Effects of Long-term Right Ventricular Apical Pacing on Left Ventricular Remodeling and Cardiac Function

Objective: To investigate the impacts of long-term right ventricular apical pacing on the ventricular remodeling and cardiac functions of patients with high-grade and third-degree atrioventricular blockage with normal heart structures and cardiac functions. In addition, we provide many evidences for choosing an optimal electrode implantation site.Methods: Study participants included patients who were admitted for pacemaker replacements and revisited for examinations of implanted pacemakers at outpatient. Pacemakers were implanted to treat high-grade and third-degree atrioventricular blockage. At the time of pacemaker implantation, patients had normal cardiac functions and showed no serious heart diseases or cardiac dilatation. The durations from the implantation to follow-up were more than 5 years. The pacing rate was higher than 80%. Patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 50% and a left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) > 55 mm were excluded. Ventricular remodeling was defined as follows:increase of LVEDD by 10% and a reduction of LVEF by 25% for five years after implantation. Cardiac functions were evaluated according to New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification.Results:A total of 82 patients with a mean age of (66.97±13.19) years (range, 12 to 91 years old),among which 39 male and 43 female were enrolled in this study. The average duration between two assessments was 8.7 years (104.4 months). Before pacemaker implantation, the average left atrial diameter (LA), LVEDD and LVEF were 37.0 mm, 50.23 mm and 64.87%, respectively. After the implantation, these values were 39.39 mm (P=0.000163), 50.82 mm (P=0.177842) and 60.50% (P=0.000104), respectively. Four patients (4.87%) had ventricular remodeling with deteriorations of cardiac function, three of which had anterior wall myocardial infarction after implantation and one had type II diabetes. Clinical symptoms of heart failure were not found among the patients who did not exhibit ventricular remodeling. Conclusion: Through a long-period follow-up study, we found that long-term right ventricular apical pacing in patients with normal heart structure and cardiac function would not generally cause ventricular remodeling and clinical deteriorations of cardiac function. Right ventricular apical is a safe and effective site for pacing electrode wire implantation.

Impact of single chamber and dual chamber permanent pacemaker implantation on left ventricular function:An observational study

BACKGROUND Permanent pacemaker implantation has the potential to impact left ventricular(LV)function and hence quality of life(QoL)in the long term.AIM To assess the effect of single-and dual-chamber pacing on LV function and QoL.METHODS This study included 56 patients who underwent permanent pacing:Dual pacing,dual sensing,dual responsive and rate responsive(DDDR)for the initial 3 months,ventricular sensing,inhibited response and rate responsive(VVIR)for the next 3 months,and DDDR mode for the last 3 months.Throughout the study period,various echocardiographic parameters,functional status,and QoL were measured to assess the impact of pacing on LV function compared with baseline and at every 3 months interval.RESULTS A significant change appeared in cardiac function after VVIR pacing which was in diastolic properties of LV as shown by increase in isovolumic relaxation time from(85.28±9.54 ms)to(89.53±9.65 ms).At the 3-,6-,and 9-month follow-up,reduction in LV ejection fraction was observed to be 62.71±4.66%,61.07±4.41%,and 58.48±3.89%,respectively.An increase in the QoL scores was noted at every follow-up visit.CONCLUSION An apparent depressant effect on LV function due to right ventricular pacing,with a higher incidence of adverse outcomes in the VVIR mode.In addition,an upsurge in QoL scores for the study population was noted,which indicates improvement in the QoL of patients post-pacing,irrespective of the mode.Generally,the DDDR mode is a highly preferable pacing mode.

Deep learning echocardiographic intelligent model for evaluation on left ventricular regional wall motion abnormality

Objective To observe the value of deep learning echocardiographic intelligent model for evaluation on left ventricular(LV)regional wall motion abnormalities(RWMA).Methods Apical two-chamber,three-chamber and four-chamber views two-dimensional echocardiograms were obtained prospectively in 205 patients with coronary heart disease.The model for evaluating LV regional contractile function was constructed using a five-fold cross-validation method to automatically identify the presence of RWMA or not,and the performance of this model was assessed taken manual interpretation of RWMA as standards.Results Among 205 patients,RWMA was detected in totally 650 segments in 83 cases.LV myocardial segmentation model demonstrated good efficacy for delineation of LV myocardium.The average Dice similarity coefficient for LV myocardial segmentation results in the apical two-chamber,three-chamber and four-chamber views was 0.85,0.82 and 0.88,respectively.LV myocardial segmentation model accurately segmented LV myocardium in apical two-chamber,three-chamber and four-chamber views.The mean area under the curve(AUC)of RWMA identification model was 0.843±0.071,with sensitivity of(64.19±14.85)%,specificity of(89.44±7.31)%and accuracy of(85.22±4.37)%.Conclusion Deep learning echocardiographic intelligent model could be used to automatically evaluate LV regional contractile function,hence rapidly and accurately identifying RWMA.

CLINICAL RESEARCH ON THE EFFECT OF ACUPUNCTURE ON THE LEFT VENTRICULAR CONTRACTION FUNCTION IN SYMPTOMLESS CARDIAC FAILURE PATIENTS

Objective: To observe the effect of acupuncture therapy on the function of myocardial contraction in symptomless cardiac failure patients.Methods: A total of 60 cases of symptomless cardiac insufficiency inpatients were randomly divided into medication and acupuncture groups, with 30 cases in each group. For patients of acupuncture group, Neiguan (PC 6), Ximen (PC 4), Tanzhong (CV 17), Xinshu (BL 15), Jueyinshu (BL 14) and Geshu (BL 17) were punctured, twice daily, with 30 days being a therapeutic course. In medication group, patients were asked to take Capoten 25 mg (t.i.d.). The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and its fractional shortening (FS) of the minor axis were used as the indexes for assessing the therapeutic effect and detected by using a color ultrasonic Doppler apparatus. Results: After one course of treatment, of the each 30 cases of acupuncture and medication groups, 13 (43.3%) and 16 (53.3%) had marked improvement, 16 (53.3%) and 14 (46.7%) had improvement, and 1 (3.3%) and 0 had no any effect respectively. No significant difference was found between two groups in the therapeutic effect. It shows acupuncture therapy can improve myocardial contraction function. Conclusion: Acupuncture has a similar effect in enhancing the systolic function of the myocardium.

The Clinical Association of Left Atrial Function with Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction

The left atrium (LA) has been recognized as a morphophysiological barometer of left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction. Because in the myocardial ischemia cascade where LV diastolic dysfunction often precedes LV systolic dysfunction, the LA which fashions as an early marker of diastolic anomaly, could equally reflect a declining LV function and/or be a good predictor of potential sequelae. We assessed this association of LA function with reduced LV systolic function among hospitalized patients. Among patients with reduced LV ejection fraction, LA passive ejection fraction was lower (0.172 ± 0.12 vs. 0.232 ± 0.14, p = 0.013) whereas LA kinetic energy was higher (6.48 ± 6.3 vs. 4.57 ± 3.5, p = 0.005). Echocardiographic assessment of LA function, therefore, appears correlated with LVEF and could be important when risk stratifying hospitalized patients.

Effect of PTCA and stenting on left ventricular diastolic function in patients with CHD

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the effect of successful coronary revascularisation on left ventricular diastolic function.Methods We consecutively studied the diastolic function by Doppler echocardiography in 125 patients with one vessel disease before and 48 hours after selective coronary angioplasty. The following parameters of left ventricular diastolic function were evaluated: peak early (VE, m/s) and peak late diastolic (VA, m/s) flow velocity, E/A ratio, acceleration time (AT, ms), deceleration time (DT, ms) and isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT, ms). Ejection fraction (EF; %) was determined and used to characterise systolic left ventricular function. Results All of the patients were initially successful treated with coronary angioplasty (residual stenosis <40% ). In 98 patients( 78.4% ) stents were used to improve an inadequate result after coronary angioplasty. Both patient groups (27 patients with coronary angioplasty and 98 patients with combined coronary angioplasty and stent implantation) showed no relevant differences concerning sex, age, atherosclerotic risk factors, exercise capacity and results of exercise electrocardiography. All patients who underwent stent implantation showed an early improvement of left ventricular diastolic function 48 hours after revascularisation. Surprisingly there was no significant short term improvement (48 hours) of diastolic function in patients with initially successful angioplasty.Conclusions We suppose that stent implantation might normalize coronary blood flow faster than that of coronary balloon angioplasty.

Assessment of Left Ventricular Mechanical Function in Cardiac Syndrome X: Speckle Tracking Imaging Study

Objective: Early detection of LV mechanical abnormalities in patients with cardiac syndrome X (CSX) by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). Background: Cardiac syndrome X is a triad of angina pectoris, positive stress test for myocardial ischemia and angiographically free coronary arteries. Two dimensional speckle tracking?echocardiography (2D-STE) provides a more sensitive method for evaluation of global and segmental LV function than conventional two dimensional echocardiographic parameters. Subjects and Methods: Seventy patients proved to have CSX and 20 healthy control volunteers were included with a mean age of 49.43 ± 5.92 vs. 49.40 ±6.27 years respectively with no difference regarding sex for both patients and controls. Patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathies, inflammatory diseases, myocarditis and arrhythmias were excluded. All included individuals were subjected to complete conventional echocardiographic assessment and left ventricular global and segmental mechanical function was assessed using 2D based strain and strain rate (longitudinal, radial and circumferential) imaging. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in LV conventional echo parameters between patients and controls. However, global mean longitudinal strain was significantly lower in patients than controls (-15.05 ± 3.28 vs. -20.22 ± 2.49;p 0.001). For radial and circumferential strain stain, there was no significant changes between patients vs. controls (29.75 ± 18.26 vs. 28.09 ± 15.48;p = 0.74) and (-19.88 ± 8.63 vs. -21.93 ± 5.69;p 0.05) respectively. Conclusion: In spite of normal conventional echo parameters among patients and controls, LV longitudinal strain and strain rate by 2D speckle tracking imaging were lower in the patients denoting subclinical left ventricular mechanical dysfunction in patients with CSX.

Isolated left ventricular apical hypoplasia:Systematic review and analysis of the 37 cases reported so far

BACKGROUND Isolated left ventricular apical hypoplasia(ILVAH),also known as truncated left ventricle(LV),is a very unusual cardiomyopathy.It is characterised by a truncated,spherical,and non-apex forming LV.The true apex is occupied by the right ventricle.Due to the rarity of the disease,just a few case reports and limited case series have been published in the field.AIM To analysing the so far 37 reported ILVAH cases worldwide.METHODS The electronic databases PubMed and Scopus were investigated from their establishment up to December 13,2022.RESULTS The majority of cases reported occurred in males(52.7%).Mean age at diagnosis was 26.1±19.6 years.More than a third of the patients were asymptomatic(35.1%).The most usual clinical presentation was breathlessness(40.5%).The most commonly detected electrocardiogram changes were T wave abnormalities(29.7%)and right axis deviation with poor R wave progression(24.3%).Atrial fibrillation/flutter was detected in 24.3%.Echocardiography was performed in 97.3%of cases and cardiac MRI in 91.9%of cases.Ejection fraction was reduced in more than a half of patients(56.7%).An associated congenital heart disease was found in 16.2%.Heart failure therapy was administered in 35.1%of patients.The outcome was favorable in the vast majority of patients,with just one death.CONCLUSION ILVAH is a multifaceted entity with a so far unpredictable course,ranging from benign until the elderly to sudden death during adolescence.

Renal sympathetic denervation reduces left ventricular hypertrophy and improves cardiac function in patients with resistant hypertension

This study investigated the effect of catheter-based renal sympathetic denervation （RD） on left ventricular hypertrophy （LVH） and systolic and diastolic function in patients with resistant hypertension. LVH and diastolic dysfunction are associated with elevated sympathetic activity and increased morbidity and mortality. The effect of RD on LVH and LV function is unclear

Viable Myocardium Impact on Left Ventricular Function after Late Revascularization of Infarct-related Artery in Acute Myocardial Infarction

Objectives The long-term benefit of late reperfusion of infarct-related artery （IRA） after acute myocardial infarction （AMI） is controversial, and the benefit mechanisms remain uncertain. Low dose dobutamine stress echocardiography （LDSE） can identify viable myocardium and predict improvement of wall motion after revascularization. Methods Sixtynine patients with first AMI who did not received early reperfusion therapy were studied by LDSE at 5 to 10 days after AMI. Wall motion abnormality and left ventricular size were measured at the same time. Successful PCI were done in all patients at 10 to 21 days after AMI onset. Patients were divided in two groups based on the presence or absence of viable myocardium. Echocardiography was repeated six months later. Results There were 157 motion abnormality segments. 89 segments （57%） were viable during LDSE. 26 patients （38%） with viability and 43 （62%） without. In viable group, left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF） was increased （P 〈 0.05）, and left ventricular end systolic volume index （LVESVI） and wall motion score （WMS） were decreased （P 〈 0.05 and P 〈 0.01） significantly at 6 months compared with baseline. But in patients without viability, LVEF was decreased （P 〈 0.01）, and LVESVI and left ventricular end diastolic volume index （LVEDVI） were increased （P 〈 0.05） significantly after 6 months, and the WMS did not changed （P 〉 0.05 ）. LVEF increased （P 〈 0.05 ） and WMS decreased （P 〈 0.05） on LDSE during acute phase in patients with viability, but they were not changed in the nonviable group. Conclusions Late revascularization of IRA in patients with presence of viable myocardium after AMI is associated with long-term preservation left ventricular function and less ventricular remodeling. Improvement of left ventricular systolic function on LDSE indicates late phase recovery of left ventricular function after late revascularization.

Assessment of Regional Left Ventricular Myocardial Function in Rats after Acute Occlusion of Left Anterior Descending Artery by Two-dimensional Speckle Tracking Imaging

This study evaluated the change in regional left ventricular myocardial function in rats following acute occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery （LAD） by using two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging （2D-STI）. Sixty Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups, a myocardial infarction （MI） group, in which 50 rats were subjected to LAD occlusion for 30–45 min, and a sham-operated （SHAM） group that contained 10 rats serving as control. Echo-cardiography was performed at baseline and 1, 4 and 8 week（s） after the operation. High frequency two-dimensional images of left ventricular short axis at papillary muscle level were recorded. Peak systolic radial strain （PRS） and circumferential strain （PCS） were measured in the mid-ventricle in short-axis view by using EchoPAC workstation. Left ventricular internal diameter at diastole （LVIDd） and systole （LVIDs）, fractional shortening （FS）, ejection fraction （EF） and left ventricular mass （LVM） were measured by anatomical M-model echocardiography. Infarct size was measured using triphenyl tetrazolium chloride （TTC） staining 1 week and 8 weeks after the operation. Fibrosis of left ventricu-lar myocardium was displayed using Van Gieson staining 1 week after the infarction. In terms of the TTC staining results, the left ventricle fell into three categories： infarcted, peri-infarcted and remote myocardial regions. Compared with those at baseline and in the SHAM group, （1） PRS and PCS in the infarcted, peri-infarcted and remote myocardial regions were significantly decreased in the MI group within 1 week after the operation （P〈0.05） and the low levels lasted 8 weeks; （2） Compared with those at baseline, LVIDd, LVIDs, FS, EF and LVM in the MI group showed no significant dif-ference 1 week after the operation （P〉0.05）. However, LVIDd, LVIDs and LVM were increased sig-nificantly 4 and 8 weeks after the operation （P〈0.05）, and FS and EF were decreased substantially （P〈0.05）. Van Gieson staining showed that fibrosis developed in all the three myocardial regions to varying degrees. It is concluded that 2D-STI is non-invasive and can be used to assess regional func-tion of myocardium with different blood supply in rats following acute occlusion of the LAD, and can be used as a sensitive and reliable means to follow up the process of left ventricular remodeling.

Ultrasound Speckle Tracking Imaging Contributes to Early Diagnosis of Impaired Left Ventricular Systolic Function in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

To investigate the value of ultrasound speckle tracking imaging （STI） in the assessment of the short-axis and long-axis systolic function of the left ventricle （LV） in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus （DM）, 100 subjects with normal ejection fraction were studied, including 41 patients with DM only （DM group）, 22 patients with both DM and left ventricular hypertrophy （DH group）, and 37 healthy subjects （control group）. Left ventricle systolic function in the long axis defined as longitudinal strain, and that in the short axis defined as radial strain, apical and basal LV rotations, and LV twist were assessed respectively. The results showed that average peak strain in the long axis at basal, middle and apical levels, and global peak strain were significantly decreased in the patient groups when compared with the control group （P〈0.001 for each）. The parameters in DH group were significantly lower than those in DM group （P〈0.01 for each）. There were no significant differences in average radial peak strain in the short axis at different levels, and global peak strain among the three groups （P〉0.05）. Apical and basal LV rotations, and LV twist were greater in the patient groups than in the control group （P〈0.01 for each）. Basal LV rotation and LV twist were greater in DH group than those in DM group （P〈0.01）. It was concluded that STI may be used to identify early abnormalities in patients with type 2 DM that have normal left ventricular systolic function.

Effect of burden and origin sites of premature ventricular contractions on left ventricular function by 7-day Holter monitor

Recent studies have shown that premature ventricular contractions （PVCs） could enlarge the heart, but its risk factors are incompletely understood as a single 24-hour recording cannot reflect the true PVC burden due to day-to-day variability. Our purpose was to investigate the effect of burden and origin sites on left ventricular （LV） function in patients with PVCs by 7-day Holter electrocardiography （ECG）. From May 2012 to August 2013, 112 consecutive patients with PVCs were recruited from the authors＇ affiliated hospital. All patients received 2-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography, 12-lead routing ECG and 7-days Holter ECG. Serum N-terminal pro- brain natriuretic peptide （NT-proBNP） levels were measured. A total of 102 participants with PVCs were included in the final analysis. Origin of PVCs from the tricuspid annulus had the highest burden and NT-proBNP level. LV papillary muscle had a higher LV ejection fraction （EF） level and a lower LV end-systolic dimension （ESD） than other PVC foci （P〈0.05）. The high burden group had a higher LV end-diastolic dimension （EDD） and LVESD but lower LVEF than the other two groups （P〈0.05）. Female, older age, physical work, and history of PVCs had a significantly positive correlation with symptoms. Male, older age, physical work, and high burden were positive predictors of enlarged LVEDD, LVESD and higher serum NT-proBNP level, but lower LVEF. Seven-day dynamic ECG Holter monitor showed the true PVC burden on patients with PVCs. PVCs with a lower burden or origin from the LV papillary muscle and the fascicle were relatively benign, while PVCs with a higher burden or origin from the tricuspid annulus may lead to cardiac dysfunction.

Evaluation of Left Ventricular Function after Percutaneous Recanalization of Chronic Coronary Occlusions: The Role of Two-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography

Background: The recanalization of a chronic total coronary occlusion is the possible way to improve left ventricular (LV) function through the recovery of hibernating myocardium. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of 2D speckle tracking in evaluation of the left ventricular (LV) systolic function in chronic total occlusion (CTO) patients before and at 1 day as well as 3 months after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patients and Methods: A prospective observational study included 40 patients diagnosed with coronary angiography to have a chronic total occlusion. Percutaneous coronary revascularization was performed according to standard practices with the femoral approach. Conventional 2D echocardiography was used to assess LV functions and wall motion abnormalities scoring index (WMAI). Using speckle-tracking echocardiography was to measure global longitudinal strain (GLS) and. Follow-up of patients was done at day 1 and 3 months later after PCI. Results: Forty patients were included in this study, with a mean age of 58.55 ± 7.98 years. GLS and WMAI difference at baseline and follow-up shows a positive correlation with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) changes at baseline and follow-up (p Conclusion: The results of this study provide evidence to support the clinical use of 2D-STE to monitor the early changes of LV function. In patients undergoing CTO revascularization, change in GLS was more sensitive predictors for LV function improvement at 3-month follow-up.

ASSESSMENT OF LEFT VENTRICULAR FUNCTION IN HEALTHY SUBJECTS BY PUSLED WAVE DOPPLER TISSUE IMAGING

Objective To examine the clinical application of pulsed Doppler tissue imaging(DTI)for regional left ventricular function assessment in normal subjects. Methods We examined 50 healthy subjects(range 12-42 years,mean age 28.3 ± 6.9 years)using pulsed Doppler tissue imaging to characterize the diastolic and systolic velocity profiles of mitral annulus. Recordings were made along the long axis in the apical 4-chamber, 2-chamber, and long apical views of 6 sites(posterior-septum, lateral, anterior, inferior, anterior-septum, posterior)at the mitral annulus. Myocardial velocities were determined with use of variance F statistical analysis. Correlation analysis was employed to test the relationship between age and mitral annular velocities. Results Both early diastolic and systolic velocities at the septum were lower than other sites. There were no differences in mitral annulus late diastolic velocities. Mean early diastolic and systolic velocities was negatively correlated with age. Conclusions Doppler tissue imaging can directly reflect regional left ventricular function.

Effect of amlodipine combined with telmisartan or compound amiloride on plasma ET-1 concentration and left ventricular diastolic function of essential hypertension patients with left ventricular hypertrophy

Objective： To observe the effect of different combination antihypertensive therapies on plasma endothelin-1 （ET-1） concentration and left ventricular diastolic function of essential hypertension patients with left ventricular hypertrophy （LVH） Methods： A total of 111 patients with essential hypertension were selected, including 60 cases （34 males, 26 females） aged （60.7±5.6） years with simple hypertension, and 51 cases （28 males, 23 females） aged （61.8±7.0） years with essential hypertension complicated with LVH. Essential hypertension patients with LVH were randomly divided into the group of amlodipine （2.5 mg/d） combined with telmisartan （40 mg/d, n=26） and the group of amlodipine （2.5 mg/d） combined with amiloride （half tablet/d, n=25）,and the treatment lasted for 1 year. Echocardiography was performed before and after the treatment. Left ventricular mass index （LVMI）, left ventricular isovolumic relaxation time （IVRT） and other indicators were detected, and plasma ET-1 concentrations were measured for comparative analysis. And 56 patients （31 males, 25 females） aged （59.3±6.7） years with normal blood pressure in the same period in our hospital were selected as the normal control group. Results： The general clinical characteristics were similar between hypertensive LVH group, simple hypertensive group and normal healthy control group. Plasma ET-1 concentrations, LVMI and IVRT of hypertensive LVH group were significantly higher than those of normal control group and simple hypertension group, and the difference was statistically significant. The patients＇ baseline blood pressure, ET-1, LVMI, interventricular septal thickness （IVST）, left ventricular posterior wall thickness （LVPWT）, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter （LVEDd） and other clinical parameters showed no significant difference （P〉0.05） between the group of amlodipine combined with telmisartan and the group of amlodipine combined with amiloride. It was found that compared with that before treatment, blood pressure could be effectively controlled （P〈0.05）, and LVMI, IVST, LVPWT and IVRT （P〈0.05） were all lowered, and ET-1 （P〈0.01） was significantly reduced after 1 year of antihypertensive therapy in both the group of amlodipine combined with telmisartan and the group of amlodipine combined with amiloride. The group of amlodipine combined with telmisartan was better in lowering blood pressure and reducing LVMI, IVST, LVPWT, IVRT and ET-1 than the group of amlodipine combined with amiloride （P〈0.05）. Conelus｜on： Amlodipine-based combination antthypertensive therapy could reverse LVH and improve left ventricular diastolic function partly by lowering blood pressure and ET-1, and the effect of amlodipine combined with telmisartan was superior to that ofamlodipine combined with amiloride

Effect of Fish Oil on Left Ventricular Function in Anes-thetized Rats

The effect of fish oil on the basal left ventricular function and changes of left ventricular function induced by isoproterenol(ISO)were demonstrated in our study. The detennina-tion of cardiac perfonnance in vivo showed that supplementation with fish oil(EPA and DHA,70%,1.4 ml / kg) had no significant effect on basal cardiac perfonnance,while it could significantly inhibit changes of+ dp / dt_(max),V_(pm) and HR induced by ISO(0.4μg/ kg,4.0μg/ kg,40μg/ kg)intrave-nously.The results suggested that supplementation with fish oil perhaps affected the function of β-adrenoceptors on rat myocardial membrane.

EFFECT OF AROTINOLOL ON LEFT VENTRICULAR FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH IDIOPATHIC DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of long-term treatment with arotinolol in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy(IDCM).Methods Sixty-three patients with IDCM were evaluated at baseline and after 12-month therapy with arotinolol.The conventional therapy for congestive heart failure was continued throughout the study with arotinolol as the only β-blocker.Left ventricular function was assessed with the New York Heart Association functional class and two-dimensional echocardiography.Results After 12-month arotinolol treatment,there was a significant improvement in left ventricular systolic function.Left ventricular end-systolic dimension significantly decreased from 59.52±8.83 mm to 50.89±8.17 mm(P<0.001).Left ventricular ejection fraction significantly increased from 27.39%±7.94% to 41.13%±9.45%(P<0.001).Left ventricular mass index decreased from 150.47±42.42 g/m2 to 141.58±34.36 g/m2(P<0.01).No adverse events leading to premature discontinuation of study drug occurred.Conclusion In this preliminary study,12-month arotinolol treatment has a favorable effect on left ventricular function in patients with IDCM,and it is safe and well tolerated.

An Overview of the Consequences of Distal Coronary Microembolization on Left Ventricular Function, Perfusion and Viability

Annually, an estimated 1,285,000 in-patient angioplasty procedures, 1,471,000 inpatient diagnostic cardiac catheteri-zations and 68,000 inpatient defibrillator implantations are performed. The direct and indirect cost of cardiovascular diseases for 2007 is approximately $431.8 billion. The occurrence of plaque rupture with subsequent microemboli of atherosclerotic and thrombolytic debris into small coronary vessels has been confirmed. Microinfarction results from microemboli that are shed following coronary interventions. The aims of this review are to: 1) detect heterogeneous microinfarction using viability imaging, 2) characterize the consequences of distal coronary microembolization on left ventricle function and perfusion and 3) illustrate the progress of non-invasive imaging modalities in assessing distal coronary microembolization.

Study on the Effect of Simvastatin on Left Ventricular Mass and Endothelial Function and the Relationship between Their Changes in the Patients with Essential Hypertension

Objective:To study the effect of Simvastatin on the left ventricular mass and endothelial function and to investigate the relationship between their changes in the patients with essential hypertension(EH). Methods: 50 patients with hypertension without severe complication were divided into two groups in a randomized,controlled and single blind trial.Group I(n=25)were given Simvastatin and hydragogue for 12 weeks while Group Ⅱ were given hydragogue during the same time.We detected the left ventricular mass and the brachial artery dilatation induced by reactive hyperemia(DIRH)or nitroglycerin(DING)respectively with ultrasonography in all patients before and after treatment.25 normal subjects without any treatment were taken as the control. Results:The left ventricular mass index(LVMI)was higher in the two groups of patients[(133.61±31.02)g/m 2;(118.04±39.62)g/m 2]than that in the control(88.79±22.73)g/m 2 before treatment(P<0.01,0.000 1,respectively)while the blood pressure was higher.The DIRH was lower in the two groups of patients(5.93±2.24)%;(6.54±3.16)%than that in the control(13.09±2.99)%,P<0.000 1.There was no significantly differences in age,serum concentrations of total cholesterol,triglyceride,sugar,blood pressure or the DING between two groups of patients and the control(P>0.05).And there was no significant difference in the all variables between group Ⅰ and group Ⅱ before treatment.After treatment the LVMI decreased[(133.61±31.02)g/m 2 VS(91.07±16.01)g/m 2,P<0.01]and the DTRH increased[(5.93±2.24)% VS(13.53±2.38)%,P<0.01]in the patients of group Ⅰ while there was no significant change in LVMI and DIRH in the patients of group Ⅱ.The blood pressure in the two groups of patients was decreased to the normal.Compared with group Ⅱ,the changes of LVMI and DIRH was higher in patients of group Ⅰ though the serum concentrations of total cholesterol,triglyceride or sugar were not significantly different.No significant change in serum concentrations oftotal cholesterol,triglyceride or sugar was found during treatment in the two groups of patients.Analysis showed that the LVMI correlated with DIRH and the change of LVMI correlated better with the change of DIRH(r=-0.56;0.69,P<0.000 1,respectly). Conclusions: The increase of left ventricular mass was related with endothelial dysfunction in essential hypertension.Being independent of the changes of serum concentrations of total cholesterol,triglyceride or sugar and blood pressure,Simvastatin could inhibit the increase of left ventricular mass and improve endothelial function.