Left Atrial Ejection Force as a Marker for the Diagnosis of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction.

Introduction: Several echocardiographic techniques are used to diagnose heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF). Left atrial ejection force (LAEF) is a measure of left atrial (LA) systolic function. The aim of this study was to examine the use of LAEF as a measure for the diagnosis of HFPEF.

The Relationship between Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha and Left Ventricular Diastolic Function.

Introduction: Left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction is a common condition. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha is an inflammatory cytokine that plays a role in the development of cardiac structural changes leading to LV diastolic dysfunction. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between serum levels of TNF alpha levels and LV diastolic function.

Assessing the impact of a combination of sofosbuvir and daclatasvir treatment for hepatitis C virus infection on heart rate, rhythm and heart rate variability using 24-hour ECG monitoring.

Background: Direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) cure patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Concerns have arisen the occurrence of significant bradyarrhythmias during treatment with DAAs. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a DAA combination for the treatment of HCV infection on heart rate, rhythm, and heart rate variability (HRV) using 24-h ECG monitoring.

Gender differences among ischemic heart disease patients enrolled in a cardiac rehabilitation program.

Background: Cardiac rehabilitation programs reduce cardiovascular events and mortality in ischemic heart disease patients. The aim of this study was to assess gender differences among ischemic heart disease patients enrolled in a cardiac rehabilitation program regarding adherence to the program, as well as, changes in clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic parameters.

Results: A prospective study that included 30 men and 30 women with stable ischemic heart disease who had been totally revascularized by percutaneous coronary intervention.

Effect of direct-acting antivirals on corrected QT interval and cardiac functions in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection.

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health problem in Egypt. The use of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) in such patients has been shown to be highly effective. The cardiac safety of such antivirals remains uncertain.

Echocardiographic assessment of right ventricular functions in patients with proximal right coronary artery chronic total occlusion.

To assess right ventricular functions by echocardiography in patients with proximal right coronary artery (RCA) CTO and correlating it with clinical and angiographic variables. We studied 60 consecutive patients with CTO of the proximal RCA and no other significant lesions in the left coronary system. Echocardiography was performed in order to measure left ventricular (LV) dimensions, LVEF, RV end diastolic area (RVEDA), RV end systolic area (RVESA), RV fractional area change (RVFAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), Doppler myocardial performance index (MPI), trans-tricuspid E and A waves, E/A ratio, S', e' and a'.