[Doppler echocardiographic assessment of diastolic function of left ventricle].

Approximately half of the patients with overt congestive heart failure (CHF) have diastolic dysfunction without reduced ejection fraction (LVEF>50%). Diastolic dysfunction is an abnormality in left ventricular myocardial relaxation and/or compliance that alters the ease with which blood is accepted into the left ventricle during diastole. Elevated pressures in the left atrium are compensatory, ensuring adequate filling.

In-hospital cardiac arrest and resuscitation outcomes: rationale for sudden cardiac death approach.

Aim: To assess the frequency of cardiac arrest and outcomes and predictors of survival after cardiopulmonary resuscitation in hospitalized patients.

Methods: We prospectively analyzed the data on all patients who experienced cardiac arrest while hospitalized at the Split University Hospital between January and December 2003. Data were collected on patients' demographic characteristics, etiology and presentation of cardiac arrest, time, site, methods, and outcomes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Effects of four antihypertensive monotherapies on cardiac mass and function in hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy: randomized prospective study.

Aim: To compare the effects of four antihypertensive drugs, which have reportedly different effectiveness in reducing myocardial mass.

Methods: A randomized, double-blind, prospective study included 80 hypertensive patients with left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy confirmed both electrocardiographically and echocardiographically. We investigated the effects of indapamide, nicardipine, propranolol, and chlorthalidone on arterial blood pressure and LV mass and function.