Correlations between the surface ECG and the intracavitary electrocardiogram in typical atrial flutter.

Unlabelled: Typical atrial flutter (cavo-tricuspid isthmus-dependent) has as an electrophysiological substrate a macro-reentry circuit localized in the right atrium. Depending on the right atrial depolarization sequence, the rotation of the macro-reentry circuit can be counterclockwise (with an inferior to superior activation of the right atrium free wall and superior to inferior activation of the interatrial septum), characterized by negative F waves in inferior leads (DII, DIII, aVF) and V6, and positive in V1 on the surface electrogram (ECG), or clockwise (with a superior to inferior activation of the right atrium free wall and inferior to superior activation of the interatrial septum) characterized by positive F waves in inferior leads (DII, DIII, aVF) and V6, and negative in V1. Nevertheless, it is considered that for the diagnosis of the typical or atypical nature of this arrhythmia, the surface ECG has limited value.

The role of radiofrequency ablation as a first line therapy in the treatment of atrial flutter.

Unlabelled: Cavo-tricuspid isthmus radiofrequency (RF) ablation is an efficient option in the treatment of atrial flutter. In the case of a well-tolerated, first episode of atrial flutter, it has a class II indication, level of evidence B, the current first-line therapeutic option being electrical cardioversion, pharmacological cardioversion or atrial overdrive pacing followed by long-term antiarrhythmic therapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate, in a prospective manner, the recurrence rate of these two different therapeutic options after the treatment of a first episode of atrial flutter.

The acute effect of Metoprolol upon NT-proBNP level in patients with congestive heart failure.

Unlabelled: Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a sensitive and specific marker of left ventricular (LV) function. The acute effect of beta blockers upon plasma BNP levels in CHF patients has been less studied but it is important because of the initial possible depressing effect upon LV function.

Purpose: To investigate the acute effect of oral Metoprolol upon plasma proBNP levels in CHF patients.

Cardiac peptides during exercise test in ischemic and non-ischemic heart failure patients.

Background: Cardiac peptides are increased at rest in heart failure patients representing a useful diagnostic tool for this condition. Recently it has been demonstrated that cardiac peptides increase also during myocardial ischemia. Cardiac peptides increase during exercise in heart failure patients, but it has not been established yet if the increase is the same in ischemic and nonischemic patients.