Effect of cardiac rehabilitation care after coronary intervention on cardiac function recovery and negative mood in patients with myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease,particularly myocardial infarction(MI)profound impact on patients'quality of life and places a substantial burden on the healthcare and economy systems.Developments in medical technology have led to the emer-gence of coronary intervention as an essential method for treating MI.AIM To assess the effects of cardiac rehabilitation care on cardiac function recovery and negative emotions in MI after coronary intervention.METHODS This study included a total of 180 patients with MI during the period from June 2022 to July 2023.Selected patients were divided into two groups:An observation group,which receiving cardiac rehabilitation care;a control group,which re-ceiving conventional care.By comparing multiple observation indicators such as cardiac function indicators,blood pressure,exercise tolerance,occurrence of adverse cardiac events,and negative emotion scores between the two groups of patients.All the data were analyzed and compared between two groups.RESULTS There were 44 males and 46 females in the observation group with an average age of 36.26±9.88 yr;there were 43 males and 47 females in the control group,with an average age of 40.87±10.5 yr.After receiving the appropriate postoperative nursing measures,the results of the observation group showed significant improvement in several indicators compared with the control group.Indicators of cardiac function,such as left ventricular end-diastolic internal diameter and left ventricular ejection fraction were significantly better in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).Exercise endurance assessment showed that the 6-minute walking test distance was significantly increased in the patients of the observation group(P<0.01).In addition,the incidence of adverse cardiac events was significantly lower in the observation group,and negative mood scores were significantly reduced(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Cardiac rehabilitation care after coronary intervention has a significant positive impact on functional recovery.This emphasizes the importance of cardiac rehabilitation care to improve patient recovery.

The Impact of Cardiac Pacing Site on Patient's Cardiac Function and Psychological State

With the widespread application of artificial permanent pacemakers in clinical practice,there have been new changes in the indications for pacemaker implantation.The current clinical indications include high atrioventricular block,sick sinus syndrome,cardiac resynchronization therapy for heart failure,and implantation of cardioverter defibrillators for ventricular arrhythmias.The implantation of a pacemaker can improve the quality of life and prognosis of patients with arrhythmia.In the past,permanent pacemaker implantation was performed in clinical practice,and the right ventricular pacing electrode was often fixed at the apex of the right ventricle,which belongs to non physiological pacing.Through long-term clinical follow-up,it was found that apex pacing can easily cause abnormal depolarization of the left ventricle,asynchronous contraction of the myocardium,and ultimately lead to myocardial fibrosis,which has adverse effects on the patient's cardiac function and psychological state.In recent years,Scholars have found that pacing in the right ventricular outflow tract septum is closer to the atrioventricular node and closer to the His bundle Purkinje fibers.The pacing impulse almost simultaneously expands towards both ventricles,closer to the physiological pacing state,thereby reducing the occurrence of cardiovascular events in patients.This article explores the impact of pacing in different parts of the heart on the cardiac function and psychological state of patients based on clinical data from the past three years.

Analysis of Cardiac Functional Status and Factors Influencing Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Pregnant Women with Combined Heart Disease

Objective:To investigate the cardiac function of pregnant women with complicated heart disease during pregnancy and the factors influencing the adverse pregnancy outcome.Methods:A total of 162 cases of pregnant women with complicated heart disease admitted to the Beijing Anzhen Hospital from October 2021 to December 2023 were selected to compare the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with complicated heart disease at different levels of cardiac function and to analyze the single and multi factors leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with complicated heart disease.Results:Among 162 pregnant women with combined heart disease in pregnancy,the highest percentage of heart disease type was congenital heart disease(80/49.38%),and the lowest percentage was other(9/5.56%);the overall incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with combined heart disease in pregnancy with cardiac function grades of 3–4 cardiac function(30/68.18%)was higher than that in pregnant women with combined heart disease in cardiac function grades of 1–2(40/33.90%)(P=0.000);age,marital status,hypertension,and past history of all pregnant women were not statistically significant(P>0.05);gestational age,type of heart disease,and cardiac function grading were statistically significant(P<0.05),and these factors were all independent risk factors for adverse pregnancy resolution in pregnant women with combined heart disease(P<0.05).Conclusion:The overall incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes was higher in pregnant women with heart disease than in those with heart disease grades 1–2,and the number of pregnancies,the type of heart disease,and heart function grades were all independent risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with heart disease.

Effectiveness of Atorvastatin Combined with Trimetazidine in the Treatment of Coronary Heart Disease in the Elderly and Their Effect on Cardiac Function

Objective:To analyze the effect of atorvastatin combined with trimetazidine in the treatment of elderly coronary artery disease and the effect on patients’cardiac function.Methods:60 cases of elderly coronary artery disease patients were divided into 2 groups by randomization method,and all of them received conventional symptomatic treatment,while atorvastatin was added to the control group and trimetazidine was combined with atorvastatin in the observation group,and the clinical indexes were compared.Results:After treatment,the angina attack,cardiac function indexes,and inflammatory factor levels of the observation group were better than those of the control group(P<0.05),and the differences in adverse reactions between the two groups were not significant(P>0.05).Conclusion:Combined treatment of coronary heart disease in the elderly with atorvastatin and trimetazidine can positively reduce angina symptoms,improve cardiac function,and reduce inflammatory reactions,and the effect is definite.

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.

Effects of Continuous Precision Nursing Model on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) Behavior and Cardiac Function in Patients after Percutaneous Coronary Angiography and Stent Implantation

Objective:To explore the impact of a continuous precision nursing model on patients’Knowledge,Attitudes,and Practices(KAP)and cardiac function during the nursing process of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary angiography and stent implantation.Methods:Ninety patients who underwent percutaneous coronary angiography and stent implantation in our hospital from April 2022 to April 2023 were selected and randomly divided into the control group(45 cases),in which routine nursing support was carried out during the treatment process,and the observation group(45 cases),in which continuous precision nursing model was carried out during the treatment process.Comparisons were made between the two groups of patients on their KAP,cardiac function,and quality of life during recovery.Results:There was no difference in the left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),cardiac output(CO),and cardiac index(CI)levels before intervention.After the intervention,the levels of cardiac function in the observation group were higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).There was no difference in the Exercise of Self-Care Agency(ESCA)self-care ability scale scores before the intervention.After the intervention,the observation group had higher ESCA scores than the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Implementation of a continuous precision nursing model in the care of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary angiography and stent implantation improved the patient’s cardiac function,and KAP,and promoted recovery.

Lyophilized recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide for chronic heart failure:Effects on cardiac function and inflammation

BACKGROUND Chronic heart failure(CHF)is a serious and prevalent condition characterized by impaired cardiac function and inflammation.Standard therapy for CHF has limitations,prompting the exploration of alternative treatments.Recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide(BNP)has emerged as a potential therapy,with evidence suggesting that it can improve cardiac function and reduce inflammation in patients with CHF.However,further research is required to determine the efficacy and safety of lyophilized recombinant human BNP in CHF patients and its impact on microinflammatory status.This study aimed to investigate the effects of lyophilized recombinant human BNP therapy on CHF patients’cardiac function and microinflammatory status.AIM To investigate the effects of freeze-dried recombinant human BNP therapy on cardiac function and microinflammatory status in patients with CHF.METHODS In total,102 CHF patients admitted to our hospital from January 2021 to January 2022 were randomly assigned to control and observation groups(n=51 patients/group).The control patients were treated with standard HF therapy for 3 d,whereas the observational patients were injected with the recombinant human BNP for 3 d.Clinical efficacy,inflammatory factor levels,myocardial damage,cardiac function before and after the treatment,and adverse reactions during treatment were compared between the two groups.RESULTS The overall clinical efficacy was higher in the observation group than in the control group.Compared with baseline,serum hypersensitive C-reactive protein,N-terminal proBNP,and troponin I level,and physical,emotional,social,and economic scores were lower in both groups after treatment,with greater reductions in levels and scores noted in the observation group than in the control group.The overall incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group was not significantly different compared with that in the control group(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Freeze-dried recombinant human BNP therapy can improve heart function and enhance microinflammatory status,thereby improving overall quality of life without any obvious side effects.This therapy is safe and reliable.

Effect of Salvia Miltiorrhiza Injection on Blood Pressure and Cardiac Function in Rats with Gestational Hypertension and Preeclampsia

Objective: This study is to observe the effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza injection on blood pressure and cardiac function in rats with pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia. Methodology: Syncytiotrophoblast microvilli (stbm) and l-arginine nitrosyl methyl ester were screened out via caudal vein injection. Twenty gestational hypertension-preeclampsia model SD (Sprague Dawley) rats successfully induced by L-NAME (L-arginine Nitrosyl methyl ester) were randomly divided into 2 groups (model group and Danshen injection group, n = 10). Then another 10 normal pregnant SD rats without model were selected as blank control group. The Salvia miltiorrhiza injection group was given Salvia miltiorrhiza injection (0.5 g?kg?1?d?1) through tail vein, and the control group and model group were given equal volume of normal saline through tail vein injection. All three groups were treated by tail vein injection once a day (d) for 7 days. After treatment, heart rate (HR), Systolic pressure (SP), diastolic pressure (DP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured by tail artery. Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVDd) and Left ventricular end systolic diameter (LVDs) were recorded by echocardiography. Left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP), left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), left ventricular ejection fraction (left ventricular ejection) fraction, LVEF) and the maximum rate of increase/decrease of left ventricular pressure during isovolemic systole (+dp/dtmax/?dp/dtmax);Endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels in rat tail vein blood were detected by ELISA. Results: SP, DP, MP, HR, LVSP, LVDs and ?dp/dtmaxx were all decreased, plasma ET-1 expression was low, and LVDd, LVEDP, LVEF, and +dp/dtmax were all increased in the Salvia miltiorroot injection group, with statistical significance compared to the model group (p Conclusion: Salvia miltiorrhiza injection can improve the cardiac function and reduce blood pressure in rats with pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia, and the mechanism may be related to alleviating systemic arteriolar spasm by regulating ET-1 level.

Isolated Tricuspid Valve Repair and Right Atrial Plication Performed Using a Beating-Heart Technique for Atrial Functional Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation

Background: Isolated tricuspid valve disease remains a controversial indication for surgical intervention. Many patients referred for surgery already have a poor clinical condition and an advanced New York Heart Association functional class. There is no consensus on the optimal surgical technique for this condition, including on whether to perform the procedure on a beating or an arrested heart and whether to perform valve repair or replacement. Methods: We analyzed four case series between 2015 and 2022 in which patients with secondary tricuspid regurgitation (TR) underwent valve repair on a beating heart and right atrial plication for a dilated right atrium. The TRI-SCORE was calculated for each patient. Results: All patients experienced a favorable postoperative course with significant improvements in heart failure symptoms. TR was markedly reduced;however, in one patient with concomitant mitral regurgitation (MR) and a high TRI-SCORE, MR worsened postoperatively. This patient later died from unknown causes due to multiple comorbidities in the late phase. Conclusions: Tricuspid valve repair on a beating heart was effective for improving the cardiac function, and the TRI-SCORE proved useful as a preoperative risk assessment tool. The underlying mechanism by which TR exacerbates MR requires further investigation.

Evaluation of Right Ventricular Volume and Systolic Function by Real-time Three-dimensional Echocardiography

The optimal plane for measurement of the right ventricular (RV) volumes by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) was determined and the feasibility and accuracy of RT3DE in studying RV systolic function was assessed. RV “Full volume” images were acquired by RT3DE in 22 healthy subjects. RV end-diastolic volumes (RVEDV) and end-systolic volumes (RVESV) were outlined using apical biplane, 4-plane, 8-plane, 16-plane offline separately. RVSV and RVEF were calculated. Meanwhile tricuspid annual systolic excursion (TASE) was measured by M-mode echo. LVSV was outlined by 2-D echo according to the biplane Simpson's rule. The results showed: (1) There was a good correlation between RVSV measured from series planes and LVSV from 2-D echo (r=0.73; r=0.69; r=0.63; r=0.66, P<0.25—0.0025); (2) There were significant differences between RVEDV in biplane and those in 4-, 8-, 16-plane (P<0.001). There was also difference between RV volume in 4-plane and that in 8-plane (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between RV volume in 8-plane and that in 16-plane (P>0.05); (3) Inter-observers and intro-observers variability analysis showed that there were close agreements and relations for RV volumes (r=0.986, P<0.001; r=0.93, P<0.001); (4) There was a significantly positive correlation of TASE to RVSV and RVEF from RT3DE (r=0.83; r=0.90). So RV volume measures with RT3DE are rapid, accurate and reproducible. In view of RV's complex shape, apical 8-plane method is better in clinical use. It may allow early detection of RV systolic function.

Quantitative Assessment of Right Ventricular Systolic Function by the Analysis of Right Ventricular Contrast Time-intensity Curve

Summary: To study reliability and reliable indices of quantitative assessment of right ventricular systolic function by time-intensity curve (TIC) with right ventricular contrast, 5 % sonicated human albumin was injected intravenously at a does of 0.08 ml/kg into 10 dogs at baseline status and cardiac insufficiency. Apical four-chamber view was observed for washin and washout of contrast agent from right ventricle. The parameters of TIC were obtained by curve fitting. The differences of parameters were analyzed in different states of cardiac functions. Among the parameters derived from TIC, the time constant (k) was decreased significantly with decline of cardiac function (P<0.001). But half-time of decent of peak intensity (HT) and mean-transit-time (MTT) of washout were increased significantly (P<0.001). The k was strongly related to cardiac output of right ventricle (CO) and ejection fraction (EF) of left ventricle and fractional shortening (FS) of left ventricle. Right ventricular systolic function could be assessed reliably by the parameters derived from TIC with right ventricular contrast echocardiography. The k, HT and MTT are reliable indices for quantitative assessment of right ventricular systolic function.

On the Human Rights Function of the Olympic Movement

The Olympic Movement is an essential contemporary international social movement with a unique ability to transform and promote the human rights.This human rights function of the Olympic Movement is mainly reflected in two aspects:First,the Olympic Movement accelerates the dissemination of the basic concepts and values of human rights and helps build a broader consensus in a wider field;second,the Olympic Movement expands and enriches the rights system of human rights.It has greatly contributed to realizing individual human rights and collective human rights both inside and outside the Olympic field.The human rights function of the Olympics needs be correctly understood and rationally utilized to maximize its effectiveness in promoting the development of and guaranteeing the realization of human rights.

HGF percutaneous endocardial injection induces cardiomyocyte proliferation and rescues cardiac function in pigs

Objective：To investigate the effect of cardiomyocyte proliferation induced by human hepatocyte growth factor（HGF）in pigs with chronic myocardial infarction（CMI）.Methods：A steerable,deflectable 7F catheter incorporating a 27-guage needle was advanced percutaneously to the left ventricular myocardium of 18 pigs with CMI.Pigs were randomized（1：1：1）to receive adenoviral vector HGF（total dose,1×10^10 genome copies）,which was administered as five injections into the infarcted myocardium（total,1.0 mL）,or saline,or Ad-null（control groups）.Injections were guided by Ensite NavX left ventricular electroanatomical mapping.HGF and cyclin proteins were detected by western blot and immunoprecipitation analysis.Histological and immunohistochemical analysis determined proliferating cardiomyocytes.Myocardial perfusion and cardiac function were estimated by Gated-Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography（G-SPECT）.Results：Western blot analyses showed that HGF were predominantly expressed in the infarct core and border in the myocardium of the infarcted heart.G-SPECT analysis indicated that the HGF group had better cardiac function and myocardial perfusion four weeks after the injection of Ad-HGF than before the injection of Ad-HGF.After treatment there were more proliferating cardiomyocytes in the HGF group compared to either of the control groups.Furthermore,the HGF group myocardial samples expressed higher levels of p-Akt,cyclin A,cyclin E,cyclin D1,cdk2,cdk4 than those in the control groups.Conclusion：The over-expression of HGF activates pro-survival pathways,induces cardiomyocyte proliferation,and improves the perfusion and function of the porcine CMI heart.

Usefulness of myocardial performance index for assessing right ventricular function after percutaneous closure of atrial septal defect

Objective Assessment of right ventricular function in patients with atrial septal defect (ASD) is difficult. The Doppler myocardial performance index (MPI) may provide a method of assessing function in these patients. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the right ventricular function and its changes in patients with ASD after transcatheter closure of ASD. Methods MPI, defined as the sum of isovolumic relaxation time and isovolumic contraction time derived by ejection time, was measured from tricuspid inflow and right ventricular outflow;Doppler velocity profiles recorded during routine echocardiography.Twenty nine patients (13 men, 16 women;mean age 25.28±12.69, range 6 to 57 years) were diagnosed to secundum ASD [the stretched diameters of ASD were from 9 To 36 (24.91±7.98) mm], and had a successfully placed Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO) (the sizes of ASO were from 11 to 40 mm );there were 81 sex-matched, age-matched healthy people (control group 41men, 40 women;mean age 29.02 ± 14.22, range 4 to 45 years ). MPI was measured again on 3 days and 1 month after closure of ASD. Change in the study group was assessed and compared to the control subjects with structurally normal hearts. A complete 2-dimensional and Doppler echocardiographic examination was performed in all study groups. Results 1) The isovolumic relaxation and isovolumic contraction times [respectively(77.59 ± 14.39)ms vs (60.93 ±12.94)ms, P<0.0001;(28.28 ±10.88)ms vs (23.64 ±9.01)ms, P=0.027] were prolonged, and ejection time [(260.65 ±21.86 )ms vs (271.85 ± 21.92)ms, P=0.033] was shortened in patients with ASD compared with that in control subjects, resulting in a marked increase in the MPI(0.40 ± 0.07 vs 0.31 ± 0.05, P<0.0001) from normal values;2) by Pearson's correlations, the MPI had no correlation with heart rate and blood pressure in control subjects and patients with ASD, but it correlated positively with age in patients with ASD;3) by Pearson's correlations, the MPI correlated positively with the diameter of ASD and pulmonary artery pressure;4) after transcatheter closure of ASD, the MPI decreased markedly. Conclusions 1) MPI is a conceptually new, simple, and reproducible Doppler index in patients with ASD;2) MPI is free from the effect of age, heart rate and blood pressure;(3) MPI appears to be relatively dependent on changes in the diameter of ASD and pulmonary artery pressure;4) the right ventricular function was improved after transcatheter closure of ASD.(J Geriatr Cardiol 2007;4:220-224.)

Study on the indications of cardiac operations through the right anterolateral thoracotomy

Objective: To define the indications for cardiac surgeries through right anterolateral thoracotomy, and render it clinically feasible in a carefully controlled scope. Methods: Ninety-eight patients requiring cardiac surgeries were operated through this approaach. Incisions were made in the fourth or on intercostal space. The upper costal cartilage near the incision was routinely removed. Aortic cannulation was performed through the lateral wall of the aorta. The procedures on the heart itself were the same as that of the median sternotomy. Results: The average lengths of the incisions, for the male and female patients, were (10.6±3.2) cm and (10.3 ± 2.2) cm respectively. The mean bypass time was (61.3 ±t 25. 1) min, and the mean heart arrest time was (49.5±19.2) min. The postoperative drainage was (410± 125) ml. All but 1 patient with aortic valve operation had satisfactory exposure . The complications included chest pain (n = 5), rib fracture (n =3), pleural effusion (n=5), and pneumothorax(n=6). Conclusion: The right anterolateral tholacotomy was a satisfactory alternative of median sternotomy for the surgeries that can be performed through a right atrium access.

Evaluation of Normal Fetal Left Cardiac Function by Tissue Doppler Imaging

To explore the feasibility of using tissue Doppler imaging technique for the evaluation of fetus＇s left ventrieular diastolic function, and to confirm its reliability by comparing it with traditional methods, this study examined 61 pregnant women in whom satisfactory images were obtained of fetal eehoeardiography. The peak velocity of blood stream were measured, including E, A and E/A at mitral valve orifice on the four chamber view with pulse wave. And then tissue Doppler imaging mode was employed to measure the velocity of mitral valve annulus including Ea, Aa, Sa and Ea / Aa. Correlation analysis was conducted between the velocity of orifice and that of annulus in terms of gestation age. And then correlation analysis was performed between above data and gestation ages. A positive correlation was found between the velocity of orifice and that of annulus, and the velocity increased with the gestation age. The change was the most significant between the 28th and the 34th week of gestation age. Our study showed that it is feasible to evaluate the fetus＇s left ven trieular diastole function by tissue Doppler imaging. Its stability can avoid the influence of fetal heart rates and preload.

Evaluation of Right Ventricular Global Longitudinal Function in Patients with Tetralogy of Fallot by Two-dimensional Ultrasound Speckle Tracking Imaging

Quantification of right ventricular(RV)volume and function remains a challenge because of RV complex geometry by conventional echocardiography.The purpose of this study was to assess RV global longitudinal function in patients with tetralogy of Fallot(TOF)by 2-dimensional ultrasound speckle tracking imaging(STI).Thirty-eight patients with TOF were enrolled in this study and divided into child group(n=25)and adult group(n=13)according to age.Thirty-eight age-and sex-matched normal subjects were selected as c...

Effect of arotinolol on right ventricular function in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy

Objective Dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM) is generally considered to be accompanied by both left and right ventricular dysfunction,but most studies only analyze the left ventricular function. In this study,we evaluated the effect of arotinolol on right ventricular function in patients with DCM. Methods Right ventricular ejection fraction(RVEF) and right ventricular diameter(RVD) were measured by two-dimensional echocardiography(2-DE) in 33 DCM patients;RVEF measured by first-pass radionuclide angiography(FPRA) was compared with that by 2-DE. Results The treatment with arotinolol for one year resulted in a reduction in the right ventricular diameter(baseline,23.0 ± 8.3 mm vs after one-year treatment,20.7 ± 5.4 mm;P=0.004 ) and an associated increase in ejection fraction(baseline,36.9 ± 10.3% vs after one-year treatment,45.8 ± 9.6%;P < 0.001 ) ;there is a high correlation between the 2-DE method and radionuclide ventriculographic method. The correlation coefficient is 0.933(P<0.001) . Conclusion Arotinolol therapy could not only improve left ventricular function,but also improve right ventricular function in DCM patients.

Ultrasonographic assessment of cardiac function and disease severity in coronary heart disease

BACKGROUND Coronary heart disease(CHD)causes many adverse cardiovascular events and poses a threat to the patient’s health and quality of life.AIM To evaluate ultrasonography for evaluation of cardiac function and lesion degree in patients with CHD.METHODS A total of 106 patients with CHD(study group)and 106 healthy individuals(control group)in our hospital from March 2019 to September 2020 were selected for this study.All subjects were examined by ultrasound,and the mitral orifice’s early-to-late diastolic blood flow velocity ratio(E/A),left ventricular end-diastolic volume(LVDd),and left atrial diameter(LAD)were measured.Values were compared between the study group and healthy group,and the correlation between the ultrasonic parameters of patients with different cardiac function grades and the degree of CHD were assessed.In addition,the ultrasonic parameters of patients with different prognoses were compared after a follow-up for 6 mo.RESULTS E/A(1.46±0.34)of the study group was smaller than that of the control group(1.88±0.44),while LVDd(58.24±5.05 mm)and LAD(43.31±4.38 mm)were larger(48.15±3.93 and 34.94±2.81,respectively;P<0.05).E/A for patients with grade III disease(1.41±0.43)was smaller and their LVDd(60.04±4.21 mm)and LA(44.16±2.79 mm)were larger than those in patients with grade II disease(1.71±0.48,52.18±3.67 mm,and 39.68±2.37,respectively;P<0.05).Patients with grade IV disease had smaller E/A(1.08±0.39)and larger LVDd(66.81±5.39 mm)and LAD(48.81±3.95 mm)than patients with grade II and III disease(P<0.05).In patients with moderate disease,E/A(1.44±0.41)was smaller and LVDd(59.95±4.14 mm)and LAD(45.15±2.97 mm)were larger than in patients with mild disease(1.69±0.50,51.97±3.88 and 38.81±2.56 mm,respectively;P<0.05).In patients with severe disease,E/A(1.13±0.36)was smaller and LVDd(67.70±6.11 mm)and LAD(49.09±4.05 mm)were larger than in patients with moderate disease(P<0.05).E/A was negatively correlated with cardiac function classi-fication and disease severity,while LVDd and LAD were positively correlated with cardiac function classification and disease severity(P<0.05).E/A(1.83±0.51)for patients with good prognosis was higher than that for those with poor prognosis(1.39±0.32),while LVDd(49.60±4.39 mm)and LAD(36.13±3.05 mm)were lower(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The ultrasonic parameters of patients with CHD are abnormal,and differ significantly in patients with different cardiac function grades,lesion degree,and prognosis.

Cardiac functional magnetic resonance imaging at 7T:Image quality optimization and ultra-high field capabilities

BACKGROUND 7T cardiac magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)introduces several advantages,as well as some limitations,compared to lower-field imaging.The capabilities of ultra-high field(UHF)MRI have not been fully exploited in cardiac functional imaging.AIM To optimize 7T cardiac MRI functional imaging without the need for conducting B1 shimming or subject-specific tuning,which improves scan efficiency.In this study,we provide results from phantom and in vivo scans using a multi-channel transceiver modular coil.METHODS We investigated the effects of adding a dielectric pad at different locations next to the imaged region of interest on improving image quality in subjects with different body habitus.We also investigated the effects of adjusting the imaging flip angle in cine and tagging sequences on improving image quality,B1 field homogeneity,signal-to-noise ratio(SNR),blood-myocardium contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR),and tagging persistence throughout the cardiac cycle.RESULTS The results showed the capability of achieving improved image quality with high spatial resolution(0.75 mm×0.75 mm×2 mm),high temporal resolution(20 ms),and increased tagging persistence(for up to 1200 ms cardiac cycle duration)at 7T cardiac MRI after adjusting scan set-up and imaging parameters.Adjusting the imaging flip angle was essential for achieving optimal SNR and myocardium-toblood CNR.Placing a dielectric pad at the anterior left position of the chest resulted in improved B1 homogeneity compared to other positions,especially in subjects with small chest size.CONCLUSION Improved regional and global cardiac functional imaging can be achieved at 7T MRI through simple scan set-up adjustment and imaging parameter optimization,which would allow for more streamlined and efficient UHF cardiac MRI.