顿服普罗帕酮治疗非瓣膜性阵发性心房颤动疗效观察

目的研究顿服普罗帕酮转复非瓣膜性阵发性心房颤动(房颤)的临床疗效和安全性。方法有症状的阵发性心房颤动患者78例,无严重心肌缺血、充血性心力衰竭和电解质紊乱,并排除瓣膜性心脏病和肝、肾功能损害。随机分为普罗帕酮组和毛花甙C组:普罗帕酮组一次顿服普罗帕酮负荷量300-600 mg(6-8 mg／kg);毛花甙C组静推西地兰0．4 mg,4 h后仍为心房颤动则追加0．2 mg。在心电监护下密切观察患者心律、速率、血压及症状变化,记录从给药到心房颤动转复的时间及转复瞬间心电图情况。比较两组患者4 h、8 h和12 h内房颤转复率及转复时间。结果普罗帕酮组39例,其中4 h内转复21例(53．85％);毛花甙C组共39例,其中4 h内转复10例(25．64％)。4 h内普罗帕酮组房颤动转复率明显高于毛花甙C组(P<0．05),4 h内平均转复时间亦有明显差异(P<0．05)。结论对于不伴有心力衰竭、严重心肌缺血的非瓣膜性阵发性心房颤动,顿服普罗帕酮是简便、安全、有效的方法。     

Mechanism and prediction of sudden cardiac death in arrhythmia patients using electrophysiological studies

Thirty nine cases, in which sudden cardiac death (SCD) was suspected, were studied to evaluate the mechanism and the prediction of SCD in arrhythmia-patients using electrophysiological studies (EPS). The 39 cases (28 male and 11 female) were located by surveying 2098 patients who underwent EPS for the evaluation of arrhythmias. Age at time of EPS ranged from 4 to 86 years, average 50.5 years. Time from EPS to death was 2 to 163 months, average 27.9 months. Underlying heart disease was: dilated cardiomyopathy in 11, old myocardial infarction in 5, ischemic heart disease in 5, hypertensive heart disease in 5, valvular heart disease in 3, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in 2, arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia in 1, myocarditis in 1, sarcoidosis in 1, cor pulmonale in 1, and no obvious heart disease in 4. Fifteen had a permanent pacemaker implanted. SCD in cases without a permanent pacemaker (24 cases): 2 had chronic complete A-V block (one BH block, one HV block), 1 had advanced A-V block (HV block), 3 had bundle branch block with first degree HV block, 9 had ventricular tachycardia (VT), 3 had sick sinus syndrome (SSS), 3 had paroxysmal atrial flutter, 1 had WPW syndrome and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, 1 had paroxysmal atrial tachycardia, and 3 had premature ventricular beats and first degree HV block. SCD in cases with permanent pacemaker (15 cases): 5 had SSS, and 10 had A-V block. In 3 of the 5 with SSS and 7 of the 10 with A-V block, VT was found before pacemaker implantation. In our study, brady and tachyarrhythmias coexisted in 25 cases (64%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The clinical spectrum of tricuspid regurgitation detected by pulsed Doppler echocardiography

The clinical diagnosis of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is often difficult. Two-dimensional pulsed Doppler echocardiography offers a sensitive and specific method for detecting and semi-quantitating tricuspid regurgitation. The clinical, radiographic, radionuclide, echocardiographic, and when available, the right cardiac catheterization findings were evaluated in 36 patients with a diagnosis of tricuspid regurgitation by pulsed Doppler. Ten healthy subjects served as controls. The underlying cardiac cause was rheumatic heart disease in 7 (20%), ischemic heart disease in 12 (33%), dilated cardiomyopathy in 5 (14%), hypertensive heart disease in 2 (5%), aortic valve stenosis and/or regurgitation in 3 (8%), mitral valve prolapse with mitral regurgitation in 1 (3%), and congenital heart disease in 6 (17%). Seven patients (19%) had a temporary or permanent transvenous right ventricular pacing wire. A systolic murmur was heard in 29 patients (81%) with 16 (46%) having an elevated jugular venous pressure. Tricuspid regurgitation was clinically suspected in only 2 patients (6%). Isolated tricuspid regurgitation was uncommon, seen in 6 patients (17%), and usually secondary to congenital heart disease, ischemic heart disease, with the use of a transvenous pacing wire and following mitral valve replacement. Right cardiac catheterization was performed in 10 patients, of which 7 demonstrated elevated right atrial and pulmonary artery pressure. Pulsed Doppler echocardiography offers a practical and accurate method of detecting and evaluating the severity of tricuspid regurgitation. Tricuspid regurgitation is generally a functional disorder, and frequently occurs in association with left sided valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathy or congenital heart disease.     

Risk factors for systemic embolism in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

The purpose of this study was to define the risk factors for systemic embolism in patients with recently diagnosed paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. We therefore studied 63 consecutive patients with symptomatic nonvalvular paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and performed a clinical and noninvasive cardiac, peripheral vascular, and neurologic evaluation that included two-dimensional echocardiography, 24-hour Holter monitoring, and computed tomographic brain scan. Patients with predisposing clinical conditions for systemic embolism (valvular heart or coronary artery disease) or paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (sick sinus disease, preexcitation, or thyroid dysfunction) were excluded. At entry 34 patients had idiopathic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and 29 had hypertension. Fourteen patients had a recent systemic embolic complication: nine had a recent occlusive nonlacunar cerebrovascular accident, two had transient ischemic attacks, and three had peripheral systemic emboli that required surgery. In addition, five patients had evidence of old cerebrovascular accident on the computed tomographic scan (group 1). Forty-four patients had no systemic embolism (group 2). Results of univariate analysis showed that patients in group 1 were older (72 +/- 9 vs 63 +/- 13 years, p less than 0.05), had a higher incidence of hypertension (70% vs 35%, p less than 0.01), and had an increased left atrial diameter (4.1 +/- 0.7 vs 3.6 +/- 0.5 cm, p less than 0.05). Multiple stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that a history of hypertension and left atrial enlargement on two-dimensional echocardiography were significant independent risk factors for systemic embolism in patients with symptomatic nonvalvular paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.     

Efficacy and safety of flecainide acetate for atrial tachycardia or fibrillation

Thirty-nine patients with symptomatic ectopic atrial tachycardia (9 paroxysmal, of which 5 were incessant) and atrial fibrillation (AF) (25 paroxysmal, 5 chronic) were treated with oral flecainide acetate (100 to 400 mg/day). Thirty-two patients had organic heart disease (16 coronary artery disease, 6 valvular, 10 cardiomyopathy, 7 primary electrical abnormality). Previous antiarrhythmic trials consisted of 0 to 5 drugs (mean 2.2). Of 39 patients with atrial tachycardia or AF, a complete response (no recurrent symptomatic atrial arrhythmia) was achieved in 22 (56%), a partial response (more than 95% reduction in arrhythmia occurrence) in 3 (8%) and no response in 14 (36%). Left atrial size, ejection fraction, underlying heart disease, duration of symptoms before treatment and drug levels were not useful for predicting clinical response. Therefore, during the follow-up period of 5.4 +/- 6.7 months (range 4 weeks to 2.5 years), flecainide had a complete or partial effect in 25 patients (64%). Complete or partial responses were noted in 8 of 9 patients (90%) with ectopic atrial tachycardia and 17 of 30 (57%) with AF. In 14 patients with concurrent ventricular arrhythmias, a significant reduction in episodes of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia was also achieved. Treatment was discontinued in 8 patients (20%) because of cardiac adverse reactions, including pulmonary edema and ventricular or atrial proarrhythmic response. Thus, oral flecainide acetate is effective therapy for some patients with ectopic atrial tachycardia or AF.     

Establishment of permanent atrial fibrillation and time course of the amplitude of the f wave

Atrial fibrillation is one of the arrhythmias that increase with increasing age. In this study we compared transition intervals from sinus rhythm to permanent atrial fibrillation and the time course of the f wave amplitude immediately after the transition between 32 younger (less than 65 years) and 44 elderly patients (greater than or equal to 65 years) in whom transition from sinus rhythm to permanent atrial fibrillation was confirmed on serial ECG recordings. Each group was classified into three categories according their underlying diseases: hypertensive heart disease, valvular disease, and lone atrial fibrillation. In patients with hypertensive heart disease or lone atrial fibrillation, there was no significant difference in the transition intervals between the younger and the elderly groups. In both groups the transition intervals were significantly (p less than 0.05) longer in patients with lone atrial fibrillation than those in patients with hypertensive heart disease (44.6 vs. 12.5 months in younger and 26.8 vs. 12.9 months in elderly). A significant positive correlation (r = 0.58, p less than 0.01) was observed between the final P wave and the initial f wave amplitude on establishment of permanent atrial fibrillation in all patients. In the younger group, the initial f wave amplitude of patients with valvular disease (0.27 +/- 0.04 mV, mean +/- SE) was significantly larger than those of patients with hypertensive heart disease (0.15 +/- 0.03 mV, p less than 0.05) and of patients with lone atrial fibrillation (0.16 +/- 0.01 mV, p less than 0.05). The f wave amplitude of valvular disease was significantly decreased after 1 year (0.22 +/- 0.03 mV, p less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

澳门地区307例心房颤动的病因分析

目的 探讨澳门地区心房颤动的病因特征。方法 对1993～1998年本院内科住院病人中4518例发生心房颤动307例患者的病因进行分析。结果 心房颤动总发生率为6.78％,风湿性心瓣膜病心房颤动发生率为29.65％,甲状腺机能亢进症、冠心病和高血压性心脏病分别为7.06％、6.23％和6.05％。在房颤瓣膜性心脏病占房颤病因构成比16.61％;非瓣膜性心脏病占79.48％。结论 本组病人房颤发生率依次为风湿性心脏病、甲状腺机能亢进症、冠心病和高血压性心脏病、肺源性心脏病、心肌病、先天性心脏病,瓣膜性心脏病占房颤病因构成比少数,非瓣膜性心脏病占大多数;房颤并非冠心病的常见临床表现。     

Gene Expression of the Natriuretic Peptide System in Atrial Tissue of Patients with Paroxysmal and Persistent Atrial Fibrillation

INTRODUCTION: Circulating cardiac natriuretic peptides play an important role in maintaining volume homeostasis, especially during conditions affecting hemodynamics. During atrial fibrillation (AF), levels of plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) becomes elevated. The aim of this study was to gather information about gene expression of the natriuretic peptide system on the atrial level in patients with AF. METHODS AND RESULTS: Right atrial appendages of 36 patients with either paroxysmal or persistent AF were compared with 36 case matched controls in sinus rhythm for mRNA expression of pro- atrial natriuretic peptide (pro-ANP), pro-brain natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP), and their natriuretic peptide receptor type-A (NPR-A). We investigated patients without (n = 36) and with (n = 36) valvular disease. Persistent AF was associated with higher mRNA expression of pro-BNP (+66%, P = 0.04, in patients without valvular disease, and +69%, P < 0.01, in patients with valvular disease) and lower mRNA expression of NPR-A (-58%, P = 0.02, in patients without valvular disease, and -62 %, P < 0.01, in patients with valvular disease). The mRNA content of pro-ANP was only increased in patients with valvular disease (+12%, P = 0.03). No changes were observed in patients with paroxysmal AF. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that persistent, but not paroxysmal, AF induces alterations in gene expression of pro-BNP and NPR-A on the atrial level. Although AF generally is associated with an increase of plasma ANP level, a change in mRNA content of pro-ANP is only observed in the presence of concomitant valvular disease and is of minor magnitude.     

Prevention of recurrent amiodarone-induced hyperthyroidism by iodine-131

Amioradone-induced hyperthyroidism is a common complication of amiodarone therapy. Although definitive interruption of amiodarone is recommended because of the risks of aggravation of the arrhythmias, some patients may require the reintroduction of amiodarone several months after normalisation of thyroid function. The authors undertook a retrospective study of the effects of preventive treatment of recurrences of amiodarone-induced hyperthyroidism with I131. The indication of amiodarone therapy was recurrent, symptomatic, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in 13 cases and ventricular tachycardia in 5 cases (M = 14, average age 64 +/- 13 years). The underlying cardiac disease was dilated cardiomyopathy (N = 5), ischaemic heart disease (N = 3), hypertensive heart disease (N = 2), arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (N = 2) or valvular heart disease (N = 2). Two patients had idiopathic atrial fibrillation. An average dose of 576 +/- 184 MBq of I131 was administered 34 +/- 37 months after an episode of amiodarone-induced hyperthyroidism. Amiodarone was reintroduced in 16 of the 18 patients after a treatment-free period of 98 +/- 262 days. Transient post-radioiodine hyperthyroidism was observed in 3 cases (17%). Sixteen patients (89%) developed hypothyroidism requiring replacement therapy with L-thyroxine. There were no recurrences of amiodarone-induced hyperthyroidism. After 24 +/- 17 months follow-up, the arrhythmias were controlled in 13 of the 16 patients (81%) who underwent the whole treatment sequence. The authors conclude that preventive treatment with I131 is an effective alternative to prevent recurrence of amiodarone-induced hyperthyroidism in patients requiring reintroduction of amiodarone to control their arrhythmias.     

Newly developed atrial fibrillation among patients under active observation by an outpatient clinic

We carried out prospective cohort study of incidence of new cases of atrial fibrillation (AF) in a sample of Moscow population (patients under observation in our policlinic). Total incidence of AF between 2003 and 2009 was 7.7 per 1000 patient/years, it was higher among men than among women. Incidence of AF progressively increased with age reaching maximum in age group more or equal 85 years. Most frequent baseline disease in patients with first appearance of AF was hypertensive disease (71%). Ischemic heart disease diagnosed according to strict criteria (postinfarction cardiosclerosis, revascularization procedures) was registered in 20.1%, diabetes - in 15.7%, chronic heart failure - in 13%, valvular heart disease - in 5.6%, and history of acute ischemic stroke - in 2.5% of patients.     

Ventricular Performance and Quality of Life in Patients Who Underwent Radiofrequency AV Junction Ablation and Permanent Pacemaker Implantation Due to Medically Refractory Atrial Tachyarrhythmias

In patients with drug refractory atrial tachyarrhythmias and previous failed attempts of ablation of the arrhythmia substrate, radiofrequency (RF) modulation or ablation of the atrioventricular (AV) junction is an alternative procedure.Aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and long term results of RF AV junction ablation in conjunction with permanent pacemaker implantation, in the management of patients with drug resistant atrial tachyarrhythmias.Methods: Between 4/92 and 1/97, 46 patients (30 male, 16 female, 67&plusmn;12 years) underwent RF AV junction ablation because of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (24 patients), chronic atrial fibrillation (13 patients), atrial flutter (5 patients) and atrial tachycardia (4 patients). The underlying heart disease was dilated cardiomyopathy (16), ischemic heart disease (9), hypertensive heart disease (6), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (3), atrial septal defect (2) and non structural heart disease (10). The duration of symptoms was 6.4&plusmn;3.5 years at a maximal heart rate 169&plusmn;24 bpm. The hospital admissions in the last 12 months were 8.2&plusmn;3 per patient. The failed antiarrhythmic drugs were 3.5&plusmn;2.1. The functional NYHA class was 2.7&plusmn;0.6. Patients with atrial flutter and atrial tachycardia had previous failed attempts of RF ablation of the arrhythmia substrate. Thirty patients had a compromised left ventricular systolic function with LVEF below 50% (mean 34&plusmn;9%). AV junction ablation was achieved in all patients after 4&plusmn;2.5 RF applications. Post ablation, the selected pacing mode was DDD-R for the 33 patients with paroxysmal atrial tachyarrhythmias and VVI-R for the 13 pts with chronic atrial fibrillation. The dual chamber pacemakers implanted had the option of automatic mode switch.Results: During the follow-up period of 28&plusmn;13 months (6–47), AV conduction recovered in 1 patient. Antiarrhythmic treatment was necessary in only 7 patients. Post ablation the new functional NYHA class was 1.4&plusmn;0.8 (p &lt; 0.001). Post ablation hospital admissions, including ordinary pacemaker follow-up visits, were 4&plusmn;1 per patient per year (p &lt; 0.001). Six months after the procedure the LVEF of the study population was increased from 42&plusmn;16% to 50&plusmn;14% (p &equals; NS). In the 30 patients with heart failure the LVEF was significantly increased to 46&plusmn;8% (p &lt; 0.05). Symptomatic relief or significant improvement was observed in all patients as showed by the answers given in a customized questionnaire before and after the procedure.Conclusions: In patients with drug refractory atrial tachyarrhythmias, RF AV junction ablation and permanent pacemaker implantation is an alternative therapy with excellent long term results in terms of arrhythmia control, ventricular performance and quality of life.     

Clinical profile of idiopathic paroxsysmal atrial fibrillation. (FAP registry)]

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relative frequency and clinical profile of paroxysmal lone atrial fibrillation in comparison with that of secondary atrial fibrillation. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A prospective multicenter study (FAP Register) was designed to include 300 patients with symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation admitted to the emergency ward of 11 secondary hospitals of Catalonia. RESULTS: Lone atrial fibrillation was found in 67 patients (22.3%) while systemic hypertension was present in 33.7% of the cases; mitral or aortic valvular disease in 12% and coronary heart disease in 9.7%. As compared with patients with evidence of cardiac or systemic etiology, patients with isolated paroxysmal atrial fibrillation were younger (mean age of 55 vs 65 years of age; p = 0.0001), dyspnea was less frequent (p = 0.007); had a tendency to appear at night; left atrial size was smaller (p < 0.001) and response to treatment of sinusal rhythm was not different. CONCLUSIONS: Relative frequency of paroxysmal lone atrial fibrillation was only second to hypertension, which appears to be the most important pathogenic factor in our population. The clinical profile shows similarities in secondary fibrillation     

Left atrial enlargement: an early sign of hypertensive heart disease

Left atrial abnormality on the electrocardiogram (ECG) has been considered an early sign of hypertensive heart disease. In order to determine if echocardiographic left atrial enlargement is an early sign of hypertensive heart disease, we evaluated 10 normal and 14 hypertensive patients undergoing routine diagnostic cardiac catheterization for echocardiographic left atrial enlargement. All patients had normal coronary arteriography, sinus rhythm, normal left ventricular volumes and function, no valvular disease, and no echocardiographic or ECG left ventricular hypertrophy. No patient met ECG criteria for left atrial abnormality. The mean left atrial dimension was 3.46 +/- 0.3 cm in normal individuals versus 4.04 +/- 0.3 cm in the hypertensive patients (p less than 0.01). The left atrial index was also higher in the hypertensive group, 2.18 +/- 0.45 versus 1.88 +/- 0.10 cm/m2 (p less than 0.05), and the left atrial-to-aortic root dimension ratio was significantly higher in the hypertensive group, 1.36 +/- 0.20 versus 1.17 +/- 0.07 (p less than 0.01). We conclude that echocardiographic left atrial enlargement may be an early sign of hypertensive heart disease in patients with no other discernible cause of left atrial enlargement.     

Atrial fibrillation in hypertension: predictors and outcome

Incidence, determinants, and outcome of atrial fibrillation in hypertensive subjects are incompletely known. We followed for up to 16 years 2482 initially untreated subjects with essential hypertension. At entry, all subjects were in sinus rhythm. Subjects with valvular heart disease, coronary artery disease, preexcitation syndrome, thyroid disorders, or lung disease were excluded. During follow-up, a first episode of atrial fibrillation occurred in 61 subjects at a rate of 0.46 per 100 person-years. At entry, subjects with future atrial fibrillation differed (all P<0.05) from those without by age (59 versus 51 years), office, and 24-hour systolic blood pressure (165 and 144 versus 157 and 137 mm Hg, respectively), left ventricular mass (58 versus 49 g/height[m](2.7)), and left atrial diameter (3.89 versus 3.56 cm). Age and left ventricular mass (both P<0.001) were the sole independent predictors of atrial fibrillation. For every 1 standard deviation increase in left ventricular mass, the risk of atrial fibrillation was increased 1.20 times (95% CI, 1.07 to 1.34). Atrial fibrillation became chronic in 33% of subjects. Age, left ventricular mass, and left atrial diameter (all P<0.01) were independent predictors of chronic atrial fibrillation. Ischemic stroke occurred at a rate of 2.7% and 4.6% per year, respectively, among subjects with paroxysmal and chronic atrial fibrillation. These data indicate that in hypertensive subjects with sinus rhythm and no other major predisposing conditions, risk of atrial fibrillation increases with age and left ventricular mass. Increased left atrial size predisposes to chronicization of atrial fibrillation.     

Measurements of baseline and follow-up concentrations of cardiac troponin-T and brain natriuretic peptide in patients with heart failure from various etiologies

Since chronic heart failure (CHF) is a complex clinical syndrome, a single biomarker may not reflect all of its characteristics. In this study, the clinical significance of combination and serial measurement of biochemical markers of myocyte injury and myocardial load in patients with CHF from various etiologies was examined. Serum concentrations of cardiac troponin-T (cTnT) and plasma concentrations of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were measured simultaneously in 190 patients with CHF, including dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) (n = 41), ischemic heart disease (n = 40), valvular or congenital disease (n = 53), hypertensive heart disease (n = 16), and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) (n = 22). Serum cTnT concentrations ≥0.01 ng/ml were found in 46/190 patients (24%) at baseline (20% in DCM, 42% in ischemic heart disease, 21% in valvular or congenital disease, 43% in hypertensive heart disease, and 9% in HCM). Follow-up samples were obtained in 137 patients after a mean treatment period of 31.8 days. Although BNP decreased significantly in each disease category (P < 0.0001: DCM; P < 0.005: ischemic heart disease; P < 0.05: valvular or congenital disease; P < 0.005: hypertensive heart disease; P < 0.05: HCM), cTnT remained high in 36/137 patients (26%) (19% in DCM, 39% in ischemic heart disease, 25% in valvular or congenital disease, 38% in hypertensive heart disease, and 19% in HCM). The rate of adverse cardiac events was significantly higher in patients with high cTnT than in patients with low cTnT concentrations (P < 0.0001) (P < 0.05: DCM; P < 0.05: ischemic heart disease; P < 0.01: valvular or congenital disease). Multivariate analysis showed that both cTnT and BNP are independent prognostic factors, and patients with elevations of both cTnT and BNP had the poorest prognosis (P < 0.0001). In patients with CHF, the evolution and prognostic value of cTnT and BNP are different. The combined measurements of these markers should refine our understanding of the state and evolution of CHF.     

Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation associated with cardioembolic stroke: the role of hypertensive heart disease

Abstract Epidemiologists have not identified high risk groups nor the entire spectrum of heart disease, especially the subclinical forms underlying nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) predisposing to cardioembolic (CE) stroke. We analysed 36 cases of ‘isolated’ NVAF among 106 consecutive cases of CE stroke after excluding cases of AF associated with valvular disease, myocardial infarcts, ischaemic and other cardio-myopathies (34 cases). This revealed echocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy (LV mass index 136 ± 25 g, vs normal 68 ± 12 g p < 0.001), enlarged left atria (left atrial area 27.4 ± 3.6 cm² vs normal 14.3 ± 1.6 cm²p < 0.001), normal systolic function and formed the largest group associated with CE stroke (34%), mean age 72.6 years – Study Group D. Eighty nine per cent had known or undetected hypertension compared to 60% in matched controls (x²= 8.3 df= 1 p < 0.01), and hypertension remained the predominant risk factor for left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Although all had echocardiographic LVH, 60% had neither electrocardiographs LVH nor cardiomegaly on chest X-ray. Hence usual epidemiologic methods may fail to detect these cases. Hypertensive heart disease is known to predispose to left atrial enlargement and AF. Progressive atrial enlargement is associated with increasing risk of embolie stroke. We conclude that NVAF associated with hypertensive heart disease forms a major component of the spectrum of heart disease associated with NVAF predisposing to CE stroke. Detection and treatment of hypertension to prevent or reverse LVH and atrial enlargement should be an important preventive measure.     

Increased incidence of spontaneous conversion to sinus rhythm in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation]

BACKGROUND. The aim of our study was to evaluate spontaneous conversion rate to sinus rhythm in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) not submitted to any treatment (pharmacological and/or electrical). METHODS. From January 1985 to September 1990, 123 consecutive patients with paroxysmal AF were hospitalized in our department. In 11 patients arrhythmia was due to arrhythmogenic conditions; 34 patients were submitted to emergency treatment with drugs (23 cases) or electrical cardioversion (11 cases); 78 patients (41 males; mean age 65.1 years; 37 females: mean age 68.6 years), without emergency problems were enrolled in our study and were submitted to a four-day observation period without any therapy, except in case of worsening. 35 patients were free from heart disease; in the other 43, 28 had chronic coronary disease, 11 hypertensive cardiovascular disease, 2 rheumatic valvular disease, 1 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and 1 chronic cor pulmonale. RESULTS. In all 78 patients sinus rhythm was restored spontaneously - in about 90% of them within 24 hours. Mean time to conversion was 21 hours (range 1-96 hours). Cardioversion occurred in similar percentage and at the same time in both subgroups of patients (with and without heart disease). CONCLUSIONS. Therefore, given the risks and cost of every treatment, a 24-hour observation period without therapy could be useful in those patients presenting with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation without emergency problems.     

Impact of hypertension in cardiac diseases in Spain. The CARDIOTENS Study 1999

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To analyze the prevalence and control of hypertensive patients with associated cardiac diseases in Spain. METHODS: All the 32,051 outpatients seen the same day by 1,159 primary physicians (79%) and cardiologists (21%) were prospectively included in a database including history of cardiac disease (heart failure, coronary disease or atrial fibrillation), casual blood pressure and ongoing treatments. RESULTS: Hypertension was present in 33% of the whole group and 19% had both hypertension and a cardiac disease. Hypertension was present in 77% of the patients with heart failure, in 66% of those with coronary diseases and in 66% with atrial fibrillation. Less than 60% of the hypertensive patients with heart failure were treated with an angiotensin or a converting enzyme inhibitor. Thirty-two percent of the hypertensive patients with coronary disease received a betablocker and 25% of the hypertensive patients with atrial fibrillation were on oral anticoagulation.Less than 20% of the patients with hypertension and cardiac disease had blood pressure levels under 130/85 mmHg as recommended by international guidelines. Patients seen by primary care physicians were found to be slightly better treated than those under cardiologists' care. CONCLUSIONS: High blood pressure is associated with heart failure, coronary disease and atrial fibrillation in a high percentage of patients. The blood pressure levels recommended by current guidelines for cardiac hypertensives were attained in less than 20% of the cases. The control of blood pressure in these high risk hypertensive patients was low and the use of appropriate pharmacological treatment was poor.     

老年房颤合并冠心病的抗栓方案及再住院原因分析

目的评价老年心房颤动(房颤)合并冠心病病人的抗栓治疗方案,并分析主要心血管不良事件(MACE)的发生与再住院原因。方法选取本院2013~2014年976例房颤合并冠心病病人,分成急性冠脉综合征(ACS)和稳定型冠心病(SCAD)2组并随访3年。分析2组不同卒中栓塞和出血评分下抗栓药物的选择、MACE导致再住院的发生率。结果与ACS病人首选口服双联抗血小板药物(DAPT)相比,SCAD病人更倾向于抗凝治疗(华法林或达比加群酯),2组差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。3年随访期间,ACS组481例,115次住院,再住院率为23.9%;而SCAD组495例,176次住院,再住院率为35.5%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。室性心律失常、心力衰竭及ACS是SCAD组再住院的前3位原因。心肌梗死和心力衰竭是ACS组的主要再住院原因。结论ACS合并房颤的病人主要接受DAPT治疗,而SCAD合并房颤的病人则主要行口服抗凝药物治疗。与ACS病人相比,SCAD病人有着更高的MACE发生率和再住院率。     

心房颤动门诊病例的调查

探讨心房颤动 (简称房颤 )门诊病例的临床特点、伴随疾病、治疗情况和血栓栓塞并发症的患病率。收集2 0 0 3年 7月至 2 0 0 3年 10月来我院门诊就诊的 2 70例房颤患者的病例资料 ,登记患者的人口学特征、临床特点、伴随疾病、抗凝治疗和抗心律失常药物治疗情况以及血栓栓塞并发症的发生情况 ,观察房颤的发病特点和治疗情况。在 2 70例房颤中 ,男 14 7例 ,占 5 4 .4 % ;患者年龄 6 2 .0± 10 .1岁。其中阵发性房颤 93例 ,占 34.4 % ,慢性房颤 177例 ,占 6 5 .6 %。瓣膜性房颤 85例 ,占 31.5 % ,瓣膜性房颤和非瓣膜性房颤 (NVAF)患者中 ,血栓栓塞性疾病的患病率分别为 9.4 %和 9.2 %。瓣膜性房颤患者华法林的应用率为 95 .3% ,合并血栓栓塞危险因素的NVAF患者华法林应用率为 2 3.4 % ,应用华法林的患者就诊时国际标化率 <2 .0的占 5 7.6 %。阵发性房颤患者抗心律失常药物的应用率为 38.7% ,胺碘酮可引发甲状腺机能紊乱。结论 :门诊房颤患者以老龄患者为主 ,NVAF患者血栓栓塞事件的发生率高 ,华法林的应用率低 ,阵发性房颤患者应用抗心律失常药物不良反应发生率较高。