Epicardial fat thickness and oxidative stress parameters in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism.

Introduction: Thyroid disorders are known to be a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Epicardial fat thickness (EFT) and oxidative stress are also believed to be major risk factors for cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible relationship between oxidative stress parameters and EFT in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH).

Usefulness of the epicardial fat tissue thickness as a diagnostic criterion for geriatric patients with metabolic syndrome.

Objective: To evaluate the epicardial fat tissue thickness (EFTT) as a diagnostic criterion for geriatric patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Methods: Sixty geriatric patients over 65 years of age were recruited for the study. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n = 30) consisted of patients with MetS; Group 2 (n = 30) consisted of patients without MetS.

Fragmented QRS Is Associated with Improved Predictive Value of Exercise Treadmill Testing in Patients with Intermediate Pretest Likelihood of Significant Coronary Artery Disease.

Background: The predictive value of exercise treadmill testing (ETT) remains inadequate in diagnosing patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) and needs to be improved.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the presence of FQRS on 12-lead ECG would increase the PPV of ETT in patients with an intermediate likelihood of CAD.

Methods: fQRS, defined as the presence of notched R or S waves without accompanying typical bundle branch block or the existence of an additional wave-like RSR' pattern in the original QRS complex (with a duration of <120 ms), was assessed in 95 patients with positive ETT.

Serum prolidase activity in patients with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction.

Objectives: Prolidase is an important factor in collagen metabolism, matrix remodelling and cell growth. Increased collagen turnover leading to increased ventricular stiffness plays an important role in the pathophysiology of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD). This study aims to investigate whether serum prolidase activity is related to left ventricular diastolic function.

An epidemiological study to evaluate the use of vitamin K antagonists and new oral anticoagulants among non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients in Turkey- AFTER-2 study design.

Objectives: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common causes of preventable ischemic stroke and is related to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. There is a lack of data in Turkey on the use of new oral anticoagulants (NOACs), and time in therapeutic INR range (TTR) in vitamin K antagonist users and AF management modality. In this multi-center trial, we aimed to analyze, follow and evaluate the epidemiological data in non-valvular AF patients.

Serum paraoxonase-1 activity in children: the effects of obesity and insulin resistance.

Oxidative stress (OS) is important in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) is an enzyme found in the circulation associated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL-associated enzyme PON1 has an important role in the attenuation of atherogenic low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation.

Association of Meteorological Variables and Coronary Blood Flow.

We aimed to assess the impact of meteorological variables on coronary blood flow (CBF). Coronary blood flow was evaluated using the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count (TFC). The association of CBF with meteorological parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, total solar radiation, atmospheric pressure, wind velocity, and total sunshine duration were investigated as well as demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics.

Mean platelet volume is not associated with coronary slow flow: a retrospective cohort study.

Objective: To investigate mean platelet volume (MPV) levels in patients with coronary slow flow (CSF).

Methods: 465 stable angina pectoris cases with angiographically normal coronary arteries were recruited [coronary slow flow group (n=76), control group (n=389)] in the observational retrospective cohort study. Clinical, biochemical and demographic variables including MPV were noted and coronary blood flow was assessed with TIMI frame count (TFC).

Coronary artery calcification score is increased in patients with isolated coronary artery ectasia.

Purpose: Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is an indicator of coronary atherosclerosis and is associated with future adverse cardiac events. Isolated coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is defined as localized or diffuse dilation of the coronary arteries without coronary stenosis. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between CAC and isolated CAE.

Evaluation of right ventricular function in early period following transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect.

Aims: There is limited data on alterations in novel right ventricular (RV) function indices like tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and tricuspid annular systolic velocity (TASV) after transcatheter atrial septal defect (ASD) closure. We aimed to evaluate RV function by echocardiography (ECG) with these novel indices in early period in patients with secundum-type ASD that was closed percutaneously.

Methods: Patients were enrolled to study if they had secundum-type ASD that was suitable for percutaneous closure.

Isolated persistent left superior vena cava with absent right superior vena cava in two cases.

Persistent left superior vena cava (LSVC) with absent right superior vena cava (RSVC) is a very rare congenital anomaly. Its isolated existence is even rarer. Persistent LSVC is usually asymptomatic and discovered incidentally.

Lipoprotein phospholipase A2 in patients with isolated coronary artery ectasia.

Objective: Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is among the multiple cardiovascular biomarkers that have been associated with increased cardiovascular disease. Lp-PLA2 appears, however, to be relatively unique in its high specificity for vascular inflammation as opposed to systemic inflammation, its low biologic variability, and its direct role in the causal pathway of plaque inflammation. Nevertheless, the relation between LP-PLA2 and isolated coronary artery ectasia (CAE) has not been investigated yet.