results

The maximum P-wave duration (138?±?15 vs. 101?±?6 ms, p?<?0.01), PWD (58?±?18 vs 23?±?4, p?<?0.01), the interatrial (55?±?16 vs 36?±?11 ms, p?<?0.01) and left-sided intra-atrial EMD (40?±?11 vs 24?±?12 ms, p?<?0.01) were higher in patients with MS than in healthy subjects. The left atrial (LA) diameter, LA volume and LA volume index had positive association with the interatrial (r?=?0.5, p?<?0.01; r?=?0.5, p?<?0.01 and r?=?0.5, p?<?0.01, respectively) and left-sided intra-atrial EMD (r?=?0.5, p?<?0.01; r?=?0.4, p?<?0.01; r?=?0.4, p?<?0.01 respectively). After PMBV, the interatrial (55?±?16 vs. 40?±?11 ms, p?<?0.01) and left-sided intra-atrial EMD (40?±?11 vs 31?±?10, p?<?0.01) showed significant improvement compared to previous values. There was also a statistically significant difference in maximum P-wave duration and PWD between pre-and post-PMBV (138?±?15 vs 130?±?14, p?<?0.01, and 58?±?18 vs 49?±?16, p?<?0.01, respectively).

Conclusions

Our study shows that PMBV has a favorable effect on the electrocardiographic and echocardiographic parameters related with AF risk in patients with MS.     

The Effect of Non-dipper and Dipper Blood Pressure Patterns on Aortic Elasticity in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of blood pressure (BP) rhythm on aortic functions in patients with metabolic syndrome. Seventy patients with newly diagnosed hypertension who fulfilled the metabolic syndrome criteria according to the Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (NCEP/ATP-III) were evaluated with 24-hour BP holter monitoring. According to BP rhythm, 35 patients with dipper BP pattern and 35 patients with non-dipper BP pattern were enrolled as two groups in our study. Systolic and diastolic diameters of the ascending aorta were measured by M-mode echocardiography and aortic functions (aortic strain, distensibility, and stiffness index) were calculated. The nocturnal systolic and diastolic BPs were significantly higher in non-dipper patients than the dipper group. According to clinical parameters including age, gender, height, weight, body mass index, waist circumference, clinical systolic, and diastolic BPs, we did not find significantly difference between the two groups. Aortic strain was significantly higher (6.63 ± 3.37 vs. 1.81 ± 0.92; P < .0001) and aortic distensibility was lower (2.38 ± 1.18 cm^?2/dyn/10^?6 and 6.66 ± 3.67 cm^?2/dyn/10^?6; P < .001) in non-dipper group. These findings suggest that aortic functions were prominently deteriorated in non-dipper hypertensive patients than dippers with metabolic syndrome.     

Assessment of mean platelet volume and soluble CD40 ligand levels in patients with non-dipper hypertension,dippers and normotensives

Abstract

Objective: Patients with a lack of nocturnal decline in blood pressure (BP) are at an increased risk for cardiovascular events. Mean platelet volume (MPV) and soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) are accepted biomarkers of platelet activation and considered as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to determine whether MPV and sCD40L levels are higher in non-dipper hypertensive (NDHT) patients than in dipper hypertensive (DHT) patients and healthy controls.

Methods: 124 consecutive patients were included to this study. Patients were divided into three groups: NDHT patient group [n?=?43; mean age 51.8?±?6.6; 31?males (72.1%)]; DHT patient group [n?=?41; mean age 50.2?±?7.3; 22?males (53.7%)]; and normotensive group [n?=?40; mean age 49.9?±?6.7; 22?males (55%)]. Physical examination, laboratory work-up and 24-h ABPM were performed for all participants.

Results: The sCD40L and MPV levels were significantly higher in the NDHT group than in the DHT and normotensive groups (p?<?0.05). In correlation analysis, MPV, 24-h systolic blood pressure (SBP), 24-h diastolic blood pressure (DBP), night-time SBP and night-time DBP were positively correlated with sCD40L.

Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that MPV and sCD40L levels were significantly higher in NDHT patients compared to DHT and normotensive patients. sCD40L levels were positively correlated with MPV, 24-h SBP, 24-h DBP, night-time SBP and night-time DBP.     

Effects of slow coronary artery flow on P-wave dispersion and atrial electromechanical coupling

Aim

Slow coronary flow (SCF) is characterized by angiographically normal coronary arteries with delayed opacification of the distal vasculature. The purpose of this study was to evaluate atrial electromechanical couplings and P-wave dispersion (Pd) reflecting intraatrial and interatrial conduction delays in SCF patients and the relationship between these parameters and Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) frame count.

Methods

Thirty-four patients with SCF and 40 controls were enrolled. From 12-lead surface electrocardiograms, Pd was calculated. Atrial electromechanical coupling (PA), intraatrial, and interatrial electromechanical delay were measured with tissue Doppler imaging.

Results

Maximum P-wave duration (Pmax) and Pd were higher in SCF patients than those of controls (109.2 ± 9.3 vs 92.3 ± 13.5 milliseconds; P < .0001 and 50.4 ± 9.4 vs 34.4 ± 8.9 milliseconds; P < .0001). Atrial electromechanical coupling at the left lateral mitral annulus (lateral PA), septal mitral annulus (septal PA), and right ventricular tricuspid annulus (RV PA) were significantly higher in SCF patients than controls (68.1 ± 8.1 vs 52.6 ± 7.3 milliseconds; P < .0001; 49.3 ± 9.8 vs 38.2 ± 5.3 milliseconds; P < .0001; 47.5 ± 9.0 vs 37.6 ± 4.6 milliseconds, P < .0001, respectively). Interatrial electromechanical delay (lateral PA − RV PA) was significantly longer in SCF patients (20.6 ± 9.1 vs 15.0 ± 6.0 milliseconds; P = .0002). A positive correlation was detected between circumflex coronary artery TIMI frame count and interatrial electromechanical delay (r = 0.45; P < .01).

Conclusions

Prolongation of interatrial electromechanical delay, Pmax, and Pd suggest that SCF might contribute to development of adverse functional and electrophysiologic atrial characteristics in these patients.     

The relationship between fragmented QRS and non-dipper status in hypertensive patients without left ventricular hypertrophy

Background: Fragmented QRS (fQRS) has been shown to be associated with poor outcome in various cardiovascular diseases. Non-dipper hypertension is also associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. The aim of our study is to investigate the relationship between fQRS and non-dipper status in hypertensive patients without left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Methods: This study included 106 hypertensive patients without LVH. Patients were divided into two groups: dipper hypertension and non-dipper hypertension. The presence of fQRS was analyzed from surface electrocardiography. Results: Frequency of fQRS (56% vs. 19.6%, p < 0.001) and mean number of leads with fQRS (1.9 ± 1.7 vs. 0.6 ± 1.0, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in patients with non-dipper hypertension compared to dipper hypertension. In addition, the number of leads with fQRS was positively correlated with systolic (r = 0.334, p < 0.001) and diastolic (r = 0.280, p = 0.004) blood pressures (BP). By a multivariate regression analysis, fQRS (OR: 5.207, 95% CI: 2.195–12.353, p < 0.001) was found to be independent predictor of non-dipper status. Conclusion: fQRS is independent predictor of non-dipper status in hypertensive patients without LVH. Also, the higher number of leads with fQRS is associated with higher sleep systolic and diastolic BPs.     

组织多普勒成像评价血压昼夜节律变异对左心室舒张功能的影响

目的探讨血压昼夜节律变异对左心室舒张功能的影响。方法31例非杓型高血压患者(非杓型组)和31例年龄、性别相匹配的杓型高血压患者(杓型组)入选。两组患者均行24 h动态血压监测和组织多普勒成像(DTI)检查。结果两组日间平均收缩压和平均舒张压无显著性差异,非杓型组的夜间平均收缩压和平均舒张压均显著高于杓型组[(145.1±34.5)mm Hg(1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa)vs(127.9±18.1)mm Hg,(94.2±38.1)mm Hgvs(78.5±18.2)mm Hg,P<0.05]。心脏超声检查显示两组在心腔内径、室壁厚度和左心室射血分数等参数无显著性差异,DTI结果显示非杓型组的平均组织舒张早期速度(MEa)、MEa/平均组织舒张晚期速度(MAa)显著低于杓型组[(5.9±2.1)cm/svs(7.8±3.1)cm/s,(0.68±0.56)cm/svs(0.95±0.39)cm/s,P<0.05和P<0.01)];非杓型组的MAa较杓型组明显升高[(9.5±2.8)cm/svs(8.6±1.7)cm/s,P<0.01]。结论血压昼夜节律变异可加重左心室舒张功能受损。对于存在血压昼夜节律变异的高血压患者应尽早诊断,积极治疗和加强随访。     

Echocardiographic assessment of hypertensive patients with or without hyperhomocysteinemia

The study was designed to assess left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function in hypertensive patients with or without Hhcy. The study participants consisted of 40 hypertensive patients with Hhcy, 40 hypertensive patients without Hhcy and 40 age-matched healthy control participants. Cardiac functions were determined using echocardiography and the Tei index was calculated for analysis. LAVI (left atrial volume index), IVST (interventricular septum thickness in diastole), PVST (posterior ventricular septum thickness in diastole), LVMI (left ventricular mass index), E/A (peak early and late diastolic transmitral filling flow velocities ratio), DT (deceleration time of the E wave), IRT (isovolumic relaxation time), and the Tei index were different in the hypertensive patient groups (hypertension with Hhcy and hypertension without Hhcy) compared with the controls. The Tei index was significantly higher in the hypertensive groups compared with the controls (0.62?±?0.05, 0.51?±?0.04, and 0.40?±?0.04, respectively, p?2), E/A (0.73?±?0.22 versus 0.92?±?0.14), DT (93.1?±?6.9 versus 84.3?±?8.1?ms), IRT (93.1?±?6.9 versus 84.3?±?8.1?ms) and the Tei index. Significant correlations were observed between serum homocysteine levels and LV diastolic function parameters (LAVI: r?=?0.39, E/A: r?=??0.32, DT: r?=?0.47, IRT: r?=?0.51, p?相似文献   

Atrial involvement and progression of sinus node dysfunction in non-senile patients: evidences from electroanatomic mapping and long-term follow-up

Purpose

Sinus node inability or conduction disorders of its surrounding atrial myocardium cause sinus node dysfunction (SND). This study aimed to characterize right atrium (RA) substrates and long-term atrial lead performance after pacemaker implantation in non-senile SND patients.

Methods

Eighteen SND patients (53.3?±?9.6 years) controlled by 18 age-matched supraventricular tachycardia patients were consecutively enrolled. The P-wave amplitude (PWA) and P-wave duration (PWD) were measured on surface electrocardiography. Electroanatomic mapping was conducted to assess the bipolar voltage, complex signals, volume, and activation time of RA. Pacemaker implantation was performed in SND patients after mapping.

Results

Compared with controls, SND patients showed significant PWA reduction (0.13?±?0.02 vs. 0.16?±?0.04 mV, p?=?0.017) and PWD prolongation (120.8?±?15.2 vs. 105.2?±?8.6 ms, p?=?0.001). The RA endocardial voltage was lower (1.56?±?0.78 vs. 2.57?±?0.55 mV, p?<?0.001) and activation time was longer (112.1?±?14.9 vs. 90.8?±?12.4 ms, p?<?0.001) in the study group. Atrial lead was anchored at the lower atrial septum in one patient and failed in another due to extensive atrial scarring. During a median follow-up of 86 (57–88) months, one patient lost atrial capturing, and overall atrial sensing was significantly decreased (2.44?±?1.16 vs. 1.87?±?1.01 mV, p?=?0.003).

Conclusions

Atrial involvement was proved and the process was progressive in non-senile SND patients, as demonstrated by diffused RA lower voltage, slower conduction, and the decrease of the atrial lead sensing.

     

Left atrial appendage function in prediction of paroxysmal atrial fibrilation in patients with untreated hypertension

The onset of AF results in a significant increase in mortality rates and morbidity in hypertensive patients and this rhythm disorder exposes patients to a significantly increased risk of cerebral or peripheral embolisms. Tissue Doppler imaging was found to be useful in early detection of myocardial dysfunction in several diseases. It was shown that tissue Doppler analysis of the walls of the left atrial appendage (LAA) can give accurate information about the function of the LAA in hypertensive patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate and identify the specific predictive parameters for the onset of AF in patients with hypertension with tissue Doppler imaging of LAA. We studied age and sex matched 57 untreated hypertensive patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) and 27 untreated hypertensive subjects without PAF. With transthoracic echocardiography, diastolic mitral A-velocity and LA maximal volume index which reflects reservoir function of left atrium was measured, with transesophageal echocardiography, LAA emptying velocity (LAA-PW D2) and tissue Doppler contracting velocity of LAA (LAA-TDI-D2) were measured. LA maximal volume index of the groups (22.28?±?3.59?mL/m² in Group 1 versus 20.37?±?3.97?mL/m² in Group 2, p?=?0.07) and diastolic mitral A-velocity [0.93 (0.59–1.84) m/s in patients with PAF versus 0.90 (0.62–1.76) m/s in patients without PAF, p?=?0.26] was not significantly different between study groups, during TEE, LAA-PW D2 (0.31?±?0.04?m/s in Group 1 versus 0.33?±?0.03?m/s in Group 2, p?=?0.034) and LAA-TDI-D2 (0.18?±?0.04?m/s in Group 1 versus 0.21?±?0.05?m/s in Group 2, p?=?0.014) were significantly decreased in Group 1. In this study, we found that in hypertensive PAF patients despite normal global LA functions, LAA contracting function was deteriorated. Tissue Doppler analysis of LAA is clinically usefull approach to detect the risk of developing PAF in hypertensives.     

Predictive value of total atrial conduction time measured with tissue Doppler imaging for postoperative atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass surgery

Objective

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) complicating coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG) increases morbidity and stroke risk. Total atrial conduction time (PA-TDI duration) has been identified as an independent predictor of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to assess whether PA-TDI duration is a predictor of AF after CABG.

Methods

In 128 patients who had undergone CABG, preoperative clinical and echocardiographic data were compared between patients with and without POAF. The PA-TDI duration was assessed by measuring the time interval between the beginning of the P wave on the surface ECG and point of the peak A wave on TDI from left atrium (LA) lateral wall just over the mitral annulus.

Results

Patients with POAF (38/128, 29.6 %) were older (68.1?±?11.1 vs. 59.3?±?10.2 years; p?<?0.001), had higher LA maximum volume, had prolonged PA-TDI duration, and had lower ejection fraction compared with patients without POAF. PA-TDI duration was found to be significantly increased in POAF group (134.3?±?19.7 vs. 112.5?±?17.7 ms; p?=?0.01). On multivariate analysis, age (95 % CI?=?1.03–1.09; p?=?0.003), LA maximum volume (95 % CI?=?1.01–1.06; p?=?0.03), and prolonged PA-TDI duration (95 % CI, 1.02–1.05; p?=?0.001) were found to be the independent risk factors of POAF.

Conclusions

In this study, LA maximum volume and PA-TDI duration were found to be the independent predictors of the development of POAF after CABG. Echocardiographic predictors of left atrial electromechanical dysfunction may be useful in risk stratifying of patients in terms of POAF development after CABG.